New Apostolic Church Cape

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Love God above all else

Apostle M Diedricks conducted a divine service for students on Sunday 25 May 2008, and the venue for this service was the University of the Western Cape’s great hall. For this service the apostle read out a text word from 1 John 4:11 and in serving he was assisted by Bishop S Smith, District Elder R Titus and District Evangelist Daniels. Throughout the sermon the apostle encouraged the students to focus on their goals, while never neglecting to “always remember to love God first”. The divine service was followed by the serving of refreshments, after which there was a presentation on pursuing one’s goals. During this presentation two guest speakers urged the students to believe in their abilities to achieve their goals as individuals. The presentation was rounded off with a prayer and the apostle further wished the students well in their future undertakings.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A series of festivities in Dunrobin

For the divine service of Sunday 1 June 2008, the congregation of Dunrobin in the Bellville bishop area was served by Apostle M Diedricks. As a basis for this divine service the apostle used a text word from Matthew 5:9. During the course of this divine service the congregation of approximately 560 members witnessed the ordination of Deacons G Nelson, H Brown and K Roman to serve as priests. To further enhance this divine gathering the congregation also witnessed the retirement of Priest D Clayton who was presented with a bouquet of flowers as a token of appreciation from the congregations he served. This, however, was not all; a couple also received a golden wedding anniversary blessing from the apostle.

 

 

 

 

 

Bishop Smith serves Bellville seniors

Bishop S Smith held a divine service on Thursday evening 8 May 2008, especially for the seniors of the Bellville bishop area. Well-nigh 700 attended this divine service. During the course of the service the bishop asked all ministers to stand up in a show of respect for the seniors – this was an idea borne out of the heart of Apostle M Diedricks. After service the seniors were treated to a light snack and the bishop wished those who celebrated their birthdays a very blessed year.

 

 

 

Do not distance yourself from the Lord

This was the message contained in the sermon of the divine service held by Apostle M Diedricks for the congregation of Northway on the evening of 14 May 2008. The apostle based the serving on the text word from the gospel according to Matthew 28:16-17. In supporting his message the Apostle used a phrase from the well-known English writer and poet, William Shakespeare, “Doubt is a traitor, it robs you of opportunities.” Joyous moments of blessing were experienced in this congregation as they witnessed the sealing of 11 souls. Furthermore a deacon and a priest celebrated their birthdays and the whole congregation sang “Happy Birthday” for them.

 

 

 

Belhar confirmands take time out

For the weekend of Saturday 2 May 2008 Belhar district gathered their 40 confirmands for an outing at the Dennekraal recreation center. This was the first time that this group got together and many new friends were made. The youngsters were given a lesson on who they are as the confirmands of the New Apostolic faith and what is expected of their conduct. The programme also had its lighter moments with fun activities, games and refreshments served at just the right time. When night came the group was tired from all the playing and retired early in preparation for the divine service the following day. For the divine service of Sunday 3 May 2008, they attended at Sir Lowry’s Pass congregation and after having lunch they headed back home with some beautiful memories of the weekend.

Parow Valley launches their Thanksgiving project

After the divine service on Sunday 11 May 2008, the Sunday school children of Parow Valley congregation launched their Save-a-Tree-for-me project. The children and some of their teachers remained behind after service and planted their trees in preparation for Thanksgiving 2008.

 

 

Lending a helping hand of love

One day during the past month Priest R. Heugh of Belhar congregation arrived home only to find his house burning after an electrical short circuit had caused a fire which sent most of his belongings up in smoke. The following day his fellow-workers from the congregation came to give him a hand to clean up they debris. They then proceeded to help him with the rebuilding and painting of the walls that had been damaged.

 

 

Windsor is visited by the District Apostle

On Sunday 20 April 2008 the congregation of Windsor Park in the Bellville Bishop area was served by District Apostle NE Barnes. As a basis for this divine service the district apostle used the text word from 2 Corinthians 3:6. This congregation of more that 450 members also witnessed the ordination of Priest E Olderwagen into the Community Evangelist ministry. To further add to the festive occasion, two senior sisters celebrated their birthdays. Sister Carls and Sister Diedericks were given well-wishes on their birthday and after the service each presented with a bouquet of flowers by the district apostle.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bishop Smith’s meeting with the future

Following the tertiary student’s meeting with the Chief Apostle towards the end of February, Bishop Smith wasted no time in getting together with this grouping in the Bellville Bishop area for some feedback. On the afternoon of Monday 10 March 2008 this meeting took center stage and experiences of faith relating to the visit and meeting with the Chief Apostle were shared. In wrapping up this gathering, the bishop encouraged the young brothers and sisters to put God first and to remain humble in waiting for the return of Jesus Christ. “Take everything step by step and always put God first in whatever you do,” said Bishop Smith.

Palm Sunday in Belhar district

Sunday 17 March was Palm Sunday in the Christian world and this was no different for the New Apostolic Christians. In celebrating this day the Sunday school children from all over Belhar District put up a show for the fellowship of the whole district at a local community hall on the afternoon of Saturday 16 March 2008. Beautiful music renditions were thoroughly enjoyed by approximately 500 members and visitors. The presentation by the seven Easter bunnies was the cherry on top as this group of youngsters made their way to the front of the hall to render a musical piece in front of more than 500 pairs of eyes, leaving their shyness behind. District Elder A. Echardt gave a brief address to this gathering and thanked the teachers and the children for their sacrifices in preparation for this day. District Evangelist P Kolbe concluded the afternoon with a prayer.

Come gather all ye children

Sunday 13 January 2008 saw Sunday school services held throughout the Cape Region for everybody in the congregations. A text word was taken out of 1 Samuel 18:14 “And David behaved wisely in all his ways, and the Lord was with him.” A PowerPoint presentation was made available, narrating the story of David and Goliath and a DVD of a duet acting out the characters of David and Goliath was shown much to the delight of the little children. This was the first Sunday school service for 2008 and the scene for the year was set by the children taking over the duties of, among others, ushering and singing as a choir to beautify the serving. For this service the congregation of Parow Park was served by Bishop S Smith. Afterwards this congregation had fellowship with the bishop over a light snack.

A Christmas with a difference . . .

While Christmas is a time for carol singing, sharing of presents and being with family for some, there are others who do not get to do these traditional Christmas things or even be with their families during this festive time of the year? Do we appreciate the sacrifices of those who work in the emergency services during this time? The Belhar congregation remembered them and made a special effort to spend a little time with them on Christmas Day, Tuesday 25 December 2007. These members sacrificed some of their time and postponed their appointments with warm Turkey stuffing and mince pies to visit the Tygerberg Hospital. Here they shared the peace and joy of Christmas with the staff members on duty and the mothers who could not be at home with their loved ones. They sang some Christmas carols and them handed out presents to the staff members as a token of appreciation for their sacrifice. This gesture brought tears to the eyes of the nursing staff at the Tygerberg Hospital. District Elder A. Echardt then concluded this visit with a prayer.