Amanzimtoti Uniting Presbyterian Church

Newsletter Mission Statement:

TO KNOW …..…. TO GROW ..…... TO GO FOR CHRIST JESUS (“to experience Love”) ..… (“to grow in God”) ..… (“to share the good news”)

From our Padre’s desk….

Dear Toti Family,

Lockdown is the main buzz word and a genuine factor in our lives

at this moment. Truly, each one of you deserves a

complementary word of praise (hugs later) for understanding

and implementing the really necessary precautions to help bring

the Covid 19 virus under control. Extending the lockdown time is

unfortunate – beating the bug is essential! But well done and

thanks for your efforts.

During this unexpected challenge, your response to looking after

each other and yourselves has been amazing, and this has

blessed many who otherwise may have struggled – Thank YOU –

that’s what “A” team players do!

Somehow being part of the solution is infectious and as the

saying goes ‘when life presents a heap of sour lemons – smart

people choose to make lemonade (the other choice is to suck

sour). And when tomorrow presents another load of lemons let’s

start selling lemonade and making marmalade – it’ll finance your

dream.

On thing we have tried to do is to maintain and even improve

quality relationships, meaningful fellowship, caring for those in

need and doing our bit to keep the economy healthy i.e. –

Christian living! Adjusting things to fit the bill – but with all pitching

in it’s doable.

Over the past few day’s the miracle of Jesus calming the storm

has repeatedly come to mind, but in bold type! Usually, for me

this indicates – “TAKE NOTE!”

In THE moment of reflection it became quite clear that Jesus can

calm storms and them much more. Because He is God who

holds the sun, moon and stars in His hand, and naturally the sea

as well; He can speak to these forces. Jesus can so speak with

them that they understand what He says. And they obey Him as

well!

It must have been an unbelievable experience for the disciples

to battle the huge waves and the next instant, to see how the

storm calms down completely.

Let us, along with the disciples, humbly and respectfully bow

April 2020

Inside this Issue:

From our Padre’s desk

From our Session Clerk

Stewardship Board Matters

Women’s Fellowship

Children’s Ministry

Worship Team

Bible study Group

Prayer Concerns

Bible Readings

News

Birthdays

On the lighter side ..

Upcoming Events

General Information

Calendar

10 School Crescent Amanzimtoti Tel: 031 904 1462

From our Session Clerk …

BE STRONG to the END - 1 Corinthians 1:8

When God calls believers to be HIS disciples HE calls them to "a long obedience in the

SAME DIRECTION. I must hasten to add it is never easy or plain sailing. GOD has not

promised a rose strewn path-way or skies ever blue. The Corinthian believers knew this

all to well. They struggled to understand the gospel of JESUS amid all the evil and sin

and the diverse religious practices that was rife everywhere. When they faltered and

fell they were challenged to get up and meet the challengers head on.

Paul reminded them of GOD'S PROMISE.

"MY GRACE IS SUFFICIENT FOR YOU, FOR MY POWER IS MADE PERFECT IN WEAKNESS."(ll

Corinthians 12:9 NIV )

Not much has changed in our day. The world at large has forsaken GOD, the

CREATOR of this world. This Covid19 has brought the world to a stand-still with

devastation, sickness, poverty, hardship and death.

In my humble opinion, I believe that GOD is speaking to the world and has been

speaking for a long time and most have ignored GOD.

I am reminded when GOD spoke to Noah, when Noah pleaded with the people of his

time to turn from their wicked ways.

You know this story well, so I will not elaborate. Noah built the Ark as GOD commanded

with ALL the dimension supplied amid a great deal of scoffing and ridicule by its

inhabitants. It rained forty days and nights. Noah and his family together with the

animals were in a state of LOCKDOWN for ONE HUNDRED and FIFTY DAYS(150)

You and I need to keep strong, we have the Almighty God on our side, provided we

heed 2 Chronicles 7:14 (please read this).

You may be daunted and fearful about the future, trust GOD and lean on HIM, HE will

see you through this crisis. "Greater is HE that is within you than he that is in the world"

Maintain your DAILY walk with the LORD, study HIS WORD. There is comfort, strength

and peace in the WORD and you will be strong to the end not just to the end of the

lockdown

Keep in fellowship with fellow believers through what ever media you are comfortable

with.

GOD Bless You ALL

Anand

From our Padre’s desk continued ….

before God, He is not only interested in our private lives. He is Lord of heaven and

earth, god over all seen and unseen things. We can therefore freely go to Jesus with all

our needs and problems. He is mighty enough to handle them all.

“He’s got the whole world in His hands,

He’s got the whole wide world in His hands,

AND

He’s got YOU AND ME in His hands,

He’s got the whole world in His hands”

With Much Love,

Boet and Linda

From the Chairman

Please continue to be faithful in your

giving. (Offering & Tithing)

-------------------

We put our hope in the LORD. He is our

help and our shield. (Psalm 33:20)

In 2011, the movie called The Help

brought to life the stories of several African

American maids in Mississippi during the

1960’s. Many of those women brought a

great deal of wisdom with them into the

affluent – but needy – homes of their

employers.

During this pandemic we know our Help is

the Lord, and He is on duty 24/7. He is

available to guide, lead, and direct us in

His wisdom.

There will never be a time on this earth

when we will not have His expertise and

power at our disposal. When you and I

have put our faith in Christ, we have all

the Help we could ever need.

His Holy Spirit indwells and guides us. He

gives us the mind of Christ for direction

and everyday living. He gives us His

Father’s protection, and constant love.

We are His dependents.

Let us remember, God has not given us a

spirit of fear. We should not panic. Our

God is still the all-knowing, ever-present,

omnipotent God.

We have the strong conviction not to do

anything knowingly that would put

anyone at risk. Our Session has taken a

responsible decision to suspend all

meetings and services as we currently

know, until further notice.

We are looking into alternative ways

(possibly youtube) to bring our Sunday &

Easter services to you.

Yours in Christ,

Andy du Toit

From the Treasurer

As I said last month this year is not without

challenge, but who would have thought

that we have three weeks to really just stop

– yes some are working from home, but not

have to rush, no sitting in traffic – going off

to the shops.

Our Lord, is waiting, waiting for us to

connect with Him and use all the time

driving, shopping, chatting to neighbours –

talking to HIM. Make the most of it.

As treasurer I urge you to remember that we

are without weekly plate as result of

LOCKDOWN and this will really affect our

cashflow. Thanks to all who tithe via direct

deposit, Internet online banking or the

banking app on your phone (those who

have it installed) can be used for monthly

tithes and pledges.

Banking details can be found in the General

Information section of the Newsletter.

Would like to share this:

You can choose the storms and the waves;

Or you can choose THE LORD.

You can choose fear and panic;

Or you can choose HOPE

Perhaps the words “BENOT AFRAID” were

not meant for effortless times

But precisely times such as these.

Ephesians 4:32

Be kind to one another, tender hearted,

forgiving one another, as God in Christ

forgave you.

Nataly

Our Projects 2020!

1. Flooring for KidzCity Hut

2. Jungle Gym

3. Assist the ‘Serving Hands’ Project.

THANK YOU TO ALL WHO CAME AND HELPED US

AT THE WORKPARTY. MUCH WAS ACCOMPLISHED!

Stewardship Board Matters

Kidz City - Children’s Ministry

We are experiencing a new phenomena –

Lockdown – it could be an overwhelming

experience, especially for our children, if we let

it.

We would encourage you to read Bible stories

to the children and teach them the values

behind the stories. There are many online

resources to help your children grow spiritually

and in faith.

Let us not miss this opportunity to reconnect as

a family – spending quality time with the

children and perhaps teaching them the

importance of a ‘quiet time’ with God. Set

aside a specific time each day to read a story,

chat about what you read, share a prayer

opportunity and perhaps sing one or two songs

– the fun songs can be found on the internet.

Keep safe by staying home.

With many blessings,

The Kidz City Team

Women’s Fellowship News

Hi Friends,

Because February is Valentine’s month our

Vice-President, Dawn Dippenaar, standing in

for our Esme’ (President) who is in Australia

and also visiting New Zealand, suggested that

our members dress in either red and white or

pink. We were also to make a red heart, and

to wear it on our dress as a brooch. The best

one would receive a chocolate for the prize.

All the ladies participated and it looked lovely

to see them all dressed in those colours!

Glenda Farr won the prize. Her heart said “I

love God”. Beautifully said. We were

reminded to attend the Women’s World Day

of Prayer on Friday the 6th March at 10 am at

the St Mary’s Anglican Church in Warner

Beach. Several members agreed to go.

After our delivious tea/coffee break we

handed over to our guest speaker who is one

of our favourite friends. He is Alan Symons

who runds the Anger and Stress Management

course. His talk was amazing. Interesting,

inspiring and giving us much to think about.

Many of you know him from when he was the

Rehoboth Church minister and has preached

in our Church on occasions. He has a lovely

sense of humour which he brings into his talks,

which just makes it all so much more real to

what he is talking about. Several ladies took

his business card. He closed our meeting for

us in prayer and, as always, we sang our

Benediction “May God’s Blessing”. We still

encourage other ladies in our congregation

to come and join us on the 3rd Tuesday of

every month at 9 am.

You will be truly blessed by our Saviour and

loving Lord Jesus Christ.

Date of our next meeting 17th March 2020.

It is St Patrick’s month so ladies, if you want to,

wear GREEN.

God be with you,

Denise Kenton - Women’s Fellowship Secretary,

ALL Meetings have been postponed until further notice.

The Worship Team

The Musician’s Prayer

Oh Lord, please bless this music

That it might glorify

Your Name

May the talent that You have

bestowed upon us be used only to serve You.

Let this music be a witness

to Your majesty and love,

and remind us that You are always

watching, and listening,

from Your throne above.

May Your presence and beauty

be found in every note,

and may the words that are sung

reach the hearts of Your people

so they will draw closer to You.

May Your spirit guide us

through every measure

so that we might be the instruments

of Your peace,

and proclaim

Your glory with glad voices.

Amen

Homemakers Craft Afternoon

Our craft ladies finished their candlewicking at

home. We had much fun learning how to do

a Colonial Knot which is slightly different from

a French knot. We used a more modern

approach with colour and not the

unbleached effect.

We are all looking forward to our next lesson

when we complete the project and make a

cushion cover.

Once the Lockdown has been lifted we will

continue our Craft Afternoons.

A big thank you to Lorna Mann for her

assistance on the day.

The cost is R20-00 per workshop (to cover

costs).

It is a great help if I know how many to

prepare for, so please message me on 083 441

6635.

Home Bible Discussion Group

Mark 11:12-14

Why did Jesus curse the fig tree if it was not

the right season for figs?

When: Thursday evening’s @ 19h15.

Venue: Church Hall

Noteworthy upcoming events …

Toti Presby’s Serving Hands …

Hello Friends

Trust you are well and I hope you are

enjoying this special time, given to us to

strengthen our relationship with the Lord.

Thank you for your love and all the

contributions made to us. We were able to

distribute them to our members. I am in

touch with them via social media.

For those who would like to make a donation,

kindly send to the church bank account

indicate its for ‘Serving Hands’.

We received a few sets of cutlery which will

be stored for use later, when the need arises.

Crockery collection is next.

Stay blessed, stay safe and stay home.

God’s blessings and much love,

Chrisnum.

Ongoing Project for Sailor’s Society:

Dear Toti Ladies,

“Thank you once again to all those who

so faithfully knit for the seafarers’ project -

it is so appreciated and I am happy to

report that we are now up to15 mugs, 63

beanies, 7 scarves and 6 baby booties.

In this time of lockdown, I pray that God

will keep his hand of protection over you

and your families. We are truly in need of

a MIRACLE OF GOD – and for this to

happen we need to humble ourselves

and pray, and turn from our wicked ways,

and seek His face. THEN He promises to

hear from heaven, forgive our sins and

heal our land. So let’s unite in continual

prayer for spiritual renewal and revival like

we’ve never seen it before. And while we

may be unable to get wool, we might

consider using that time to pray! Yes, let’s

do that anyway – we can knit again with

joy when we are through this crisis.

Blessings and love to you all.

Linda

Prayer Concerns

Lord,

Hear Our Prayer Remember in Prayer this month:

Mangiliso Ndlovu – in need of a bone

marrow Transplant and good health for

baby Mqondisi Ndlovu.

Healing & Recovery:

Liz Heuer, Nellie Barnardo, Theresa

Hunter, Delarey van Zyl, Linda Clark,

Carmen Lithgow, Linda Weldon-Church,

and Sheila Fraser .

Healing for Cancer/remission patients:

Mark Uglietti’s Mom, Robyn-Lee Fielding,

Dr Thomas Sundram, and Ivers Oldfield.

In Sympathy:

Bob Simpson & family.

Coronavirus Covid19:

Pray for the containment of the virus.

Pray for the ill and isolated.

Pray for Protection of the vulnerable.

Pray for the Local and National Leaders.

Pray for the Health Practitioners.

Pray for those affected in other ways by

the Pandemic (lack of income,

businesses, etc).

Continue to pray as the Holy Spirit leads

you.

Please send all Prayer Requests to:

Chrisnum Enoch, Tel: 031 902 1615 or via

e-mail to: chrisnume@gmail.com

or

Valmai du Toit at the church office or on

083 441 6635.

Your February Bible Readings

THE PASSION WITH MATTHEW

1. Stories and questions

Wednesday 1 Matthew 18:21-35

Thursday 2 Matthew 19:16-30

Friday 3 Matthew 20:1-16

Saturday 4 Matthew 20:17-23

THE PASSION WITH MATTHEW

1. The holy city

Sunday 5 Matthew 21:1-11

Monday 6 Matthew 21:12-17

Tuesday 7 Matthew 26:1-16

Wednesday 8 Matthew 26:17-30

Thursday 9 Matthew 26:36-56

Friday 10 Matthew 27:32-50

Saturday 11 Matthew 27:57-66

EASTER: WITH THE RISING OF THE SUN

1. Break of day

Sunday 12 Matthew 28:1-10

Monday 13 John 20:1-10

Tuesday 14 John 20:11-18

Wednesday 15 John 21:1-8

Thursday 16 Genesis 32:22-32

Friday 17 Daniel 6:16-24

Saturday 18 Psalm 108

EASTER: WITH THE RISING OF THE SUN

1. Rising early

Sunday 19 Genesis 19:15-28

Monday 20 Genesis 21:8-20

Tuesday 21 Genesis 22:1-14

Wednesday 22 Job 7:4-19

Thursday 23 Psalm 119:145-152

Friday 24 Genesis 40:5-19

Saturday 25 Mark 1:35-39

1 AND 2 THESSALONIANS

1. The labour of love

Sunday 26 1 Thessalonians 1

Monday 27 1 Thess 2:1-12

Tuesday 28 1 Thess 2:13-16

Wednesday 29 1 Thess 2:17 – 3:5

Thursday 30 1 Thess 3:6-13

Faith for Daily Living – April 2020 Readings (As supplied by

and with grateful acknowledgement to the I.B.R.A.)

General Information

Please let us know if we could be of any assistance to you e.g. If you would like to help in the church, become a member, change your address, going to hospital etc.

Minister: Rev. J. D. (Boet) van Schalkwyk* Cell: 083 301 8022 Vestry Hours: Wednesdays 08:00 to 18:00

Session Clerk – Anand Enoch Cell: 083 661 3515

Church Secretary: Valmai du Toit Office Hours: Tuesday to Friday 08h00 to 13h00 Telephone: 031 904 1462. Cell No.: 065 947 0188

P.O.Box 14, Umbogintwini, 4120.

Banking Details: Nedbank : Account No. 1304 1344 90 : Branch code 130-826

E-Mail: totipresby@gmail.com Website: www.totipresbyterian.co.za

On the lighter side continued ……

1. How do groups of angels greet each other?

Halo, halo, halo!

2. Who was the greatest moneyman in the Bible?

Noah. He was floating his stock while everyone else

was in liquidation.

3. What do we have that Adam never had?

Ancestors.

4. Where was Solomon’s temple located?

On the side of his head.

5. What did Adam say the day before Chrismas?

It’s Christmas, Eve!

6. How does Moses make his coffee?

Hebrews it, obviously.

7. How long did Cain hate his brother?

As long as he was Abel.

8. Why did Noah have to punish and discipline the

chickens on the Ark?

They were using fowl language..

9. Who was the smartest man in the Bible?

Abraham. He know a Lot.

10. Who was the greatest comedian in the Bible?

Samson – he brought the house down.

11. Who was the best female finance lady in the Bible?

Pharaoh’s daughter. She went down to the bank of

the Nile and drew out a little prophet.

12. Which Bible character had no parents?

Joshua, son of Nun. (Joshua 1:1)

13. What’s the best way to study the Bible?

You Luke into it.

April Birthdays

01 Sinothando Makhapela

01 Thembelihle Ndlovu

05 Mike Pillay

05 Kiara Gibson

07 Loris Thysse)

08 Thembekile Chonco

13 Ntathu Chonco

15 Arlene Rademan

18 Paul Clark & Petro Mhlongo

22 Makha Small

25 Sally Clark

28 Joan Pienaar

28 Likho Mona

Did we miss your birthday?

Please call or email Valmai so we can correct our

records.

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