Pastoral Letter (Fish Hoek Methodist) – 25th January 2022

  • “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” – Romans 12:12

We are already a month into the new year and time continues to race ahead of us. This month has seen the church begin our weekly ministries again, as well as sharing in our Annual Covenant service. We are convinced that the only way we will get through another year is through the grace of God. We will rely on Christ for his strength as we face the uncertainty of 2022.

In February we will be starting a preaching series entitled ‘Unshakeable Hope’, which is based on a wonderful book by Max Lucado. Each of the preachers will be reflecting on various passages of Scripture that bring us wonderful promises from God. We trust that these will give us food for our journey of faith. Max Lucado writes:

“God’s promises are like pine trees in the mountains of Scripture: abundant, unbending, and perennial. Some of the promises are positive, the assurance of blessings. Some are negative, the guarantee of consequences. But all are binding, for not only is God a promise maker; God is a PROMISE KEEPER.”

As you are aware, I have taken on the pastoral oversight of Simon’s Town Methodist Church this year. I am slowly adjusting my weekly programme and mindset, to take care of both communities. I am extremely grateful for the society stewards, leaders, staff and preachers of both churches, who have helped me in this process. Please remember that I am based in Simons Town on a Tuesday and will be sharing in both church pulpits in the future. Please note that we also have pastoral oversight over Silvermine Chapel, which includes monthly Methodist services, as well as a Bible Study. We continue to lead monthly services and Bible studies in Nerina Gardens and Peers Village, as well as weekly devotions at the NET.

On the broader Circuit front we are swiftly moving into action with a Leaders Training event on Saturday (29th January) which will remind us of our greater mission and calling as a church. This will be followed by the induction of our new Superintendent, Rev. Sikawu Makubalo, at our February Circuit Quarterly meeting. Later in February the Ministers will be attending our District Seminar (15-17th), which we pray will be inspiring and encouraging.

On a personal note, our family is slowly adjusting to the newness of the school year. This year sees a lot of changes in their lives, with Declan starting his studies at UCT in February; Nathan writing Matric later in the year, as well as serving on the FH High School SRC, while Joshua has begun his journey at Wynberg Boys High school. Interesting days lie ahead😊

In closing, here are a few dates to remember. God bless you:

2 March –            Ash Wednesday

4-6 March –        Teens Youth Camp at Rocklands

10-17 April –       Holy Week

Living in Grace,

Delme and Kim