New Apostolic Church Cape

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District Apostle in Thembalethu after almost 10 years

An early Christmas present was unwrapped for the Thembalethu congregation in the Sedgefield district on the evening of Wednesday 12 December 2007. This evening saw the District Apostle Noel Barnes behind this congregation’s altar after almost 10 years. Accompanied by the Apostles M Diedericks, A Kriel and S Swartbooi, the district apostle served this congregation with a text words out of the gospel according to Matthew 7:24-25. The Bishops LV Lakey, NT Nene and the retired ME Gaskin also attended this service. The congregations of Asazani and kwa Nompumelelo were invited to this service and the attendance figures were approximately 338 including 45 visitors.

 

 

 

It can only be the best Christmas ever

Imagine it, all children treated equally, receiving the same amount of love and care, not to mention Christmas prezies from Father Christmas for all.  In some homes not every child can afford to get a Christmas gift some never even received one it their lifetime, but this year must have been special… On Saturday 08 December 2007, all Sunday school children and their teachers from Sedgefield district visited the Transet Heritage museum in George.  Here they saw all types of old steam engines that have now found rest in this museum.  It didn’t end there, by 9:30 am the Outeniqua Choo blew its whistle and the group boarded the train. They were very excited and the teachers had their hands full trying to keep them under control, this group was headed for Mossel Bay and the trip was to be two hours long. At 12:00 they arrived in Mossel Bay, here they visited the Maritime museum and the Bartholomew Diaz museum; they viewed the Bartholomew Diaz ship and many other historical items.  This was followed by lunch and then it was time to head back home.  Awaiting them in their respective congregation was Father Christmas, of course his goodie bag wasn’t empty, and this further enhanced the joy experienced by these children.

 

 

 

The spirit of Christmas lights faces in Thembalethu

On the afternoon of Sunday 9 December 2007, the Thembalethu church hall saw the proud Sunday school children kindling the spirit of Christmas in the congregation.  These children hosted a concert where on they sang Christmas carols and made a play where they gave a picture of the birth of Jesus Christ.  The picture that they set was very admirable and the faces of those present lit up with pride as they saw these youngsters in action.  A young sister in confirmation gave a solo rendition of “Silent night! Holy night!” much to the delight of those present. This beautiful concert came to an end and District Elder J Paulse presented the children with the certificate of attendance and this was the highlight for the Sunday school children as they posed for photographs, they thoroughly enjoyed their moment in the spotlight as cameras were flashing all around them.  This was followed by a light snack which was enjoyed by all present.

 

 

 

 

 

Life chancing moments with the Apostle in Bergplaas

Bergplaas mission congregation is situated high in the Outeniqua mountain range and this was the venue for the first divine service to be conducted by an apostle in this congregation and the last to be conducted by Apostle B Swartbooi in the Sedgefield district for 2007.  On Wednesday 5 December 2007, Apostle HB Swartbooi conducted a divine service in the Bergplaas mission congregation in the Sedgefield District.  In this service the apostle served 118 members and 18 guests who were in attendance. The Apostle used this moment to wish Priest F Gouws well on his birthday.  Community Evangelist B Plaatjies and his wife celebrated 22 years of marriage, while Community Evangelist J Borchards and his wife celebrated 26 years of marriage, the apostle also gave a blessing to these ministers and encouraged them and their wives to strive to bring out the best in each other. The evening was concluded with a cup of tea where after all went their separate ways, everybody agreed that these were “life changing moments” with the apostle

 

 

 

A R10 000 donation to he Up with Downs school

On Sunday 2 December 2007 a "100 Men" Male choir from the George BI Area performed in the George Civic Centre to a packed and appreciative audience.  Boasting their red ties this choir entertained the audience with the sounds that are suitable for this period of advent. A very significant gesture was that of a R10 000 donation made by Bishop L Lakey on behalf of the New Apostolic Church to the Principal of the Up with Downs school for learners with special needs, Ms. Christene Jeffrey. This concert was hosted in raising funds to assist needy youth members from this bishop area to be able to attend the Youth Convention 2008 next year.

 

 

 

The cold, wet but so not dreary weather

Over the weekend starting from Saturday 24 November 2007, some youth members from the Sedgefield district traveled to George for their annual Youth Day.  This weekend was held in Oudtshoorn and this presented much difficulty for the youth members from this area when trying to travel because of the wet weather. The situation in this area was reported on national television and local newspapers as floods invaded this area and cut off many towns from the outside world.  Although worried, but their spirits for a good weekend were not dampened by this weather, the youth remained positive and waited for the water level to low down. On the early morning of Saturday, this youth group left for Oudtshoorn and upon their arrival they joined rest of the George bishop area youth members at the De Jager sports complex where they played games and had lots of fun.  For the night the youth slept over at the Cango Ostrich Farm where they sang until late into the night. Some Xhosa spiritual and traditional songs were sung and the Xhosa youth members taught their counterparts the lines and how to move to the music. The highlight of this weekend was the divine service conducted by Bishop LVSLakey at the Oudtshoorn Civic centre for some 605 youth members in preparation for the visit of Chief Apostle W Leber for Youth Convention in 2008; this service was followed by a demonstration of the contents of the goodie bag for YC08 made by the bishop.  For the lunch meal this group met at a local restaurant and had lunch there and some of them started on their way home.

 

 

 

Apostle Swartbooi serves in Asazani and seals 18

On Sunday 7 October 2007, Apostle H Swartbooi served the Asazani congregation in the Sedgefield District for the first time and this congregation experienced their first meeting with their new apostle.  During this service the apostle sealed and welcomed 18 souls into the New Apostolic faith.  Also as a highlight for this service was the birthday of the Priests C Jordaan and A Phillips whom the apostle wished much blessing on their birthday. The service came to a conclusion and Apostle Swartbooi greeted the congregation in the meantime the choir spontaneously started singing Xhosa traditional songs. The congregation is now looking forward with great anticipation to the visit of DA N Barnes on the 12 December 2007.

 

 

 

Fish just won’t bite and the ladies save the day

On Friday 16 November 2007 the rectors and their wives from the Sedgefield district went on an outing for the week-end to Witsand, a small town situated at the point where the Breede River flows into the sea. The main reason behind this outing was for the ministers to spend some time relaxing with their spouses and each other. The Saturday morning the ministers were at the fishing waters at 04:00 to catch some fish for Saturday lunch. Stick to being fishers of men brothers - for all the time they spent at sea they managed to catch just 5 fish and that obviously was not enough. The ladies had to save the day as their dream of having fresh fish for lunch was swept away in a wave. That evening supper was followed by a quiet and inspirational preparation for the divine service the following Sunday. The group attended Vondeling congregation and after service they chatted to the local congregants who spoke about nothing else except the visit of the chief apostle to their congregation earlier this year.  They labeled this as the highlight of their life of faith and an experience of a lifetime.

 

 

 

A commission with a difference

In an effort to draw the attention of those members who do not attend divine services regularly to the forthcoming service for the departed, Apostle H Swartbooi started an unusual initiative. This saw all ministers, including the bishop, going into the homes of the brothers and sisters and offering to polish their shoes. The response to this action was varied, with some reacting in astonishment and others with reluctance, insisting that they would do it themselves. Some districts even reported the disbelief of the members upon hearing that the apostle had sent the ministers to polish their shoes. The outcome of the initiative did, however, achieve its purpose as the George bishop area had an attendance of 1 000 more in number than the service for the departed in July 2007.  In the conversations that the ministers had had with some members it became clear that they were aware of the significance of Sunday 4 November, but were not planning to attend the divine service until the ministers came into their homes. 

 

 

 

Breakfast on the beach front

On Saturday 20 October 2007 District Elder J Paulse invited all rectors and their wives including the coordinators from all over the Sedgefield district for breakfast.  For this breakfast they were hosted at a restaurant which is situated high on a hill overlooking the beautiful Herold’s Bay outside George. The weather was stunning and all enjoyed a sumptuous breakfast while enjoying the beautiful scenery. The breakfast was especially arranged for the ladies just to show appreciation for their loyal support allowing their husbands to optimally fulfill their duties in the congregations. Everyone commented that it was time well-spent and that they enjoyed having this fellowship.

 

 

 

Seniors undertake outing to Port Elizabeth

Some 55 senior members from the Rosemoor district in the George bishop area undertook a 400 kilometer journey to Port Elizabeth on Friday 12 October 2007.  After prayers were said by Bishop LV Lakey this group started on their journey and arrived at their destination at 20:00 after 5 hours of traveling by bus. They found supper ready, and after enjoying a hearty meal they turned in for an early night.

On the Saturday they visited the dolphin show, snake park and the museum. Another early night was needed to prepare for service the following day. For the Sunday morning service they attended the Motherwell congregation in Port Elizabeth and were served by Apostle Swartbooi. After lunch the group left on their homeward journey. They had thoroughly enjoyed the excursion and were thankful the Lord had granted them the grace to have experienced this event.  

 

 

 

Heading for the beach

The senior members from the Sedgefield district took time out and relaxed at the Swartvlei beach on Saturday 13 October 2007. To start the day, they were treated to a light breakfast and then made their way to the beach. It was a beautiful spring day and the weather allowed them to dip their feet in the water, take long walks on the beach, chat and share experiences of faith and of life. There were those who did not want to brave the sea waters and preferred to sit at a distance and monitor all the activities. For some it was more than a period of 15 years since they had been to the beach.At 12:00 the group moved to the Sedgefield library hall where lunch was prepared for them by some of the brethren. District Elder J Paulse spent some time with each senior listening to their interesting stories and experiences. He then gave them a word of encouragement to remain faithful and continue to support the Lord's work in prayer. 

 

 

 

Baptisms in Rheenendal congregation

The evening of Wednesday 26 September 2007 saw the baptism of 7 adults and a baby in the Rheenendal congregation in the Sedgefield bishop area. The well-nigh 100 congregants packed the classroom of the local school which serves as the gathering place for divine services. The excitement that this blessed event had caused was evident by the fact that 37 visitors were present. District Elder J Paulse conducted this divine service and the congregation is now waiting in anticipation for the visit of Apostle H Swartbooi.

 

 

 

A bit of warmth in the winter cold

Between the Kamanassie and Baviaanskloof mountains lie three congregations that belong to the George district. They are the congregations of Kamanassie, Groenrandt and, further north, Willowmore. In these regions the temperature drops to well below freezing point in winter and it is sometimes a challenge to just keep warm. Bearing this in mind, the district leader of the area, District Elder E Paulse, initiated a fundraiser which would result in a donation of blankets to the needy in that. On the afternoon of Saturday 28 July 2007 the result of this initiative came into fruition when District Elder Paulse and those who helped him handed over the blankets to the people in this area. The donation was received with warm hearts and smiles by all who were now better able to brave the cold with the blankets they had received.

 

 

 

Tour de Sedgefield

Some 40 youth members, accompanied by the rectors and the district leaders of the Sedgefield district undertook a 20 kilometer cycle race on Saturday 25 August 2007. This group rented bicycles from a local college and raced through a winding mountain pass and through the pine forest. The young people displayed their energy as they raced past the ministers who after a while were pushing their bicycles rather than riding them. The winners in the male and female category were awarded with floating trophies and all those who made it to the finish, despite the falls along the way, were given a consolation prize. The youth then went on to a braai for lunch and enjoyed a relaxing afternoon together. The District Elder J Paulse also used this opportunity to wish Antolene Jafta well on her 18th birthday. There was great excitement when the youth were informed of the latest developments on the planned visit of our chief apostle in 2008 to serve the youth in Cape Town.

 

 

 

On a train to nowhere

On the evening of Friday 24 August 2007, 51 Sunday school teachers accompanied by their rectors and district leader boarded a train on platform 53 of the George station - except this train was actually headed nowhere. This train serves as a restaurant and the teachers and ministers were treated to a candlelit dinner. The entire restaurant was a-buzz as the teachers enjoyed each others company, chatting and giggling. District Elder J Paulse spent a few minutes at each table expressing his thanks and appreciation for all the teachers do in their dedicated role of teaching the children.

 

 

 

Soul care vital

On the evening of Monday 23 July 2007 Apostle W Diedericks held a meeting for all priestly ministers at the Calitzdorp congregation. In this meeting the apostle presented a DVD on Soul Care visits to some 50 ministers who attended. The ministers were from the Calitzdorp and Oudtshoorn districts.

 

 

 

Community Evangelist placed into retirement

On the evening of Tuesday 24 July 2007, Apostle’s W Diedericks conducted a divine service at the Dysselsdorp congregation. During the service he placed Community Evangelist A Nimmerhoudt, who had served in the ministry for 33 years, into retirement.  Community Evangelist Nimmerhoudt was presented with a bouquet of flowers as a token of appreciation from the congregation.

 

 

 

Thank You, God

District Elder J Paulse conducted a divine service in the Karatara congregation on Sunday 19 August 2007. This congregation had a lot to be thankful for and in his prayer the district elder thanked our heavenly Father for delivering our brethren without a scratch from the fires that had raged in the area. The divine service also saw the golden wedding anniversary celebration of Brother and Sister Hartzenberg and the adoption of Oom Piet into the Church. The congregants and the 19 guests who attended the service could enjoy a specially prepared fellowship afterwards.

Sedgefied leaders on a leadership seminar

On Saturday 23 June 2007 all the rectors and the coordinators of Sedgefield district in the George bishop area met in the Kleinkranz congregation for a leadership seminar. The Saturday started off with coffee and doughnuts, followed by the seminar which kicked off at 10:30. During the presentation the District Elder J Paulse emphasized the core concepts of developing a leader within the structure of a congregation. He then went on to train the leaders in the relevant skills needed to steer the diverse aspects of congregation life. The rectors and coordinators were also encouraged to develop an open and supportive working relationship in order to ensure an harmonious atmosphere in all congregations. Fellowship over lunch concluded the proceedings for the day.

Word of life meeting prepares for special divine service

On Saturday 23 June 2007, Bishop L Lakey held a Word of Life meeting in the Calitzdorp congregation with all the priestly ministers in preparation for the divine service for the departed. The ministers also appreciated this opportunity of sharing thoughts and experiences with each during the fellowship that followed the meeting.

 

 

 

A choral hour of high standards in Dellville Park

In preparation for the service for the departed and the visit of our chief apostle in September, the George bishop area hosted an hour of music in the Dellville Park congregation on Sunday 24 June 2007. Bishop L Lakey opened the proceedings with a prayer and then the bishop area choir, orchestra, Sunday school choir and the male choir entertained those present with a high quality performance of the items on the programme. Members from all over the district and a great number of guests packed the church hall to witness listen to this wonderful musical rendition.

 

 

 

Youth of Pacaltsdorp district drug awareness drive

Marking Saturday 16 June 2007 the youth from the Pacaltsdorp district, in association with members of the South African Police Services, embarked on a very important community project. The theme was “drug awareness in the community,” with a special focus to the youth. 

On the Friday evening prior to this activity, the youth leaders from various congregations were interviewed on Eden FM, a community radio station. They expressed their concern as the youth of the New Apostolic Church about the huge impact that drug usage has in communities.

On the Saturday members of the SAPS accompanied the youth and stopped all vehicles entering and exiting Pacaltsdorp so that they could hand out pamphlets on drug abuse. These pamphlets containing vital information on the topic were supplied by the police service free of charge.

Father’s Day / Senior’s Day in Sedgefield district

Sunday 17 June 2007 may have been marked as Father’s Day on the calendar, but the Sedgefield district in the George bishop area dedicated this day to their senior members. The seniors met at the Sedgefield bowling club for a mouth watering lunch prepared by some of our members. This being their first outing for the year, this group had a lot of catching up to do. The Sunday afternoon was enough time for the seniors to revive friendships and bring each other up to date with the latest developments in their lives. District Elder J Paulse joined in on this gathering and in his address he reminded the seniors that they are the “back bone” in their congregations and that the leadership depended on their support and prayers. He also enlightened the group on the planned visit of our chief apostle to George later this year. This brought about visible emotions among the seniors, as many of them were part of the humble beginnings of the Lord’s work in the area and would never have imagined that the chief apostle would one day visit George - except maybe in their dreams.

Special preparations for the chief apostle visit in September 2007

As part of his visit to the Cape Apostle District in September the chief apostle will hold a divine service in Dellville Park congregation in the Groot-Brakrivier district. Apostle W Diedericks visited George over the weekend of 3-4 June 2007 and on the Sunday afternoon held a meeting in Blanco for the rectors and their wives who will form the choir for the aforementioned divine service. On the Monday evening the apostle conducted a special meeting for rectors during which he tuned the hearts of the brothers in preparation for the visit of our chief apostle. The apostle also used the opportunity to share with the brothers the special Pentecost 2007 word that was to be used on Sunday 10 June. The meeting was concluded with the combined singing of hymn 353: We love each other dearly.

 

 

 

Workshop for Sunday school teachers of Sedgefield district

On Saturday 31 March 2007 the rectors and Sunday school teachers of Sedgefield district in the George bishop area met for a workshop at Swartvlei resort in Sedgefield.

The goal of the workshop was to reinforce the Sunday school theme: All things bright and beautiful, and to equip the teachers with the necessary skills to enable them to have the confidence to teach our young children. Special attention was given to the teachers who were appointed to teach the confirmands in 2007 so that well prepared young souls would be ready for Confirmation 2008.

The District Elder Julian Paulse also had a strategy session with the rectors where they discussed ways and means of preparing the families in the congregations for the visit of Chief Apostle Leber’s visit in September 2007. After lunch the teachers enjoyed some fun and games and also embarked on a treasure hunt with prizes up for grabs, while the rectors went on a beach walk as part of their teambuilding. One of the teachers also celebrated her birthday on this day and the district elder then made use of the opportunity to wish her on behalf of the group. The group ended the day with new enthusiasm for the tasks they have in the congregations.

Divine Service for ministers

On the Sunday 11 February 2007 Bishop Lakey conducted a Divine Service for Ministers of Calitzdorp and Oudtshoorn in Amalienstein. Although the day was very hot, the ministers were very attentive. The word was taken out of Ephesians 4:1” …I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling of which you were called.” All the ministers enjoyed a fellowship that followed the divine service.

Meeting with Confirmands

On Sunday 11 February 2007, Bishop Lakey met with the Confirmands for the final preparation before the confirmation of 2007.

Gathering of matriculants

On Saturday 10 February Bishop LV Lakey gathered with the matriculants of George Bishop Area in Waboomskraal.

A very interactive programme was delivered by two of our sisters to motivate the matriculants to always deliver their best. The programme was followed by an informative visit to a hops farm.