NACRetreatWest

05/07/2026

Gods universal will to save!

Our divine service for the departed was conducted by Rector Alwyn Arendse and supported by Priest Paul Daniels. The Bible text for the divine service was 1 Peter 4 vs 6 and the sermon message was that after His crucifixion, Jesus brought salvation to the realm of the dead.
The Rector and Priest expounded on this message that salvation was made available to many unredeemed through the preaching of the gospel and partaking in the sacraments. This remains valid today for both the living and the dead.

20/06/2026

14/06/2026

Final year Confirmands weekend

A special weekend for our final year confirmands started on Saturday the 13th June. The afternoon saw a get together at the Rectors residence for fellowship, games and building your own burger! To add to the fun, the Young People also joined to share the afternoon with the Confirmands.
The games of the afternoon were an absolute blast! Even some domino lessons for those playing for the first time. The highlight of the afternoon was the burger building with a competition for the most delicious looking creation.
Sunday morning started off early to make their way to Silvertown for the special divine just for them conducted by our Apostle Worship. A special message that they are all special, being the workmanship of God, and that nothing else of this time should detract them from this.

12/06/2026

In the hands of our good God

This was the sermon theme for a special divine service for our Sunday School children and their parents conducted by Rector Alwyn Arendse on the 7th June 2026.
The Bible text was Jeremiah 29 vs 11 and the sermon message for our children was that God thinks about them and gives them a future and a hope. This sermon involved the children through interaction and visual aid which they thoroughly enjoyed.
The Rector asked the children to place their hands over their hearts and close their eyes for a moment as a sign that God sees them and is thinking of them. He encouraged them to do this whenever they feel insecure and need reassurance of Gods presence.
The children and the parents enjoyed a few moments of fellowship and were treated to a cup of soup and some sweet treats.

14/05/2026

What a blessed way to begin a Thursday morning, gathering in God’s house before the hustle and bustle of daily life began.

Today’s Ascension Day Divine Service reminded us of the beautiful promise found in John 16:28:
“I came forth from the Father and have come into the world. Again, I leave the world and go to the Father.”

As we reflected on Christ’s ascension, we were reminded that through Him we attain eternal fellowship with God. His ascension is not a farewell, but a promise of hope, guidance, and the assurance that He continues to reign and intercede for us daily.

Thank you to Brother Keenan Roberts for the Bible reading and to everyone who gathered in faith this morning. Moments like these are such an important reminder to pause, reflect, and place God at the centre of our busy lives. 🤍

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.