FROM THE PASTOR’S DESK

Over the past weeks we have seen an increased number of police officers patrolling the city by day and night. This is a welcome move by the authorities, and no doubt that the citizens will feel a lot safer as they go about their business, and hopefully the criminals will feel unwelcome and will be unable to go about their activities. A number of the officers have begun to attend the Tuesday Lunchtime Service, and we have made a point of welcoming them and commending them for the often thankless work they are doing. It may be good at some point during this year to have a prayer service for these men and women who have been getting bad press in recent times. We know that it is the bad stuff that is reported in the media, and the great work they are doing hardly gets any mention. I will be contacting the relevant authorities to explore this possibility in the next week.

We have had price increases in a lot of commodities in recent months; highest of all is the price of fuel (petrol, diesel and paraffin) which we need for our daily business. This has a domino effect on the prices of other commodities. We are told again and again by the governor of the Reserve Bank to tighten our belts and to curb overspending. This has also lead to less and less being given to the needy by the general public. NGOs are struggling to keep their work going and many are thinking of reducing their levels of service, or in extreme cases to close down. It is at this time that those who are able should consider giving a little more, or better still to offer their time, skills and knowledge to these organizations in order to alleviate the pressure on their finances. I think it is John Wesley who gave us the phrase “live simply that others may simply live”; it is definitely he who told us to “gain all you can, save all you can, and give all you can”. We can do it.

Shalom

Themba

REFUGEE SITUATION

In his Pastoral Letter the Bishop thanks all who assisted during the xenophobia crisis This is what he says:

“A huge thank you to all churches who hosted displaced foreign nationals. I know there are those who suffer from volunteer fatigue. Thank You for your unselfish service; the inconvenience, but most importantly, the spirit in which you responded to the crisis… There are still a few of our churches hosting people. I trust Circuit Stewards that you will put on your compassionate outfit and grant some leave or sponsor your clergy to a few days away at a holiday cottage, or somewhere for a break-away… (yes, you sponsor them!!!!). Both the Presiding Bishop and General Secretary, at our regional meetings from 26 to 27 June in East London, asked me to express on their behalf their sincerest appreciation to all for your witness and role as Methodist ambassadors”.

Diary for the Week

Sunday  06

Monday 07

Tuesday 08

Wednesday 09

Thursday 10

Friday 11

Next Sunday

Sunday 13

Forthcoming Events – Mark Your Calendar!

Circuit Quarterly Meeting   Tuesday 29^th July 2008, 19h30 - Sea Point

Women’s Fellowship!!

Saturday 12 July   15:00      Preparation for Women’s Day Service on 10 August 2008

Congregation Meeting

We invite all to remain after the service today for the congregation to receive a report from the finance committee, and information with regard to a few other important matters.

Birthdays This Week

Prayer Focus

For those who are ill, bereaved or undergoing treatment or surgery

Stan Abrahams

Gladys Boonzaier

Menisha Collins

Sylvia Isaacs

Cynthia Links

John Martheze

Allister Rundle

Denise Wilkinson

Olga Wilson

Every week we pray for specific members of our CMM Family!

Linda Gordon and Marvin and Mornique Mellem

Ivan and Cecily Millward

Themba, Sphiwe, Nandi, Themba (Jnr) and Phumla Mntambo

Tita Mofokeng

Pelonomi Molimola

Alain Momo

Neo Moroke

Boyce Msutu

If you know of anyone needing prayer, please let us know at the office or send us a message by completing the yellow form.

OPEN DOORS

Volunteers are needed for the Open Doors Ministry to assist Mrs Du Plessis on Saturdays from 09h00 – 13h00. If we have enough volunteers there will be no need, to be in attendance every Saturday.

HELP NEEDED!!