New Apostolic Church Cape

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District Apostle N Barnes in Pineview congregation

Five years had elapsed since this congregation had been served by the District Apostle from their own altar. The congregation had prayed fervently for such an occasion to be repeated. The prayers of the Pineview congregation were answered when on the evening of Thursday 30 October 2008, District Apostle N Barnes greeted them with a text word taken out of 1 Corinthians 9:19. This service, which also served as a special preparation for the last service for the departed for 2008, saw the serving beautifully framed by music of a high standard. From the altar the members were urged to pray not only for those they know in the beyond, but also for those as yet unknown to them. During the course of the divine service, the district apostle sealed 28 souls with the Holy Spirit. He told them that, just like them, many a soul from the realms of the departed would be sealed on the following Sunday.

 

 

 

Five join the fold

On Sunday 19 October 2008, Apostle M Arendse conducted a divine service in Strand Gustrouw congregation in the Strand district. For this divine service the Apostle used a text word out of 1 Kings 8:61, “Let your heart therefore be loyal to the Lord our God, to walk in His statutes and keep His commandments, as at this day.” During the course of this service three priests and eleven deacons were ordained, while five children also received the sacrament of Holy Sealing.

 

 

 

Another learning curve for students in Stellenbosch

Bishop C van Wyk conducted a divine service for the matric and tertiary level students on Sunday 12 October 2008. Approximately 100 attended this service and left with more insight on both the natural and spiritual aspects of their lives. The bishop urged the students to be “goal driven” and also not to forget their role in the Lord’s plan of salvation. At the conclusion of this service, Bishop Van Wyk had fellowship with the students, and then there followed a presentation on study tips for those preparing to write examinations. The tertiary students were also given the opportunity to advise the Grade 12’s on what lies ahead if they wished to pursue their studies. Some interesting do’s and don’ts were shared to assist prospective students to be successful in their studies.

Seniors of Stellenbosch Bishop area are treated

They came in numbers. They are the pioneers in the Lord’s work from the Stellenbosch Bishop area and after all these years they haven’t ran out of patience in the waiting for the return of their Lord and Master. On Sunday 14 September 2008, Apostle M Arendse held a service for the senior congregants of the Stellenbosch Bishop area at the Drakenstein Correctional Facility. As the seniors stepped out of their transport, supported by many a brother or sister, one could see the anticipation of what was about to happen on their faces. A buzz of excitement filled the hall as some 700 gathered there. A chamber choir and orchestra rendered items from the hymn collection and the new English hymnal. Then it was time for the service to start, for which the apostle used a text word out of Revelations 14:12. In his serving Apostle Arendse was assisted by the Bishop C van Wyk and District Elder G Frieslaar, who further emphasized the teaching to the gathering. Upon conclusion of the service all came to the front to greet and some even took time to crack a joke with the servants of God. Lunch was then served and a special message was inscribed on the menus that were placed on the tables. This message was one of thanks to the seniors, assuring them of the love that the younger generation have for them. When all was said and done, a prayer was said and all honour was brought to our heavenly Father.

 

 

 

Strand and Elsies River meet at Dennekraal

For the week end starting off on Friday 29 August to Sunday 31 August 2008, the confirmation classes of Strand and Elsies River Districts undertook an educational outing to Dennekraal. The group arrived at Dennekraal on the Friday evening and District Elder G Frieslaar asked for the Lord’s blessing to dwell over them in prayer. An icebreaking activity was introduced and minutes after that it felt as if these youngsters have known each other all along. Supper was served and soon after it was lights out. An early morning start they got to experience to the disappointment of those that thought that this was a holiday trip. A day filled with activities ensued. Topics on Leadership skills, the Ten Commandments and much more about their faith led the program for the day. Following these discussions were indoor sports and this kept them busy for the rest of the day. Before they knew it, it was time for supper and this meant one thing…soon after supper it will be bedtime in preparation for the divine service, on Sunday. While these youngsters were getting ready for service Bishop C Van Wyk – who was enroute to Grabouw for a divine service – popped in to finalise the preparation in the hearts of the confirmands. This group gathered at the hall in Dennekraal for divine service which was conducted by District Elder G Frieslaar. Soon after the divine service this group engaged on a question and answer session based on the divine service. The District Evangelist R Felton was pleasantly surprised at the responses from these young brothers and sisters. The day was concluded with lunch and the subsequent clean-up of the venue. Afterwards the group of confirmands departed the venue for their respective homes. They were happy and thankful for a very enriching experience at the Dennekraal recreation Centre.

 

 

 

He will bless us . . .

On the evening of Wednesday 30 July 2008, Apostle M Arendse conducted a divine service for the congregation of Nomzamo in the Strand District. As a basis for this service the apostle used a text word taken out of Psalms 115:12, 13 and14. During the service nine members received the sacrament of Holy Sealing and one brother was ordained into the deacon ministry. This hour of blessing was followed by a congregational fellowship with the apostle who joined in the spirit of the Xhosa spirituals that were rendered by the choir whilst the rest of the congregation had a cup of warm soup and a piece of bread.

 

 

 

From the Stellenbosch district with love

The Stellenbosch district hosted an evening of music in aid of the Noah House for the Aged and this event raised R 4 200. District Elder L Ravell handed over the cheque to the chairman of the Noah House, Mr K Palmer, who along with his helpers were very happy and appreciative of this cash donation. The Noah House for the aged is an institution situated in Idas Valley and has over the years become the home of 11 seniors, two of whom are New Apostolic Christians. This establishment has recently undergone a revamping, which left a big hole in their finances. A few choir members from the district choir and the Sunday school choir accompanied the district elder and to conclude the handover of the donation rendered a few musical pieces for the enjoyment of those gathered.

 

 

 

Blessed moments in Somerset West District

On Sunday 3 August 2008 the combined congregations of Somerset West and Firgrove experienced a most blessed fellowship in a divine service conducted by Apostle M Arendse. In addition to the Apostle bestowing the silver wedding anniversary blessing on the Shepherd Theodore Berggren and his wife, Christine, the congregations also witnessed the ordination of 3 priests and 8 deacons. Furthermore the Apostle also dispensed the Holy Sealing on 4 babies.

 

 

 

Week-end mission trip to Fraserburg

On Friday 11 July 2008, some of the ministers of the Stellenbosch district embarked on a week-end mission trip to Fraserburg, a small town in the Northern Cape Province. After travelling some 490 kilometres they made their destination that evening to be welcomed with warm hearts in freezing weather conditions. The overnight temperature was a chilly minus 4 degrees and during the day the temperature could not struggle into double digits. The reception they however received after being introduced to the 7 families that make up this mission congregation was enough to keep the cold at bay. After giving family visits to all 7 families the visiting brothers were left with a lasting impression of the sincere gratitude with which they were received in every household. The visitors then went out to invite guests to the divine service the following day and after these door to door visits they started with the preparations of the school classroom in which the divine service would be held the following day. The visiting District Evangelist S Mansfield conducted the service and 5 visitors accepted the invitation to attended. Future visits were discussed and some more will certainly be seen in the near future.

 

 

 

A tree of remembrance

In preparation for the Service for the Departed on 6 July 2008, the Sunday school children of Strand district with the assistance of their Sunday school teachers put up a tree of remembrance in memory of all those who had passed away. Pictures of deceased loved ones were put up and when all the pasting was done, the children got to learn of the importance of praying for those in the beyond.

 

 

 

Friends, snakes and moles

A three day winter school program was organized for the Sunday school children of the Strand district at a local secondary school. From Wednesday 2 July to Friday 4 July 2008, the children in this district got up quite early to attend winter school. The theme was Friendship and the importance of trees was also emphasized. After making lots of new friends and learning a quite a bit about trees, the children staged a musical production on the evening of their last day at winter school. Bronwyn Williams, a horticulturist from the Helderbeg Municipality, helped by giving the children lessons on the importance of indigenous vegetation. The curious onlookers’ eyes were wide open when they were shown snakes and moles and told of the important role they play in nature.

 

 

 

And if you do these works . . .

Following the divine service of Sunday 1 June 2008, the youth members of the Strand District set out to the refugee camps that are scattered around the area to lend a helping hand. These youngsters gave up lunch with their families to assist in feeding the displaced foreign nationals at the Harmony Park Camp. They prepared sandwiches and cool drinks for those housed in this camp. The District Youth Facilitator thanked all those who had sacrificed their time to come out and help because their presence had created much joy in the tents.

 

 

 

Holy Sealing and ordinations

Strand Gustrouw congregation had the opportunity to be served by Apostle M Arendse on Sunday 1 June 2008. This gathering was served with a text word from Matthew 5:9. During the divine service a group of 24 souls were sealed while two deacons and a priest were ordained for the Strand South congregation.

 

 

 

Raising funds in Strand

A group of brothers from Strand district gave a performance at the Strand Hall as part of their fund raising activity for the district and also their trip to Germany. These brothers aka the Forte Group – all New Apostolic Christians – formed part of the Church’s choir that last month toured Germany and London upon invitation.

 

 

 

A musical Father’s Day for Strand district

On Sunday 15 June 2008, the congregations of the Strand district assembled for a choral hour hosted by the Sunday school children in celebrating Father’s Day. This choral hour brought joy to the hearts of many who attended but mostly melted the hearts of the fathers who were present. The rendition of well selected hymns from the Bright and Beautiful Children’s Hymn Collection made this a memorable occasion.

 

 

 

 

Apostle Arendse serves in Gordon’s Bay

On Sunday 25 May 2008, Apostle M Arendse conducted a divine service for the congregation of Gordon’s Bay. This was a festive occasion for the congregation as a father and two of his sons were ordained to be ministers and a couple received a silver wedding anniversary blessing. The Apostle bestowed the silver wedding blessing on District Evangelist Marthinus and Sister Evy Scheffers. The Meissenheimer men were then ordained: the father as a priest and two of his sons as deacons. In addition, another son of the Meissenheimer household who is already a deacon was introduced to the congregation on this day.

 

 

 

 

Wednesday 9 April birthdays in Strand

During a divine service conducted by District Elder G. Frieslaar in the Strand Gustrouw congregation on Wednesday 9 April 2008, the district elder wished Shepherd J. Williams and Community Evangelist C. Abrahams well on their birthday. These two ministers were born on the same day just a few years apart. Following this service the ministers gathered at the house of Shepherd Williams for tea and cake when they were surprised by a visit from Bishop C Van Wyk. The bishop added his well wishes to those the birthday boys had already received.

 

 

 

 

Strand District plant trees in community parks

On Saturday 19 April 2008, the teachers and Sunday school children of the Strand district joined forces with the local municipality and planted trees at various parks in the area. In addition, this group planted 21 trees at the Strand Secondary School and this proved to be quite some coincidence as the school is this year celebrating its 21st year in existence. The principal, Mr. Gavin Phillips, thanked the church for the gesture and a community newspaper from the Strand was at hand to report on the event. This newspaper also quoted District Elder G. Frieslaar as saying that planting trees are an investment in the community.

 

 

 

Bishop meets ministers in preparation for retirement

On Friday 18 April 2008, Bishop C van Wyk organized a fellowship meeting for three district leaders who were to be placed into retirement on Sunday 27 April 2008. This fellowship was held at the Drakenstein Correctional Services Hall and all the active district leaders and rectors from all over the Stellenbosch Bishop area were in attendance. This day was also the bishop’s birthday but District Evangelists R Sauls and A Titus together with District Elder O Grobelaar were the men in the spotlight. Apostle M Arendse also joined the gathering and spent some time with those in attendance.

 

 

 

‘Trust in the Lord’, Stellenbosch youth told

On Sunday 13 April 2008, Apostle M Arendse conducted a divine service for the youth members of the Stellenbosch Bishop area. As a basis for this service the apostle used a text word taken out of Proverbs 3: 5&6. Following the scripture reading the apostle requested that the new youth stand up and he welcomed them into the ranks of the youth. When the youth sang “Majesty” to round off the service, it brought back the memories of the youth convention when the Chief Apostle was here.

 

 

 

Gordon’s Bay too

On the morning of Saturday 19 April 2008 the Gordon’s Bay congregation launched their “Save-a-Tree-for-Me” thanksgiving theme. That morning the whole congregation was treated to singing and dancing by the Sunday school children. Sporting their green “Save-a-Tree-for-Me” t-shirts this group of entertainers did their thing as they danced in unison showing that they had prepared well for this occasion. On Sunday 20 April 2008 the same group, led by District Evangelist L Ravell, prepared and planted saplings while singing the songs they had rendered the previous day.

 

 

 

Apostle Arendse plants tree in Strand

On the morning of Sunday 13 April 2008, Strand North congregation was served by Apostle M Arendse and the apostle based this service on a text word out of the Acts 9:31. During the course of this divine service the apostle wished District Evangelist A. Titus well on his birthday and the evangelist was presented with a sapling by one of the Sunday school children on behalf of the congregation. Afterwards the congregation stood by to watch Apostle Arendse planting the first tree in line with this year’s Thanksgiving theme. The Sunday school children sported their green “Save a Tree for Me” t-shirts and intently watched what the Apostle was doing so that they could do the same.

 

 

 

Strand South congregation launches “Save a Tree for Me”

The congregation of Strand South launched the “Save a tree for Me” Thanksgiving theme on Sunday 13 April 2008. The preparations for this launch were on the roll on Saturday already as the congregants gathered to prepare the church hall and adorn it especially for the occasion. The entrance to the church was beautifully decorated with branches from a palm tree and the Sunday school children and teachers had made posters describing the life of a tree. On the Sunday, after the DVD presentation from District Apostle NE Barnes, a play telling of the life of a tree and how useful trees are, was presented by the children. The coordinator of the congregation at the launch made mention of the fact that trees provide oxygen, much like our prayers provide oxygen for the soul.

 

 

 

District Apostle bearing gifts for Franschoek

During a divine service conducted by District Apostle N Barnes at the Klapmuts congregation on Sunday 24 February 2008, the district of Franschoek received more than just a blessed service – they also received new servers: two community evangelists, a shepherd and a district elder. A congregation of some 450 including 21 visitors experienced the sermon which was based on the text word taken out of Luke 9:30-31. The congregants then witnessed the ordination of District Evangelist A Martin as a district elder for the Franschoek district.

Strand’s 50 got a surprise on their valedictory

On Monday 17 March 2008, the Strand district hosted a valedictory for their 50 confirmands at the Strand Secondary School hall. This day boasted a beautiful program as the different choirs from all over the district rendered musical pieces to touch the hearts of all those present. During the course of the proceedings for this farewell celebration, Apostle M Arendse paid a surprise visit to those present, but more especially for the confirmands. Well wishes were conveyed to the confirmands by the ministers, parents and the Sunday school teachers, while the youth chamber choir gave them a demonstration of the joys of being a youngster in the New Apostolic Church.

 

 

 

Apostle Arendse in Firlands mission congregation

On the evening of 13 February 2008, Apostle Matthew Arendse conducted a divine service in the Firlands mission congregation in the Stellenbosch bishop area. As a basis for this service, the apostle used a text word taken out of the book of 1 Peter 1:15 “But as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct.” Coincidentally, this day also marked the birthdays of Deacons J Booysen and B Maans and Apostle Arendse took the opportunity to wish these two well on this their special day.

 

 

 

 

 

A new priest and deacon for Nomzamo

On Sunday 3 February 2008, Apostle M Arendse conducted a divine service in Nomzamo congregation in the Strand bishop area. This service was for the brethren of Nomzamo and the surrounding areas and the apostle read out a text word from the gospel of Matthew 13:44 “Again, the kingdom of heaven Is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and hid; and for joy over it he goes and sells all he has and buys that field.” During this service - translated into Xhosa from the altar- Deacon Solomon Thomboti was ordained as a priest and Brother Matthew Mdini was ordained as a deacon. After the service Apostle Arendse joined the members in singing traditional songs.

 

 

 

Deacon Phillips retires

On the evening of Wednesday 19 December 2007, Apostle Matthew Arendse conducted a divine service in the Strand Gustrouw congregation. During this service Apostle Arendse placed Deacon Phillips into retirement. This gathering also saw the sealing of 24 souls with the Holy Spirit.