South African bishop to preach at St. Paul’s

The Rt. Rev. Margaret Vertue, Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of False Bay, South Africa, will preach at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church on Sunday, Sept. 7, at the 9 and 11:15 a.m. worship services. She will also lead the Forum at 10 a.m.

St. Paul’s enjoys a special relationship with two parishes in the Diocese of False Bay—St. Clare of Assisi in Ocean View and St. Matthew’s Chapelry in Masiphumelele. Parishioners Mary and Rich Nodar began this partnership in mission to Masiphumelele when they traveled there in 2002. They returned each subsequent year, for three months, until 2012. Over the years, the partner churches have sent their members, including their youth groups, on numerous exchange visits. St. Paul’s also helped establish two foster homes in the Diocese of False Bay.

Bishop Vertue is one of only two female Anglican bishops in Africa. During this, her first, visit to the United States, she will take part in the consecration of the Rev. Alan Gates, St. Paul’s former rector, as bishop of Massachusetts on Sept. 13. 

St. Paul’s Episcopal Church is located at 2747 Fairmount Blvd., Cleveland Heights. Learn more at www.stpauls-church.org.