As chairperson of the Kreuzkirche church committee, I present a summary of our activities from May 2025 to April 2026. Our congregation is administrated through two ministries: Kreuz & Community and Kreuzkirche Housekeeping. We officially have 182 members across 85 households, though with approximately 20% we have limited contact. Despite this, we are grateful for the support we receive from both members and non-members.
Kreuz & Community Ministry
Under Pastor Schalk Treurnicht, this ministry oversees worship services, meetups, outreach, and our affiliation with the Cape Lutheran Church. Weekly services include an English service at 09:00, multilingual services, and a German service on the third Sunday. Our church facilities are also used by a nearby Methodist congregation for Shona services.
Our worship benefits from a dedicated team, including readers, flower arrangers, and musicians, notably organist Thaniel Frans and others. Special thanks to the Hellström family for restoring our Paul Ott pipe organ. We are also working on formalizing liturgies, a project endorsed by the Synod. We hold various regular activities, including prayer meetings, Bible studies, and services at St Johannis Heim and other community events. Outreach remains a priority, supporting charities like MES and Tygerberg Hospice. Our annual outreach service with St. Phillips Kraaifontein is a highlight.
Collaboration with the Cape Lutheran Church enhances our intercongregational communication, allowing us to participate in joint projects and events.
Kreuzkirche Housekeeping Ministry
I oversee this ministry encompassing Finance, Parsonage, and Church Office. Special thanks to all who contribute to our fundraising efforts, including bazaars and community meals, which are vital to our finances. Rental income helps maintain our parsonage, although we faced losses due to a neighbour relocating. We received an inheritance and donations, including funds to improve security. I encourage all members to consider their contributions to maintain our financial health, including supporting the Parsonage Fund.
The Parsonage encompasses our church’s facilities, with ongoing maintenance needs. Major projects include upgrades to our church tower and security systems, reliant on fundraising.
We have stable tenants in various properties, including Inspiring Horizons and the Cape Guild of Weavers, contributing to our community. The church office, run efficiently by Christiana Duwe and supported by a capable team, is crucial for our operations and event planning. Our church committee meets regularly, and I encourage congregants to engage as co-opted members to share their skills. We value your involvement in our activities, be it through fundraising, services, or community outreach.
We utilize SMS, WhatsApp, and newsletters for communication with our members and the community. In conclusion,
I echo Theodore Roosevelt’s words: “Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.” Dieter Geiger (text shortened by E-G. Brunke)
