the glen methodist newsletter · the glen methodist newsletter | issue 5 2 the body of christ...

THE GLEN METHODIST NEWSLETTER | Issue 5

Dear Friends,

Since the beginning of 2016,

we’ve been involved in

celebrating our 40th

anniversary of Ministry for

Christ. We have been

immensely blessed by seeing

those Ministers who have been

part of the Glen coming to

preach at our different Services

of Worship, and had

opportunities to share with

them how they touched our

lives during their time of

Ministering at the Glen.

Now, in the third term of this

year, the celebrations are still

continuing! We are still left with

two Ministers and one Lay

Preacher of the Gospel (please

see the time-table). But we are

stepping up the activities, as we

are planning a grand dinner to

wrap up the celebrations

towards the end of the year!

Please be on the look- out for

adverts for this, and invite as

many friends as possible to this

amazing occasion. We hope to

really celebrate in style, and to

go big with this Gala Dinner, as

we are celebrating a great God,

who continues to be such a

blessing to us.

While the 40th anniversary is

about celebrating where we

come from, it is also about

taking the lessons learnt in the

past, and improving the future.

One of the major lessons we

have learnt is the community

and family spirit that was

inculcated in the life of the Glen.

Our commitment is to make

this our great thrust growing

orward. It is for that

reason that this item will

dominate our planning

meeting on the 22nd

October 2016. Please join us as

we dream together to make this

a reality, as we march on for the

forty years, God being our

helper! You are invited to get

involved as much as possible in

all activities planned, and to

share any ideas you might have

with the head of the 40th

anniversary team, led by Mr

Peter Stathakis.

May the good Lord continue to

bless you all, and may we

continue to “See Jesus, To

Know Jesus, To Be Jesus and To

Share Jesus” together going

forward. Know that each and

every one of you is important in

this journey.

Shalom

Smanga

The Glen Methodist Newsletter

3rd Quarter 2016 Edition

40th Anniversary and still moving on!

by Rev Smanga Bosman

THE GLEN METHODIST NEWSLETTER | Issue 5 1

Dear friends in Christ,

As we approach the upcoming

Municipal Elections on 3rd

August, I felt it only fitting that I

sharing some Wesleyan wisdom

with you. Rev John Wesley, the

founder of the Methodist

movement, wrote the following

in his journal on October 6 of

the year 1774, as he reflected

upon the British Parliamentary

elections taking place later that

year.

(Please read the quotation

found in the picture alongside)

Let us hear these words of

wisdom, and in our personal

preparations before going to

the IEC Voting stations and

making our mark on 3rd

August, let us spend some time

reflecting on this advice and

most importantly approach

these elections in prayer.

As we move through the next

few months, I would like to

highlight and encourage you to

partake in the following

important services, activities

and meetings that will be taking

place in the life of our church,

please see the updated Glen

Methodist Church Diary for a

more comprehensive list of

meetings and special dates.

14th August - Harvest

Thanksgiving Services, we will

be celebrating what God has

done for us at both of our

Sunday morning Worship

Services; 08h00 and 09h45. Also

at our 18h00 service through a

Testimony Bring-and-Share

Evening.

21st to 25th September –

Methodist Church of Southern

Africa Annual Conference. Our

District, the Limpopo District,

has the privilege of hosting the


Africa Annual Conference. This

is the meeting of elected

delegates from all Thirteen of

the Districts that make up the


Africa and represents all six

sub-Saharan African countries;

South Africa, Lesotho,

Mozambique, Swaziland,

Botswana and Namibia, that

make up our denomination. I

would like to encourage you to

try to attend the open sessions

and services at Conference.

Please contact the Church

office or speak to Smanga if you

would like more information.

22nd October – Planning and

Vision Day. Our annual Planning

and Vision Day will be taking

place of 22nd October, please

would you prayerfully consider

attending this vital meeting in

the life of our church. as we will

be looking ahead to 2017 after

spending time seeking God’s

guidance and direction for our

vison as The Glen.

Please also keep an eye and ear

open for more details about our

monthly 40 Years of Ministry

for Christ Celebration Services,

which will be culminating in a

dinner during November.

May God bless and keep you

now and always

Grace & Peace

Raymond & Robyn

THE GLEN METHODIST NEWSLETTER | Issue 5

2

The body of Christ Martin Brandt

This morning when I drove to work I listened to a

golden oldies song on the radio: “Rivers of

Babylon” performed by the popular music group

Boney M.

This song was released in 1978 when I was in

primary school and it was an instant hit with all the

young people. It became (at the time) the second

highest-selling single of all time in the UK after

reaching number 1 for five weeks. In South Africa

this song made it to number 1 on Springbok radio.

Today, you may find a short description of Boney

M on Wikipedia and listen to Rivers of Babylon on

YouTube. In South Africa this song caused a lot of

controversy. Numerous community, education

and religious leaders spoke up against it and

warned us as young people against the evils

associated with its message. I remember that the

“concerned leaders” had two issues with Rivers of

Babylon:

The four members of Boney M were of

“weak character”. The four singers

claimed to adhere to Christian principles

but the critics felt that they were not

genuine and the group was trying to

mislead its followers.

The song “Rivers of Babylon” falsely

interpreted the bible. In the song the Jews

mourn the fact that they are no longer

allowed to praise the Lord in in exile in

Babylon after the Babylonian conquest of

Jerusalem in 586 BC. The “concerned

leader’s” interpretation of the bible was

that the song is “untrue”: the Old

Testament Jews were no longer

attempting to praise God in Babylon. They

had forgotten the Lord, no longer sang

songs and therefore “deserved God’s

punishment” and had “forfeited His

grace.” (Isaiah 24 and specifically verses 7

– 13 and 21 – 23).

At the time these “teachings” confused me

and I only understood many years later what

this was all about as I describe next.

As the years passed and I developed insight

and understanding I began to see the truth

about Boney M.

Boney M toured South Africa in the early

21st Century. The lead singer, Liz Mitchell,

when asked to what she described the

band’s tremendous popularity and

longevity, answered that the group

always put Christ first in their lives and that

they had established a culture of love and

togetherness in line with God’s guiding

principles. Liz Mitchell is today listed as a

British Christian in Wikipedia.

The lyrics of Rivers of Babylon are adapted

from the texts of Psalms 19:14 and 137:1-4.

Rivers of Babylon is one of only a few disco


songs that directly quotes from the Bible.

The message of the song was that, even

though the Jews had sinned against God,

they still longed for a life in the promised

land. They remembered the prosperous

times when they still worshipped the Lord.

God never forgot His people in Babylon

and, when they were ready, the Jews

returned to the land of their ancestors. The

song was incorrectly interpreted by the

critics as a justification for God’s

“punishment”.

So why did the “critical leaders” in 1978 spread

these lies? Rivers of Babylon, as a popular song,

threatened their distorted, narrow world view.

The song had become popular in the 1970s in

Jamaica where it was sang to denounce an

oppressive government and a brutal police force.

The oppressed Jamaicans identified with the

exiled Jews in Babylon and “Babylon” became a

synonym for brutal policeman. The song,

performed by a world famous Christian popular

music group (who were born in Jamaica,

Montserrat and Aruba), challenged the South

African “critical leader’s” belief that their own

cultural group is inherently superior to all others.

Counter measures needed to be taken to ensure

their beliefs remained intact. First, the music

group’s character had to be assassinated to

diminish their credibility. The music group’s

Christianity was immediately “questioned”.

Second, measures were taken to ensure that

marginalised members of society did not identify

with the oppressed Jews in Babylon or question

the government’s actions as was already

happening in Jamaica. This was achieved by

“justifying” the oppression of the Old Testament

Jews in Babylon as “God’s punishment brought

upon themselves”. The “leaders” employed self-

centred and self-righteous Christian values and

principles based on a distorted interpretation of

the Bible to justify stereotyping the members of

Boney M because they threatened their own

ethnocentric world view.

But this is not how God would like His people to

live together! The Bible in 1 Corinthians 12:12-31

gives us guidelines on how to bring together the

mosaic of people and groups from a variety of

backgrounds, styles, perspectives, values and

ideas as fellow members in the body of Christ. In

verse 12 we read: “Just as a body, though one, has

many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so

it is with Christ.” Christ’s body is like a mosaic in

which no-one compromises his or her own

identity, standards or culture. Rather, every small

body-part is unique and contributes in a special

way to the whole picture where the sum of the

parts is bigger than the total number of

individuals. Every part is important because

(verse 18) “…God has placed the parts in the body,

every one of them, just as he wanted them to be.”

No part is superior or inferior: (verse 16): “And if

the ear should say, ‘Because I am not an eye, I do

not belong to the body,’ it would not for that reason

stop being part of the body.” We should care about

each other (verse 25): “so that there should be no

division in the body, but that its parts should have

equal concern for each her.” Above all (verse 13):

“For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form

one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free—

and we were all given the one Spirit to drink.”

We have come a long way since 1978. Today

stereotyping is frowned on but it still takes place!

We should never allow “leaders” to justify these

unacceptable practices by means of self-centred,

self-righteous Christian values and principles. We

must hold community, education and religious

leaders accountable for their criticism of other

Christians. Above all, we should always measure

their words against the Bible to determine

whether they are true.


Breath & Move, the Spirit will do the rest.

By Pieter Devenish

We have started our journey together to find our youth and rebuild that power which might have been lying dormant within our Church. Everybody asks the question: “How and what do we do to rekindle our youth ministry and incorporate them within the life of the Church?”

The answer to this question, I have still to find but in that journey we all must strive to do so with Christ. I come from a small town society where everyone was involved and willing to do whatever is necessary to make it a success. Moving to the big city to start my studies I missed that trait of the community, even within the previous Churches that I attended.

Here in the Glen we have that trait. It made me realize that it isn’t a small town ‘thing’, but rather a faith and deep sense of love for community ‘thing’.

We as the Church inspire those closest to us, not by professing

what we know, instead by acting upon situations dealt to us. The way we conduct ourselves and lead those who look up to us is the essence of our Youth Ministry at the Glen.

Within my short time at The Glen, so far, we have worked with various models of joint group activities and spiritual gatherings. The welcoming experience for me has been extraordinary and for that I thank our community, but let us stand back now and think of how our welcoming might be towards the youth? Are we letting them become part of our Ministry? Are we giving them enough spiritual room for their faith to grow? If so are we finally valuing their opinions and acts of Ministry within the Church?

If we are not, then it isn’t a conscious mind -shift we need to incorporate, but rather an inherent act of inclusiveness to everyone, equally!

Faith guides us and the Spirit gives us the moral compass to enact on what is right and that which is needed.

Newsletter

Contributions

All contributions are welcome. Please note the following when contributing:

Articles to be submitted in Word Format only

Please name the file according to your article.

Photo’s to be submitted in jpg and e-mailed

Content to reach us by the deadlines. – Watch the news bulletin for date.

E-mails to be sent to [email protected] Thank you to everyone who contributes on a regular basis.

For any queries or more information contact us at the above e-mail or phone Lilian on 083 985 8466 or contact the church office


Wow this year is flying past again, but what a year! So much has happened in the last couple months.

Confirmation camp: what a great and uplifting time had by al. We have 14 confirmants, and they continue to grow as a group and individually week by week.

Children’s ministry, was great with 25 children attending This was due mostly to the amazing response and wonderful blessings from THE congregation with sponsors for children to go. it was greatly appreciated. The children had a blast and really connected again with life and God

The two holiday clubs went off really well and the number of

children and leaders that came along was just amazing and a blessing, I want to say thank you so much again for all the donations and support that you give to this ministry of the church.

I want to say thank, you thank, you thank for all the amazing and wonderful support received from this church and community, both financially and other gift as well as the care given. It is really appreciated by all.

Also from the children’s ministry side we will like to welcome Pieter to the team, who is running the youth side of things, we wish you all the best, and so glad that you are part of our team with great and new ideas.

If you want to part of a WhatsApp group to stay connected and informed, please send me (0828590756) your number and I will add to the group you wish be connected to

Blessing Kyle

Children’s Ministry


THE METHODIST CHURCH OF SOURHERN AFRICA

WOMEN’S AUXILIARY – LIMPOPO PRESIDENT.

I greet you in the wonderful name of our Saviour and Lord, Jesus Christ. To Him be all the glory for sustaining the Women’s Auxiliary over the past 100 years!

Way back in 1914 ladies of the Methodist Church were meeting together for fellowship, missionary discussions, Bible study and sewing circles, mainly just to get together as Christian women. Then a few of the more forward thinking women felt that the women’s work should be incorporated into the work of the Church and be allowed to have a place in the Church.

Many men threw up their arms in horror and said “What next? The running of the Church is entirely a man’s job. Let the women keep themselves amused with baking cakes and sewing vests.”

Several of the women were not put off and persevered quietly in the background, The leading lady, in this campaign was a certain Mrs. Brooks from East London who was fortunate to have the support of her wonderful husband who took her report, promoting the formation of a Women’s organisation to conference in 1915. In 1916 the first report to

Conference, stating the aims and policy outlines was approved and came into existence. Mrs. Brooks was the first woman to attend Conference when she was elected a full representative.

A brave woman indeed, in a room full of men. The Women’s Auxiliary finally appeared in the Minutes of Conference in 1918. Sadly 100 years on there are still a few ministers who view the Women’s Organisation in a negative light and have not been able to accept the women’s help in the spirit Jesus intended. The large majority of our ministers however, are very supportive of our women and all they do for the Church, and to those ministers we say thank you, and bless you.

The Women’s Auxiliary motto has been “To know Christ and to make Him known” since 1958 and we know that all our members really do have a very close walk with their Saviour and are always eager to share their love of God with everyone they meet. The Women’s Auxiliary were very proud to have been involved with the establishment of the Bible women as an organisation and still support these ladies in many ways whenever they can.

I do not believe we would be able to ever count the number of jerseys that have been knitted, how many litres of soup have been made and blankets distributed by these ladies. Our organisation has

always made a stand for justice and speak out against all forms of discrimination and abuse. The ladies are always willing to visit the sick, prepare funeral teas and in recent years WA branches have become key factors in the upkeep of many Church societies which are finding it difficult to maintain the finances of their Societies.

Membership of the WA has decreased slowly over the years, but we realise that it is not because of who we are but because of the rise of the secularist view of our modern generations who believe in their own strength and not in God’s power.

We are also proud that our membership is across all race groups with integration being fully accepted and cultural traditions shared by all members.

Each member of our organisation, past and present, have served our Heavenly Father with love and passion and we praise and thank God for every woman and the footprint she has left behind. We do not know what tomorrow holds, but we do know that God still has an amazing plan for each one of us.


This may appear to be a tremendously presumptuous title, but what a necessary book it is! One often cringes at how people (ab)use the Bible, using it as nothing less than a tool to justify their own perspectives, ideologies or even prejudices. Harvey Cox takes the reader on a journey, looking a bit behind the text at important things to consider when we read the Bible. I consider this book to be recommended reading for anybody, even if you know your Bible backwards.

Bible study groups can use the book as the basis for a 10-week series, and I am sure that participants would be challenged, yet affirmed in this fresh look at how we read the Bible.

What is Wessel

reading?

A Wonderful and Fulfilling

Opportunity

If you have some musical training and can read music, love to sing or work with a choir and have a passion to spread and share God’s love by working with a wonderful group of enthusiastic voices, then this is a calling for you.

The Glen Mixed Voices Choir needs a new Leader.

(Erika and Pat are planning to relocate later this year)

For more info please contact either:

Tshilidizi Netshitangani - To See Jesus Commision) 082 450 5522

or

Erika Kuhn 084 626 5019 (present leader)


ADVERTISE HERE!

For more information, contact:

Lilian 083 9858466

[email protected]

mailto:[email protected]


F

i

n

a

n

c

e

CHURCH BANKING DETAILS

First National Bank, Lynwood

Branch Code: 252 045

Account No: 546 043 10688

Account Name: Methodist Church of Southern

Africa Glen Society

(Please remember to state what the deposit is for i.e. tithing, Special Appeals, Fill-a-bag)


.

Memories. Baptisms.

27th March

Dakota Birkner – 4th September, 2015

Tyler Ronnenburgh – 2nd December, 2004

Mackensie Jennifer Hambly – 23rd March, 2015.

Noah Hlumile Amukelani Sithole -14th April, 2015.

Jamie Anne Swart – 26th January, 2015.

Marriage.

Andrew Charles Dehrmann and Bronwen May Fawkes

Married by Rev. Raymond Keet on 25th June. 2016.

In Memorium

Hester Herbst (Henegan) – died 5th April, 2016

Alf Moors– died 16th April, 2016

Tshepo Sherwin Mobu – died 25th Aprilo, 2016.

Brian Lesley Goosen – died 30th April, 2016

Ross Op’t Hof – died 13th May 2016.

Derek Wray Townshend – died 1st July, 2016.


August

2nd August - 19h00 Circuit Quarterly Meeting (All leaders) St Georges MC

3rd August – Whole day Voting Day – Public Holiday – Office Closed

9th August – Whole day Women’s Day - Public Holiday – Office Closed

14th August – All Service Harvest Thanksgiving Service – 08h00, 09h45 & 18h00

21st August – 08h00 & 09h45 40 Years of Ministry Services - Rev A Bester

23rd August – 19h00 Society Stewards Meeting TBA

30th August – 19h00 Home Groups Leader’s Meeting TBA

September

11th September – 08h00 & 09h45 40 Years of Ministry Services – Dr K Paine

11th September – TBA Children’s Ministry Picnic TBA

21st to 25th September MCSA Annual Conference Various

24th September – Whole day Heritage Day - Public Holiday

25th September – 08h00 & 09h45 Confirmation – Car Wash Church

28th September – 18h30 The Glen LPQM (All Local Preachers) Church

30th September to 2nd October Youth & Young Adult Camp TBA

October

2nd October – 08h00 & 09h45 40 Years of Ministry Services - Rev D Buwalda

3rd October – 19h00 Glen Methodist Finance & Admin Meeting Church

11th October – 19h00 Local Preacher’s Quarterly Meeting Brooklyn

17th October – 18h00 Circuit Finance Meeting Church

18th October – 19h00 Glen Methodist Executive Meeting Church

19th October – 09h00 Circuit Executive Meeting Church

22nd October – 08h30 Planning and Vision Day (All Welcome) Church

25th October – 19h00 Circuit Quarterly Meeting (All Leaders) Mamelodi

28th to 30th October Men’s Camp TBA

November

6th November – 09h45 Confirmation Service Church

12th November – TBC 40 Years of Ministry Services – Dinner TBA

13th November – 08h00 & 09h45 40 Years of Ministry Services – Closing Church

15th November – 19h00 Society Stewards Meeting TBA

27th November – 09h00 Glen Methodist AGM Church

December

4th December – 09h45 Nativity Play Church

4th December – 18h00 Carols by Candlelight Service Church

25th December – 07h00 & 09h00 Christmas Service Church\

31st December – 23h30 Watchnight Service Church

the glen methodist newsletter · the glen methodist newsletter | issue 5 2 the body of christ...

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