04/09/2026
On Wednesday 2 September Strandfontein Village East was buzzing with excitement to have our Apostle Bourne in our Congregation before the new area structure come into effect. He invited all the Rectors of the Rocklands District & Fishoek District. It was such a blessed view to behold an Altar adorned with so many of our bearers of blessings
The Bible word used for this divine service was Colossians 3:12, Therefore, as the elect of God, Holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, long-suffering".
Message:
Believers are reminded that they are God’s elect, holy, and deeply loved. God's preservation does not mean freedom from daily suffering, but protection from the permanent stain of sin.
The Apostle Bourne mentions Ancient Colossae that was a famous textile town known for clothes and fabric dying. The Apostle Paul here used this context to tell believers to take off old garments of sinful behaviour (like anger, jealousy, lies, and malice) and put on the garments of Christ. These spiritual clothes do not need to be earned; they were already placed in the believer's heart through the gift of the Holy Spirit.
These garments are:
• Tender Mercies: Having deep compassion and being actively moved by the suffering of others.
• Kindness: Turning love into action by listening, praying, and building people up instead of gossiping.
• Humility: Becoming small to preserve peace and patiently understanding the weaknesses of others.
• Meekness (Gentleness): Responding without retaliation, vengeance, or the need to have the "last say".
• Long-suffering (Patience): Exercising patience with others to act as a forerunner for future peace.
• The Overcoat of Love: According to Colossians 3:14, love is the greatest garment that binds all the other virtues together, turning obedience into a willing submission rather than a forced obligation.
Where our difficulties come in are with:
• Self-Denial: Putting on Christ’s garments requires denying oneself and rejecting the comfortable, familiar "old clothes" of personal desires.
• Growing Into the Garments: Spiritual virtues may initially feel awkward, but like a good pair of shoes, they eventually mould to one’s foot and becomes natural and comfortable.
The Apostle then called on District Rector Godwin Jacobs to serve alongside him who was once the District Rector the area couple of years ago.
The District Rector Jacobs, pointed out
• Counter-Cultural Standing: Virtues like meekness, gentleness, and humility are often viewed by modern society as weakness or prerequisites for being abused.
• Resisting Peer Pressure: Sinful behaviours (foul language, lies, fornication) have become normalized today just to fit in. The District Rector shared a personal story where colleagues predicted he would start swearing within three months, but he refused.
• The Identity: Referencing a past funeral for a priest, he noted that all believers share the same spiritual surname: "Child of God". Individuals choose their own first names through their actions—such as being a "faithful," "humble," or "patient" child of God.
Leading into the preparation for Holy Communion Apostle Bourne clarified that these virtues are not just a "life orientation lesson" to become nice people; they are the very characteristics of God required to fit into the Kingdom of Heaven. The Holy Spirit acts as a helper both before and after a mistake is made.
• Before: He warns believers of danger, much like God warned Cain before he sinned.
• After: He convicts the heart, clearly signalling when something was evil, and helps the believer find the way back through repentance.
While the devil tries to trap people inside their personal conflicts, the Holy Spirit provides the objective perspective needed to step back, embrace humility, and accept God's protective peace.
To further the work of the Lord Ten souls received the gift of the Holy Spirit through the act of Holy Sealing.
One Priest was ordained & the congregations first female Deacon was ordained. We as the congregation wish them all the lords blessing and guidance on their new ministries and my you become a blessing to the congregation and to those they will care for
After closing a blessed divine the Apostle and District rectors greeted the congregation. A small fellowship was arranged by the members of the congregation while photos were taken with the Apostle and guests at the altar.
