Sadie Buys have won the MTV MyVideo awards and is on her way to Nairobi. Let's wish her all the best and pray for a safe return.

The youth will camp this weekend at Rocky Valley. From all accounts its going to be a blast.. so be there or be square

CYM, is presenting hosting a talent competition for the community of Riverlea, but also beyond.
Dates:     12 Sept and 19 Sept 2009
Venue:     Alpha Centre, Riverlea

BIG PRIZES ARE UP FOR GRABS

Get registration forms from members of the CYM or contact Crystal at 0839664774 or Marcel at 084 806 3686

RIVERLEA'S GOT TALENT ! 

Kainos Music Ministry (KMM) will present a gospel concert on 5 Sept 2009, at Alpha.

The costs is R 25 and there will be refreshments and goodies for sale

Contact members of KMM or simply check out the latest on our 'Facebook group'.

Cleona Fisher:
084 452 6670

Kainos Praise and Worship (KP&W), plans a gospel festival for 5 Sept 2009, at the Alpha Centre, in Riverlea. Plans are underway to draw some of the best voices on gospel and also to launch a 'new-look' KP&W... keep watching this space....

Area 4 ( Wesrand en Noordelike voorstede) beplan 'n potjiekoskompetisie op 25 Julie, by die Alpha Sentrum. Alle bo-baas potjie kossers word uitgenooi om deel te neem ( die res kan kom eet).

Inskrywingsvorms is bekikbaar by Marlin ( kantoor) en kaartjies vir die wat wil kom smul, sal van volgende week af beskikbaar wees.

Hosanna Dance Ministry is currently organising an outreach to the Old Age Village for Saturday, 30 May 2009. They invite members to join them and also to bring along little gifts along. Speak to Charmaine or Valery.

On Saterday, 25 April 2009, from 09h00-12h00, we will host the church council of the Vergesig NG congregation. Our journey together, is a search for concrete structural unification between the two congregations. At this event we will discuss the difficult issue of the Confession of Belhar and what implications it has for our churches together. How can Belhar be understood in the time that we find ouselves in, how can Belhar support the unification of our two churches. What is possible.

All are welcome and invited to come and join the conversation.

This coming Saturday, our associate minister, Malin Fisher, will graduate at the University of Pretoria. He will receive his M.A. degree with specialization in Practical Theology. This achievement for a son of Riverlea should serve as an encouragement for all. We further await the licencing of Malin as minister in the church later this year, with great expectations.

On 26 April 2009, at 09h00, our worship service will be broadcast over national radio. The Afrikaans radio station, Radio Sonder Grense (RSG) will broadcast a sermon by Reggie Nel, in the aftermath of our South African National elections. The sermon comes from Rev 12 and will deal with the topic of the Lordship of Jesus Christ in a time of crisis.


We would of course love to hear some comments and suggestions, as well as furthert conversation. Just click on comment below and type your comments in the pop-up space.

The Children's Ministry will start again on Sunday, 19th April.As usual our children worships with us until the ministry of the Word en then go to their various small groups for special ministry. For any detail please speak to Vanessa Coetzee.

The Uniting Reformed Church celebrated her 15th birthday as a young teenager, with vibrancy and a life to live for. We thank God for his grace and mercy and together with the church in Southern Africa pray more wisdom and discernment in serving God and his world

 

What's up ?

What's up on Saterday @ 4pm ?

Come and see @ the Alpha Centre(ACC) cnr Medway& Kentuckystr, Riverlea

Bring friends along and schoolmates

c.u.@ da ACC

 

 

 

 

 

10 December 2008

 

Beloved TEASA Colleagues and Friends,

Urgent SOS!

An Emergency Call, A High Priority Request.   It's About Zimbabwe!!

 

Greetings in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

 

In recent days we have more than ever been made aware of the dire conditions in our neighbouring state Zimbabwe.  In backstage discussions with various church and business leaders there, we have been deeply moved afresh by the expressed need coming now in multi-decibel volume.

 

Their cry for incarnational help in this extreme suffering has motivated numbers of us in TEASA and in various organisations, along with both church and business people to collaborate in partnership to create a major movement of support in solidarity with the Body of Christ in Zimbabwe.  We ask that you also consider sending this appeal out throughout your networks, whether it is local, national or international. Together we will identify in the coming months how we as part of the Church in SA and beyond can serve the Church in Zimbabwe and its peoples in new ways in the spirit and compassion of Christ.

 

This is a time for united action. To reiterate what Archbishop Tutu said recently 'Enough is Enough'!

 

TEASA in collaboration with WENSA and NIRSA are envisioning an immediate practical action from South Africa to assist in some of the immediate needs. God willing and depending on the conditions on the ground and politically, we will, with intent, begin to drive a process with your help and from month to month raise and channel as much aid as we can via the Body of Christ to those suffering in Zimbabwe. The good thing is that there are many who are already involved. We applaud the work they are doing. To mention just a few: The Vineyard Church raising aid and trucking it to Zimbabwe for distribution through their networks; the AFM Church positioned in Musina to help those who come across the border with food, medical supplies and pastoral care; The Dutch Reformed Church outreach, World Vision, Youth with a Mission and others.

As we come to you now with a request to partner together to give whatever you can, we pray that our response will be like the Church in Macedonia who urgently pleaded with Paul to let them participate in the collection of goods for the needy (2Cor 8:1 - 4:9:2).

 

We have been given a list of food and medical aid that is needed. In addition to that there is a need for money to enable the basic operations to take place.

 

However, in discussions held on the ground in SA, we felt it best to major on raising funds.  With these we will purchase food and medical supplies and we have vehicles ready to roll through at once with these.

 

SO WE NEED YOUR HELP.  YOUR GENEROUS HELP.   TODAY! 

 

These financial contributions will be channelled through both TEASA and NIRSA to either one of the two organisations based in Johannesburg (Valley Vineyard Christian Fellowship and the Dutch Reformed Church) who are equipped to purchase the essentials in food and medical supplies in bulk and deliver it to infrastructures in Harare and Bulawayo as the main incoming points in Zimbabwe. The aid will then be given to credible church networks there for distribution to the needy in their areas, both rural and urban. The Evangelical Fellowship of Zimbabwe together with other role players are  to play a facilitating role in this process.

 

However, should you rather make a donation in kind in terms of food or medical supplies in this first phase, there is capacity to handle these through the Vineyard Church as well as the Dutch Reformed Church  structures.   Their details are as follows:

 

¨        Valley Vineyard Christian Fellowship, Johannesburg

Compassion Ministry

Waynne Pienaar at  082 417 5027

¨        Dutch Reformed Church

Dr Gustav Klaasen at 082 856 1943

 

Our hope and prayer is that a second phase of all this will follow in January 2009 and will continue on a monthly basis for as long as it takes to bring relief.   Please therefore, as part of the TEASA/WENSA/NIRSA constituency, RESPOND NOW!  TODAY.  Just reach for your credit card, cheque book or phone and act now. 

Send your financial donation to the TEASA account.  We will take immediate responsibility and accountability to send this for use through the right channels. Full reports will be available on this and all who make contributions.  Bank details below. 

Next week, (Wed 17^th, and Thur 18^th) God willing,  a NIRSA delegation led by Dr Michael Cassidy   will go  to Zimbabwe to meet leaders of various networks including church and business leaders. The focus of the meeting is to show solidarity with the Church in Zimbabwe and to hear from leaders how best the Body of Christ in SA can serve them at this time and in the future. It will also include a discussion to ensure that all the distribution happens responsibly and efficiently. 

 

May God lead and guide you and all of us. 

Moss Ntlha: TEASA (The Evangelical Alliance of South Africa)

In coalition with:

Peter Tarantal: WENSA (World Evangelisation Network of South Africa)

Michael Cassidy (Chairman) and Naomi Boshoff (Exec Coordinator) NIRSA (National Initiative for Reformation of South Africa)
 

Account name:              TEASA Bank:                            Standard Bank of SA Branch:                         Johannesburg Account Number:           20 200 3604 Branch Code:                000205 Swift Code::                   SBZAZAJJ Please send copy of EFT or fax or e-mail deposit slip to TEASA and clearly indicate it is for TEASA Zimbabwe Aid Fax:  011 403-1077 (TEASA)

The account for contributions is:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The ministry in Belgium, under the banner of CAP really impacted my life as much as it impacted those we worked with. Here  is an glimpse into what we did over the month of July. It is in Dutch, but the photos can hopefully tell the story.

 

Reflecting on our time of worship yesterday, we realise that  worship is not simply about sining or dong something for God. Worship is also being changed  to be more then what God wants us to be.  We thank God for the way he uses kainos in being obedient to His call.

As for the 10 Councellors who received their qualification over the weekend, what can we say- you are amazing people. More so, we praise God for the Councellors  he is raising up in his community. This  new growth is part of a bigger community transformation season that  is happening for Riverlea, but at the deepest level for  Gods kingdom, Praise be to God, again.

The churchcouncil, on Monday discussed the Xenophobic violence that are ripping apart communities.  The informal settlement close to  Extention 2 (Horseshoe), Zamimphilo has also  been hit by this scourge. As Board we have made blankets and a donation of a R 1000 availabe for relief efforts.
We also call upon our community to contact Natasha, who is co-ordinating relief efforts in Hillbrow, to lend a hand or to make money or other donations available

 

The presentation of Dr Senabe is attached and discussion can  be followed on the Alpha blog.

Click here

In a context  where, especially women of faith are domesticated and taught to simply obey 'men of God',  our Woman's ministry is challenging these patriarchal  images  and practices.  Muriel  Willliams , Administrative Head at Lekana Empoloyee benefits,  wil present on financial planning for  women.  The seminar will start at 3 and  will take place at the Centre, in Riverlea.  All women are welcome !

 

Herewith the outline of our sermon today, by Reggie.

Easter turnaround

 Luke 24:13-34

A journey from despair to hope

The conversations of despair

nFrom Jerusalem to Emmaus, from the 'cross' to the 'comfort zone'

nLanguage of disillusionment- 'we had our hopes up that He was the one…'

nThe miracle and resurrection confuse them. Jesus is a stranger….

nWhy ? They were living in terms of the senses, realism, they had a closed worldview

 

Conversations of hope

nIt usually starts with a question. 'What has happened?'.

nGrapple with what has happened, talk about it, and open up the wound.

nGet inspiration, but more-so perspective.

nScripture provides frame of reference, it challenge our worldviews- it reframes the issue, new light. (Hope)

 

A time of decision-kairos, conversion

nAt the edge of their hometown, the margins between private and public, between the 'in-group' and the 'outsider'- the place of fundamental growth, of metanoia (conversion

nInviting the stranger in, hospitality to the stranger- conversion ? (Matt 25, Luk 4)

n In the decision, its not yet clear

 

 

 

 

 

It was a special time of 'dankbare harte' when Sipho and Beauty Senabe, who celebrated their 15th wedding anniversary, renewed their vows in worship today. These moments were times of celebration, but also a witness to those who are married, but also those who are preparing for marraige. A family report from the UK recently suggest that the formal institution of marriage is seemingly outdated and need to be reviewed. At the least it is stated that younger people prefer , what is euphemistically called, co-habitation.

Sipho and Beauty, represseting a new generation of Christian public leaders, however emphatically, confirmed whwre they stand, but more so, what they believed. In renewing their vows, we witness growth in relationships, indeed a progressive perspective, but more-so, rooted in values that has stood the test of time. We pray Gods blessings upon their marriage, upon Thato and Katlego.

 

Die  Pinksterreeks is beskikbaar !
Die tema sentreer rondom  Gesinne - Families in die kragveld van die Gees.  Ons sal moet besin oor hoe om dit sinvol te benit en bespreek in  ons  selle en areas.
Die reeks kan hier afgelaai word. 
Pinkster 2008

Die Pinksterreeks vir  2008 is nou beskikbaar. Ons heg die dokument aan  en hoop om later 'n Engelse kopie beskikbaar te hê.  Die  Tema is: families in die kragveld van die  Gees.  Dit sou goed wees as ons die stof bestudeer en besig oor hoe ons die  kwessies, selfs binne gesinsverband kan hanteer.

Pinkster 2008

The new CYM  executive are :


Chairperson:         Marcel
Vice-chair:            Crystal
Secretary:            Keannen
vice secretary:       Janile 
Treasurer:             Sadie

Members who have been approached to be part of the fundraising task team , are to contact Chris. Those  who feel the calling and have the gift of raising support also need to call him to discuss innovative ideas for  the run-up to 2010.

Chris:  0833260481

Hubert is on his way to the Big Apple ! For those that do not know, this frockstar, has won, from MetroFM, a trip to the New York fashionweek, somewhere in September 2008. This bassist, CYMee, working in Hillbrow, style icon is also a PK. His faithfull christian commitment is above reproach and UB we wish you well on you career.  Congratulations !

Geluk aan die  Titus familie vir die aanstelling van  Br Danny , as nuwe uitvoerende  direkteur: kultuur. Ons is trots op sy aanstelling en oordeel dat dit erkenning is aan die leierskapsrol wat hy gespeel het tot op datum, maar ook wat hy in die toekoms sal kan speel . As meelewende en toegewyde gelowige, is Br Danny, soos hy onder ons bekend is, 'n toonbeeld van die tipe van rol wat Christene vandag in ons land kan speel, as brugbouers, maar ook as baanbrekers.

Die Burger,  onder die titel, Danny Titus, berig tereg,  'Danny Titus is 'n gerekende stryder vir en kenner van menseregte wie se liefde vir Afrikaans welbekend is. 

 

 

It's with shock and pain that we've recieved the sad news of the passing on of the much admired, Rev James Buys, former moderator of our General Synod. As an astude and strong young churchleader, he led the way in the historic reunification of the two racially seperated churches, the Ned Geref Kerk in Africa and the NG Sendingkerk to form the URCSA, but also the ACSV and the VCS to form UCSA.

Rev Buys was our honored guest recently at the 40th celebrations of our congregation and ministered powerfully the word of God. He shared insights on the significance of 40 in the Bible and how God has prepared us for new levels and dimensions of ministry. We as a church felt proud to have  been part of the  shaping, but also bearing witness of the fruit of the ministry of Rev Buys. His father, of course are one of the ancestors of this congregation, whose toil made it possible for us to live this legacy today, whilst the Buys family remains one of the strong sources of inspiration leadership, in the younger members of this family, in Riverlea congregation, but also other congregations in and around Johannesburg.

As our leader, James, you have showed us the way, paid the price, gave your life. May your soul rest in peace and our memory of you, light the way. To Mrs Angela Buys, children and family, we pray with you for strength and we commit to stand with you in Christ Jesus, our Lord. This prayer of support goes out to the whole the Buys family and the extended family.

 

There are two (2)  vacancies for children's workers in our childrens ministry

Requirements:

• Member of URCSA
• Experience in children's ministry,
• No criminal records
• A Growing faith and healthy Christian spiritual habits
• Willingness to be available for training

Forward you CV to Marlin Fisher at tghe office and we will contect you for an interiew.

 

The Board has agreed om a new configuration for  'wyke' (wards),  now called areas.  The question  is: why a new name ? Isn't it simply the same old 'wyke' and where does the cells fit in  ?

Let's give a bit of background and motivation:
The 'wyke' system was introduced in the  NG Sendingkerk,  in the 1980s as an attempt to  spur members on for  what we now call, 'every member ministry', but also  to create space for small group ministry.  Of course,  these wyke morphed  into once a month little services , with a fundraising  meeting afterwards.  Usually  the fundraising meeting overshadowed the  little service, and  so  we started to speak about  'wyksbyeenkomste' or 'wyksvergaderings' instead  of  'wyksbidure'.  This  kind of situation was valuable in terms of fundraising efforts, but  not for  growth in faith, fellowship, families and friendship.  The early  90s to the  beginning of  the new millenium saw a shift in focuss towards cells.  Big cell-churches became the benchmark for local churches in their quest for growth and  financial  sustainability.  We 've looked at this model, attended  workshops and conferences at  amongst others, Little Falls Christian Centre.  The cell ministry, in our local church has started and made an impact  in terms of growth in  faith and  fellowhip. This has to be sustained and strengthened. In order for us to do this  we will  put together a program  for equipment and fellowship amongst the cell leaders and potential leaders. 

What the new areas however aim to do is to reconfigure the geographical spread of our members. The last decade has seen shifts in the location of our members, but also the level of involvement. Some have relocated from Riverlea to the suburbs, others have joined our community from other congregations, are reside in newer suburbs. This mean that the 'boundaries ' of the existing 6 wyke has become obsolete. Hence, our proposal that the exisiting cells be clustered in terms of new areas, with one leading elder responsible for that area. The new configuration will look thus:
Area1:            Cell 1, with the new Ext 2 & 3, Bosmond
Area 2:           Cell 2 & 3, with Langlaagte, Mayfair, Brixton and Johannesburg 'town', new Ext 7-11, Southern                            suburbs
Area 3:           Extention (the 7s and the 9s
Area 4:           Westrand, Northern Suburbs towards Centurion

What's next: Cells will continue to meet as usual, but we will also convene a gathering of the leading elders in order to plot and plan the way forward in terms of process, content and key sucess factors.

We had a energetic workshop on  Saturday,  16 Feb 2008 facilitated by  Danny Titus.  The workshop was started with a powerpoint presentation  by Brendan Ficks  on coaching.  He introduced the C.O.A.C.H. model, but also participated in the discussions on  our ministry planning for the year. 

Any thing new ?

•  We realised that we need to look at  an integrated apporach to worship, integrating  Hosanna,  Kainos and  Charisma, in  terms of the planning but also the implementation of  our worship and celebration times together.
• Prayer should undergird all we do, espescially for the leaders.
  
• We need to develop space for men  to also share their eimes together.
  
• Mentoring  amongst  our younger leaders is crucial  ( Brendan made the point that  coaches who develop leaders spend  most of their time with their  'top 20')

The road ahead ?

• Ministry teams  will meet  before the end of  Feb to craft a work plan for  2008
• Ministry leaders will report to the Board  on  10 March 2008
• A  Follow-up workshop will be held on 15 March 2008, under the facilitation  fo Danny.

 

The Church Council is going on a Bosberaad from  1-2 Feb 2008, at Foruways. We will be looking at a few issues, in particular our planning for the year. Of course, we need to look at 2010 vision and how that will impact and also provide opportunities for ministry in and around Riverlea. The functioning of our cells will also be looked into, in depth and we hope to come back with a few fundamental moves. This is also an opportunity for the 'new'  council members to be inducted and for them to get to know one another. Please pray for wisdom and discernment in this time. 

 

Our week of prayer and descernment will start on 28 Jan to 1 Feb 2008, at the Alpha Christian Centre, in Riverlea.

The theme for this year's week of prayer is coming from Luke 10, a classic text in the current partnership for Missional churches. It is stated in the URCSA website , that the theme links onto various threads focussing on the missionality of the congregation, the calling of all members and how congregations should focus on it.

The whole series can be downloaded from the Bybelmedia. Just click on the icon here 

 

 

Cleona Fisher  has been appointed by Kainos to be the new  worship leader in our church. She  has a background in praise and worship, from  Bloemfontein and will be leading the team, we believ from strengths to strengths.

Having spoken to Crystal,  vice-chair of the CYM, it seems as if a lot of things are planned for 2008.  Parents are encouraged to send their young people to the CYM on Saterday, 19 Jan at 17h00 ( for 17h30) You  might want to pick up your kids  at  19h30.

Good wishes for the team. !

Our annual week of  Prayer will start on 21 Jan 2008 at 19h00 and conclude on Friday, 25 Jan 2008.  The  venue will be the Alpha centre.This year we want to focus our theme on 'Descerning the will of God'  We will have various  speakers  presenting thsi topic,  but most importantly we will  aim to listen to the voice of God as a church.

The challenge of descernment is crucial for a time such as this. There is so much information available that people speak of an information explosion or information overload. The question is how do we still hear the word of God, in the midst of so many voices and people speaking. Of course the church have to hear and then speak also the word of God in the world, engaging the powers that be. This is the kind of conversartion that we will be focussing on the few evenings together.

Complements of the new season. I hope and pray that 2008 be a year of progress and prosperity for us as individuals and as a church.

Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) has reached an agreement with the SABC on behalf of the Economy, Investment and Employment Cluster to flight 16 episodes on the 12 Language stations dealing with government second economy interventions and opportunities available. The schedule of all the episodes and stations is attached. Everyone is encouraged to tune in and listen to the programmes.

Regards

Sipho

Radioscedule

 

 

Next week Sunday, 13 Jan 2008, we plan a special celebration service for the De Bruyne family, who will be leaving us soon. They have been serving as workers in the Johannesburg Central Prison for 3 years and their term is coming to an end. They will be leaving South Africa, next week Thursday, from OR Tambo International to rejoin their family and church, back in the Netherlands.

This Satruday, 12 Jan 2008, from 10-12 we will have a mini-bazaar of sorts, where their last possesions will be sold for cheep. Please come and support as the proceeds will go to a charity that wil sustain their vision amongst young people in conflict with the law... a type of Martin and Anita De Bruyne Trust fund.

Martin Anita and little Naema, we will sorely miss you and thanks for the impact that you have made on our lives.

The celebration starts at 10am and will conclude at 12 noon.

All are welcome !

 

 

 

 

 

 

 The year 2008 is the year of new beginnings. Our community needs new ways of communication we believe that this is the way to go , So please some and visit us often.

Please also follow Alpha Christian Community, where, on a daily basis we will be communicating.

Greetings

Webteam