David's Notes

Well we said goodbye to Vuyelwa on Sunday with her message that helped us remember the trinitarian blessing of the benediction we know so well - "Now may the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the Love of God and the Fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with us all..."  May the same blessing go with her on her new ministry adventure to Grahamstown. 

This weekend we have the Circuit Carol Service at the Seminary on Friday @ 6:00pm.  If you need a lift please let us know so we can arrange it for you. 

On Saturday morning we have the men's breakfast @ 8:00am.  Amidst the clatter of knives and forks making there way through a good breakfast we will be sharing on the subject of the Father - Son relationship.  We would love to include our young men and invite as many as we can to the breakfast.  

Then don't miss this coming Sunday as we celebrate our yearly Christmas Nativity Service entitled - "The Greatest Gift".  So much hard work goes into making this one of the most popular of our family services.   Get there early to book a seat.   

The Grace, Love and Fellowship of God be ours.

Global Leadership Summit

There were twelve eager but at first apprehensive HMC members who made their way to the Global Leadership Summit down in Umhlanga last Friday. Various worship groups led us in worship in a very 'with it' auditorium. We had some good laughs as we imagined HMC using smoke machines to set the 'stage' for our Sunday worship. Yes, there were some unusual happenings for a Methodist crowd but after acclimatizing we were introduced to countless speakers of outstanding calibre.  From pastors in larger congregations to great organizational thinkers to founders of extra-ordinary ministries to the former U.S. Secretary of State to the most amazing testimony of Pranitha Timothy of International Justice Mission.  In between talks there was either a panel of local leaders who responded to what they had heard or the humour of Christian comedian Aaron McIllory giving some witty edge to the event. 

There was not one of us that left the summit without something that will help and improve the way we lead ministry in the church or in the business and non-profit sector where we work.  We have purchased the DVD with all the talks on it and it will be available in the resource centre of the church.  It is about 'both/and' rather than 'either/or' when it comes to networking with other Christians from different traditions. We have so much to learn and gain from each other. 

David's Notes

Greetings, 

Yes, I know I am just back from leave and you are wondering where David is this coming Sunday?
The answer is that I will be on a guided 'centering prayer' retreat in the Dargle.  The weekend retreat will be led by Vernon Lund in 
a retreat centre called Solitude.  I am trusting it will develop my own prayer life and I will be able to deepen and grow our retreats at Hilton Methodist.  
If anybody is wanting to know more about 'centering prayer' please give me call or drop me an email.  

David's Notes

Greetings,

Last week Rob Kluge and I were in Escourt attending the Natal West District Synod.  I always let somebody else preach the Sunday I arrive home from Synod as I have very little time to prepare.  What I really enjoyed was being a part of the congregation on Sunday and not having to lead anything.  It somehow looks different from the other side.  If I was a newcomer I would have felt I had arrived at a very warm and engaged congregation. I would have said, "These folk have lived into their vision." What I mean by that is our vision "Everyone alive in Christ, serving him with heart, head and hands" was being lived out on Sunday.  It was evident that so many members of the church were involved, not just in the Lay Witness team but in preaching, worship, teaching children, arranging flowers, participating in prayer, not to mention what happens during the week. I felt proud of Hilton Methodist Church. I look forward to becoming a New Member :-) 

David's Notes

Greetings, 

Last Sunday was the first pulpit swap in our circuit for many years.  I preached at both the Wesley services and it was a great opportunity to meet other folk in our circuit. 

It was also a great pleasure to have Diane Worringham preach at Hilton and bring a taste of her new ministry at Prestbury Methodist.  

We would like to encourage all leaders and anybody who is interested to join us at the Global Leadership Summit in Durban on the 12 & 13th of October. 

If we register before the end of April we can get considerable reductions in the cost.  So please if you are wanting to come to reply to this email or send an email to Bill Houston at billhouston@sai.co.za in the next week. For more information:  http://www.willowcreeksa.co.za/#/events/global-leadership-summit

"The Global Leadership Summit is a trusted, high-caliber event that’s designed to transform Christian and Business leaders on behalf of the local church with an annual injection of vision, skill development and inspiration."

You are soon to get much information concerning the Lay Witness Mission happening in the beginning of June. It is very exciting to see so many folk involved on the committees and willing to make this a successful event.  

Grace,