We also gave greetings from John Durell who when he was over last year established this service. These they were very pleased to receive as they have a lot of respect for John’s contribution. Soon they will celebrate their first anniversary. We presented them with prayer cards and some Wee Worship books from Iona that they think will be very useful. We have also sent an electronic version of the URC service book as a resource. We also gave a few English gospels for their use. The leadership of this service is very keen for it to develop and grow.
We joined them for refreshments and then they had a hymn practice to learn a newly composed hymn in English based on the Psalms by their musician. We then went back to the hotel and waited to be picked up – this didn’t happen in true Africa style until 30 mins after the stated time. The drive to Polana Parish was an experience as the Sunday markets of fish seemed to have spread across the dusty roads leading to sellers having to move for the 4x4 to get by. We met with the elders before worship and shared greetings and welcomes. The service proper then began.
There were two singing groups the youth and the choral group of anyone who wanted to be part of a choir. They were excellent. The Parish has won many awards for their singing in festivals and had certificates on the vestry wall to show this. Some were taking part in a televised competition already recorded but being shown this afternoon. (They did not win but then people had to buy the votes and IPM and the choirs supporters are not well off) Many people participated in the worship by leading prayers and a lay preacher gave the sermon looking at the importance of prayer in the challenging context of the church today.
We noted with interest that the pastor only gave the blessing. Our interpreter said that it was important to the church to recognise that all people can share God’s message and so they tried to show that in their worship. We noted that we say the same but perhaps live it less frequently in practice. There was an opportunity for us to bring greetings and we distributed prayer cards although we had not taken enough as there were probably 250+ present. They then welcomed us by dressing us, including Danny, in capalanas. Danny did not escape this time and much laughter and fun was shared in.
At both services IPM leadership and representatives involved in the jubilee issued apologies in the notices. As at the jubilee 2000 more people had attended than had been anticipated. Therefore many did not receive food on the Saturday night. Also after the nation’s president left on the Sunday and the leadership and dignitaries went to have dinner at the same time so that many people left and the programme seemed to be curtailed. There is recognition that having only one kitchen area – open fires and a tent for preparation - was not sufficient and several kitchen stations were needed. There was also a shortage of water due to the greater numbers than expected. It looks like some people who are not members of IPM came along simply for free food. IPM leadership is calling a meeting to review the problems and learn from reflecting on them. It was interesting to note the open communication and sharing of these concerns in both congregations as part of morning worship.
After both services the congregations shook hands with us and especially at the first then joined the end of the queue so that everyone shook hands with everyone. The latter was too large a congregation to do this as we would probably still have been there in the evening. The Paloma service had lasted almost 3 hours and but did not seem too. Driving back it was interested to note some of the markets were closed and people had gone.
After changing we were hosted by Revd Ernesto Langa and his family for Sunday lunch at his home. It was good to meet his whole family. We then had a rest back at the hotel - a much needed snooze. At 4pm Vasco Sitoi a youth worker for a group of 5 parishes in Maputo came and met with us. He has so far only been at English language school for a month. It is amazing how well he managed to converse with us. He is hoping to take up one of the two scholarships granted to IPM for study at a Brazilian theological seminary in order to receive a degree. Northern Synod has agreed to raise £3000 to fund his travel to Brazil for the course and for one trip home during the four years. He is very dedicated and keen and it will be good to support Vasco in this way. We agreed to try and keep in touch by internet so that we can be aware of how he is getting on.
Isabel our driver for this morning’s service at Polana and one of the IPM vice presidents and her son Alfredo were hosting us for dinner at their home with the other vice President of IPM Agripa and his wife. This was a short walk away although we were expecting to be picked up by car so wondered where we were going. The meal was lovely with fish once more. Those present were very interested in what it is like in England and what we thought of Africa and how we felt we could offer support. Jose the General Secretary equivalent and his wife joined us later. It was good food and good conversation. However we were tired and are flying back tomorrow and so by 10pm we were back at the hotel ready to sleep.
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