Christmas 2009 will long be etched into the hearts and minds of God’s people in Athlone congregation.

The district apostle visited the congregation and was accompanied by 10 apostles.
Months before the planned visit to the congregation the members already started to prepare themselves. The rector mobilized his congregation, putting various teams in place. In this way preparation was done amongst choir members, youth, Sunday school children, as well as the church building which got a complete overhaul. Many artisans who attend the congregation volunteered their trades in order to upgrade the building. With all this hype and activity it became obvious to all that the congregation is preparing itself for a very special event.
Finally the day arrived bringing with it much anticipation and excitement. As the saying goes, “the stage was set”; this time for a blessed encounter with the leader of the Cape district church. The congregation of 513 members waited upon the Lord to serve them.
The district apostle used the bible text, Luke 2: 5 – 7, with the main theme being that the shepherds heard the message; they acted and made the message widely known. So too should we listen and act upon the message of the Lord and not be afraid to proclaim it. A pleasant surprise greeted the congregation when all the apostles were called to serve Holy Communion to the congregation.
Serving for the Departed always brings with it a very special atmosphere. These are moments of close fellowship with our loved ones in the beyond.
The day before Christmas, on 24 December 2009, our district apostle celebrated his 60 birthday. The congregation was not going to let this milestone birthday go by unnoticed. Just before the choir sang the closing anthem the district apostle was wished by the local apostle, John Stephens, where after one of the Sunday school children presented our district apostle with a bunch of flowers and also thanked him for choosing to celebrate his birthday with the congregation.