As we start this new year, with much excitement and hope, I am really im- pressed with how well our congregation did last year. It was with a happy heart that I could hand over the many donations we received for the Bless-a-Baby project last year. Glynne who receives the donations from us to take to the various hospitals always comes to our congregation with a smile and I am always left smiling. She mentioned in their ‘Thank you’ letter how happy they are with the handmade items, which is proof that you as Kreuzkirche take this project seriously and put in time and effort to bless those mothers and their babies.

Near the end of last year, we had the 16 days of activism against gender based violence and we collected money for crisis packs. With the help of Kreuzkirche and especially members of St. Johannes Lifestyle Estate we were able to buy 23 packs which I handed over at the beginning of this year. Once again, they were received with joy and thankfulness and to be placed in safe rooms for those who need them.

It reminds me that we can always bring light into this world, share hope where there is despair and give joy to help wipe away the tears. No amount of darkness can block light and the smallest light can be seen in the darkest of places. Kreuzkirche has continued to be a light to those around her through the difficult times of Covid and I’m sure we’ll continue as a light with hopefully better times to come.
We have not only been a light by giving to those who need, but also by sharing joy with each other. At the bazar at the end of last year, there was much laughter and chatting. People were happy to see each other again and we enjoyed the foods and crafts together. At the bazar it feels like we are safe and that things are the way they should be. I’m already excited for the first one of this year.
The same can be said for our coffee after services which started up again. Hearing our members talk about their weeks and sharing stories with each other after service reminds me of how great those coffees were before Covid. And I must say the coffee only got better!
With all this said and done, I am excited for this year to come. We are a very active congregation with the projects we have and support. New things are also starting, like our informal services with different instruments and songs. We’re continuing to have Bible studies both in the morning and evening, for people to come together and read and share God’s word.

We have the Caring, Word, Mission (CWM) group that looks at how we can be church in our community and how we can support, spread the Word and live out God’s love to those around us.
Please take time this year to find where you can be light and live the message of God’s love to those around you and join us as congregation that takes the role that God has given us seriously and to be community together again.

Schalk Treurnicht