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Don't forget our first "Quest" session on Sunday, 7 May 16h00 at the Church Office. An exciting opportunity for all friends of Good Hope MCC who want to find out more about the church or who are interested in becoming members. More details are available from Richard, Tel. 083 535 6694.

Monthly Reflection

By Melody Beattie
2 Corinthians 5 : 7

Trust that good will come.

It was a slow, boring Winter day. We had just moved into our new home. Construction wasn't complete. The house was a mess. All we had was a plan and a dream. There wasn't any furniture yet. We were lying around on the floor. It was too cold and rainy to be outdoors.

I don't know who got the idea first, him or me. But we both picked up Magic Markers about the same time. Then we started drawing on the wall.

"What do you want to happen in your life?" I asked. He drew pictures of seaplanes, and mountains, and boats leaving the shore. One picture was of a video cameraman jumping out of a plane. "I want adventure," he said.

I drew pictures of a woman tromping around the world. She went to war-torn countries. She visited the mountains and the oceans and many exciting places. Then I drew a heart around the entire picture, and she sat there in the middle of all the experiences on a big stack of books.

"I want stories," I said, "ones with a lot of heart."

Across the entire picture, in big letters, he wrote the word "Woohoo!"

On the bottom of the wall I wrote, "The future is only limited by what we can see now." He grabbed a maker, crossed out "˜only', and changed it to "˜never',

"There," he said, "it's done."

Thank God, the future is never limited by what we can see right now.

Before we start speaking the language of letting go, we need to understand what a powerful behaviour letting go and letting God really is.

Melody Beattie from "More Language of Letting Go"

GHMCC Annual General Meeting

The AGM was held on the 23 April 2006 with 33 members and friends attending.

Richard Norman, our Vice Chairperson, thanked all of those people who contribute their time, effort, talents and skills, to making Good Hope MCC what it is.

Robert highlighted several salient points from his report. Robert explained that the church has managed financially this year as we no longer have a salary to pay. Robert has also raised the point that pledging remains a challenge. The church still requires an income, even though there is no salary to pay, we still have day to day expenses like the rental for the office and telephone line, amongst several others. Robert reminded all that this is our church and we have a responsibility towards it.

Robert has also suggested that a congregational meeting be held to discuss the setting up of a fund, specifically for conferences, which would enable more people to attend.

Good Hope MCC is currently in the process of registering as a Non Profit Organisation.

This year, Good Hope MCC has been one of the sponsors for Pride and for the Out In Africa Film Festival. Richard in his capacity as Vice Chairperson met with Glenn De Swardt from Triangle Project and Robert and Liesl had meetings with Nodi Murphy from the Out In Africa Film Festival.

GHMCC also organised the Interfaith Service during Pride Week and we have been approached to arrange another service of this nature for UWC's up coming Prejudice Reduction Focus Week which will be taking place in May.

Richard then outlined those people on the council who were prepared to stand for re-election. The positions that were vacant were Treasurer, Secretary and 3 members.
The new council is as follows:

Vice Chairperson - Richard Norman
Treasurer - Robert Bayer
Secretary - Sharon Cox
Member - Sabine Sawatzki
Member - Liesl Theron
Member - Dale Choudree

Several points for discussion were raised. Amongst these were the need for more social events. Dominic Kessell and Cornelia Hannekom said that they would be prepared to form a team to create more social activities. If anyone is interested in being part of this team, you could contact either of them.

Another point raised was the church's visibility in the wider community. It was noted that Richard, in his capacity as Vice Chairperson, met with Glenn De Swardt of Triangle Project and Liesl has attended two meetings in Johannesburg as a representative from Good Hope MCC on the Joint Working Group - a group made up of around 16 GLBTI organisations.

The frequency of Quest was raised. Some felt that this needs to be held more frequently for those either seeking to just learn more about the church and our denomination and for those who wish to become members. Richard advised that the next session will be held in May and it is hoped that further sessions would take place at least two or three times a year.

Church Calendar

• UFMCC "“ regional conference planning
• Outgoing regional elder Cecilia Eggleston & her future plans