I couldn’t believe it when Alan Bester our Superintendent gave us the draft diary for 2008. Either Alan has forgotten that this year still has a way to go or I have neglected to check my diary to realize that the end of the year is almost upon us. It seems as if Anne and I have just walked in the door. Thank you for accepting us as we minister and serve amongst you. It has been a great year and we look forward to many more.
We have been following a series of sermons based on a book from Dr. Kennon Callahan called “Small, Strong Congregations.” I have tried to condense the essence of Callahan’s thoughts without loosing any of his candid insight. We must not make the mistake and assume he is implying that we wish or ought to remain small. He is making the point that an obsession with numbers and growth for growth sake is wrong. The basis of his thought is that the smaller Church, limited in resources, needs to focus itself within its strengths and gifting. In simple terms we are to make the most of what we have. I loved his idea of creating a “Compassion statement” instead of a “Vision Statement” for the Church. How do we love the world around us in the best possible way? That should be the underlying question in planning any activity in the life of the Church. Callahan speaks about having one or two excellent missions rather than many. Masibumbane mission is one such mission, a mission we can be proud of. I believe it should remain as our main focus of mission from the Church and help it become even more effective than it is today. Let’s keep the mission foremost on our agenda and assist in any way we can.
It is just as important that we look after the members of our Christian family, their spiritual growth and worship. There are a number of good strong fellowship groups in the church and anybody wanting to grow spiritually can be encouraged and nurtured in these groups. However many of these groups are bursting at the seams and I suggest that we look at planting a few new groups. If you feel led to start up a new home fellowship group, please don’t hesitate to make contact with me.
As you may know we have been looking for a part time youth pastor to encourage and mentor the young leaders of our Church. We have found a young candidate in this regard and we will introduce him to you a little later on this year. We hope to have a team of youth leaders in 2008 that are given the opportunities of going through a recognized leadership course and are mentored by an experienced youth leader.
The new data projector in the church has provided a very helpful means to bring the multi-media world to our worship services. We have been able to show video clips, pictures, new liturgies and prayer, and even the odd movie which has helped us reach out in different ways to all generations. We thank everybody for your patience as we learn the technology.
There have been numerous requests for a Garden of Remembrance on the church property where members can scatter or intern the ashes of their loved ones. The leaders decided to go forward with the project and we hope in the New Year to have a tranquil garden where you can be left to your thoughts and prayer. The plans have been approved and we are currently looking for the best contractor. We will be asking members to purchase a donation of brick/s in order to cover the costs.
As the year draws to an end I ask you to pray for the leaders as they plan for 2008. Please note that on the 7th of December Rev. Sol Jacobs, Natalie Fish and myself are organizing a special Circuit Christmas ‘Taize’ service that will be held in the Wesley Methodist Church hall. Further details will be given later.
God’s strength
David
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