Paarl Methodist Church

Seeing Jesus

2012-01-03T12:45:00.003+02:00

Over the next four weeks we'll be talking a bit more about 'who Jesus is'.

8 Jan - Jesus' Time and Place
15 Jan - The Message of Jesus
22 Jan - Jesus Miracles and their Meaning
29 Jan - The Friends and Enemies of Jesus

From 5-19 February we will commence a series on the Will of God, asking: 'Is it the will of God that bad things should happen to people?' and 'How can I know God's will for my life?'

During the season of Lent; starting 26 February we will reflect on the Ten Commandments.

Remember that communion is now on the FIRST Sunday of each month.

Christmas Day

2011-11-12T22:27:00.001+02:00

Our Christmas Day service will take place at 8am on 25 December. There will be another service at Franschhoek at 930am.

There will be a communion service on 1 January at 9am.

Who do you want to be?

2011-08-29T16:12:00.002+02:00

On Sundays 4, 11 and 18 September we'll be asking the question 'Who do you want to be?' as we reflect on Galatians 5:22 & 23.

4 September - Being Loving, Joyful and Peaceful
11 September - Being Patient, Kind and Generous
18 September - Being Faithful, Gentle and Self-Controlled

Spring Breakfast - 3 September

2011-07-12T09:04:00.004+02:00

Click here for PDF version

Wisdom | Peace | Generosity

2011-06-17T11:35:00.008+02:00

Over the next three weeks at Paarl Methodist we'll be reflecting on the Parable of the Prodigal Son, asking:

1 - How can we be wise with what we have? 19 June
2 - How can we be at peace with what we have? 26 June
3 - How can we be generous with what we have? 3 July
(Click the titles above to view / hear the sermon online.)

The prodigal squanders his inheritance but eventually comes to his senses returning home and his older brother has a lot to learn from his Father's generosity.

The series should be at once practical and spiritual as we learn about setting ourselves free to answer God's call on our lives.

Surprised by Hope - From 8 May 2011

2011-05-08T10:12:00.000+02:00

During the Easter Season - as we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus we will consider the implications of this world changing event; in a series entitled Surprised by Hope based on Tom Wright's book of the same name:

8 May - Hope for the World

God wants his people to experience hope and to share it with the world. Hope that has world transforming power is more than just anticipation of what God will do in the future. It is the coming of God's kingdom here on earth... today.

15 May - The Hope of the Resurrection

The hope of the resurrection is more than anticipating we will leave this world some day and go to heaven. Rather, it is a bold confidence that God's kingdom, presence, and power are breaking into our world today and a whole new creation has begun.

22 May - The Hope of Heaven

Heaven is not a far away place we hope to go some day. Through Christ it is very near, it is the control room of earth, and as we follow Jesus, the reality of heaven comes alive in us and is unleashed through us.

29 May - The Hope of Jesus' Second Coming

The hope of the second coming is based on the biblical confidence that Jesus will one day return to his world, restore creation, heal his people, and make all things new.

5 June - The Hope of Salvation

Through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, we are saved from sin and death. But, there is more to the story. God is saving and restoring all of creation and he invites us into this work of sorting out what is wrong in the world.

12 June - The Hope of the Church

The hope of the church is more than what lies ahead some day when Jesus returns. It is our experience of God's kingdom breaking into our everyday journey of faith as we do justice, extend mercy, express love, offer compassion, and celebrate beauty... all in the name of Jesus.

Tom Wright's book is availabe from www.loot.co.za and for Kindle from www.Amazon.com

Holy Week and Easter Services:

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Paarl Methodist

7h30pm Monday - Taize Prayers at Holy Trinity Paarl (Opposite Droomers in Main Road)

6h00pm Thursday - Bring and Share Picnic with a 'Passover' / 'Last Supper' theme.

8h00am Friday - Good Friday Service

6h30am Sunday - Easter Sunrise Service (With Communion)

Franschhoek Methodist

7h30pm Wednesday - Tennebrae Service

9h30am Friday - Good Friday Service

9h00am Sunday - Easter Sunday Service (With Communion)

Lenten Flame

2011-03-10T08:27:00.000+02:00

Last night I connected with my inner Caveman as we made a fire in our
little church. We wrote our Lent confessions, protests and
commitments on pieces of paper and burnt them in a bowl. We used the
ash from the bowl to mark our foreheads; as a sign of mourning and
repentance.

An image that has stuck with me is the idea of our Lenten fast as a
small flame.

The tiniest flame sets the whole heart ablaze.

So our fast might be something so small as the resolution to change
our attitude. To pray a certain prayer daily. To have half a spoon
less sugar in our first cup of coffee of the day.

This small flame, as insignificant as it may seem - with God's help -
ignites a larger fire...

24 Hours That Changed the World

2011-03-08T15:21:00.003+02:00

During the season of Lent at Paarl Methodist we will be reflecting on the last 24 hours of Jesus life.

We'll learn a little bit about the history and the meaning of some of the final events of Jesus' life:

- The Last Supper - 13 March
- The Garden of Gethsemane - 20 March
- Condemned by the Righteous (Jesus Trial Before the Sanhedrin) - 27 March
- Jesus, Barabbas and Pilate - 3 April
- The Torture and Humiliation of the King - 10 April
- The Crucifixion - 17 April (Palm / Passion Sunday)
- Christ the Victor - 24 April (Easter Sunday Service @ 6h30am!)

The sermon series and weekly Bible Studies will be loosely based on Adam Hamilton's Book 24 Hours that Changed the World; see www.cor.org for more information.

(PS: If for any reason you miss the Sunday Service, Rev Angus Kelly will be repeating the sermons at Holy Trinity Anglican Church in Paarl Main Road on Wednesday evenings at 730pm)

Covenant Service 27 February 2011, 9am

2011-02-14T10:56:00.001+02:00

See the bottom of this post to download the covenant service preparation booklet which we will hand out at church on Sunday 20 February.

Part of the Methodist Tradition is the Covenant Service, at which we say this prayer committing ourselves to surrender to God. The words of this prayer deserve our attention:

I am no longer my own, but yours.
Put me to what you will,
rank me with whom you will;
put me to doing, put me to suffering;
let me be employed for you
or laid aside for you,
exalted for you or brought low for you;
let me be full, let me be empty;
let me have all things, let me have nothing;
I freely and wholeheartedly yield all things to your pleasure and disposal.
And now, glorious and blessed God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit,
you are mine and I am yours.
So be it.

And the covenant now made on earth, let it be ratified in heaven.
Amen

On Sunday 20 February at Paarl Methodist we will speak a little about making this commitment; and on 27 February we will say this prayer together at our Covenant Service.

Even if you feel that you cannot say these words - come along and support / pray for those in our community who would like to surrender themselves in this way.

Covenant Preparation Booklet in PDF format.
Covenant Preparation Booklet in Microsoft Word Format.
Covenant Preparation Booklet in Various Formats.

The Methodist Church of Southern Africa wishes Madiba a Speedy Recovery

2011-01-31T18:00:00.000+02:00

Message from Ivan Abrahams, Presiding Bishop of The Methodist Church of Southern Africa:

On behalf of the Methodist family in Southern Africa and beyond, we would like to wish Tata Mandela, also a son of Methodism, a speedy recovery.

We stand with the Mandela family in thought and prayer at this time for a father, brother, friend, hero and an icon of leadership.

God is Closer Than You Think

2011-01-05T09:25:00.008+02:00

'This can be the greatest moment of your life because this moment is the place where you can meet God.'

Over the next six Sundays at Paarl Methodist (starting 9 January) we will be reflecting on the theme 'God is Closer Than You Think'. The series is based on a book of the same title by John Ortberg available at CUM books in Paarl Mall and Gospel Direct in town.

9/1 - God's Great Desire for People (Ch 1)
16/1 - Where is God in my world? (Ch 2 & 3)
23/1 - Partnering with God today (Ch 4 & 8)
30/1 - Listening to the Voice of God (Ch 5)
6/2 - God wants a relationship with you (Ch 6 & 7)
13/2 - Heaven Breaking Through (Ch 9 & 10)

On Thursday nights from 19h30 to 20h30 we will host a discussion group at the church, all are welcome.

Advent and Christmas Day Services at Paarl Methodist Church

2010-11-18T09:28:00.004+02:00

I can't believe another year is nearly over! This coming Sunday (21 November) marks the end of the liturgical year. On 28 November we begin the season of Advent as we prepare for Christmas.

28 November - Advent 1 - Hope

Read | Think | Pray
5 December - Advent 2 - Peace
12 December - Advent 3 - Joy
19 December - Advent 4 - Love
25 December - Christmas Day Service 8am
26 December - Contemplative Service with Communion 9am

ReThink Church

2010-10-12T10:20:00.003+02:00

Every now and again we need to 'rethink' stuff. Our congregation has been here for forty years; over the next three weeks I would like us to take some time to think again about who we are and what we are doing as a church:

Week 1 - What if Church were a verb? - 17 October
Week 2 - The Church with Open Doors - 24 October
Week 3 - A Christian Community - 31 October

(Inspired by the United Methodist Church's campaign.)

Ordination

2010-09-26T11:50:00.000+02:00

The congregation of Methodists gathered for the ordination of Presbyters and Deacons. Today, Rev Anele Bonoyi was ordained by the laying on of hands.

Speak to us...

2010-09-14T09:25:00.004+02:00

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Singing Hymns

2010-09-07T13:13:00.002+02:00

John Wesley's instructions for hymn singing:

I. Learn these Tunes before you learn any others ....
II. Sing them exactly as they are printed here without altering or mending them at all ...
III. Sing ALL. See that you join with the congregation as frequently as you can ...
IV. Sing lustily and with a good courage. Beware of singing as if you were half dead, or half asleep; but lift up your voice with strength ...
V. Sing modestly. Do not bawl, so as to be heard above or distinct from the rest of the congregation, that you may not destroy the harmony ...
VI. Sing in Time. Whatever time is sung, be sure to keep with it. Do not run before nor stay behind it ... and take care not to sing too slow...
VII. Above all sing spiritually. Have an eye to God in every word you sing. Aim at pleasing Him more than yourself or any other creature.

- Care of www.dentalmethodist.blogspot.com

Pictures:

2010-09-04T16:52:00.002+02:00

Church breakfast with real coffee

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Spring Breakfast

2010-09-02T10:10:00.000+02:00

At our anual Spring Breakfast we raise funds towards our own building fund. A fund that we're setting aside for the purpose of making our church bigger / building a bigger church next to the current one.

We also have a policy of giving away 1/10th of our income; as a reminder to ourselves that we serve a God who wants us to be generous.

Our friends in Somerset West recently experienced a disaster; a part of their church fell down; So - at this Spring Breakfast, 1/10th of the money we raise will go to the repair of their building.

Spring Breakfast

2010-08-31T09:38:00.001+02:00

It's the Spring Breakfast this Saturday from 830am to 12.
Adults R40 and Children under 12 R20 gets you a great big breakfast of
bacon, eggs, sausage etc.
If you're part of the work party below is what you need to know:

SPRING BREAKFAST

Friday - working party

Please note that we will be working on Friday, 3rd September from 13h00 till about 18h00 - depending on how far we get. Volunteers needed. Please bring cooldrink for yourself, tea/coffee will be available at Church.

Moving chairs, placing tables.
Sorting crockery
Sorting cutlery and wrapping in serviettes
Tableclothes/overlays
Decant fruit juices
etc, etc

Saturday - working party

Please would you try and be at Church from 06h30, we need to have an early start.

We need to carry tables outside and set them - tableclots, crockery, cutlery, juice
Set up the working stations
Set up the stalls with umbrellas and gazebo's
Start fires and braaiing
Start the breakfast
First breakfast is at 08h00 for 4 people

Make sure to bring large spoons for dishing up, tongs for braaiing, potholders, dishes, spatula, spoons for frying mushrooms, tomatoes etc. Leads, double plugs, gas bottles, whatever is needed. Is your gas bottle filled?

Also MARK your items please.

Thank you

Cathleen

Methodist Seminarians Helping at Hospital

2010-08-26T08:05:00.002+02:00

I received this message from Rev Ross Olivier (the President of the Seth Mokitimi Methodist Seminary) this morning. Please keep our seminary and their ministry in your prayers.

Greetings all. My appreciative thanks to all who have sent messages of encouragement. Herewith a brief update on Steven's post yesterday:
Today was tension-filled, characterised by difficult negotiations with very militant striking workers barricading the hospital gates. I went to meet them prior to the arrival of the bus ferrying our seminarians. They were very angry about our presence in the hospital. I explained our position, viz. that as Christ-followers we stand on two legs, justice and mercy. I told them our commitment to justice draws us into solidarity with every just cause, including the right of the public servants such as teachers, nurses, et cetera who selflessly serve all of us. I further explained that intimidatory actions and especially the denial of treatment to the most vulnerable among us makes it difficult for us to stand alongside them but that we did support their just cause (despite Jimmy's views).
However I also put our case that their differences were with government, not the innocent patients being denied vital care. Mercy compels us to attend to them as we are able.
After strident negotiations that improved as I was led up the NEHAWU ladder (I eventually negotiated directly with the Regional Secretary for the Harry Gwala Region) we carved open a small window. In exchange for my presence at the march to the legislature tomorrow, the bus-load of seminarians, accompanied by a shop-steward, was allowed to enter the hospital for approximately two and a half hours. Once again blessed relief was brought to the patients (and staff) by the service of our magnificent seminarians.
We also have the pledge of further negotiations tomorrow with the real possibility of continuing admission to the hospital.
At the beginning I was told to 'voetsek' - by the end, a door to civility was opened. I do want to advise all who are considering this ministry to thoughtfully engage in similar negotiations. These things can become inflammatory and dangerous. In the course of the negotiations we subsequently learned that an ambush had been prepared for us. We were told "you would not have come out tonight."
The seminarians are at class until lunch time and serve at the hospital in the afternoons, and when permitted, some (seminarians and staff) stay on until the patients have been medicated, bathed and safely tucked in their beds.
Keep praying and serving.
Grace
Ross

From the Office of Our Presiding Bishop

2010-08-25T08:48:00.002+02:00

The Methodist Church of Southern Africa Slams Violence

The office of the Presiding Bishop of Southern Africa joins the other voices in condemning the violence being perpetrated during the civil service strike.

We are in solidarity with the public servants calling for a just and living wage and acknowledge that upholding human dignity is mandatory and that fair wages for work done are essential to maintaining dignity. We are however greatly distressed by the violence and destruction being used to achieve this. The end does not always justify the means. We urge the civil servants to demonstrate peacefully, in full recognition of the rights of the rest of the nation and cognisant of the fact that all that is destroyed today will have to be replaced tomorrow from the same purse.

The Methodist Church of Southern Africa also condemns the culture of violence and vandalism that now seems to be the face of every strike in the country. Such acts are retrogressive and do not help strengthen our young democracy. We call on all Methodists in the public service to examine their own conscience and stand up for their rights in a way that does not compromise their Christian witness. We are especially concerned about the disruption of essential services to the vulnerable particularly children and the elderly.

We plead with those negotiating on behalf of the government to reach a speedy and amiable resolution to this impasse.

Bishop Ivan Abrahams

Presiding Bishop and official spokesperson of the Methodist Church of Southern Africa

Beautiful Psalm for this Sunday's Service

2010-08-05T11:22:00.002+02:00

^{Psalm 33:12-22:}

¹² Happy is the nation whose God is the Lord,

the people whom he has chosen as his heritage.

¹³ The Lord looks down from heaven;

he sees all humankind.

¹⁴ From where he sits enthroned he watches

all the inhabitants of the earth—

¹⁵ he who fashions the hearts of them all,

and observes all their deeds.

¹⁶ A king is not saved by his great army;

a warrior is not delivered by his great strength.

¹⁷ The war horse is a vain hope for victory,

and by its great might it cannot save.

¹⁸ Truly the eye of the Lord is on those who fear him,

on those who hope in his steadfast love,

¹⁹ to deliver their soul from death,

and to keep them alive in famine.

²⁰ Our soul waits for the Lord;

he is our help and shield.

²¹ Our heart is glad in him,

because we trust in his holy name.

²² Let your steadfast love, O Lord, be upon us,

even as we hope in you.

Leading Beyond the Walls with Adam Hamilton

2010-07-28T09:31:00.000+02:00

Spent the day learning from Adam Hamilton about how to grow the
church; have a look at www.cor.org to learn about Rev Hamilton's
church in Kansas; the United Methodist Church of the Resurrection.

Hopefully we'll get to talk more about what we learnt over the next
few months.

Money!

2010-07-28T08:33:00.001+02:00

Over the next two weeks; 1 and 8 August 2010 the lectionary leads us to talk about money.

August 1, 2010		Ecclesiastes 1:2, 12-14; 2:18-23 Psalm 49:1-12	Colossians 3:1-11	Luke 12:13-21
August 8, 2010		Genesis 15:1-6 Psalm 33:12-22	Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16	Luke 12:32-40

A verse that stands out for me in each of the gospel readings:

1 August:

And he said to them, "Take care! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; for one's life does not consist in the abundance of possessions."

8 August:

For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Prayer based on Colossians 1:15-22 (NRSV) - Proper 11C

2010-07-16T09:28:00.002+02:00

A prayer that we will pray at this coming Sunday's service:

Jesus you are the image
of the invisible God,
the firstborn of all creation;
    in you all things
    in heaven and on earth
    were created, things visible
    and invisible, whether thrones
    or dominions or rulers or powers
    All things have been created
    through you and for you.

    (Silence)

You yourself are before all things,
and in you all things hold together.
    You are the head of the body,
    the church;
    you are the beginning,
    the firstborn from the dead,
    you have the first place in everything.

   (Silence)

For in you all the fullness of God
was pleased to dwell,
    and through you,
    we and all creation
    are reconciled to God
    whether on earth or in heaven,
    by making peace through
    your blood shed on the cross.

   (Silence)

And we who once were estranged
and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds,
you have now reconciled
in your body through death,
so as to present us holy
and blameless and irreproachable
before the Father.
    You have revealed yourself to us,
    You have reconciled us to God,
    And set us free to be the people
    we were created to be.
      AMEN

Prayer from Colossians 1:9-14

2010-07-10T17:05:00.000+02:00

A prayer that we will pray at tomorrow's service, adapted from Colossians 1:9-14

Loving God we pray with your
apostle Paul:

That we would be filled
with the knowledge of your
will in all spiritual wisdom
and understanding,
   so that we may lead lives
   worthy of you,
   fully pleasing to you,
   as we bear fruit in every good work
   and as we grow in the knowledge of you.

May we be made strong
with all the strength
that comes from your glorious power,
   may we be prepared to endure
   everything with patience,
   while joyfully giving thanks
   to the Father, who has enabled
   us to share in the inheritance
   of the saints in light.

You have rescued us from
the power of darkness
and transferred us into
the kingdom of your beloved Son,
   in him we have redemption,
   the forgiveness of sins.

   Our Father, who art in heaven,
   Hallowed be thy Name.
   Thy kingdom come.
   Thy will be done,
   On earth as it is in heaven.
   Give us this day our daily bread.
   And forgive us our trespasses,
   As we forgive those who trespass against us.
   And lead us not into temptation,
   But deliver us from evil.
   For thine is the kingdom, and the power,
   and the glory, for ever and ever.
   Amen.

4 - 25 July - Journeying with Jesus

2010-07-06T13:28:00.000+02:00

From Chapter 9 of Luke's gospel Jesus begins the journey towards Jerusalem for an important appointment with Pontius Pilate.

As we reconnect with the set readings from the Revised Common Lectionary we visit Jesus in four episodes along the way:

Sending out the 72 (Going), The Parable of the Good Samaritan (Serving), Mary and Martha (Learning), Learning to Pray (Praying).

Proper 9 (14) Sixth Sunday after Pentecost July 4, 2010	2 Kings 5:1-14 Psalm 30	Galatians 6:(1-6), 7-16	Luke 10:1-11, 16-20
Proper 10 (15) Seventh Sunday after Pentecost July 11, 2010	Amos 7:7-17 Psalm 82	Colossians 1:1-14	Luke 10:25-37
Proper 11 (16) Eighth Sunday after Pentecost July 18, 2010	Amos 8:1-12 Psalm 52	Colossians 1:15-28	Luke 10:38-42
Proper 12 (17) Ninth Sunday after Pentecost July 25, 2010	Hosea 1:2-10 Psalm 85	Colossians 2:6-15, (16-19)	Luke 11:1-13

Spring Breakfast 2010

2010-06-26T19:58:00.000+02:00

6 to 27 June | Paul's Letter to the Galatians

2010-06-03T10:39:00.004+02:00

Over the next four weeks at Paarl Methodist Church we will be looking at Paul's letter to the Galatians. We will start at the end and work our way back:

Sunday 6 June - The Fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5)
Sunday 13 June - The Gospel (Galatians 2)
Sunday 20 June - The Law (Galatians 3)
Sunday 27 June - Christian Community (Galatians 6)

For extra information have a look at this useful website: Enter the Bible | Galatians

And also, if you have broadband; why not have a look at this video:

Presiding bishop, Ivan Abrahams

2010-05-29T08:49:00.000+02:00

Leading our Synod devotions.

My church family...

2010-05-28T08:48:00.001+02:00

I actually do love the church; I love the local church, I love the
larger church.

Where else would you find such a wonderful, diverse expression of
God's infinite and embracing love?

It's not always easy finding our 'way together' (synod); but its worth
the trouble.

Harvest Festival / Pentecost

2010-05-23T15:19:00.000+02:00

This morning we celebrated Pentecost and our Harvest Festival. Remembering that the Spirit gives life and freedom to us to live as Kingdom citizens.

Pentecost and Harvest Festival

2010-05-21T11:07:00.000+02:00

The Festival of Weeks

^{Deuteronomy 16:9}You shall count seven weeks; begin to count the seven weeks from the time the sickle is first put to the standing grain. ¹⁰Then you shall keep the festival of weeks to the Lord your God, contributing a freewill offering in proportion to the blessing that you have received from the Lord your God. ¹¹Rejoice before the Lord your God—you and your sons and your daughters, your male and female slaves, the Levites resident in your towns, as well as the strangers, the orphans, and the widows who are among you—at the place that the Lord your God will choose as a dwelling for his name. ¹²Remember that you were a slave in Egypt, and diligently observe these statutes.

This Sunday we celebrate Pentecost; we are celebrating the harvest festival and Pentecost at the same time; a reminder that the Spirit - poured out at Pentecost - flows into our daily lives. Our work, our play, our freedom - and sets us free to be and become, more and more; the people God created us to be.

(Image from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Shavuot_bikkurim.jpg)

A Prayer for the Church

2010-05-15T20:18:00.003+02:00

A while ago we read Colossians 3:12-17 in a Leader's meeting as our devotion. Tomorrow at church we will use an adaptation of it in our liturgy:

Lord you have chosen us,
as your Holy and beloved:
Clothe us with compassion,
   kindness, humility, meekness,
   and patience.
We thank you for calling
a group of people like us;
all so different - yet equal
in your sight.
Help us to bear with one another,
   and if we have a complaint against
   another, to forgive each other.
   Just as you forgave us,
   so must we forgive.
Above all, clothe us with love,
which binds everything together
   in perfect harmony.
Let Your peace reign in our hearts;
You have called us into
   the one body.
Fill us with gratitude;
Let the good news of Jesus
   live in us and flow through us
   to the world in which we live.
Fill our hearts with Psalms,
hymns and spiritual songs:
Whatever we do, in word or deed
   Let us do it in your name,
   giving praise and thanks
   to you at all times.
   AMEN

Colossians 3:12-17

2010-04-21T07:58:00.000+02:00

We read this text at our Leader's Meeting last night, in it Paul
describes what Christian Community should be like. So we strive to
create this sort of community in the way we do everything that we do
for the Lord.

Hope Through Action

2010-04-14T20:55:00.001+02:00

This morning Anele, myself (Angus) and Georgina (a member of Paarl Methodist) went to see what Hope Through Action has been doing in Mbekweni. Hope Through Action is a project conceived and initiated by some members and friends of Paarl Methodist Church.

With support from friends in the United Kingdom and South Africa they're building an indoor soccer facility; it will have an AstroTurf floor, with facilities for community activities, especially youth development. The facility is on a large plot of municipal land - which can be divided into five mini soccer pitches at a later date - as funding comes available. It was so exciting to see what is happening there - and great to see a top notch facility being provided for youth in our community.

SCORE, will be running mentorship and development programmes from the facility; as well as responsible for administering it.

On the 13th of June at 11am we will be having a service of thanksgiving and intercession as the facility is officially opened.

Lessons from the First Church

2010-04-08T21:13:00.008+02:00

The Acts of the Apostles is an incredibly exciting book in the New

Testament - over the next 5 weeks we will read through the book of
Acts together and re-learn some of the lessons the first church learnt.

Click here for the daily reading plan.

Acts is primarily about the Kingdom of God; here are some words from Brian McLaren about the Kingdom of God:

A useful video intro to Acts of the Apostles from the University of Nottingham:

Finance Report for 2009

2010-04-07T12:31:00.005+02:00

Methodist Church of Southern Africa – Paarl

Finance Report for 2009-01-01-2009-12-31

Income:

INCOME
Tithes, Offerings and Donations:	232,155.52
Interest:	5,398.35
Spring Breakfast:	13,762.45
Rotary Cycle Race:	2,040.00
Hire of Church:	9,900.00
Recycling:	350.00

Special Collections:
Poor fund:	2,926.35
Christmas Day:	2,777.00
Good Friday:	1,013.10
Building Fund:	480.00

TOTAL INCOME:	270,802.77

Average Monthly:	22,566.90

The bulk of our income comes from your pledges, offerings and donations. We have some funds in reserve which we keep in a Money Market investment account, we earn some interest from this. Our annual Spring Breakfast raises a significant amount of funds, and this year we dedicated that money to our Building Fund. We also provided marshals for the Rotary Cycle race for which we earned R2040. During the week our church doesn’t stand empty – the Manyano Centre hires it from us for R100 a day – this is a small amount, but it is for a good cause. Our bottle recycling project also takes in a small amount.

After each communion service we take an offering for the poor fund; this is money that we use to help members of the congregation who are struggling; we also give a lot of the money away to organizations in need of help in our area. On Christmas Day the offering is handed over to the district for children’s work, specifically the Methodist Church’s two children’s homes here in the Cape. Our Good Friday collection goes to the education of ministers. The donation to the building fund of R480 was raised at the Potjie competition. Our total income for the year was R270 802.77; an average of R22 566.90 a month.

Expenditure

The church’s largest expense is our monthly ‘Circuit Assessment’. Roughly 75% of this amount is a contribution to the Circuit Minister’s Salaries, Pension Fund Contribution, Car Allowance etc. The payment of ministers is divided among the four societies in the Paarl Valley – Paarl, Wellington, Mbekweni and Franschhoek. Paarl and Mbekweni bear the brunt of the costs.

The bulk of our ‘Administration’ expenses are made up of Telephone and Printing and Stationery expenses. Our expenses on ‘Buildings and Equipment’ include rates and taxes on our Manse and Church buildings as well as the cost of cleaning and garden maintenance. Our ‘Youth and Family’ expenses covered part of the cost of employing a part time youth worker – which didn’t work out. ‘Sunday School’ expenses incorporate the cost of stationery and lesson plans for our Sunday School. ‘Worship and Spirituality’ is the cost of various aids to our worship – our banner ministry and sometimes expenses for our worship team. ‘Evangelism and Church Growth’ is money used for advertising and sing-posting our church.

EXPENDITURE
Circuit Assessment:	167,736.00
Administration:	17,412.86
Buildings & Equipment:	42,573.60

Youth and Family:	1,600.85
Sunday School:	1,759.95
Worship and Spirituality:	500.00
Evangelism & Church Growth:	1,453.94
Spring Breakfast Expenses:	2,245.00

JUSTICE AND SERVICE:
Island of Hope	7,200.00
NORSA	7,200.00
Kairos	1,150.00
YMG Convention - Food	1,200.40
To M&E Fund (Rona)	0.00
To Ministerial Students Fund	1,013.10
Other Donations	0.00
Christmas Collection - District	3,104.75
Poor Fund Payments	5,860.00

TOTAL EXPENDITURE:	262,010.45

Average Monthly:	21,834.20

Under the heading ‘Justice and Service’ are payments that fall under our monthly tithe. Money that we give away to worthy causes initiated by our church and organizations in the area, as well as money from our poor fund (‘Poor Fund Payments’ to help families and people in financial crisis. Our monthly ‘Poor Fund’ contribution, taken at communion services enables people to ‘repay’ some of the money received as a gift from the poor fund.

If you are a member of the congregation and would like more information on any aspect of our church’s finances please do not hesitate to ask the Stewards (Chris Manuel is the treasurer) or the Minister for more information.

Conclusion:

Our society is in a relatively strong financial position however we have held back on some major expenses and so we expect to spend more than we take in in the year ahead. Please consider how you can give as generously as possible.

Getting Ready for a New Day

2010-04-04T05:50:00.002+02:00

We had our Sunrise Service this morning at Paarl Methodist, Andre, Phil, Brenda and I were there at 5h30am to get ready. Its so exciting meeting before the dawn, anticipating a New Day. I pray that this Easter will fill us all with resurrection hopefulness!

Jesus Has Risen
24:1-10* — Mt 28:1–8; Mk 16:1–8; Jn 20:1–8
24 On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepareda and went to the tomb. 2They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, 3but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus.b 4While they were wondering about this, suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed like lightningc stood beside them. 5In their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, “Why do you look for the living among the dead? 6He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee:d 7‘The Son of Mane must be delivered over to the hands of sinners, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.’ ”f 8Then they remembered his words.g
9When they came back from the tomb, they told all these things to the Eleven and to all the others. 10It was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the others with themh who told this to the apostles.i 11But they did not believej the women, because their words seemed to them like nonsense. 12Peter, however, got up and ran to the tomb. Bending over, he saw the strips of linen lying by themselves,k and he went away,l wondering to himself what had happened.

Easter Services:

2010-03-17T08:57:00.002+02:00

Services at the Methodist Church in Franschhoek and in Paarl this Easter will run as follows:

Good Friday:

8am, Paarl Methodist

930am, Franschhoek

Easter Sunday:

6h30am, Paarl Methodist

9h00am, Franschhoek

During Holy Week the Paarl Methodists will join the Anglicans at Holy Trinity in the Main Road for Holy Week services:

Monday: Taize service

Tuesday: Tennebrae

Wednesday: Passover Seder, R35 a head, speak to Brenda on or before Sunday 21 March

Thursday: Foot washing

On Thursday evening we will hold a Tennebrae service at Franschhoek Methodist Church from 7pm.

2010 Human Trafficking

2010-02-21T19:21:00.000+02:00

The website I spoke about this morning at church: http://2010humantraffic.org/

The videos from their site on www.youtube.com:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7VxD3RmRUf0

Will keep you posted as we get more info.

29 People at the Disciple Course, Methodists and Anglicans combined!

2010-02-11T19:36:00.002+02:00

2010-02-04T22:42:00.000+02:00

Start of Disciple 2010

Disciple Course...

2010-02-02T10:40:00.003+02:00

Some recommended resources for those doing the Disciple Course.

Available at www.loot.co.za

Message Bible MP3/E 4D
	Eugene H. Peterson CD - Standard format, September 2008 Loot price: R142.00 R104.00 - save 27% Eligible for free postal delivery on orders over R200

Zondervan NIV Study Bible - Personal Size
	Zondervan Bibles Paperback, 2340 pages, September 2008 Loot price: R270.00 R218.00 - save 19% Free postal delivery on this item

TNIV Study Bible - Personal Size
	Kenneth L. Barker, John H. Stek, Ronald F Youngblood Hardcover, 2469 pages, September 2006 Loot price: R374.00 R296.00 - save 21% Free postal delivery on this item

The Interpreter's One Volume Commentary on the Bible
	Charles M. Laymon Hardcover, 1412 pages, October 1983 Loot price: R460.00 R370.00 - save 20% Free postal delivery on this item

The New Oxford Annotated Bible with the Apocrypha - Standard Version
	Oxford University Press Hardcover, 2462 pages, April 2007 Loot price: R473.00 R370.00 - save 22% Free postal delivery on this item

New Bible Dictionary
	I. Howard Marshall, et al Hardcover, 1298 pages, October 1996 Loot price: R472.00 R391.00 - save 17% Free postal delivery on this item

Inspired by the Bible Experience: The Complete Bible - Now Including the Complete TNIV Bible Text to Read Along
	Zondervan Bibles CD, November 2008 Loot price: R649.00 R477.00 - save 27% Free postal delivery on this item

The New Interpreter's Study Bible - New Revised Standard Version with the Apocrypha
	Walter Harrelson Hardcover, 2350 pages, 2003 Loot price: R506.00 R395.00 - save 22% Free postal delivery on this item

New Interpreter's Study Bible - NRSV with Apocrypha
	Walter Harrelson Leather / fine binding, 2600 pages, August 2003 Buy now: R926.00 R705.00 - save 24% Free postal delivery on this item
For all students of the Bible - now in paperback! More than 60 scholars provide background and insight on the text of this valuable study Bible. This study includes: Extensive historical and theological annotation on the biblical text...

Happy funeral today: 92 not out...

2010-01-16T14:28:00.001+02:00

This morning I'll be conducting a funeral for someone who lived to be
92!

I had the privilege of ministering to him for 3 years; when I arrived at Paarl Methodist he kept looking me up and down saying "Yo - you're a big fella!" I'm 6'2 and from my angle - he looked about half that :)

I got to take communion to him a few times when he moved to the Groenleegte Old Age home; and although he had a lot to grump about, he was always appreciative; smiling, kind and grateful; and he and I share a similar trait - watery eyes!

I believe that he died a good death... although I think he would have liked to go sooner.

I'm going to miss him - when he could still come to church I remember him snoozing peacefully as I preached; (seeing people sleep while I preach reminds me to speak a little more gently). And I'll miss his standard response to the question:

"How are you doing?"

"...I'm not doing anyone."

"Well at your age; I hope not."

When we heard of his passing last Sunday, we had one of those 'Godincidences / coincidences'; we were singing a chorus whose final verse was:

When I stand in Glory,
I will see his face.
There I'll serve my King forever.
In that Holy Place

- From: There is a Redeemer, by Keith Green

I reckon the Father's house is a little cheered by his presence there with all the saints; I look forward to seeing him again - and maybe then, we'll be about the same size.

PS: Double Blessing: A simultaneous service was held at St Francis Anglican Church in Alberton.

Its been hot here, too hot

2010-01-10T17:17:00.000+02:00

From 'A Guide to Prayer for Ministers and Other Servants'

2010-01-01T11:25:00.000+02:00

Another new banner

2009-12-27T17:01:00.001+02:00

Another beautiful banner appeared on Christmas day; with the text 'God is love' in the middle and various symbols of that love all around it - symbols of creation, pictures of people, provision and care.
What I most love about this banner is that it was the product of a whole community of people; for the past few weeks I've seen parts of it being passed around from person to person as it was prepared for its final form.
Well done banner team!!!!

1 John 4:7-12 (NRSV):

"Beloved, let us love one another, because love is from God; everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, for God is love. God’s love was revealed among us in this way: God sent his only Son into the world so that we might live through him. In this is love, not that we loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins. Beloved, since God loved us so much, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God lives in us, and his love is perfected in us."

Rusthof Old Age Home

2009-12-20T22:36:00.000+02:00

Members of Paarl Methodist went to Rusthof Old Age Home in Paarl East to serve afternoon tea; Over 100 people were served with tea and cake, Well done!

I had to leave for Franschhoek but as I left the group at Rusthof some of them were going on to the hospital to offer gifts there.

The things we do may sometimes feel small in the scheme of things; but I believe it is through the smallest cracks of light that the Kingdom of God eventualy breaks through.

2009-12-20T15:00:00.000+02:00

Trees dressed up for Christmas

2009-12-20T08:04:00.000+02:00

Our Christmas day service is at 8am, look forward to seeing you there.

Sunday School Christmas Concert

2009-12-12T14:09:00.000+02:00

Bales of hay waiting for the Sunday School Christmas concert tomorrow morning at 9am.

History of Paarl Methodist Church

2009-11-25T15:40:00.000+02:00

Some Brochures about PMC that I received from John Duxbury the other
day - anyone want to write a post to the blog?

We may not have it all together, but together we have it all.

2009-11-24T10:24:00.001+02:00

Reading a book called Small, Strong Congregations

The author includes this quote, from an anonymous source:

"We may not have it all together,

but together we have it all."

I am often frustrated by my own weakness as a Christian - and impressed by other people's strengths. But if we were all perfect; we wouldn't get together every Sunday to confess our sins.

What I do like - is the grace of Christian community in which my weaknesses are made up for by other people's strengths; and in turn, my strengths help others in their weakness.

It seems that it is only when we are together that we are whole.

Disciple Course

2009-11-07T06:43:00.005+02:00

In 2010 we would like to host Disciple, Becoming Disciples through Bible Study:

From: Cokesbury.com

BECOMING DISCIPLES THROUGH BIBLE STUDY is the foundation of the DISCIPLE Bible Study program.

DISCIPLE assumes that the bible is the key to renewal in the church. It recognizes the human-divine nature of the Bible: The actual texts of Scripture were written by human beings like ourselves in their cultural settings, under the divine inspiration of God.

DISCIPLE affirms that the canon was formed as it is in order for God to speak to us. BECOMING DISCIPLES THROUGH BIBLE STUDY gives equal time to both the Old and New Testament, emphasizing the wholeness of the Bible as the revelation of God. DISCIPLE aims at transformation, not just information, and calls on persons to submit themselves to examination by Scripture, to put themselves under the power of God’s Word, and to be changed by God’s Word. DISCIPLE invites persons to bring their experiences and struggles to the Scripture. All persons know something is amiss with their existence and yearn for the Word from God.

BECOMING DISCIPLES THROUGH BIBLE STUDY uses biblical language and images and draws upon the work of scholars to aid understanding of the Bible.

This study requires reading large portions of Scripture each week and is based on careful study and preparation. During the course of thirty-four weeks, groups will move through the biblical stories of Creation to the New Jerusalem. The titles of the sessions along with theme words; theme verses; and major persons, events, and topics will set the sequence of the biblical story in the minds of the participants. The principal Scripture for each session follows the chronological movement of the biblical story.

Commitment involved:

30 Minutes of Study, 6 days a week (During which you will read 80% of the Bible)
Attendance at weekly 2 hour group session - Possibly on Thursdays at 7 and Sundays at 5 (Subject to demand).
Purchase of course material (price to be announced).

Click here to download a sample lesson (pdf file)

Fill in this form to indicate your interest / sign up.

http://tinyurl.com/yc9ydqm

Circuit Braai

2009-11-01T17:14:00.000+02:00

This afternoon we had a circuit get together; people from Paarl, Franschhoek and Mbekweni Methodist attended.

Banner

2009-10-23T17:27:00.000+02:00

I really like this banner that the Ladies Group made. It reminds me of our need to question, to contemplate, to grow; and never to think that we've reached a full stop.

Paarl Methodist Spring Breakfast 2009 - 830-1130

2009-09-05T08:42:00.000+02:00

Congratulations!

2009-08-15T17:02:00.000+02:00

Louis and Barbara were married today at Pearl Valley Golf Estate - congratulations to them and may God Bless them richly in their life together.

Facebook Fan Page...

2009-08-13T08:15:00.000+02:00

Paarl Methodist Church on Facebook

Local Preacher's Training and Quarterly Meeting

2009-08-05T20:12:00.002+02:00

We are fortunate at Paarl Methodist to be a part of a very wide
community, tonight, our Superintendent, Rev Yvette Moses is leading us
local preachers in a workshop about the Priviledge, Call and
Responsibility of local preachers.
These preachers will go out on Sunday, as they do every Sunday to
proclaim the Word of God in our circuit.

Leaders from St Ebenezer

2009-07-25T14:42:00.000+02:00

Holding a visioning meeting at Paarl Methodist

Alf installing the new projector arm...

2009-07-25T14:21:00.000+02:00

Preaching the lectionary:

2009-07-19T07:26:00.002+02:00

Thank you http://www.liturgy.co.nz/blog/

"[The Vicar] has deserted both the lectionary and the appointed psalms and now, without noticing it, revolves endlessly round the little treadmill of his fifteen favourite psalms and twenty favourite lessons. We are thus safe from the danger that any truth not already familiar to him and to his flock should ever reach them through Scripture. (letter XVI)"

- The Screwtape Letters: How a Senior Devil Instructs a Junior Devil in the Art of Temptation

Update your details on our database

2009-07-16T21:59:00.002+02:00

Click here

A Prayer, by Thomas Merton

2009-06-25T12:44:00.001+02:00

New Take Aways

2009-06-19T09:55:00.000+02:00

View Pam and Nelson's Take Aways in a larger map

Yesterday I had the privilege of praying with the Pillay family who are opening a new Take Aways in New Orleans, Paarl. This morning I popped in to see how things were going and I might just go back at about lunch time - the Mutton Curry and Breyani smelt REALLY good.

God Bless Pam and Nelson in your new venture.

This coming Sunday...

2009-06-11T09:51:00.001+02:00

Part of this coming Sunday's Sermon at Paarl Methodist.

Interview with Alan Storey about Scripture

2009-06-08T19:00:00.001+02:00

1 - How do you read scripture?

2 - What about lay people?

3 - What about apparent contradictions?

4 - If I'm going to start reading the Bible, where should I begin?

5 - How is scripture a means of grace?

Sermon Experiment

2009-06-08T06:10:00.004+02:00

Interview with Alan Storey about ways of reading Scripture.

iVangeli - Sunday School Curriculum

2009-06-07T14:56:00.000+02:00

As of 2008 the Paarl Methodist Church Sunday School will be following the (SANSSA) iVangeli curriculum for Sunday School.

The iVangeli Curriculum is designed to reach children right where they are. We help them learn about God and His Word through hands-on activities that engage their intense curiosity and openness to learning new things.

- iVangeli website

Please click through to www.ivangeli.org to get more information.

The reason we have chosen a set curriculum is that we feel it is very important for children to receive a proper Biblical education - parents can no longer expect children to be taught about the Bible at School, they have to take responsibility for teaching them themselves and for introducing them to Sunday School.

Through Sunday School our children should become familiar with the stories of the Bible - certain of the gospel truth that Jesus (God) loves them so much that he is willing to die for them - and that they can respond to this love.

Holiday Programme 2009

2009-06-06T10:22:00.002+02:00

29 June to 3 July 2009

Soccer, arts and crafts, table tennis,
Netball, volleyball, indoor games, drama.

Ages from 7 - 14 years of age!

All activities under adult supervision!

COST: R10.00 PER DAY - JUICE PROVIDED TUCK SHOP AVAILABLE

SPECIAL WEEK PRICE
R30 FOR A WEEK LIVE LIFE VOUCHER!

Further information from Tony Litchfield,
Manyano Centre, Paarl
021 8722537

Pentecost - Harvest Festival

2009-06-03T10:01:00.000+02:00

We had a combined Pentecost Service and Harvest Festival at Paarl
Methodist this Pentecost.

The original Pentecost festival - Shavout - was a harvest festival,
and so I wondered what would happen if we dovetailed the two.

For me, it brought new insight.

Shavout celebrated arrival in the 'promised land', it celebrated the
Israelites ability to work, to harvest the land, to present their
offerings in the temple - because they were no longer slaves in
Egypt. Shavout also celebrated the giving of the Mosaic Law - the Ten
Commandments.

Their new land had a constitution.

And so we Journeyed from Passover (Crucifixion / Easter) to Shavout
(Pentecost). Passover celebrated Exodus, departure, Shavout
represented arrival / freedom - a new Kingdom.

I enjoyed our arrival in the new Kingdom - a Kingdom inaugurated by
the Spirit which writes the Law in our hearts, which sets us free from
slavery in Egypt and plants us afresh in God's great Kingdom.

Thanks to all who worked hard to make our Pentecost / Harvest service
meaningful.

Listening to Podcasts

2009-05-20T22:12:00.001+02:00

There is the most amazing stuff available on the internet for you to listen to.

I'm enjoying Brian McLaren on Emergent Village's site:

So far it's just 1 Episode of 7:

Episode 1 - Creation

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

You'll find links to the media files on the site - alternatively subscribe to their feed:

http://www.emergentvillage.com/podcasts/emergentpodcast.xml

Another podcast I enjoyed from them was from Scot McKnight:

The Whole Gospel

Enjoy them - let me know if you listen - what you think.

What is a Methodist?

2009-05-12T11:01:00.001+02:00

History and Relationship to the Anglican Church

The Methodist movement began in England in the eighteenth century with a group of Anglican Christians meeting together regularly for accountability, prayer and fellowship. Within a short time there were many groups meeting all over England, co-ordinated by an Ordained Anglican Minister named John Wesley. The movement grew very rapidly and spread into America.

Reluctantly and out of necessity John Wesley ordained some Methodist preachers to work as priests in America, reluctantly because he knew it would mark the beginning of separation from the Anglican church and the formation of a new denomination within Christianity. Today Methodists and Anglicans remain firm friends, a Methodist Minister may even serve an Anglican church and vice versa.

What we believe / value:¹

We hold to the historic doctrines of the Christian faith.
We are evangelicals but we are not fundamentalists - we value the intellect and modern science.
We look to the Bible as the authoritative guide for faith and practice.
We have a passionate faith with strong convictions but we recognize that the world is not always black and white and we are willing to wrestle with difficult issues with grace and compassion.
We believe that true holiness is realized in the perfection of our love and not in our obedience to a set of laws.
We are known for our emphasis on personal faith, lived out in concrete ways in the world.
We valued well-informed and passionate preaching.
We value worship that is lively, and small groups where people may grow in faith.
We have open hearts and open minds and welcome anyone interested in learning more about the Christian faith.

Membership:

Anyone who wants to be saved from their sins through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, and is willing to take up the duties and privileges of belonging to the Methodist Church is welcomed into membership.

Membership is NOT conditional upon the profession of theological tenets, or dependent on traditional authority or church ritual. Rather it is based on a personal experience of the Lord Jesus Christ - ranging from the earliest signs of Divine Grace, to the joy of Perfect Love.

From The Faith of a Methodist by Eric Baker, 1958:

In 1742 John Wesley wrote:

'The distinguishing marks of a Methodist are not his [sic] opinions of any sort.'

In 1788 he declared:

'There is no other religious society under heaven which requires nothing of men [sic] in order to their admission into it but a desire to save their souls... The Methodists alone do not insist on your holding this or that opinion, but they think and let think.'

Ethos

Our first ambition is to be faithful to God's call to us in scripture - to be Holy, to be obedient to the command that sums up the law and the prophets: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind and soul, and love your neighbour as yourself." Loving perfectly is what we call Christian perfection.

Community

To do this, we need all the help we can get - and so we meet together in Christian Community. Class meetings, small groups or Bible Study groups are essential to our spiritual growth; We need help to grow in love, and are all able to help others grow.

Rule of Life

| Do No Harm | Do Good | Worship God |

Methodists traditionally, in obedience to God, live according to three simple rules: Do no harm, Do all the good you can, and Worship God.

Do no harm:

This means we should avoid doing all that harms others and ourselves - this rule extends to the way that we do business, the way that we speak to and about others, and the way in which we participate in community / civic life.

Do Good:

This means that we do all the good that we can - for the sake of the bodies of people, as well as their souls. In doing all the good that we can to people's bodies and souls we should strive to be as generous as possible; sharing our faith with others, as well as - as far as possible our resources.

Worship God:

We should always do everything that we can in order to grow spiritually. This includes attending public worship, especially the service of communion. We should enjoy Christian community, spending time together encouraging one another in the faith, we should read (and study) the scriptures. We should attend as far as possible to all the means of grace (things that help us to be better disciples): Fasting, praying, Bible Study, fellowship, worship etc.

Adapted from http://www.cor.org

John Wesley

2009-04-29T10:09:00.001+02:00

From The Faith of a Methodist by Eric Baker, 1958

In 1742 he [John Wesley] wrote:

'The distinguishing marks of a Methodist are not his [sic] opinions of any sort.'

In 1788 he declared:

'There is no other religious society under heaven which requires nothing of men [sic] in order to their admission into it but a desire to save their souls... The Methodists alone do not insist on your holding this or that opinion, but they think and let think.'

Potjie Kos Judgement...

2009-04-25T16:36:00.000+02:00

Sunday School Roster - 2nd Term 2009

2009-04-15T11:05:00.001+02:00

Date	Lesson	Junior	Senior	Not Available
19/4	11	Joanna	Machel	Inge
26/4	12	Inge	Duke
3/5	13	Celeste	Lorrinda	Inge
10/5	14	Joanna	Machel	Inge
17/5	15	Inge	Duke
24/5	16	Celeste	Lorrinda
31/5	17	Joanna	Machel	Inge
7/6	18	Inge	Duke
14/6	19	Celeste	Lorrinda
21/6	20	Joanna	Machel

10 Weeks - Basic Christianity - Confirmation

2009-04-14T09:19:00.007+02:00

For the next ten weeks at Paarl Methodist Church we will be preparing for confirmation.

The syllabus is loosely based on Alan Storey's Foundations for Discipleship Course.

Those who would like to be confirmed must attend as many of these services as possible (and obtain transcripts / recordings of the services they miss), join me (the minister) in group discussion of some of the topics covered, and attend an interview in which we will discuss what it means to be confirmed and attempt to answer / explore any questions you may have.

Program / Syllabus:

Click on the subject in order to listen to the sermon podcast.

Basics:

Means of Grace:

We will discuss some (or all) of these topics at our weekly Bible Study held on Thursdays at 7pm.

The Confirmation service should take place on 28 June.

There will be a break in the syllabus on 31 May for our celebration of Pentecost.

The programme may be slighlty adjusted as we go along - we are a small enough church to be flexible.

Wesley Study Bible

2009-03-16T16:04:00.000+02:00

I tell people that Christianity is my religion and Methodism is my Method - I'm quite into my 'method' and think I'll get myself this Bible...

I like the look of it; check it out at Loot.co.za ISBN - 978-0-687-64503-9

Big pots of meat for the delegates and visitors to the YMG convent ion

2009-03-15T12:20:00.000+02:00

YMG Convention

2009-03-15T11:59:00.000+02:00

A sea of faces gathered for the closing of the YMG convention hosted in Paarl over the last few days. Well done to the Mbekweni congregation for all of their hard work in hosting this convention.

Lent and Easter

2009-03-12T14:29:00.000+02:00

During Lent our regular Thursday Bible studies will be looking at the last day of Jesus' life, Bible Studies are held at 10am and 730pm in the Leverton lounge, all welcome.

Our Easter services at Paarl Methodist will be at 8am on Good Friday and 630am on Easter Sunday - there will be no 9am service at Paarl, but there will be a 9am service at the Franschhoek Methodist Church on Easter day.

To get to Franschhoek Methodist go through Franschhoek, turn left at the monument, the Church is on the right next to the Bumble Bee playschool.

2009-03-12T14:19:00.000+02:00

This one included a whole sheep! Thanks Elandsberg Farm.

YMG Convention

2009-03-12T14:15:00.000+02:00

Thanks to everone for loading my car up twice with food and clothes to be distributed at the YMG convention.

Preaching Plan

2009-02-11T14:02:00.000+02:00

Click here to view this quarter's preaching plan.

Covenant Service 25 January

2009-01-21T09:04:00.001+02:00

This Sunday is our Covenant Service, these are the words of surrender that we say at the covenant service:

I am no longer my own,
but yours.
Put me to what you will,
rank me with whom you will;
put me to doing,
put me to suffering;
let me be employed for you
or laid aside for you,
exalted for you
or brought low for you;
let me be full,
let me be empty;
let me have all things,
let me have nothing;
I freely and wholeheartedly yield all things to your pleasure and disposal.
And now, glorious and blessed God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, you are mine and I am yours. So be it.
And the covenant now made on earth, let it be ratified in heaven.
Amen

If you would like to prepare for the covenant service have a look at the Bible Study blog http://tinyurl.com/9jtp7v there you will find some daily preparation notes.

You can use them to prepare for the service, but you could also use them to reflect on it.

Thinking of having your child baptised at Paarl Methodist?

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Please download and fill in this application form and then fax or email it to us.

Click here to download

Thinking of Getting Married at Paarl Methodist?

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Please download and fill in this application form and fax or email it to us.

Application form

Sunday School Roster - First Term 2009

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Date	Grades 1-3	Grades 4-7	Not Available
18 Jan	Margaret
25	Joanna	Machel
1 Feb	Celeste	Lorinda	Margaret
8	Inge	Margaret
15	Joanna	Machel
22	Celeste	Lorinda
1 Mar	Inge	Margaret
8	Joanna	Machel
15	Celeste	Lorinda
22	Inge	Margaret
29	Joanna	Machel

Circuit Dates - 2009

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Circuit Executive Meetings:

Tues: 27 Jan, 21 April, 21 July & 27 Oct at 5.00pm at Paarl Methodist Church
Membership: All staff, Circuit stewards, Circuit Treasurer, any full time lay agents like evangelists and Biblewomen, Circuit secretary and 2 reps elected from the Quarterly meeting.

Circuit Quarterly Meetings:

Tues 3 Feb, 28 April, 29 July, 27 Oct at 7.00pm (Venues to be announced)

Congratulations Leigh-Jeanne and Jayesh

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Advent Conspiracy

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Preparing for Christmas...

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Lay Training Day

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On 28 February 2009 there will be a district lay training day!

Book your spaces.

Youth and Family Action Group

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On Sunday 9 November we had a well attended Youth and Family Action
Group meeting after the service.

After a sermon on the church and family http://tinyurl.com/6lqba9 we
spoke about some of the weaknesses, strengths and opportunities that
we face...

STRENGTHS:

Children love Sunday School (One of the children said that.)
There are lots of toddlers coming to church.
Some of the young people are interested in being confirmed.

WEAKNESSES:

We don't have a teenage youth group (but if we can keep the little
ones till they grow up we will.)
We don't have enough teachers to separate Sunday School age groups.
Our Sunday School material may be a bit difficult for South African
children.

OPPORTUNITIES:

We need to sing more children's songs on a Sunday morning in order to
include the little ones.
Sunday School teachers need training.
It would be great if we ran a holiday club.

Plans for next year / the future:

* Possible Marriage Course - Last year's attendees?

* Possible Parenting Course - Angus to investigate
- Discipline
- Child abuse (the threat of modern media)

* Family Get Togethers
- This Christmas - Bring 'n Braai - Chris Manuel
- First Term - Potjie Kos Competition - Machel Johnson and Margit
- Second Term - Barn Dance - Heather Kelly
- Third Term - Spring Breakfast
- Fourth Term - Christmas Braai on Paarl Mountain - Hendrik

Getting things done...

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I imagine that the meetings of the earliest church had something to do with co-ordinating people to work together to continue the work of the gospel.
Early on a Sunday morning - the first day of a busy week, before sunrise a group of Christ followers gather together. Someone says: "Who will help me to feed the poor..." a group is formed and something happens.
At Paarl Methodist Church we have NO PERMANENT STAFF! I (Angus Kelly) am the resident minister, but I am also a minister to other congregations; on top of that I am also a student. But I believe that every one who calls themselves a member of Paarl Methodist Church is obliged to be 'on staff' in some way or another.
So we have a 'staff' of seven Sunday School teachers - most of whom work 6 days a week at other jobs. We have a staff of tea makers and cleaner uppers (also work 6 days at other jobs). We have musicians (6 days at other jobs) etc. etc. We have a staff of managers - stewards - who in addition to their day jobs help to manage the affairs of the congregation.
To get things done we really need everybody to do their part.
Over the next few weeks and again next year we will be holding Action Group Meetings after the Sunday service - action groups decide on what we will do to continue our mission as a church; as people decide together on what should happen and VOLUNTEER to make things happen....

How we're organised...

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