New Apostolic Church Cape

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Easier, better, faster; Arcadia Bishop area learns how

Having realised that some brothers have difficulties when it comes to using the MIS system that the Church offers on the internet, while at the same time it would have made their church administration duties a lot more easier, the Arcadia Bishop area hosted a training session which focused mainly on the MIS system. The Eagle Computer Training Centre was used as a training venue, all thanks to Brother Alliston Saville who donated this facility for the advancement of the Lord’s work in the area. It is at the conclusion of this training session that most of the brothers realised how easy it would have been should they have known on time how to use the system.

 

 

 

The teacher teaching teachers

Saturday 18 October 2008, saw Apostle HB Swartbooi standing in front of all the confirmation teachers, rectors and district ministries of the Arcadia Bishop area for a training session. After the group had enjoyed breakfast in the company of their apostle, they gathered around for a prayer said by the apostle in commencing this session. In teaching this gathering, Apostle Swartbooi, used Nehemiah as an example and based most of the workshop on his remarkable sacrifices. They were then split into groups where they engaged in discussions also creating a sense of working in unity and the results that come from a united congregation. Before concluding this workshop, the apostle highlighted the responsibility of the children of God towards the soul salvation of unborn and stillborn children. With this still lingering in the hearts of the children of God, Apostle Swartbooi asked Bishop NT Nene to close the proceedings with a prayer.

 

 

 

Find it on stock in Helenvale and Malabar congregations

On Saturday 13 September 2008, the congregations of Helenvale and Malabar in the Gelvandale district embarked on a Market Day Saturday in a bid to raise funds for the planned year-end activities. In Helenvale the stalls were erected and opened by 09:00 and reports of success with this venture were expressed by many. Malabar opened their stalls at 12:00 and three hours of support and success were also the order of the day. Ministers, teachers, parents and children alike gave their full support and turned up in numbers to ensure the market day achieved the goals that were set.

 

 

 

Arcadia’s youth have coffee shop activity

Coming home from a trip to George, the youth members of Mandelaville District wasted no time in sharing the experiences they had in George with those who couldn’t go. On Friday 29 August 2008, a coffee shop was hosted at the Allanridge Community centre in Uitenhage and youth members from the Arcadia Bishop Area were invited. An evening of fun and laughter ensued with every district in attendance presenting that which they had prepared for this event. Approximately 350 youngsters were served with a meal and at the conclusion of the evening Bishop N Nene addressed these youngsters briefly before closing with a prayer.

 

 

 

Training for Arcadia Bishop Area teachers

Following the divine service on Sunday 14 September 2008, the Sunday school teachers of the Arcadia Bishop area made their way to the Verkenner Hall in Kabega Park. The reason for this gathering was for them to review the progress made since the previous training session, which they had earlier in the year. This was arranged by the bishop area Sunday school coordinators to grant clarity on certain matters, as well as to generate discussion on further areas that are in need of further training for the Sunday school teachers.

 

 

 

Single, but never alone

On Sunday 14 September 2008, a special congregation was assembled by the Bishop N Nene for a special blessing. The single brothers and sisters of the Arcadia bishop area were called to form the congregation and the bishop gave them a special word of assurance and encouragement that they may be single, but they are never alone, for the Lord is always with them. They were furthermore advised to always strive to do that which is pleasing in the eyes of the Lord. District Elder B. Nel further recommended that the singles constantly do what is noble, even if it is to their disadvantage, because this is what distinguishes followers of the Lord from the rest of mankind. After service there followed a music hour and fellowship over a hearty meal, compliments of the members of the Mandelaville district.

 

 

 

Intensifying the preparation for Thanksgiving

On Sunday 21 September 2008 the members of the Arcadia District got together for a choral hour, which was held at the Cleary Park Church hall in preparing for Thanksgiving. The standard of music was – as can be expected – of a very high quality bearing in mind the New Apostolic tradition of praising the Lord in song. The tapping feet and nodding heads proved that the audience enjoyed the renditions, which originated from the hymn collection, the new English hymnal and the Bright and Beautiful songbook. The rendered musical items set the tone for the Thanksgiving divine service on Sunday 5 October 2008. The members were also encouraged to invite their friends and family to this choral afternoon, which they did.

 

 

 

A congregation with a great expectation rewarded

For the very first time the congregation of Hansmoeskraal in the Pacaltsdorp district, experienced a divine service conducted by an apostle of Christ. The congregation stood singing in anticipation as Apostle H Swartbooi made his way to the altar on the evening of Wednesday 17 September 2008. A feeling of expectation filled the church hall and the congregation’s thirst for the special word in this divine service was well rewarded. Apart from blessing received in the sermon, more was to come in the form of a sealing of one soul and the ordination of 1 priest and 1 deacon to assist with the Lord’s work in the area. A practice was scheduled for the congregation after this divine service in familiarizing the members with the hymns that are contained in the new English hymnal. Apostle Swartbooi stayed for this practice, which was then followed by a fellowship with the whole congregation. In the Pacaltsdorp district, Hansmoeskraal was the only congregation that had not as yet had an apostle in their presence.

 

 

 

At the core of the pursuit of excellence

Saturday 16 August 2008 saw the district ministries who serve in the apostle area of Apostle G Mintoor gather for an annual conference. This meeting was held under the banner “In Pursuit of Excellence” and it saw many factors that could contribute towards the fulfillment of the Lord’s work brought to the table. Some of the discussion points included a spiritual portion, welcare projects for the Eastern Cape, the importance of the mission and vision statements and many other issues that affect growth in the congregations. This conference also served to strengthen the fellowship between the brothers that are in leadership in the various areas of this apostle district.

 

 

 

An abundance of blessing in Motherwell

The last day of the previous month couldn’t have been spent in a better way by the congregation of Motherwell in the Arcadia Bishop area. This day saw months of preparation culminating into a most blessed divine service as District Apostle NE Barnes stood behind the altar in front of this massive congregation. A service – translated into Xhosa from the altar – was based on the text word taken out of 2 Peter 1: 5-7 and the choir complemented this divine message with singing hymn number 386, “How excellent”. This further soaked a feeling of joy in the hearts of God’s children which had previously been prepared for the commencement of the service by the rendition of the Xhosa translation of hymn 148 “Come ye disconsolate”. Furthermore this congregation stood to witness the ordination of 2 shepherds and 6 Community Evangelists for the growing responsibility in the Arcadia Bishop area. Sunday 31 August carried much joy and blessing for all those who had come to congregate under the serving of District Apostle NE Barnes.

 

 

 

Fellowship circle in preparation for Thanksgiving

On Tuesday 5 August 2008 a fellowship circle arranged for the priestly ministers of Mandelaville district and their wives saw an attendance of some 50 members. This group gathered in Rosedale congregation with the objective to revive a deep awareness of God’s blessings and grace. During the course of the evening’s discussions those present looked at the question of how God’s children can share in the blessings of Thanksgiving. The ministers and their partners were divided into small groups and each group was given a text out of the Bible which they discussed and presented to the rest of the groups. District Elder B Nel further encouraged those present to spend more time in reading the Bible with their families. A PowerPoint presentation on biblical reading followed. After singing a hymn and closing in prayer the ministers and their wives left on their different ways home.

 

 

 

Deacons and rectors served in Zwide

The Zwide church hall hosted a divine service for the deacons and rectors of the Arcadia Bishop area on Sunday 13 July 2008. Apostle H Swartbooi conducted this divine service and approximately 200 were in attendance.

 

 

 

Food for the souls in the beyond

The Arcadia district gathered at Cleary Park congregation on the afternoon of Sunday 29 June 2008. This gathering had one objective in mind and that was to prepare for the service for the departed scheduled for the following Sunday. A choral concert had been prepared for this purpose and the members were encouraged to invite guests from the area who had recently lost a loved one. 128 guests attended the performance and among them was a local pastor who thoroughly enjoyed the musical presentations by the choir. All the choirs in the district had thoroughly prepared for this event and the result showed in the effect their renditions had on the audience of some 320 listeners. The rendition of “If I could help somebody” by the Sunday school choir fitted in perfectly with the desire of those present: To help the unredeemed souls in the beyond. To conclude this blessed preparatory choral, the district choir rendered the hymn “Be consoled ye redeemed of the Lord”. With this assurance and conviction still ringing in their ears and hearts the assembly dispersed.

 

 

 

Sunday school coordinators attend workshop

Some 60 Sunday school coordinators from across the Eastern Cape gathered at the Algoa Park church hall for a workshop initiated by Apostle M Arendse and the SSTA team from Cape Town on Saturday 5 April 2008. This workshop was opened with a prayer by Apostle H Swartbooi and then Apostle Arendse read out a scriptural passage from Romans 12:5-8. An ice breaker followed and this was followed by a brainstorming session which mainly targeted the valedictory programme for 2008/2009. This gathering furthermore discussed the planned outings for the confirmands, which were to focus on strengthening the faith of these young souls. Those present also revisited the DVD presentation by District Apostle N Barnes on the “Save- a-tree-for-me” project. The viewing of the DVD was followed by a detailed elaboration which highlighted the impact of such environmental projects and the spiritual significance they have on us. A question and answer session saw this workshop to its conclusion.

 

 

 

Youth workshop focuses on leadership

The Bishop N Nene opened a youth workshop held in Algoa Park with a prayer on Saturday 17 May 2008. This workshop was for all rectors, youth facilitators, group leaders and the priestly ministries of the Arcadia Bishop area. For the whole Saturday afternoon those gathered were taken through the basics of exemplary and effective leadership. Furthermore they were again reminded of the main aspects of the concept Youth on the Move and what it meant for those in leadership. Youth leaders were then taken through their responsibility as leaders and what is expected in their leadership. A representative from the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University rendered a presentation on the principles of effective leadership. The workshop also had a section that focussed on spiritual enlightenment as ministers and youth leaders alike were guided in servant leadership – serving and leading according to the example of Jesus.

 

 

 

Out for breakfast with Apostle Swartbooi

Some retired ministers and their wives from the Arcadia Bishop area met up with Apostle H Swartbooi and Bishop N Nene at Café Dulce for breakfast on Saturday 10 May 2008. This fellowship – an initiative by the apostle and the bishop – saw a gathering of 44 reminiscing on past experiences and “how different things were when we were younger”. The glorious Port Elizabeth weather allowed the group to visit the Sherwood Nursery after breakfast where an employee of the nursery showed them just how to plant a tree. In keeping with the theme of “Save-a-Tree-for-Me” the demonstration not only included tips on planting trees, but also on the roles that trees play in our environment. After a very informative presentation the Apostle wished Sister Gertrude Schovell well on her 76th birthday and everyone sang the birthday song for her. Mothers were each presented with a special gift since the following day was to be Mother’s Day.

 

 

 

Here’s to the future

On Sunday 27 April 2008 a large number of Sunday school teachers from all over the Arcadia bishop area turned up for a workshop at the Verkenner Primary school hall. This workshop – spearheaded by the Bishop N Nene and the district coordinators – focused on taking the teacher back to the basics of teaching Sunday school. The workshop also focused strongly on this year’s Thanksgiving theme and Sunday school project “Save-a-tree-for-Me”. The teachers shared ideas about different ways in which they could bring about a better understanding concerning this theme to the children. A role play about “The Woodcutter and the 4 trees” was acted out by 5 brothers and this highlighted the moral of the story that we should all strive to be a tool in God’s hand. The Sunday school teachers were then reminded of their duties in preparing for a lesson, and of testing the understanding of the children after a lesson had been presented. At about 17:30 the workshop was concluded with a prayer and the teachers went home with more insight into handling the future of God’s work.

 

 

 

From far and near for the Lord’s work

Youth facilitators from all over the Eastern Cape gathered at the Verkenner Primary School in Port Elizabeth on Saturday 12 April 2008 for a youth facilitators’ workshop spearheaded by Apostle AD Kriel. The training session was opened with the singing of “While the sun for us shines brightly” and quite a few were surprised to see Bishop P Thompson playing the organ. To assist him with his presentation Apostle Kriel had a group of youngsters with him who presented a video clip that explained what the term Youth on the Move is all about. This assisted the youth facilitators in understanding the activities linked to the concept of Youth on the Move and how this should be implemented.

 

 

 

The youth in action

The youth members of the Arcadia district already started their preparations for the Sunday’s youth service on Friday 11 April 2008 by cleaning the Cleary Park church hall. Approximately 110 youngsters showed up and while they were dusting and polishing the Lord’s house they spontaneously broke into song, filling the hall with the echoes of their joyful mood. On the Sunday the district’s youth gathered for a divine service, which was conducted by District Elder G. Botha. During this service the district elder welcomed all the new youth members who had recently been confirmed. After the service the youngsters enjoyed a meal and the new youth were each presented with a Campfire Songbook.

 

 

 

A week of celebration for Rosedale congregation

Starting off on Saturday 23 February 2008, the Rosedale Congregation celebrated the 25 years since the dedication of their place of worship in 1983. For this celebration the congregation invited the community of Rosedale to an open day on Saturday 23. The community was reminded about the invitation, when congregants gathered at a certain point where they joined the brass band and walked through the streets of Rosedale. This attracted quite a number of people to follow them to the church. At each photographic display of the various activities of the congregation there was a narrator to talk about the events depicted. The preparation for the choral concert which was to follow at 15:00 was underway, while the children enjoyed the jumping castle outside. Before the commencement of the choral hour, Bishop N Nene planted a tree in commemoration of the pioneers who had laboured in this congregation. This planting of the tree ceremony also marked the start of this year’s Sunday school theme: “Save a Tree for me”. After being entertained with some stunningly beautiful renditions of a variety of choral and orchestral musical items, the audience was invited to enjoy some refreshments. On Wednesday 27 February 2008, Apostle H Swartbooi conducted a divine service in the Rosedale congregation, thus officially commemorating this 25th anniversary of the congregation. Back in 1983 on Sunday 27 February Shepherd H Swartbooi was ordained and commissioned to be the rector of Rosedale congregation, yes, the very same Swartbooi who on this day 25 years later served the congregation as an apostle.

 

 

 

After a long road Priest Ntunguntwana retires

During a divine service conducted by Apostle HB Swartbooi in Kwa Zakhele congregation on Sunday 20 January 2008, Priest ML Ntunguntwana was placed into retirement. Priest Ntunguntwana has served the Kwa Zakhele congregation for the 23 years of his ministerial tenure. Priest Ntunguntwana was presented with a bouquet of flowers as a token of thanks from the congregation.