Sunday 11 December 2011 was a day the members of the congregation of Sydenham would term as exceptional.

On the day Apostle H Swartbooi served them and it was during this divine service on the 3rd Sunday of Advent that the Apostle called Community Evangelist F January to the altar for the final time. During the course of his ministerial tenure he has been active for 27 years, serving and leading those entrusted in his care. It was then that he was placed into a well-deserved retirement and thanked whole-heartedly for the many labours and sacrifices made towards the furtherance of the Lord’s work. The Apostle wished him well during this time of rest and after concluding the divine service joined the congregation in fellowship highlighting the joyful state of their hearts.