Pastoral Letter – July 2026
“Dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing, forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead. I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.” – Philippians 3:12 -14
Welcome back to the beginning of a new term. It is hard to believe that we are already into the second half of 2026. Much has happened already this year and we realize that there is still a lot to look forward to in the final 5 months of 2026. This pastoral letter is to communicate a few important events and dates with our community and to remind us that God’s hand will guide us into the future.
Church Camp – 14th-16th August
In a few weeks’ time we will be celebrating our first church camp in many years. The initial response has been fantastic, but we really do hope that others will sign up to be part of this wonderful weekend. Please consider coming to the Rocklands Centre (Simon’s Town) even if you join us during our daytime events. Remember that the Sunday church service (16th August) will take place at Rocklands (10am) and we will be staying on to enjoy a lovely lunch together. Please confirm your likely attendance for the Sunday lunch, so we can cater accordingly.
Work party to the Namaqualand Mission
From the 7th of September (until the 13th) we will be embarking upon a circuit work party to the oldest Methodist mission in Southern Africa, at Leliefontein. If you feel that you are able to commit to this work party and are willing to get your hands very dirty, please contact me to find out more details. We hope to take a team of around 12 to 15 people, who will engage in building, repairing, cleaning, painting, plumbing, gardening etc. This is all in aid of helping the community to prepare for their 210th birthday celebrations in October.
Women’s month – August
We remember that August is always set apart as women’s month. We thank God for all the woman in our communities, and we are grateful to all who faithfully serve the Lord and encourage us in our faith. The deep commitment and resolute witness of the women in our church remind us of the sacrificial love of Jesus. May we remember all women and children in our prayers during the month of August.
The Legacy run-walk (4th October 2026)
In October we will be celebrating our 105th birthday at Fish Hoek Methodist Church. To commemorate both our birthday, as well as the 210th birthday of the Namaqualand circuit, we are challenging all members to join us in the Legacy run/walk event. This simply involves exercising for a worthy cause and for our mental health, as October is also Mental Health Month. We will be hosting a combined Circuit service on the 4th of October, whereafter we will be inviting all members of the Circuit to walk from our church through to the Simonstown Methodist Church. From there we will challenge people to do as many loops as they can on that day, or to accumulate as many kilometers as they can during the month of October. All proceeds will go towards mission both in the circuit and for the Namaqualand Mission. The challenge is on, so please sign up!
As we move through the remaining weeks of winter, we pray that God’s spirit will begin to awaken within us. Springtime is just around the corner, and it is always a wonderful time to remember the new life offered to us in Jesus Christ. “Behold I make all things new”, is a promise that comes to us from God and we are grateful that we believe in the Risen Lord. God reminds us that all hope is not lost, and that with Christ we can always begin again.
We ask for prayers for the Matric students in our community, as they soon begin to write their trial exams, which will form part of their final preparations for the end of year exams. We pray for all teachers, scholars and students at this time, as well parents who cope with the reality of stressed young people 😊
Finally, I thank you for your ongoing prayers for our family and for sharing with us in serving Christ. It is a joy to be a part of this wonderful community. May God continue to guide you, strengthen you and give you peace.
Living in Grace
Delme, Kim and the boys