NACRetreatWest

07/04/2026

Encounter with the risen Christ

This was the sermon theme for our Easter morning divine service conducted by Rector Alwyn Arendse. The Bible text was John 20 verses 17 to 18 and the sermon message was that the resurrection is central to our faith. Priest Deano Langeman supported with the call up.

The Bible reading from Mark 16 was read by our young sister Phoebe Arendse.

Let us always be grateful and full of joy that Christ is risen! And like Mary Magdalene, let us go and share this joy of the resurrection with our neighbour.

While the congregation greeted, Easter Eggs donated by a member were shared to both young and old alike.

05/04/2026

29/03/2026

Palm Sunday Divine Service

Hosanna, we sing!

Imagine you were there on that day as Jesus rode in on a donkey. Would you have been willing to lay down your garments to welcome our Saviour? And now, so many years later, are you still looking forward to His coming?

The Divine Service was conducted by our Rector, who called upon Priest Lasson to serve alongside him. Our Bible reading was done by Sister Hendricks, who was confirmed earlier this year.

The focus of the service was on how we are waiting, the condition of our hearts, recognising what does not please the Lord, and striving to live better as we prepare ourselves for His return.

As we enter Passion Week, we look forward to a blessed time of reflection. May we not allow Satan to distract us from our goal.

We wish everyone a blessed preparation for Good Friday.

22/03/2026

The institution of the Lord’s Supper

This was the sermon theme of our divine of the 22nd March conducted by our District Rector Zane Pillay. The sermon served as a powerful reminder of the strength of Holy Communion as instituted by Jesus Christ. Holy Communion serves as a meal of remembrance, profession, fellowship and hope. Rector Alwyn Arendse was called to support.
After the celebration of Holy Communion, the District Rector placed the Priest Sean Elsner and Deacon George Barnard into retirement.
Thereafter District Rector took opportunity to greet the congregation and take a few photos with the retired brothers and their families.

01/03/2026

Jesus Christ, the Saviour of the world

This was the sermon theme for our first divine service for the departed for the year conducted by District Rector Godwin Jacobs and assisted by Priest Sean Elsner. The Bible text was from John 11 verse 43 and the sermon message was that through faith in Jesus Christ, both the living and the dead experience salvation.
Blessed moments were experienced during the sermon.
The choir and orchestra contributed beautifully to the divine service with their pieces rendered.
After the conclusion of the divine service, the District Rector thanked the Deacon Alex van der Speck for his contribution to the music in the congregation and the district. Alex returns to his home congregation.
This was also the last time that District Rector Jacobs served in the congregation before the districts change.
Members enjoyed a few moments of fellowship after greeting.

28/02/2026

Young People teaching Sunday School

On Sunday 22 February 2026 our Sunday School enjoyed the opportunity of being taught by our Young People. It was wonderful to see the smiles all around as the lessons progressed.
There was also some extra ordinary snacks prepared to thank the Young People for sharing the morning with the Sunday School.
Needless to say that the SS children are looking forward to the next time the Young People come back to teach them.

28/02/2026

The gospel gives us strength!

On the 15th February 2026 our Young People of the district gathered at Hout Bay Heights for the first Young People divine service for 2026.
The service was conducted by our Apostle Bradley Bourne and the sermon was based on the Bible text from Romans 1 verse 16 and the sermon message was that we are not ashamed of the gospel.
As customary for this first YP divine service of the year, all the recently Confirmed Young persons were introduced.
Our Young People made their way to local coffee shop after the divine service for a quick refreshment and some fun moments together.

28/02/2026

Wishing all our beloved members a blessed preparation for Divine Service for the Departed 🌹💫🌺🕊️💖

01/02/2026

Confirmation 2026

The festive Confirmation divine service was conducted by Rector Alwyn Arendse and supported by Priest Paul Daniels.
The sermon theme of Professing Jesus was based on the Bible text of Matthew 10 vs 32.

This Bible text also featured in the letter written by our Chief Apostle to our dear Corbin, Zara and Zharne. The congregation witnessed our three Confirmands pledging their Yes, reciting their vow and then receiving their blessing to become adult members of the Church.
A resounding message through the sermon, the letter from our Chief Apostle, and their blessing is our love and support for them. We pray for them as they embark on their spiritual journey.

The congregation celebrated a few moments of fellowship after the divine service enjoying time with the “new” Young People and their families.

25/01/2026

The first miracle of Jesus

This was the sermon theme for our divine service on 25 January 2026 conducted by Rector Alwyn Arendse. Priest Sean Elsner supported with the call up and the sermon message served as encouragement for us to trust in Jesus, to see and appreciate His glory and to joyfully anticipate His return to take home the bridal congregation.

Before the conclusion of the divine service, the Rector thanked the Sister Latessa Hendricks for the work she had done in the congregation as the Sunday School coordinator.
The Rector then proceeded to assign the Sister Candace Arendse as the congregation Sunday School coordinator. We wish the Sister Arendse well and pray for blessings and strength for her in her task.

18/01/2026

We are wonderfully made!

The Sunday school year commenced with a Sunday School divine service on 18 January 2026 to which the entire congregation was invited.

The Bible text from Psalm 139 vs 14 formed the basis of the service conducted by Priest Deano Langeman. The message of the sermon to our children and congregation is that we are wonderfully made, even if others or you yourself don’t realise it.

After the service, the Sunday school children, their parents and teachers had a combined orientation lesson led by Sister Candace Arendse which set out the plans and structure for the Sunday school year ahead.