Hi Table View Methodist Family,
I look forward to seeing you for communion this Sunday - we will talk about the theme: "We want to be more like Jesus..." Services are at 8, 930 and isiXhosa at 11am


Alpha Course - Who is the Holy Spirit?
All Saints Day, All Souls Day and Halloween
Around
about this time of the year I get a lot of emails and questions about
Halloween. Children told my child at school that Halloween was "The
Devil's Birthday."
The word Halloween is derived from the words "All Halos Evening" - it has been celebrated on the first of November since the ninth century; before that - from about the fourth century it was celebrated one week after Pentecost. Holy Days were usually celebrated with a feast on the 'eve' of the holy day because days used to be counted from sunset to sunset.
The purpose of all saints day is to celebrate the lives of the 'saints' or the 'sanctified' and to remember that we have nothing to be afraid of as far as death is concerned. Sanctification is a process which begins when we offer our lives to Christ and allow the Holy Spirit to begin transforming us into the people we were created to be; we are promised that because of Jesus - when we die - we will be transformed; perfected, sanctified. Hebrews 11 and 12 remind Christians about the many who have gone before us - and encourage us to 'run with perseverance the race that is set before us' (Hebrews 12:1) as we follow Jesus.
The tradition of dressing up in costumes originated in the pre-Christian fear of death and the spirits of the dead. In Keltic countries people dressed up in costume in order to disguise themselves from spirits that might come to haunt them or curse them. These days kids dress up in scary costumes as a way of reminding us that we have nothing to fear; instead we laugh at these childish games because of the confidence we have in the victory that Jesus has won.
So this Halloween if you get the opportunity - share the Christian joy that we have - hopeful that God will complete the work that he has begun in us. Thankful for those who have gone before us - and set an example for us. And unafraid - because of the victory of Jesus. If kids in scary costumes knock at your door - use the opportunity to love your neighbours; get to know them - and maybe even invite them to church.
Family Bring and Braai - 6 November, 630pm
If you bring your kids to youth on a Friday evening - or even if your kids are too small for youth - join us on Friday 6 November
from 630pm for a Bring and Braai in the memorial garden... Pack as if
you were going for a picnic in the park - our kitchen and crockery
facilities are limited. It will be a chance for folks in the
congregation who have small children to get to know each other.
God bless,
See you Sunday,
Gus