Every year, on the first Sunday of March, all the CCW congregations come together for a joint service. This has been a tradition for many years and continued successfully this year. But first, let’s remind ourselves who the CCW is. CCW stands for Circuit Conference West and consists of all the congregations in the Western Cape area. Stretching from the Southern Cape, through the Winelands, to the heart of Cape Town, we are nine congregations that form the CCW. The CCW’s goal is to foster cooperation between congregations, serve as a connection between the congregations and the Church Council, and help fund initiatives that promote their ministry.
This year, the CCW’s committee decided to have both its AGM and Church Day on the first weekend of March, creating a CCW weekend. The AGM was held at St. Martini Congregation on Saturday, March 1st. The meeting included reports, as usual, but most of the time was dedicated to discussing the different activities that congregations are engaged in and how the CCW can support them. For me, this is the best part of being involved in the CCW—hearing stories and helping passionate people follow where God leads them in their work for the Church. The minutes of this meeting are available for those who might be interested.
Now, on to Church Day—or maybe, as Winfried suggested, the Church Rally!
I’m not sure which name is more fitting, but it comes from the German word Kirchentag. This tradition originates in Germany, where every two years, large gatherings bring together many congregations and individuals to celebrate and take part in various activities, from worship and discussion groups to social and political debates. The atmosphere is described as joyful, but it also carries a sense of responsibility for issues regarding faith, social challenges, and what it means to be a Christian today. This year’s Kirchentag is expected to draw over 100,000 people, with over 1,500 activities planned!
Back in South Africa, we had our Church Day at the Strand Street congregation. The historic church building, with its long and at times complicated history, set the stage for a beautiful service. Members from all nine congregations were present, and the service was led by a team of our three newest pastors—a fully female team! The local pastor of Strand Street, Pastor Chetty, led the liturgy, with Stellenbosch/Somerset’s Pastor Van Sittert delivering a beautiful sermon, and St. Martini’s Pastor Küllmer preparing and serving Holy Communion. Adding to the experience, we had the privilege of listening to Werner Nel play on the newly restored organ, while Pastor Meylahn and Winfried led the brass band. Traditional hymns, along with more contemporary songs, were sung as we worshipped together, surrounded by friendly faces from different walks of life.
After the service, it is tradition for congregation members to share a meal, often in the form of a bring-and-share lunch. This was held at the back of the church building, where we were guided by the smell of fires being prepared for the meats to come. It was a wonderful display of fellowship between sister congregations. I had the chance to catch up with members from other congregations whom I don’t often see. I also spoke with some of our theology students and enjoyed hearing about their journey in theology and their experiences with their studies.
I truly hope this CCW Church Day reminded our congregations that we are part of a greater body, called to serve together. Each of our congregations has its own strengths and talents, capabilities and opportunities. Yet, all are called by the Lord to play their part in His grand story.
All in all, another great CCW Church Day!
Ps Schalk Treurnicht
