Category Archives: Bereavements

Notices of Bereavements

Bereavements

Memorial Service arrangements for Mr. David Macdonald

TO ALL IN THE UPCSA,

The Memorial Service for Elder David Macdonald will be held at the Plumstead Presbyterian Church, 25 Victoria Road, Plumstead on Tuesday 14th June at 10 am. The Western Cape Presbytery Moderator, the Rev Natalie Barnard, will be leading the service. Please continue to pray for the family, and for the Plumstead Presbyterian congregation during this time of grief and loss.

Also please keep in your prayers the Pina family. Members of Bellville Presbyterian Church, Felix, and Cynthia Pina were very active in the Presbytery of the Western Cape and also passed away recently.  Felix Pina passed away at the end of April 2022, and his wife Cynthia passed away on the 2nd of June 2022.  For many years, Felix played an active role in the Presbytery as the Elder Commissioner from Bellville Presbyterian and served as Convener of the Presbytery Finance Committee and the Presbytery Project for the Aged. Cynthia was also the Elder Commissioner from Bellville Presbyterian and was a past General President of the Women’s Association and an Elder Commissioner to the General Assembly. She was also very active in the Christian Aid work of the Presbytery and in the Bridge Builders International organization.

We pay tribute to these Elders within the Western Cape Presbytery who led the way for others to follow. We pray for their families, and the congregations and communities that they were very much a part of.

Warmest regards,

Rev Dr. Lungile Mpetsheni

(Rhadebe)

General Secretary

Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa

Secretary – Africa Communion of Reformed Churches

P O Box 12355

Aston Manor 1630

Tel :  + 27 11 727-3500

Email:lmpetsheni@unitingpresbyterian.org

“I am doing a great work and cannot go down. Why should the work stop while I leave it and go down to you?” (Nehemiah 6:3)

Bereavements

BEREAVEMENT DEATH NOTICE: Passing of Elder David Macdonald

TO ALL IN THE UPCSA
It is with deep sadness to announce that Mr David Macdonald passed away suddenly on Thursday night, 2 June 2022. His daughter assumes he had a heart attack. She found him after 9pm that night. May he rest in peace.
The Rev Colin Campbell, Clerk of the Western Cape Presbytery writes, “Elder David Macdonald made an immense contribution to the Plumstead congregation, to our Presbytery and to the UPCSA denomination as a whole. We are saddened by his passing, but take comfort in knowing that he is with his Lord.” Indeed, Mr Macdonald was known within the denomination as an Elder Commissioner from Plumstead Presbyterian to the Western Cape Presbytery and also made his way to the General Assembly. His recent contribution up to the 2021 General Assembly was as a Convener of the Manual Committee. He shared his legal expertise for the benefit of the Church. He made a contribution to the writing of the constitution of the new Church Fellowships. That Constitution was adopted at the 2019 Executive Commission.
The Clerk of the Western Cape Presbytery invites all to “pray for his family, for the Plumstead Church family, and for the Rev Shaldene Pillay, minister of Plumstead Presbyterian, and for our Moderator, the Rev Natalie Barnard who will assist all through this time of grief and sadness.”
The funeral service arrangements will be communicated when they become available.
Warmest regards,
Rev Dr Lungile Mpetsheni (Rhadebe)
General Secretary Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa
Secretary – Africa Communion of Reformed Churches
P O Box 12355 Aston Manor 1630
Tel :  + 27 11 727-3500
Email:lmpetsheni@unitingpresbyterian.org
“I am doing a great work and cannot go down. Why should the work stop while I leave it and go down to you?” (Nehemiah 6:3)

Bereavements

BEREAVEMENT DEATH NOTICE: MRS MARIA VAALTYN (MOTHER OF REV GAVIN VAALTYN)

TO ALL IN THE UPCSA

 

It is with deep sadness to announce that Mrs Maria Vaaltyn, the mother of the Rev Gavin Vaaltyn, passed away this morning, Saturday 28 May 2022. May she rest in peace. The funeral arrangements will be communicated as they become available.

Please uphold the Vaaltyn family in your prayers. The Rev Gavin Vaaltyn is a minister to St John’s Presbyterian in Boksburg and is also the Moderator of the Highveld Presbytery. Mrs Maria Vaaltyn was a member of Arcadia Presbyterian Church in Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) within the Presbytery of Central Cape.

For further details, the Rev Vaaltyn will be available to respond and his number can be found from the Central Office on request (to comply with POPI Act).

Warmest regards,

Rev Dr Lungile Mpetsheni

(Rhadebe)

General Secretary

Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa

Secretary – Africa Communion of Reformed Churches

P O Box 12355

Aston Manor 1630

Tel :  + 27 11 727-3500

Email:lmpetsheni@unitingpresbyterian.org

“I am doing a great work and cannot go down. Why should the work stop while I leave it and go down to you?” (Nehemiah 6:3)

 

Bereavements

BEREAVEMENT Mrs Merle Johnston

TO ALL IN THE UPCSA

It is with deep sadness to announce that Mrs Merle Johnston passed away suddenly on Sunday evening. Mrs Johnston served the UPCSA as the personal assistant/secretary to the General Secretary and Clerk of Assembly many years ago. She had been at a retirement village in Durban until her death. May she rest in eternal peace.

A small memorial service/gathering for her will be held at The Caister Lodge on Monday, 23rd May 2022 at 11am. Her son Graeme Johnston can be contacted for more information and for commiserations. The contact details may be obtained from Ms Christine (It cannot be shared here for POPIA protocols). 

Please uphold the Johnston family in your prayers.

Warmest regards,

Rev Dr Lungile Mpetsheni

(Rhadebe)

General Secretary

Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa

Secretary – Africa Communion of Reformed Churches

P O Box 12355

Aston Manor 1630

Tel :  + 27 11 727-3500

Email:lmpetsheni@unitingpresbyterian.org

“I am doing a great work and cannot go down. Why should the work stop while I leave it and go down to you?” (Nehemiah 6:3)

Bereavements

Bereavement Mrs Rosemary Hershensohn venue change

TO ALL IN THE UPCSA

The venue of the Memorial Service has been moved to Green Acres Presbyterian (GAP) Church  50 Nile Road, Perridgevale. No changes to date and time.

Warmest regards,

Rev Dr Lungile Mpetsheni

Rhadebe


TO ALL IN THE UPCSA

It is with deep sadness to announce that Mrs Rosemary Hershensohn, the wife of the Rev Michael Hershensohn, passed away on Saturday, the 26th March 2022. She had been diagnosed with terminal cancer in September 2021. May she rest in eternal peace. The memorial service will be held at St Martin’s Presbyterian Church within the Presbytery of the Central Cape on Friday, the 1st of April 2022 at 11:00.

Let us please uphold the Hershensohn family in our prayers.  The Rev Michael Hershensohn is a minister emeritus, residing within the bounds of the Central Cape Presbytery. He will appreciate your messages of support, as he goes through the difficult moment.

Warmest regards,

Rev Dr Lungile Mpetsheni

Rhadebe

General Secretary

Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa

Secretary – Africa Communion of Reformed Churches

P O Box 12355

Aston Manor 1630

Tel :  + 27 11 727-3500

Email:lmpetsheni@unitingpresbyterian.org

“I am doing a great work and cannot go down. Why should the work stop while I leave it and go down to you?” (Nehemiah 6:3)

 

Bereavements

Bereavement Mrs Rosemary Hershensohn

TO ALL IN THE UPCSA

It is with deep sadness to announce that Mrs Rosemary Hershensohn, the wife of the Rev Michael Hershensohnn, passed away on Saturday, the 26th March 2022. She had been diagnosed with terminal cancer in September 2021. May she rest in eternal peace. The memorial service will be held at St Martin’s Presbyterian Church within the Presbytery of the Central Cape on Friday, the 1st of April 2022 at 11:00.

Let us please uphold the Hershensohnn family in our prayers.  The Rev Michael Hershensohnn is a minister emeritus, residing within the bounds of the Central Cape Presbytery. He will appreciate your messages of support, as he goes through the difficult moment.

Warmest regards,

Rev Dr Lungile Mpetsheni

Rhadebe

General Secretary

Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa

Secretary – Africa Communion of Reformed Churches

P O Box 12355

Aston Manor 1630

Tel :  + 27 11 727-3500

Email:lmpetsheni@unitingpresbyterian.org

“I am doing a great work and cannot go down. Why should the work stop while I leave it and go down to you?” (Nehemiah 6:3)

Bereavements

Bereavement REV TEBOGO THOBEJANE-MAKHURUPETSI PASSED AWAY

TO ALL IN THE UPCSA

It is with sadness to announce that the Rev Tebogo Thobejane-Makhurupetsi passed away in her sleep this morning. May she rest in peace. Her husband passed away a few years ago. Please pray for the Thobejane and Makhurupetsi families.

The Rev Thobejane-Makhurupetsi was seconded and served as a chaplain at the South African Police Services (SAPS) and was within the Presbytery of Tshwane.

 

Warmest regards,

 

Rev Dr Lungile Mpetsheni

Rhadebe

 

General Secretary

Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa

 

Secretary – Africa Communion of Reformed Churches

P O Box 12355

Aston Manor 1630

Tel :  + 27 11 727-3500

Email:lmpetsheni@unitingpresbyterian.org

“I am doing a great work and cannot go down. Why should the work stop while I leave it and go down to you?” (Nehemiah 6:3)

Bereavements

Bereavement Rev Philip Petersen Memorial Service Confirmed at 10.30am on Wednesday 22nd December 2021

TO ALL IN THE UPCSA
Please note the confirmation of the arrangements for the service of the late Rev Philip Petersen and, if you plan to attend, follow the protocols as given by the Clerk of the Presbytery of the Western Cape in the message that is herewith forwarded simpliciter.
Dear Ministers and Commissioners
Greetings in the precious Name of Jesus. It has been confirmed that the Memorial Service for the late Rev Philip Petersen will take place on Wednesday 22nd December 2021 at 10.30pm, at the Bellville Presbyterian Church, Rhos Street, Bellville, Cape Town.
Note that due to the current Covid regulations, the number of people attending the service will be limited. If you want to attend the service, please confirm your attendance and place to sit by contacting the Bellville Presbyterian Church, Office Secretary, Lydia Fick at 021 948 2417 before Tuesday 21 December 2021.
Please note that strict COVID-19 regulations will apply that include the following: 1. Please arrive at the church by 10.20am, so that the screening process can be completed and you can be seated in time before the service begins. 2. Wear a mask that fits properly and covers your nose and mouth at all times. 3. Have your hands sanitised upon arrival. 4. Keep a distance of 1.5 meters between yourself and others who are not from the same household. 5. Truthfully answer NO to the following questions: a. Have you in the last 10 days experienced any of the following: Cough; Sore Throat; Shortness of Breath; Difficulty Breathing; Body Aches; Loss of Smell; Loss of Taste; Nausea; Vomiting; Diarrhea; Fatigue; Weakness. b. Have you in the last 10 days had contact with someone who has any of the above symptoms, or who has been tested positive for COVID-19? 6. If your answer would be YES to any of the above questions, please do not come to the Memorial Service and put others at risk.
Please continue to uphold the Rev Philip Petersen’s family in your prayers during their time of grief.
God’s Blessings to you all.
Rev Colin Campbell Clerk – Presbytery of the Western Cape 072 266 7878

Warmest regards,
Rev Dr Lungile Mpetsheni Rhadebe

Bereavements

Bereavement The late Rev Don Enslin 2 Dec 2000

25th November 2021

To the ministers of the U.P.C.S.A.

Dear Colleagues and friends,

This is simply a short note to remind those who remembered the Rev Don Enslin, of Masivingo that it is now 21 years since Don passed away in a car accident outside Masivingo.

The Rev Donavan Bryan Enslin, known to his friends as Don, or Tweety, because of his bird watching hobby, died on the 2nd December 2000.

Don had grown up in Berea and Greyville congregations in Durban, attended Durban High School, and graduated from the university of Durban before going down to Rhodes University to do his B.D. and was resident in Livingstone House. Don did his P.A.T. at the Vereeniging congregation in 1975 and 1976 before taking a call to what was then Fort Victoria congregation in 1977. Fort Victoria became Masivingo after 1980 and Don stayed on there as he wanted to contribute to the success of the new Zimbabwe.

At the time of his death Don was Moderator of the Presbytery of Zimbabwe. The Presbytery had issued a statement that had been critical of President Mugabe’s government and Don had had to read out the statement.

It was on his way back from Harare to Masivingo that Don mysteriously died in a car accident outside Masivingo with a Malawian heavy truck. Private investigations raised disturbing questions about the possibility that this was one of those mysterious road accidents by which President Mugabe got rid of some of his opponents and critics. The private investigations were closed down by the security police, and so we never got to the bottom of the truth of the accident. This may well have made the Rev Don Enslin one of the martyrs of our church.

Part of the irony of the situation was that Don was strictly non-racist and had stayed on in Zimbabwe after 1980 so as to try and make a positive contribution to the new Zimbabwe. He ran a multi-racial church and started soccer teams.

Another irony is that during swat week, 1971, (about October, before the end of year exams) Don’s room in Livingstone House was raided by the South African security police. At that time Don was president/chairman of the U.C.M.(University Christian Movement) at Rhodes, which was critical of the apartheid government, although Don was not taken into detention.

That Don had been critical of both governments was typical of his sense of righteousness and his opposition to wrong.

I am sorry that I do not know where Don’s wife and two daughters are now. I understand that after continuing to live in Masivingo for some time after Don’s death they emigrated from Zimbabwe.

And so we lost one of our good, upright and faithful ministers, when he was only halfway through his ministerial life.

For those of us who knew Don personally we continue to sadly miss him.

Yours faithfully

William Pool

Bereavements

NOTICE OF DEATH: Mama Lynah Ncane Mkhungo (Mother of Rev Vusumuzi Wiseman Mkhungo)

TO ALL IN THE UPCSA

 

It is with deep sadness and sorrow that we announce the passing away of Mama Lynah Ncane Mkhungo, mother of the Rev Vusumuzi Wiseman Mkhungo. She passed away at the early hours of last night and she was in a hospital in Pietermaritzburg for a short while. May her soul rest in eternal peace. The funeral arrangements will be forwarded as soon as they become available.

Please uphold the Rev Mkhungo and his family during this time of bereavement. Rev Mkhungo is the Clerk of Assembly and is based at Tiyo Soga House (UPCSA Central Office).

Warmest regards,

Rev Dr Lungile Mpetsheni

Rhadebe

 

General Secretary

Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa

 

Secretary – Africa Communion of Reformed Churches