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Joy and Celebration - 8 December 2016
Hi Table View Methodist Family,
I'm on leave at the moment - but I can't help sharing some good news with you.This Sunday we explore the Advent Virtue of 'Joy' - What is it? Where / how do I get it? and How can I gift it?
Last
night Heather and I were greatly privileged to celebrate 'Ma' Johannah
Keikelame's graduation from Stellenbosch University. Dr Keikelame
graduated with a PhD in Psychology.
At
the celebration last night we heard from Dr Johannah's family about how
she and her sister traveled to school by donkey cart in the rural North
West during the 50's and 60's. How she qualified as an educator and
then as a nurse.
But her hunger for knowledge
brought her back to university in the '90s. At the age of 50, a working
mother, Dr Keikelame redid her Matric and then went on to study
Psychology, graduating with honours and progressing to Honours, Masters
and now completing her PhD studies! Students at UCT medical school have
celebrated her part in teaching Community Medicine to forth years - and
many of us see 'Ma' J - as a special 'mother figure' to all of us at
church.
1 Corinthians 12:26 reminds us that '...if one member is honoured, all rejoice together with it.'
And so Dr Keikelame - we all rejoice with you. And we thank God for
the privilege of being a part of the body of Christ with you here in
this place. We look forward to supporting you and praying with you as
you continue to follow God's call on your life.
Dr
Keikelame's research focused on the experience of Epilepsy and its
Psychological and Social impact on people especially in marginalized
rural and township communities. She advocates for the proper education,
support and empowerment of people with Psychiatric conditions.
Dr Keikelame is also the chair of our Woman's Manyano at Table View Methodist Church.
Chaotic Carol Jam 17 December from 6pm to 8pm
On
17 December we will gather in the church garden or the church sanctuary
(depending on the weather) for a picnic and carols and reading of
lessons from the Christmas story. Bring your instruments and dress as
your favorite nativity characters - sheep, lions (we had several in our
Christmas play), angels, shepherds, donkeys, Josephs, Marys, Wise Men -
or just yourself. Carol singing will start at about 7pm.
God Bless,
Gus
Christmas Fete this Saturday 10am- 2pm
Hi Table View Methodist,
Don't forget our Christmas Fete on Saturday!!!!
New Year's Day
On
New Year's Day we will have one service at 930am. It will be a songs
of praise service - with communion; a great way to start the year.
Please send me your song requests and we'll see how we can incorporate
them into the service.
God bless,
Gus
Pastoral Note - 11 November 2016
Hi Table View Methodist Family,
I'll
be with you this Sunday at 8 and 930, Mzimkhulu Seroto will lead the
service at 11am. I'll be talking about the book of Revelation this
Sunday as we come to end of The Story.
Don't forget the Men's Conference 26 November, the Craft Market on 3 December and our Annual Society Meeting on 19 November at 8am.
Please
keep myself and our local preachers in your prayers as we head up to
Vredenberg for our last Local Preacher's Quarterly Meeting of the year
on Saturyda - Pray for the 83 local preachers that serve our circuit,
preaching the Word of God in diverse places every Sunday.
In other news:
3 Do not put your trust in princes,
in mortals, in whom there is no help.
4 When their breath departs, they return to the earth;
on that very day their plans perish.
5 Happy are those whose help is the God of Jacob,
whose hope is in the LORD their God,
6 who made heaven and earth,
the sea, and all that is in them;
who keeps faith forever;
7 who executes justice for the oppressed;
who gives food to the hungry.
- Psalm 146:3-7
The Methodist Church of Southern Africa joins the South African Council of
Churches in expressing our shock at what appears to be calculated "intrigue" in the
goings on catalogued in the "State of Capture" report.
We acknowledge that the report is preliminary and inconclusive and that the Public Protector has recommended further investigation by a Judicial Commission of Enquiry. We support this call and hope that due processes will be expedited post haste. We find it very unfortunate that as mentioned in the report, the position of the Head of State is becoming increasingly untenable.
We call on all Methodists to commit to prayer and fasting for the nation of South Africa and all creation. We ask that Church bells throughout South Africa be rung at 12 noon for 7 days from Sunday 13 November, culminating in concerted prayer on Sunday 20 November 2016. We will, at this time, also pray for President Zuma and all those implicated in the report to interrogate their consciences and do the honourable thing by voluntarily stepping down for the good of the country should they be founding wanting. We acknowledge that in the event of their resignations, this will not dig us out of the political and economic quagmire we find ourselves in today but it will send out a clear signal to a commitment to a new dawn of statesmanship and political accountability.
We further ask all our members to engage in courageous conversations as we pray and seek to discern Gods will for the country, irrespective of our narrow and partisan political persuasions.
We acknowledge that the report is preliminary and inconclusive and that the Public Protector has recommended further investigation by a Judicial Commission of Enquiry. We support this call and hope that due processes will be expedited post haste. We find it very unfortunate that as mentioned in the report, the position of the Head of State is becoming increasingly untenable.
We call on all Methodists to commit to prayer and fasting for the nation of South Africa and all creation. We ask that Church bells throughout South Africa be rung at 12 noon for 7 days from Sunday 13 November, culminating in concerted prayer on Sunday 20 November 2016. We will, at this time, also pray for President Zuma and all those implicated in the report to interrogate their consciences and do the honourable thing by voluntarily stepping down for the good of the country should they be founding wanting. We acknowledge that in the event of their resignations, this will not dig us out of the political and economic quagmire we find ourselves in today but it will send out a clear signal to a commitment to a new dawn of statesmanship and political accountability.
We further ask all our members to engage in courageous conversations as we pray and seek to discern Gods will for the country, irrespective of our narrow and partisan political persuasions.
Statement released by the office of
Bishop Ziphozihle Siwa
Presiding Bishop of the Methodist Church of Southern Africa
Bishop Ziphozihle Siwa
Presiding Bishop of the Methodist Church of Southern Africa
Pastoral Note 3 November 2016
Hi Table View Methodist Family,
I look forward to sharing communion and worshiping with you this Sunday at 8, 930 and 11am.
See below for: Men's Conference 26 November & Christmas Craft Market 3 December, also a video of our church from 1993-2003.
Baptism, Confirmation and Reception into Membership
This Sunday at all of our services we will be celebrating reception into Membership. Membership of the Methodist Church is:
...based upon a personal experience of the Lord Jesus Christ, brought about by the Spirit, ranging from the earliest signs of Divine Grace in the soul to its crowning blessedness in the joy of ‘perfect love’, and upon a sharing of such gifts of grace with others seeking or enjoying a similar experience.
...based upon a personal experience of the Lord Jesus Christ, brought about by the Spirit, ranging from the earliest signs of Divine Grace in the soul to its crowning blessedness in the joy of ‘perfect love’, and upon a sharing of such gifts of grace with others seeking or enjoying a similar experience.
All persons are welcomed into membership who sincerely desire to be saved
from their sins through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and show the same in life
and conduct, and who seek to have communion with Christ Himself and His
people by taking up the duties and privileges of the Methodist Church.
Having turned away from evil, and turned to God, trusting
in Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour and in the Holy Spirit as Helper
and Guide we ask every member to make the following commitments:
Will you commit yourself to the Christian life of worship and service, and be open to the renewing power of God?
Will you seek the strength of God's Spirit as you accept the cost of following Jesus Christ in your daily life?
Will you witness, by word and deed, to the good news of God in Christ, and so bring glory to God?
Will
you so maintain the Church's life of worship and service so that
together we may grow in grace and in the knowledge and love of God and
of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord?
We respond to these questions: With God's help I will.
Stand at the crossroads, and look,
and ask for the ancient paths,
where the good way lies; and walk in it,
and find rest for your souls.
Baptism and communion 2 October 2016
Hi Table View Methodist Family,
I look forward to worshiping with you at 8, 930, 11 and 630pm this Sunday.
For you Jesus Christ came into
the world; for you he lived and
showed God's love; for you he
suffered death on the Cross;
for you he triumphed over
death, rising to newness of
life; for you he prays at God's right
hand: all this for you, before
you could know anything of it. In your Baptism, the word of
Scripture is fulfilled: 'We love, because God first
loved us.'
For each person we see we must remember: For you Jesus Christ came into the world... If we treated people like we knew that - the world would be a better place.
We'll be baptizing and celebrating communion at 8 and 930; communion only at 11 and 630pm.
Youth Ministry
Sunday
School and Youth Activities are on a break for the school holidays.
Our youth pastor, Iain Uys is heading up to George to write his
candidate for ministry exam this weekend. Keep him in your prayers.
Please
bring your children to church, especially for Baptism and Communion
this Sunday - I'll do my best to keep the sermon short. Feel free to
bring soft toys and colouring in (no noisy toys!). Let them sit on the
floor if they like. Bring them to the front to witness the baptism;
help them to know that Baptism means that they are also a part of God's
family at Table View Methodist.
Gideon's Bibles
On
Sunday 9th Gideon's Bible distributors have asked to come and speak at
our 8 and 930am services. I've got a weekend off that Sunday - so I'll
see you again on 16 October; Iain will be on duty when he returns from
his exam.
Music Evening 21 October
There will be a planning meeting for the music evening on 4 October at 7pm. Please chat to George Courie for more information.
Prayers
Members
of our church work at the various universities and schools in the
Western Cape. Some of our members are students, some are police. As we
watch the news we might only see the radical edges of protests and
policing; in the middle of all this are real people... the people who we
baptize. The people we sit next to in church on a Sunday; people who
want to work together for the coming of God's Kingdom.
Please
pray that our country and all those in power in various spheres of
governance would work diligently and justly to find workable solutions.
Pray
that we wouldn't only see the extreme edges - but that we'd learn to
see beyond the hype in the media to the real problems at the heart of
conflict in our land. God can work through us to make a huge difference
in the situation in our land.
God bless,
Rev Angus Kelly
Pastoral Note - The Teaching of Jesus
Hi Table View Methodist Family,
I look forward to worshiping with you at 8am, 930am, 11am and 630pm this coming Sunday. Everyone is always welcome. Our 930am service and 11am African Language + English service both have Sunday School.Our society's vision / mission statement is:
If you want to catch up on recent sermons go to this website:
http://tableviewmethodist.
Baptism, Confirmation and Reception in to Membership
On the first Sunday in October we will be baptizing and on the first Sunday in November we will be confirming and receiving into membership those who are committed to the journey of discipleship with us.
Whether you are a member or a visitor I believe that we as a church
should treat everyone as equal. The decision to be a member of a
church is about committing yourself to its ministry and mission.
Feel free to chat to me about what this means.
Fun(d) Raising Events
In order to meet our budgets we need to put on a few fund raising events.
In order to meet our budgets we need to put on a few fund raising events.
24 September - International Food Fair No need to wash up or cook on that day - just come to church and sample some of our offerings.
21 October - Musical Evening (R40 including Boerie Roll)
3 December - Christmas Craft Fair
Serenity Prayer Series - January to February 2017
I'm planning a sermon series on The Serenity Prayer for
next year. Hopefully we'll get some fridge magnets made etc and hand
them out at our Christmas and Advent services inviting all our visitors
to join us for the series.
Think about how you can support this initiative.
Maybe you can form a small group with some friends to meet during this series to support and pray for each other inviting others to join?
How can we teach our children in Sunday School about accepting what can not be changed, changing what can, living one moment at a time, coping with hardships, surrendering to God and finding true joy?
Maybe you can form a small group with some friends to meet during this series to support and pray for each other inviting others to join?
How can we teach our children in Sunday School about accepting what can not be changed, changing what can, living one moment at a time, coping with hardships, surrendering to God and finding true joy?
Maybe you have a testimony to share with us about acceptance, change, joy in adversity, serenity and hope?
Alpha Course 2017
More planning ahead - I would like us to offer the Alpha Course starting 16 February 2017; it will be on Thursday Nights from 7pm. The course will run until 11 May
with breaks over the Easter Holidays etc. I would like to encourage
all Bible Study Groups especially to get involved in supporting,
facilitating and leading the Alpha Course.
God bless,
Rev Angus Kelly
--
Rev Angus Kelly
BAPTISM, CONFIRMATION, MEMBERSHIP
BAPTISM, CONFIRMATION, MEMBERSHIP
Next Baptism Service: 2 October, 8am, 930am and 11am
Next Confirmation Service: 6 November, 8am, 930am and 11am
What is Membership?
A member of a church is someone who is in 'fellowship' with that
church. Membership is partnership. The Greek word in the New Testament
is koinonia; it implies partnership and an intention to work together to achieve a goal.Our goal is discipleship; we work together to become and to make disciples. We do this in response to Jesus' great commission in Matthew 28:19-20 -
"Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” - Matthew 28:19-20
A disciple is a student. We are students of Jesus. We want to learn to be more like him in heart, mind and soul. In the earliest life of the church Christianity was simply called: 'The Way' Our way, is the Jesus way.
But following Jesus is not just about learning - it is about relationship.
When we come to believe that Jesus is Lord (The Son of God) and we invite the Holy Spirit to come and live in our hearts we begin to realize that we are God's children. Paul describes the characteristics of the children of God in Galatians 5 when he describes the fruit of the Holy Spirit:
'...love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control....' - Galatians 5:22-23
Our Methodist Rule book, The Book of Order describes the conditions of membership as follows:
"Membership... is based upon a personal experience of the Lord Jesus Christ, brought about by the Spirit, ranging from the earliest signs of Divine Grace in the soul to its crowning blessedness in the joy of 'perfect love.'" - Book of Order 3.1
It is hard to describe what the earliest signs of Divine Grace in
the soul are - but I think that means the slightest twinkle of God's
love reaching the heart of a person and a gentle resolve to follow Jesus
more closely. Our relationship with Jesus grows from our noticing him
in the distance - to the point where we are his most intimate disciples.
Membership of the church is there to help us on that journey from
the beginning of discipleship - calling out to Jesus - to the point
where we follow him most closely and call others to join us.
Is there a difference between attending a church and joining a church?
Before you become a Christian it is OK to 'attend' church. But
once you become a Christian you should 'join' a church. The New
Testament encourages us to "bear one another's burdens" (Galatians 6:2); Acts describes the earliest Christians as being 'devoted to fellowship' (Acts 2:42).
As long as you simply 'attend' church you are not taking full
responsibility for your part in the community. And you are not
following the example of the earliest Christ followers who were devoted
to the fellowship - they played their part in the partnership.
JOINING THE CHURCH
Baptism, Confirmation and Reception into Membership
BAPTISM
In Acts 2 when people came to believe in Jesus they asked Peter: "What should we do?" his response was: "Repent and be baptized every one of you... and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." (Acts 2:38)
The Methodist Church baptizes both children and adults; but if you
have been baptized as a child we may not baptize you a second time.
Baptism is a sign of God's grace given for you - the washing away of
your sins - the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. We encourage parents to
bring their children for baptism and when they bring their children for
baptism to commit to raising those children in the faith.
If you have already been baptized but not been confirmed we invite you to be confirmed.
CONFIRMATION (AND ADULT BAPTISM)
In the case of those able to answer for themselves, or come for
baptism of their own volition we encourage them to be confirmed at the
same time. Confirmation is a public declaration of your faith in the
Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. It is also a sign of your desire
to receive the Holy Spirit.
In the confirmation service we ask you:
"Do you turn away from evil and all that denies God?"
and
"Do you turn to God, trusting in Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour, and in the Holy Spirit as Helper and Guide?"
"Do you turn away from evil and all that denies God?"
and
"Do you turn to God, trusting in Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour, and in the Holy Spirit as Helper and Guide?"
Your answer to these questions should be: "By the grace of God I do."
We then ask you to affirm your faith in the Father, Son and Holy Spirit as described in the Apostle's Creed.
Having affirmed your faith you are invited to kneel and the
minister lays his or her hand on your head and prays that you would be
filled with the Holy Spirit and strengthened for discipleship.
RECEPTION INTO MEMBERSHIP
If you have already been baptised and confirmed then there is no
need to be baptised or confirmed again. But we do ask those who would
like to commit to fellowship in the Methodist Church:
Will you commit yourself to the Christian life of worship and service, and be open to the renewing power of God?
Will you seek the strength of God's Spirit as you accept the cost of following Jesus Christ in your daily life?
Will you witness, by word and deed, to the good news of God in Christ, and so bring glory to God?
In return we ask the church community to commit to you:
Will you so maintain the Church's life of worship and service
that these brothers and sisters may grow in grace and in the knowledge
and love of God and of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord?
WHAT NEXT?
If you would like to be baptised,
if you would like to have your children baptised,
if you would like to be confirmed,
if you would like to be received as a member,
then be sure to speak to me, or contact our church office between 9 and 1pm so that we can arrange the necessary preparation.
if you would like to have your children baptised,
if you would like to be confirmed,
if you would like to be received as a member,
then be sure to speak to me, or contact our church office between 9 and 1pm so that we can arrange the necessary preparation.
Next Baptism Service: 2 October, 8am, 930am and 11am
Next Confirmation Service: 6 November, 8am, 930am and 11am
Also: If you want to baptize your baby but the baptism robe is
going to be too small if we don't do it soon enough. Or if your friends
and family are coming from far away and they'll be here on a specific
weekend - then please speak to me so we can see if we can make a special
arrangement for baptism at one of our other Sunday services.
God bless,
Rev Angus Kelly--
Rev Angus Kelly
Evening Service - Every Sunday Except the Last Sunday of the Month
Hi Table View Methodist Family,
This Sunday there will be communion at 8, 930, 11 and 630pm!!!
We'll be starting our evening service up again. Every Sunday except the last Sunday of the month.
The evening service will be a bit different. We're calling it 'Unplugged'.
No dress code (even for the minister).
Come in your bowling gear, beach gear... pajamas might be crossing a line, but you're welcome to wear slippers.
Sometimes there won't be a sermon. Just a Bible reading and some quiet time to pray about it.
The instruments and music will be 'unplugged' (all acoustic.)
We're going to use songbooks - members of the service are welcome to choose the songs from our songbook as we go.
Sometimes we'll meet outside in the garden if the weather is nice.
The service will probably be about 45 minutes instead of the full 1 hour.
Unplugged is also a confession - we are 'unplugged' and we need to reconnect with God before we start the week.
The Story
In The Story this Sunday
we will focus on the story of Esther (Chapter 20 of The Story, or the
book of Esther in the Bible). We're focusing on Esther because Tuesday is Women's Day.
The
following week we'll go back to chapter 19, The Return Home. For
Chapter 19 read Ezra 1-6, Haggai 1-2 and Zechariah 1 and 8.
The Story 20 - Esther Discussion Starters:
What do you think of Beauty Contests? Was Esther taken as a slave bride?
When was the last time you faced a threatening situation? What was your reaction? Why do you think Esther was courageous?
In what ways have you experienced God's faithfulness in your life?
What steps can you take to show that you trust in the faithfulness of God?
God bless,
Rev Angus Kelly
--
Rev Angus Kelly
Table View Methodist - Souper Bowl, Sunday School, The Story Chapter 17
Hi Table View Methodist Family,
This Sunday Sunday School begins again and we resume our reading of The Story with Chapter 17, The Kingdom's Fall. Mr Iain Uys is preaching at 8am, Mr Ryan Fernandez at 930am, and Mr Bambelela Ngxaki at 11am. I will be preaching and serving communion to the Methodist Church in Brooklyn (Near Milnerton, not New York!)
The Story - Recap...
We remember how the Israelites formed a nation of 12 tribes that later became divided when Solomon's Son Rehoboam took over. The Judeans and the Benjaminites held on to Judah (in which Jerusalem is located) and the rest formed Northern Israel which later became known as Samaria.
Monday night Bible Study begins again this Monday, 25 July at 730pm. Everyone is welcome to join us.
Come
along to our Souper Bowl fun(d) raiser. A nutritious bowl of soup R15
and desert R10; Tea and Coffee for Free. There will be a jumping castle, hot dogs, pancakes and great fellowship. Its not too late to bring an entry into the soup competition.
I look forward to seeing you there.
Evening Service Beginning Sundays in August, 630pm
We
want to give everyone the opportunity to join us in worship every
Sunday; so from August we will begin a small, informal evening service
that will meet every Sunday except the last Sunday of the month. We will not be following The Story at
our evening services; so the theme / sermon will be a little
different. Please consider coming to the evening service every now and
again in order to help build up the numbers.
On the
last Sundays of the month our youth pastor and youth worship team have
been invited to lead worship at Marsh Memorial Children's Home. This is
an important ministry opportunity for us as a church; so please keep it
in your prayers.
Youth
Junior youth kicks off again this Friday evening at 530pm and Senior Youth from 730pm.
Facebook Page
If you're on Facebook, please like Table View Methodist's Facebook page: www.facebook.com/
Snapscan
To
try and minimize the amount of cash that we handle as a church (on
church premises) we have signed up with Snapscan to help us to collect
donations and payments. If you are a smartphone user who uses your
phone for payments you can download the Snapscan app via the Google Play or Apple store. You can find our Snapscan code in the notices and in the foyer of the church.
If you don't know what Snapscan is - don't worry - the other methods of collecting are all still in place!
Here is our Snapscan Code for Offerings...
For
those who are interested, Snapscan charges us a 3% transaction fee (R3
of R100) and deposits the funds into our account on the next day.
God bless,
Rev Angus Kelly
--
Rev Angus Kelly
Pastoral Note - 7 July 2016
Hi Table View Methodist Family,
I returned to work today to finish preparing my sermon for Sunday and write this note.
Passing of Faith Adams and Margaret Hodgkiss
Faith Adams' memorial service will take place at the church next Saturday 16 July at 2pm.
Evening Service from August, 6pm
From August we will be starting up our evening Service every Sunday except the last Sunday of the month. The service will take place at 6pm and we will meet in the foyer or the Sunday School hall. If you want to commit to being part of the team that will make the evening service happen - please let us know.
On
the last Sundays of the month Iain and the youth worship team will be
leading worship and preaching for the children at the Marsh Memorial
Home in Rondebosch. We will keep you informed as this ministry
develops.
God bless,
Rev Angus Kelly
Cape of Good Hope District Synod - Report of the Listening Committee 2016
Under the theme "A transforming discipleship movement - shaped for mission" the 187th Annual Synod of the Cape of Good Hope District of the Methodist Church of Southern Africa gathered in Namaqualand on the occasion of the bi-centenary celebrations of Methodist witness here.
References to the beginning of the work of God in Namaqualand reminded synod that our business is to be in mission, aware of the real danger of becoming an institutional body that has only its own self-
interest at heart. We heard the call to heed the signs and the danger of becoming a dying church.
Synod heard the consistent challenge to re-discover our humanity and be a people who align with
God's mission in the world.
The Presiding Bishop, and the Bishop, in their addresses, challenged us to rediscover our identity and align with God's mission to the world that all may live fully human as children of God. Our Bishop, Rev Michel Hansrod, asked if we were John Wesley’s greatest nightmare, “A dead sect”. A son of Namaqualand, Rev John Stewe, invited the Synod, and the whole church, to allow God's Spirit to be our guide.
We heard of the sacrifices made by so many, for the sake of mission, especially in the Namaqualand community. Eleven cyclists rode from Nuwerus to Springbok, a distance of 200 kms, and raised funds for the Synod Legacy Fund for mission and ministry in Namaqualand. Synod remembered the many who had, sacrificially, given of themselves and their resources to share in God's mission over the last 200 years. A very special sacrificial offering was a gift of R 4000 collected by pensioners from the Eastern Cape, sharing from their meagre resources with others. Together the people called Methodist have raised R 250 000 for the Legacy Fund enabling mission to continue in Namaqualand.
Synod acknowledged the sinfulness of the exclusion of women from the ministry of Word and Sacrament for so many years and gave thanks for those who sacrificed a great deal to help us discover that God's mission includes all. We celebrated the 40th anniversary of the ordination of women in our church. A powerfully bible study by Rev Nomsa Nomqolo challenged us to acknowledge the continued discrimination against women in our churches, and repent. We recognised that, to be shaped for mission, we must ask whom we continue to exclude from the ministry.
We were again reminded that to engage in God's mission we need to care for the wounded (charity) and engage those who do the wounding (justice).
Synod celebrated the acceptance of four young people who are seeking to candidate for the ministry of Word and sacrament. We gave thanks to God for the continuation of God’s mission through the acceptance to proceed to ordination, for three probationer ministers.
We were privileged to have the Presiding Bishop, Rev Ziphozihle Siwa, in our midst on the occasion of his re-election. We celebrated too with the re-election of Rev Yvette Moses as Vice-chairperson of our District.
Synod acknowledged that too often our processes are more bureaucratic than discerning and this was evident even during synod business. We expressed the need to find ways to be more discerning in all our church life in order to be more shaped for mission.
Leliefontein Methodist Mission was the venue for the bi-centenary celebration and we gave thanks to God for the many who obediently served God and served the call to mission.
As we prepared to return home we remembered the words heard during synod: The church does not have a mission; God has a mission for the church. We leave to discern how we can serve God’s mission in the world.
References to the beginning of the work of God in Namaqualand reminded synod that our business is to be in mission, aware of the real danger of becoming an institutional body that has only its own self-
interest at heart. We heard the call to heed the signs and the danger of becoming a dying church.
Synod heard the consistent challenge to re-discover our humanity and be a people who align with
God's mission in the world.
The Presiding Bishop, and the Bishop, in their addresses, challenged us to rediscover our identity and align with God's mission to the world that all may live fully human as children of God. Our Bishop, Rev Michel Hansrod, asked if we were John Wesley’s greatest nightmare, “A dead sect”. A son of Namaqualand, Rev John Stewe, invited the Synod, and the whole church, to allow God's Spirit to be our guide.
We heard of the sacrifices made by so many, for the sake of mission, especially in the Namaqualand community. Eleven cyclists rode from Nuwerus to Springbok, a distance of 200 kms, and raised funds for the Synod Legacy Fund for mission and ministry in Namaqualand. Synod remembered the many who had, sacrificially, given of themselves and their resources to share in God's mission over the last 200 years. A very special sacrificial offering was a gift of R 4000 collected by pensioners from the Eastern Cape, sharing from their meagre resources with others. Together the people called Methodist have raised R 250 000 for the Legacy Fund enabling mission to continue in Namaqualand.
Synod acknowledged the sinfulness of the exclusion of women from the ministry of Word and Sacrament for so many years and gave thanks for those who sacrificed a great deal to help us discover that God's mission includes all. We celebrated the 40th anniversary of the ordination of women in our church. A powerfully bible study by Rev Nomsa Nomqolo challenged us to acknowledge the continued discrimination against women in our churches, and repent. We recognised that, to be shaped for mission, we must ask whom we continue to exclude from the ministry.
We were again reminded that to engage in God's mission we need to care for the wounded (charity) and engage those who do the wounding (justice).
Synod celebrated the acceptance of four young people who are seeking to candidate for the ministry of Word and sacrament. We gave thanks to God for the continuation of God’s mission through the acceptance to proceed to ordination, for three probationer ministers.
We were privileged to have the Presiding Bishop, Rev Ziphozihle Siwa, in our midst on the occasion of his re-election. We celebrated too with the re-election of Rev Yvette Moses as Vice-chairperson of our District.
Synod acknowledged that too often our processes are more bureaucratic than discerning and this was evident even during synod business. We expressed the need to find ways to be more discerning in all our church life in order to be more shaped for mission.
Leliefontein Methodist Mission was the venue for the bi-centenary celebration and we gave thanks to God for the many who obediently served God and served the call to mission.
As we prepared to return home we remembered the words heard during synod: The church does not have a mission; God has a mission for the church. We leave to discern how we can serve God’s mission in the world.
Pastoral Letter 19 May
Hi Table View Methodist Family,
First of all - thank you so much for your wonderful response to the
needs of the créche at the Atlantis Methodist Church. We were able to
take one bakkie load through on Wednesday. One of our cell groups has started making soup to be frozen in 2l containers and distributed to Atlantis on a weekly basis.
Last Sunday we remembered the dedication of the temple under the
reign of Solomon. The beautiful image of God's fire coming down to
consume the sacrifices reminds us of the gift of the Holy Spirit at
Pentecost. The Spirit sets people on fire - giving them a sense of
God's love, God's salvation and God's call on their lives. But as we
read chapter 14 of The Story we see how quickly even Solomon
loses sight of the gifts of God's grace. The greed of Solomon's son
Rehoboam results in Jeroboam leading 10 tribes out of the alliance that
had formed under Samuel, Saul, David and Solomon. Jeroboam's insecurity
leads him to lead the people of Israel into idolatry.
As we read the Old Testament we learn a lot about God's patient persistence in calling the people he loves to himself.
Men's Ministry
Men of the congregation will be meeting from 8am to 9am in the youth room on Saturday morning 21 May for prayer, encouragement and fellowship. Everyone is invited. They meet every second Saturday.
On Sunday
Afternoon I will be on my way to Synod in Namaqualand, I'll try to
share more of the story of the Namaqualand mission while I'm on my way.
In celebration of 200 years of ministry in Namaqualand some of our
ministers are cycling the last 200km to the synod destination. I'll be
driving a support car and fixing their punctures.
Please pray for our Synod as we meet to discuss the work of the
church; discern the call of candidates for the ministry - and seek the
Holy Spirit's help in guiding us into the future.
Because of Synod there will be no Bible Study this Monday or next Monday night.
Youth
Don't forget Junior Youth from 530-1900pm on Friday and Senior Youth from 1930-2130pm. Also - we need Sunday School teachers at our 930 and 11am services. Please chat to Iain if you can help.
Youth
Don't forget Junior Youth from 530-1900pm on Friday and Senior Youth from 1930-2130pm. Also - we need Sunday School teachers at our 930 and 11am services. Please chat to Iain if you can help.
God bless,
Gus
Pentecost 2016, Pastoral Note
Hi Table View Methodist Family,
St. Paul invites us to:
--
Rev Angus Kelly
Tableview Methodist
This coming Sunday is Pentecost Sunday. You can read about Pentecost in Acts Chapter 2. Jesus' disciples were gathered together (probably praying) when the Holy Spirit filled the room - and they saw what looked like tongues of flame resting on their heads.
We also continue reading The Story, we're on Chapter 13; reading about the life of King Solomon. One of the things that Solomon did was carry out David's plans to build the temple in Jerusalem. It was relatively small, about 90 x 30 feet. When they had finished building the temple and were dedicating it they brought a tremendous amount of sacrifices. 2 Chronicles 7:1 tells us that:
"...fire came down from heaven and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices; and the glory of the Lord filled the temple."
- 2 Chronicles 7:1
"...present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship."
- Romans 12:1
Of course the disciples did not get burnt up by the Pentecost flames; but something a bout them changed. They offered themselves to the Lord as living sacrifices. They were changed by God, filled by the Holy Spirit they were set free and empowered to serve him.
When we gather to worship we invite the Holy Spirit to fill and renew us just like the Holy Spirit filled and renewed the disciples. We ask God to help us to become the living sacrifices that we are called to be - in the power of the Holy Spirit.
I look forward to worshipping with you at 8, 930 and 11am this Sunday. You can read chapter 13 of The Story or in the Bible: 1 Kings 1-8; 10-11; 2 Chronicles 5-7; Proverbs 1-3; 6; 20-21. In anticipation of next Sunday: 1 Kings 12-16.
The Story
We have copies of The Story in stock for R70 each. The retail price in stores is about R150, if you need a copy or want to give it to someone as a gift please
Atlantis Creche
The Methodist Church in Atlantis has a Creche that looks after about 80 children. They were receiving government funding but there seems to have been a bit of an administrative crisis. A team from the circuit is investigating the crisis - but in the mean time this crisis means they have no money to buy food for the children.
In response to their plea for help we have just about emptied our food pantry to help them. May I ask that you bring peanut butter, samp, mielie meal etc. to church on Sunday so that we can load up a bootfull / bakkie to help them. Rev Pam Elwood is overseeing the work at Atlantis and she will work with the Society Stewards there to see that the food is properly distributed.
Food Pantry
We collect food to distribute to people in need in our congregation, but we also try to help our community where possible. Distributions from the food cupboard are made by the communion stewards and the minister. Please take note of the list of suggested items at the entrance to the church. The ladies groups will be making up food parcels targeted at keeping hunger at bay for a family of four for a week.
God bless,
Rev Angus Kelly
--
Rev Angus Kelly
Pastoral Note - 2016-04-14
Hi Table View Methodist Family,
As we get back to the intrigue and politics of history I find it helpful to keep remembering Ruth and Boaz and how their simple faithfulness is the usual way in which God works in the world. If you would like to catch up on last Sunday's sermon - or any others in the series most of them are now posted on our website www.tvmethodist.co.za
--
Rev Angus Kelly
Tableview Methodist
I hope you're enjoying the Autumn sunshine. This Sunday as we continue our journey through the Bible we pay attention to the stories of Hannah, Eli, Samuel and Saul; next week we will start looking at the famous king, David. See you at 8, 930 or 11am.
In preparation I invite you to read Chapter 10 of The Story or 1 Samuel 1-4, 8-13 and 15. In these chapters we reflect on Samuel's call to be a prophet and priest. We learn about the rise of King Saul - who turned out to be a bad choice for King; and Samuel then anointing David to be Saul's successor.
For Sunday 24 April read chapter 11 of The Story or 1 Samuel 16-18; 24; 31; 2 Samuel 6; 22; 1 Chronicles 17 and Psalm 59.
Freedom Day Potjie Kos Competition Wednesday 27 April
I'm getting hungry for the Potjie Kos Competition on the morning of Freedom Day, 27 April - food will be cooked by 12pm; a serving of Potjie Kos will be R25; there will also be Boerie Rolls, a Jumping Castle and lots of fun. Proceeds of the Potjie Kos Competition will be used to maintain our church property (roof repairs, alarm system upgrade / reprogramming... and other necessary tasks.)
Ascension Day Service and Fellowship Thursday 5 May
On the evening of Ascension day we will hold a service followed by a bring and share supper (more details to follow). This will be a great opportunity to get to know people in the congregation. What we want you to do is find out who sits in your seat at the other services on a Sunday morning.
'Service' Stewards
To be an effective church we need all hands on deck - they say church is like a soccer match where 40,000 people desperately in need of exerted watch 22 people desperately in need of a rest. So we need folks to join our team of helpers and exercise their ministry of help at whichever service they most often attend. We divide our tasks into various 'missions'. See a brief description of some of the tasks below... You might have other ideas and you're welcome to bring them!Speak to your Society Stewards about where you can help.
8am - Rodney Rhoda and Joe Taljaard
930am - Karin Franklin and Jacques Kellerman
11am - Busi Zigqola and Gilbert Rapoo
Discipleship
Small group and Bible Study Leaders, including Men's ministry, YMG and various ladies groups etc.
Sunday Scripture readers.
Worship planning, preparation and presentation.
- Banners, flower arranging, sound mixing, video presentation.
Evangelism
Door stewards (welcome)
Visitor greeters (give people who visit our church a call to welcome them)
Advertise - sign boards, website, newspapers, PR.
Outreach and missionary support.
Youth
Sunday School and Nursery Duty
Communication about Friday youth ministry / youth events
Youth pastor support
Pastoral Care
Communion Stewards.Visiting and praying for the sick and distressed.
Offering prayer after the Sunday Services.
Noticing needs.
Distribution of food parcels etc. from our grocery cupboard and poor fund.
Justice and Service
Engaging social and environmental issues.Making peace in our communities.
Help us to be 'Christian Citizens'
Catering and Hospitality
Catering for Alpha Courses etc.
Serving tea and cookies on the last Sundays of the month.
Packing food parcels for the Pastoral Care team to distribute.
Property
Maintenance and improvement of our buildings and grounds.
Work parties. Painting parties.Electricians, plumbers, architects, builders, town planners...
Planning and dreaming - how can we use our land to bless the neighbourhood?
Cleaning the church when the caretaker is away.
Finance
Counting the Sunday offerings after the service.
Banking the Sunday Offerings.
Ticket and book sales administration (for fund raisers and church courses like The Story.
God bless,
Gus
--
Rev Angus Kelly
Easter, Good Friday and Holy Week
Hi Table View Methodist Family,
We have been reflecting on John's gospel - chapters 14-16 at our Holy Week Services. Jesus tells his disciples: "If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, to be with you forever." - John 14:15-16
The commandment that Jesus has just given to his disciples is the commandment to "Love one another as I have loved you." Loving Jesus is not that difficult. Loving 'one another' is more difficult. To help us - Jesus sends the Holy Spirit.
Holy Week and Easter
Hi Table View Methodist Family,
I went to the doctor to fix my throat on Monday and he sent me home for the week; which is a good thing because besides doing some extra sleeping I've been able to think pray about Holy Week.
I look forward to journeying through Holy Week with you from Palm Sunday to Resurrection Sunday.
In Holy Week we celebrate the final days of Jesus' life (from Palm Sunday to Good Friday). Palm Sunday
presents us with the opportunity to follow the procession of Jesus and
his disciples all the way to the temple in Jerusalem where rightful
Kings would be appropriately anointed and enthroned. Services will take
place at 8, 930 and 11am.
The Palm Sunday procession stops short of the temple; Jesus is not anointed and enthroned as he should be. We are invited to examine our lives. To ask ourselves: Is Jesus Lord of my life?
The Palm Sunday procession stops short of the temple; Jesus is not anointed and enthroned as he should be. We are invited to examine our lives. To ask ourselves: Is Jesus Lord of my life?
21-23 March - Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday 7pm
During Jesus final week he crammed in a lot of teaching for his disciples and people in the temple courts. According to John's gospel; after Judas left the Passover meal (John 13:27) Jesus spent the evening instructing the disciples. On Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday evenings from 7pm to about 745pm we will reflect on some of Jesus teachings on that evening.
During Jesus final week he crammed in a lot of teaching for his disciples and people in the temple courts. According to John's gospel; after Judas left the Passover meal (John 13:27) Jesus spent the evening instructing the disciples. On Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday evenings from 7pm to about 745pm we will reflect on some of Jesus teachings on that evening.
24 March - Thursday 7pm
On Thursday evening we will gather in church to reflect on Jesus last supper with the disciples. We know that at the end of Thursday night all the disciples had left Jesus - and so we leave the church in silence and darkness at the end of the service.
25 March - Good Friday 8am and 930-1130am
On Good Friday we will hold two services. At 8am
a short service of worship focusing on the passion of Christ. And from
930-1130 a service reflecting on the seven words that Jesus spoke from
the cross. Reflections on the words will be led by me, Iain Uys and
Mbulelo Bikwani.
27 March - Resurrection Sunday
On Easter Sunday we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus with Communion at 8, 930 and 11am.
Use Holy Week as an opportunity to listen more closely to what God is saying to you. On Palm Sunday Jesus weeps for Jerusalem saying:
“If you, even you, had only recognized on this day the things that make for peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes..." - Luke 19:42
“If you, even you, had only recognized on this day the things that make for peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes..." - Luke 19:42
and
"...you did not recognize the time of your visitation from God.” - Luke 19:44
"...you did not recognize the time of your visitation from God.” - Luke 19:44
Take this opportunity to recognize how God has spoken to us and work out how you will respond with the way you live your life.
If you'll be away this Easter - I pray that you have safe journeys and come back rested and restored.
God bless,
Gus
Pastoral Note, Holy Week, Easter
Hi Table View Methodist Family,
This Sunday at 8, 930 and 11am we take a look at the book of Judges. In Judges we read about famous and interesting Bible Characters like Gideon, Deborah and Samson (The Judges). A Judge is essentially a 'justice bringer' someone who is called to restore balance between people and between people and God. Jesus says: "Blessed are the peacemakers..." He introduces a New Testament version of being a 'Judge' or a justice bringer; a peacemaker.
I'm sorry that we won't have day time services this year - please offer lifts to those who can't drive during the day; and ask for lifts if you need them.
Monday - Thursday 7pm:
21/3 Monday - The Promise of the Holy Spirit (John 14:15-31)
24/3 Thursday - Tenebrae Service
The Tenebrae Service reflects on the last evening of Jesus' life. Jesus was abandoned by his disciples on the Thursday Evening and so everybody is encouraged to leave the church in silence after the service is finished.
Good Friday (25/3) - 8 and 930-1130am
On Good Friday we will hold a traditional Good Friday service reflecting on the crucifixion of Jesus at 8am. From 930 to about 1130 on Friday we will conduct a multilingual / multicultural service reflecting on the Seven Words of the Cross.
(Our Good Friday offerings are for the Ministerial Students Fund - a fund that helps us to train clergy for ministry in the Methodist Church.)
Easter Sunday (27/3)
On Easter Sunday we will celebrate the resurrection of Christ with Communion at all three services, 8, 930 and 11am. If you want to get baptized on Easter Sunday, or you want your baby to be baptized on Easter Sunday please contact Di at the office before the end of the week so that we can make arrangements to meet before Easter Sunday.
Church Finances
Every month we need about R95,000 to meet the bare minimum requirements of our society, we need this money to pay:
1 - Circuit Assessment: R47,500
2 - Salaries and Housing Provision for Minister R42,500
1 - Circuit Assessment: R47,500
2 - Salaries and Housing Provision for Minister R42,500
3 - Bare Minimum Running Expenses R5,000
In January and February our incomes were about R90,000 meaning a loss of about R10,000 for the year so far.
It
would be great to increase our monthly income by R15,000. Some of us
give as much as we can already; some of us can afford to give a little
more. Pray about what you can give to the church to help us with our
mission and work.
If 5 more people give R1,000, 10 more people give R500 and 20 more people give R250 a month our target will be met. You might be reluctant to give because you can't see your way to bringing in a full tithe. Every cent helps; give what you can and start this month!
If 5 more people give R1,000, 10 more people give R500 and 20 more people give R250 a month our target will be met. You might be reluctant to give because you can't see your way to bringing in a full tithe. Every cent helps; give what you can and start this month!
The church's bank details are:
Account name: Methodist Church of Southern Africa - Table View
Bank: First National Bank
Account: 5923 000 5827
Branch Code: 203 809
Account name: Methodist Church of Southern Africa - Table View
Bank: First National Bank
Account: 5923 000 5827
Branch Code: 203 809
This is our income and expenditure for 2013, 2014, and 2015:
| 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | |
| Income | R1,016,721 | R1,181,819 | R1,075,097 |
| Expense | R1,239,780 | R1,131,564 | R1,110,289 |
| In/Out | -R223,059 | R50,255 | -R35,192 |
Since
coming to Table View I have helped you to curb your expenses; but I
haven't been very good at increasing your income. From 2010-2013 the
society was overspending by about R200,000 per year.
In 2014 we gained R50,000 but we also increased our lay staff salaries and our Circuit contribution for 2015 resulting in a loss of R35,192 in 2015.
In 2014 we gained R50,000 but we also increased our lay staff salaries and our Circuit contribution for 2015 resulting in a loss of R35,192 in 2015.
Although
it is great that we have trimmed a lot of fat in 2014 and 2015;
spending about R21,000 less in 2015 than 2014 is not necessarily a good
thing. We should be spending money to improve our ministry to the
community of Table View; we should be putting money aside for future
investments.
God bless,
Rev Angus Kelly
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