New Apostolic Church Cape

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Seniors of Pacaltsdorp in good company

On Thursday 18 September 2008, the senior members of Pacaltsdorp district were invited to a breakfast with their apostle. As Apostle H Swartbooi, who in his company had Bishop L Lakey, entered the hall, the group greeted them with the sounds of “Amazing grace”. The Apostle addressed the excited group and expressed his appreciation for what they were still prepared to do in the service of the Lord. He took a few moments to speak to them in preparation for Thanksgiving and explained a little of what our great God has already done for us. Thereafter, the seniors enjoyed a delicious breakfast prepared by the sisters of the district, while they viewed a photo slide presentation of the gatherings and outings they had had during the course of this year. The group then sang a few hymns out of the new English hymnal and one special hymn for their Apostle. It was as the echoes of this hymn died that one senior sister was overhead saying: “This was good company”.

 

 

These women’s man

In honouring 9 August 2008 – a day on which the country celebrates Women’s Day - Bishop L Lakey hosted a women’s breakfast in Dellville Park congregation. The women of the district were invited to attend and many accepted the invitation. After chatting to them in their groups, the bishop served them breakfast. After they had enjoyed the breakfast, the bishop took time to pose with them for photographs and then in a short address reminded them of the power God had placed in them.

 

 

Extreme make over for Friemersheim congregation

The brethren of Friemersheim rolled up their sleeves and got down to a job that saw their place of worship turned from an ugly duckling into a beautiful swan. On Saturday 26 July 2008, old and young members alike turned up for this task and the building was painted and new doors hang. This building belongs to a farmer Mr. Christo and after he was made aware of its condition he asked the members to make a list of what was needed. He then provided the requested material and the members wasted no time in making their place of worship a place they can all be proud of. The day was ended off with a braai in celebration of a job well done and the birthday of one of the sisters who had come to lend a hand.

 

 

Youth as future leaders

On the evening of Monday 28 July 2008, the youth of Pacalstdorp District presented the topic “We the Youth as Future Leaders” to the rectors and ministers of the district. This meeting started with a panel discussion and a debate on leaders in focus. Thereafter, a youth leader gave a PowerPoint presentation with some very important facts about the leaders of today and the quality of their leadership. In wrapping up this evening, District Elder C Dreyer encouraged the youth to make time for the Lord and His work. He emphasized that it was up to them to make positive contributions to improve congregation life.

Pacaltsdorp prepares for Thanksgiving

Following a very powerful presentation on Thanksgiving to the district leaders and rectors of the George Bishop area, Apostle H Swartbooi expressed his desire to have this message relayed to all the ministers. Reacting to this wish of the apostle District Elder C Dreyer wasted no time in passing on the message to the ministers in the Pacaltsdorp district. On the afternoon of Sunday 3 August 2008, the ministers and their wives gathered for a presentation by the District Elder. At the heart of the presentation was an insight into the current economic situation of South Africa as well as the “Economy of God”.

 

 

Pacaltsdorp and Grootbrak Rivier districts go out to play

In celebrating National Youth day, Monday 16 June 2008, the youth members from the Pacaltsdorp and Grootbrak Rivier District hosted a sporting competition in Grootbrak Rivier. These two groups competed in 4 sporting codes, even trying their hand at golf. After the games the youngsters had a braai and this was followed by their goodbyes before the group from Pacaltsdorp hit the road.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On the magic train for the first time

Some 200 youngsters in the company of their Sunday school teachers and ministers boarded the tourist train from George to Mossel Bay on Friday 4 July 2008. This outing was part of their school holiday program and approximately 95% of these children had never been on train before. Their journey by train was two hours long and quite the contrary to feeling bored, an excitement ran through the coaches until this group reached their destination. Upon arrival in Mossel Bay, they toured the Maritime and the Shell museum. Later, after lunch had been served, a tree was planted in the grounds of the museum in line with this year’s Thanksgiving theme. This created a good impression with many visitors to the museum who witnessed the tree-planting and this presented an opportunity to where this tree-planting came from. This impressed them even more! Immediately after planting the tree, the group had to rush back to the station because the train was scheduled to leave Mossel Bay at 14:00. Back in George the children were each given a goody bag and the arranged busses got them home just before sunset.

 

 

Pacaltsdorp enjoys father and child day

Apostle H Swartbooi initiated the implementation of the idea that each father spends some quality time with his children. The congregation of Pacaltsdorp took this even further by arranging a fun and games afternoon on Saturday 14 June 2008 where the Sunday school children could interact with the fathers in the congregation. Fun and games were the order of this Saturday and – as expected – the fathers got tired from all the playing and resorted to preparing the meal as an escape. So, while the children were busy on the jumping castle having fun the fathers were busy with smoke filled eyes preparing the braai. This day proved to be even more wonderful for those children who don’t have a father to go home to, as it provided them with the opportunity to spend some quality time with a daddy.

 

 

“. . . deacons obtain for themselves a good standing . . . in Jesus Christ”

Bishop L Lakey conducted a divine service for deacons of the greater George Bishop Area in Bridgton Congregation on Sunday 12 July 2008. 1 Timothy 3:13 served as the basis for this divine service and after service the bishop gave a PowerPoint presentation explaining the “in pursuit of excellence” concept. Thereafter all present had the opportunity of fellowship over refreshments.

 

 

 

 

A special preparation with seniors

On Thursday 3 July 2008, the seniors of the Sedgefield district met up with Apostle H Swartbooi for a special presentation on the history of the Service for the Departed. The seniors listened attentively as the Apostle enlightened them on the various developments with regards to this special event on our church calendar. The group sang a few anthems together and then it was time to engage in conversation over a cup of tea. The seniors also spent time to pose for photographs with the Apostle. All present commented that it was a memorable afternoon that set the tone for a most blessed divine service for the departed the following Sunday.

 

 

Turning of the sod - Parkdene

A joyous moment was experienced by the congregation of Parkdene as they witnessed the Bishop L Lakey turning the sod at the grounds of their soon to be church building on Sunday 22 June 2008. This moment was long awaited as the congregation had prayed fervently for a number of years now that they could worship in their own church building. Bishop Lakey used the text work out of Haggai 2:8 as the foundation word for this ceremony.

 

 

 

A trip down memory lane

After the divine service on Sunday 22 June 2008 the District Elder J Paulse met up with the seniors of the Sedgefield district at the Sedgfield Bowling club hall. The seniors were served with hot soup, which was followed by a finger lunch and some serious conversation. Topics of a spiritual nature were brought to the fore and the New English Hymnal was also discussed. Later the priestly ministries rendered some hymns from way back, which are now featured in the New English Hymnal. It was a beautiful moment when the seniors spontaneously joined in with the singing.

 

 

Reaching out to the community

The community of Rosemoor in George was shocked when they heard of the murder of three toddlers; two boys and a girl who appeared to have been raped in the process. The children of God in this area visited the three mothers after the morning divine service of Sunday 29 June 2008. They did not come empty handed as they gave words of encouragement and a bunch of flowers to each mother. The conveying of condolences also contained the comfort of an invitation to a choral hour that would be held that afternoon in special preparation for the service for the departed the following week. Two of the invited guests with a total of ten of their family members attended the music performance. The congregation of Rosemoor welcomed them with warm hearts and invited them to the departed service on Sunday 6 July 2008.

 

 

George Bishop area prepares for special service

On Saturday 5 July 2008, the district ministries of George Bishop Area and their wives accompanied Bishop Lakey to the Highlands Lodge in the Outeniqua Mountains near George. The purpose for this activity was to enjoy some moments of fellowship in preparation for the service for the departed the following day. The group had breakfast together after which the wives were taken on a guided tour of the nearby Hops Farm while the brothers prepared the word for the special divine service. During the afternoon they were together for festive musical renditions by a specially selected choir. This choir sang the birthday song for District Elder C Dreyer as this was his special day. After enjoying tea and snacks the whole group attended a family preparation session.

 

 

 

 

A first for New Dawn Park

For the first time since its establishment, the congregation of New Dawn Park was served by an apostle when on Sunday 29 June 2008 Apostle H Swartbooi visited the congregation. New Dawn Park is a newly developed area of approximately 2000 RDP houses that the local municipality had built. Of the total number of residents some 600 are New Apostolic Christians. Divine services are conducted in the houses of the members and this new area has three meeting points. During this historical divine service the apostle sealed 9 children and 3 adults in this growing congregation.

 

 

Skills for life in Hansmoeskraal

On Sunday 22 June 2008 Bishop L Lakey visited Hansmoeskraal where he conducted a special divine service for the Sunday school teachers and coordinators. A tree was planted in line with the “Save-a-Tree-for- Me” theme and afterwards the bishop attended a Skills for Life lesson presented by the Sunday school coordinators. A guest speaker who was in attendance gave a brief motivational talk on the importance of positive health. All present left this gathering having gained some valuable hints for an improved lifestyle.

 

 

Seniors Day in George

Apostle HB Swartbooi held a divine service for the seniors of the George Bishop area in Pacaltsdorp on Sunday 6 April 2008. The whole day was to be dedicated to the seniors in appreciation of their paving the way for this generation. A senior sister had recently celebrated her birthday and this service presented her with the opportunity of receiving well wishes from the apostle as well as a bouquet of flowers from the congregagation. Following this divine service the seniors were treated to a light snack and a music presentation. This was not all, the districts that make up George Bishop area had arranged a special dinner for them on their arrival from Pacaltsdorp. The apostle, accompanied by Bishop LV Lakey made visits to the districts they could reach to further spend the day with different seniors’ groups.

 

 

Orientation for confirmands of Pacaltsdorp

A group of 24 confirmands accompanied by District Elder C Dreyer and the confirmation teachers left for De Hoek on Friday 9 May 2008. This group arrived at De Hoek early enough to have supper. After supper they were divided into groups so that they could get to know each other even better. The Saturday morning they had breakfast and then team building exercises followed. The day was filled with educational content, but time was also made for them to visit the Wilgewandel resort for boat and camel rides. These youngsters got home on Saturday evening having thoroughly enjoyed their outing.

 

 

 

Fellowship for the bereaved

Borne out of the heart of Apostle H Swartbooi, the Bridgton congregation hosted a fellowship for those members who are struggling to come to terms with the loss of a loved one. A written invitation by Bishop L Lakey was extended to guests from other denominations and a total of 33 guests attended this session. A registered clinical psychologist addressed the gathering and explained the process of bereavement. Hereafter the Apostle delivered a powerful spiritual message based on the teaching of the Chief Apostle on Pentecost 2008. The evening was concluded with one on one sessions between Sister O Brown and those who sought her advice. This gathering served as a beautiful preparation for the service for the departed.

 

 

 

 

 

Sealing and ordinations in Rheenendal

For the divine service of Wednesday 28 May 2008, the congregation of Rheenendal was served by Apostle H Swartbooi who in his company had District Elder J Paulse and all the rectors of Sedgefield district. For this divine service the apostle used a text word taken out of 1 John 4:11 to serve a congregation that had turned out in numbers and filled two classrooms joined together. The congregants also witnessed the sealing of 9 souls and the ordination of 1 Priest and 7 Deacons to assist with the Lord’s work in Sedgefield. The congregation had some beautiful moments of fellowship with the apostle after the divine service.

 

 

Apostle Swartbooi serves in Kwa Nompumelelo

The congregation of Kwa Nompumelelo in the Sedgefield district was served by Apostle H Swartbooi on Sunday 13 April 2008. During this divine service 4 babies received the gift of the Holy Spirit and young brothers were ordained as deacons. The congregation – who filled the classroom, used a place of worship – stood as witnesses throughout the proceedings. After the divine service they viewed a video presentation by District Apostle N Barnes introducing the “Save-a-Tree-for-me” theme for Thanksgiving 2008.

 

 

An evening well spent

On Friday 16 May 2008 all 13 congregations of the Sedgefield district hosted coffee shops in their respective congregations. At most of the venues singing was the order of the day whether it was singing around a campfire or just gathering in a group. Some of the youth reminisced about Youth Convention 2008 and the new youth who were present gained a picture of the activities that took place on that particular weekend. The evening became even more fruitful for the newly confirmed youth members as they were given a clear understanding of the role each youth member plays in the Youth on the Move drive. In conclusion, the young people ended off proceedings with a braai.

 

 

Guest services in Sedgefield district

The morning divine service of Sunday 18 May 2008 was set aside as the time when guest services would be conducted throughout Sedgefield district. A special invitation was extended to friends and family to come and attend this service. A total of approximately 220 guests were reported throughout the district and in each congregation the visitors were welcomed heartily and introduced to the congregation. After the divine service conversations were struck up with the visitors over a light snack and some refreshments that had been organized in all congregations.

 

 

Baptism and adoptions in Mandalay – George

Mandalay, George, stands proud at the foot of the Outeniqua mountain range in the Wilderness. For the divine service of Sunday 25 May 2008, this congregation was served by Bishop L Lakey. During the proceedings of this service the congregation stood as witnesses when the bishop adopted 2 and baptized 9 souls.

 

 

A Saturday of conferencing

Apostle H Swartbooi chaired a conference for all the district ministries of his area on Saturday 17 May 2008. This group met at the Shearb Water on Sea Resort for a full programme of items of discussion with short intervals to have a brain break. The main objective of the gathering was to devise a growth plan for the development of the work in the area. The ministers stayed at the resort overnight and accompanied the Apostle to Conville congregation for the Sunday morning divine service. After lunch the group was treated to a music presentation of a very high standard by the choir members of Conville congregation.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Relieved of ministerial duties

Due to ill health, Priest B Moses of Amalienstein congregation in the George Bishop area had to be relieved of his ministerial duties. The district ministries and rectors from the Calitzdorp district accompanied Bishop LV Lakey when he visited the priest in his home after the divine service on Sunday 18 May 2008. Moments of fellowship were shared by the ministers with Priest Moses and his wife during this visit.

 

 

 

 

Training for deacons

On the afternoon of Sunday 18 May 2008, the George Bishop area started with a series of training sessions for deacons. This was the first of a number of training encounters aimed at ensuring that the future of the Lord’s work is in good hands. Community Evangelist Glen Ontong took the gathered deacons through the programme for the day, which included a number of group work exercises and group discussions.

 

 

To the mothers with love

For Mother’s Day 2008 the Sunday school children from Kleinkrantz congregation in the George bishop area handed all the mothers in the congregation a small bunch of flowers and a special handmade card. This was followed by the congregation witnessing the mothers planting a tree to mark the launch of this year’s Sunday school project for Thanksgiving. After these proceedings all present enjoyed some refreshments together.

 

 

Sedgefield paves the way for Fellowship Circles

In his area of responsibility Apostle H Swartbooi has initiated the concept of Fellowship Circles which is aimed at strengthening the understanding of the members on certain matters of faith and encouraging them to worship the Lord together. This project is currently piloted in Sedgefield congregation and has seen five families gathering in an appointed home on an evening. Discussions of faith and singing are the order of the evening. Friends and guests are invited to join in these gatherings and while the discussions are carried out and the singing takes place the children make music in the background. On Thursday 8 May District Elder J Paulse visited one of these gatherings to support the brothers and sisters in their activity.

Retirement of Priest Saulse

On Thursday 8 May 2008 Priest Daniel Saulse of Parkdene congregation was placed into retirement. During the divine service conducted by Apostle H Swartbooi in this congregation of the George Bishop area, the Apostle thanked the priest for the labours of love he had done in the work of the Lord.

 

 

 

That's what friends are for

The late Deacon Colin Weels died after he was seriously injured in a hit-and-run accident, and all of this happened 4 years after he moved to George from Beaufort West. After his death his family expressed the wish to have him buried in his home town of Beaufort West. The cost of making this wish a reality was however out of reach for the family. And then the youth members of the congregation stepped in. They decided to hold a series of fund raising events including a benefit concert, car wash activity and a hot dog and soup sale. A total of R5 000 was collected and handed over to the Weels family. So it was that some 80 youth members at their own cost traveled from George to attend Deacon Weel’s funeral in Beaufort West.

 

 

Day of the Child George

The Sunday school children of the Calitzdorp and Oudtshoorn district gathered for a Day of the Child service conducted by Apostle HB Swartbooi at the Amalienstein church hall on Sunday 20 April 2008. Some 390 Sunday school children all sporting their green “Save a Tree for Me” t-shirts gathered joyfully for the very first Day of the Child service to be held in their area. The church hall was beautifully decorated in green with baby trees and green plants all over; this further emphasized this year’s Sunday school project and Thanksgiving Theme: “Save a Tree for Me”. As a foundation for this divine service Apostle Swartbooi read a text word out of Daniel 4:11 and used a PowerPoint presentation which evoked lively participation from the children. This was followed by a special concert where the children entertained all present with some beautiful music renditions. The apostle also got in on the act and played a piece on the recorder. Apostle Swartbooi urged all teachers and children who are not yet taking recorder classes to make a start soon. He expressed the wish of seeing these two districts hosting a recorder jamboree later in the year.

 

 

 

Talking business

On Tuesday 15 April 2008, Apostle HB Swartbooi paid some business owners a visit. The first business owner he visited was District Evangelist J Loggenberg who specializes in fiber glass products. District Evangelist Loggenberg started this business 32 years ago and was joined by his two sons who currently run the business with him. At the district evangelist’s fiber glass factory the apostle was taken on a tour through the production line. The next visit was to Sister Eunice Pantsi’s bed and breakfast business, which is also situated in George. At the bed and breakfast home, the apostle was welcomed in by a traditionally dressed sister who had with her employees who entertained the apostle with traditional Xhosa song and dance. Here Sister Pantsi related her story of fulfilling her childhood dream of owning a business, which – with the help of God - came to fruition in recent years.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Youth service in Sedgefield

On Sunday 13 April 2008 the youth from Sedgefield district gathered at Sedgefield congregation for a youth service. During this service which was conducted by District Elder J Paulse, the newly confirmed youth members were introduced and welcomed into the ranks of the youth. In his teaching the district elder encouraged them to keep making wise decisions as they had done with their confirmation vow. He told them to always serve the Lord with joy and enthusiasm. During this service 4 youth brothers who had recently been ordained into the deacon ministry were also introduced to this young congregation.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Seniors’ day out in Sedgefield

During the whole day of Saturday 5 April 2008 the seniors of the Sedgefield district strolled through the Knysna Forest as they enjoyed their day away from home. Earlier that morning they had left their homes for Jubilee Creek, which is situated at the heart of the Knysna Forest. Upon their arrival they were served with a light breakfast and then their stroll began. When midday lunch was served the seniors sat and chatted about the days of old and the experiences they had lived through. After lunch they walked to the nearby river where they spent some quiet moments preparing for the divine service the following day. Afterwards District Elder J Paulse wished Sister Majola and Brother Hartzenberg well on their birthday and the group left for home. On the Sunday this group joined some 450 others seniors for a special divine service held for them in Pacaltsdorp by Apostle HB Swartbooi.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Baby Cleopatra - the newest member in Sedgefield

On Sunday 6 April 2008 the congregation of Sedgefield stood as witnesses while DEL J Paulse baptized Baby Cleopatra Smuts during a divine service conducted by the district elder in this congregation.

First Apostle service in Karatara

This small congregation in the Sedgefield district received much blessing from a divine service conducted by Apostle H Swartbooi on the evening of Wednesday 26 March 2008. The Karatara school hall – a place of gathering for the congregation – was packed with well-nigh 120 members and guests who attended this divine service. As a basis for the sermon the Apostle used a text word out of Hebrews 11:24-25. This service saw the sealing of 11 souls and the ordination of 1 priest and 3 deacons. After the service the apostle, the ministers that were present in this service and their wives, met for tea at the home of the recently retired Community Evangelist Plaatjies.

 

 

 

Word of advice for ministers

The afternoon of Sunday 30 March 2008, saw the gathering of the ministers of the George district in the Thembalethu church. Some of the brothers traveled from as far afield as Willowmore and Uniondale to be present in this divine service conducted by Bishop L Lakey. During the sermon the bishop encouraged the brethren to untiringly sow deeds of love and kindness in the execution of their activities. After the divine service the brothers enjoyed some valuable moments together in the fellowship over a light snack.

 

 

 

Rosemoor and Pacaltsdorp meet in Harkerville

The 2008 confirmands from the Pacaltsdorp and Rosemoor districts, George Bishop area, met for an overnight excursion in Harkerville. This was their last outing as Sunday school children. On the evening of Friday 15 March 2008 the group set off to their destination and spent the evening there. The following day they took long walks in the forest and enjoyed fellowship with their ministers and teachers. Lunch was served and then they left for home on Saturday afternoon.

 

 

 

Dellville Park congregation plants their first tree

On Sunday 16 March 2008, Bishop L Lakey conducted a divine service for the confirmands of the Groot-Brakrivier district at the Dellville Park congregation. The foyer at the church building was beautifully decorated with saplings, thus marking the launch of this year’s Sunday school theme. Following this divine service, the congregation witnessed the bishop planting a tree to highlight this year’s Sunday school theme: “Save a Tree for me”.

 

 

 

Saying goodbye

Following the divine service of Sunday 16 March 2008, the congregation of Sedgefield hosted a valedictory for their confirmands. Invited to the service were the Sunday school teachers, ministers and parents. A very colourful afternoon presented itself as the youngsters rendered a series of interesting musical items. The parents were then called to the front whereon the confirmands said a special word of thanks to them. In return, the parents gave a few words of encouragement to these young people. Among those who attended this farewell celebration was a senior couple who were confirmed in 1949 and who serve as examples in the congregation for having kept their vow for almost 60 years. The confirmands were presented with a memento depicting the confirmation vow, which they could display in their homes. After all was said and done, all present were invited to enjoy a delicious snack prepared by the members.

 

 

 

10 join the fold in Karatara

On Sunday 16 March 2008 the congregation of Karatara witnessed the adoption of 3 and the baptism of 7 souls by District Elder J Paulse. The congregation stood as witnesses as these souls gave their audible “Yes!” Another reason for great thankfulness in this congregation was the presence of a brother who had been absent from the fellowship for approximately 30 years and is now back, actively participating in the activities of the congregation.

 

A real treat for the ministers

Some 10 ministers from the George bishop area were delegated the task of accompanying the young people to the Youth Convention weekend in Cape Town over the weekend of Friday 15 to Sunday 17 February 2008. This opportunity they took with both hands and made the best of their weekend stay in Cape Town. On Saturday 16 February these ministers spent their free time at the V&A Waterfront; this was a first visit to this venue for most of them. They boarded a ferry and sailed out of the harbour to a point where they could see the Atlantic seaboard and Robben Island. Having returned, they went on a site seeing trip and visited all the shops they don’t find in George. The Sunday morning had its own specialty as these rectors were invited to the Sunday concert with the chief apostle in the Silvertown Auditorium.

 

 

 

In wrapping up their childhood years

The confirmands of Sedgefield district took a 5 km walking into the Kysna forest on Saturday 8 March 2008. This marked their last outing as confirmands as they would be confirmed in a few weeks time. Their trip entailed a walk through the gold mines which were operational in the 19th century. Thereafter they were treated to lunch which had been prepared by the rectors. During the proceedings they were joined by District Elder J Paulse who gave them some spiritual tips pertaining their big day. Their thoughts were also turned to a confirmand who went missing in the same forest two years ago just weeks before confirmation. In this mind the district elder asked the confirmands to remember that soul in prayer. The following day this group joined hundreds more for a service that was conducted by Bishop LV Lakey at the Dellville Park congregation.

 

 

 

Service for the departed in Touwsranten

Touwsranten congregation is a budding congregation situated at the foot of the Outeniqua mountain range. On Sunday 2 March, the first service for the departed in 2008, District Elder J Paulse conducted a divine service for the congregants of this small congregation. Invited to this service were 9 visitors, including 2 senior members of the area who are both widowed. After the divine service all present enjoyed fellowship over a light snack. These moments were used to reflect on the significance of such divine services.

 

 

 

 

Steady but surely…

Rheenendal congregation is growing! This congregation now has 9 souls awaiting the sacrament of Holy Sealing when the apostle next visits the congregation. On the evening of Wednesday 27 February 2008, District Elder J Paulse baptized three souls, one of which is a baby. The divine service was attended by approximately 100 congregants, which in itself was a visible sign of the growth that had taken place. This congregation gathers in a class room of the local school to worship on Wednesdays and Sundays.

 

 

 

 

Apostle Swartbooi joins the retired ministers

On the morning of Thursday 7 February 2008, Apostle HB Swartbooi accompanied by Bishop LV Lakey met up with the retired ministers, their wives and the widows of retired ministers, all from the Oudtshoorn district. The reason for the apostle’s visit was to have fellowship with these pioneers and to acknowledge the importance of their many prayers on behalf of the active ministers. The apostle also showed those present a video of highlights from the life of the late District Apostle Arno Abicht. Remarkably, some of the seniors remembered the visits of the late District Apostle Abicht at a time when they were toddlers. This was followed by video footage of the ordination of Chief Apostle Wilhelm Leber and the sharing of information regarding his visit to Cape Town for Youth Convention 2008. Punctuating these presentations was the conducting of an impromptu choir by Bishop Lakey. In his closing address the apostle thanked the senior ministers and their wives for their loyalty and faithful support throughout the years. At the end of all the proceedings everyone enjoyed some refreshments.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Parents, ministers and young people gather at Outeniqua Stadium

In preparation for the much anticipated Youth Convention 2008 that would take place at Sahara Park Newlands on 17 February 2008, all the parents, ministers and young people of the George bishop area gathered at the Outeniqua Stadium. It was the afternoon of Saturday 9 February and the sky was overcast, but this did not deter these youngsters and their parents from adhering to the call of their apostle. A special program was arranged, which included the singing of the music program planned for YC08. A special DVD message from Apostle HB Swartbooi was viewed by all present and a presentation in serving Holy Communion to the departed was also viewed. Finally, the gathering was given information on the travel and accommodation arrangements for after their arrival in Cape Town. Bishop LV Lakey then closed the gathering with a prayer.

 

 

 

Towards the finishing line

In the early afternoon of Sunday 10 February 2008, Bishop LV Lakey visited the last of eight districts that make up the George bishop area. This served the purpose of putting the final touches to their travel and accommodation arrangements for the Youth Convention in Cape Town. The youngsters and their parents of Grootbrak-Rivier district gathered at the Grootbrak church hall to meet up with the bishop and be informed of their children’s itinerary to and in Cape Town The bishop gave a PowerPoint presentation of all the details including the involvement of ministers and the role that the parents should play throughout the YC08 weekend.

 

 

 

Apostle Swartbooi’s first service in Sedgefield

On the morning of Sunday 27 January 2008, Apostle H Swartbooi conducted a divine service in the Sedgefield congregation for the first time. Upon his arrival at the Sedgefield church grounds, the apostle was greeted by the Sunday school choir with the hymn, “Seek ye first the kingdom of God” which they sang by heart. This served as such a beautiful introduction to the text word which the Apostle used for the sermon, namely, Hebrews14:13 “For here we have no continuing city, but we seek the one to come.” The Apostle was accompanied by District Elder J Paulse and all the rectors of the Sedgefield district. During this divine service attended by some 250 souls the Apostle also sealed 2 children. After service all present enjoyed fellowship over a cup of tea.

 

 

 

Third time lucky for Groot-Brakrivier

During 2007 District Apostle Barnes had scheduled himself to visit the Groot-Brakrivier congregation on two occasions. Each time, however, unforeseen circumstances prevented him for being present. On Sunday 10 October 2007 Apostle H Swartbooi was delegated to hold the divine service in place of the district apostle and on Sunday 16 October 2007, Apostle M Arendse fulfilled this task. So, it was with much anticipation and great joy that the congregation welcomed the District Apostle in their midst on Sunday 06 January 2008. Accompanied by Apostle H Swartbooi and the Bishops I Adams, N Nene and L Lakey, District Apostle Barnes served this congregation with a text word taken out of the book of Acts 13:52. Some 300 members, including a number of visitors, were present to here the encouraging message of advice to “obtain, retain and multiply joy”. After the divine service the district apostle took time to greet the congregation and also posed for photographs with some members.

 

 

 

Guess who’s 40?

On Saturday 12 January 2008, George congregation celebrated the 40th anniversary since the first service was conducted in their congregation. On this Saturday afternoon, the members of the George congregation gathered for some entertainment at the church hall where the congregation choir, children’s choir, male choir and the orchestra rendered beautiful music items. A DVD depicting the history of the congregation was shown to all present. The DVD showed interviews with some of the pioneers who shed some light on what it was like to be a member of the congregation some 40 years ago. Afterwards everybody enjoyed refreshments and a "chit chat" about the past.