Northfield Methodist Church

Dear Friends

You may remember that in February Marlene and I announced that we would be leaving Northfield in the next year or two, subject to finding a suitable post, and for some time our future has been unclear as to exactly when we should leave, and where we should move to. Northfield. I have heard some interesting rumours regarding my future such as that I was joining SASOL, going into business and so on. The truth is that I am a pastor and I am committed to the local church. I also feel a strong commitment towards South Africa.

Dear Friends

Warm greetings! I came across an article titled "Can we ever be accused of saying thank you too many times?" How would you respond? Personally I doubt whether it is possible to say thank you too many times. Somehow a thank you communicates warmth, gratitude and genuine appreciation. In this respect I wonder how God enjoyed our time of saying thank you as a congregation of Friday night? I wonder it it brought a smile to God's face. I think it did!

Dear Friends

It is seldom that we as a congregation thank our ministers. I therefore take this opportunity to thank Schalk Pienaar, Trevor Hudson, Bill Meaker and Mike Brown for their individual and corporate contribution to us as a congregation the greater church. It is pertinent that the theme for today is "Praying as Jesus taught us" and note their contribution to bringing about "your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as in heaven". Each one of them embodies the principle of servant leadership as they give unselfishly of themselves in their service to God and us so faithfully. In particular I pay tribute to Schalk. He has a particularly challenging role as senior minister and we thank him for his wisdom, courage and unwavering commitment. I trust that his sabbatical in the middle of the year will be restful, enjoyable and energising.