If you have been following St John’s Instagram/Facebook posts and newsletters – you would have noted that the process of repainting the church has been the focus of many conversations and debates.

Over the past few weeks, the focus has been on the Youth Centre. Not only was the youth centre painted – it has been transformed! The intent was not merely to revive the old paint but to bring new life to a tired space by brightening and enlivening the space with splashes of much debated colour.

So much has been written about the effect of colour. Colour can tell stories, colour evokes emotions, creates atmosphere, conveys meaning, influences mood, inspires and creates experiences.

Introducing colour into our St Johns’ world meant taking a bold, but intentional step…but once the first step was taken – creativity began to flow. First it was one wall – the introduction of a particular shade of blue and yellow. Suddenly it became the creation of a passage not only into the youth centre – but a mural taking us through the parted waves of the Red Sea (#Note – still under construction).

At first sight, many were puzzled by the colour and the wall mural. Not knowing the plan – some were baffled – wanting to know why sea creatures were wallowing on a brown wall 😊 Others were horrified by a web of masking tape adorning a wall – without the full picture — it seemed chaotic, messy and very unfamiliar.

HOW SIMILAR IS THIS TO LIFE AROUND US?

We seem to live in a world that seems grey and black. Printed in black and white – bad news seems to be everywhere. Unemployment, a crumbling infrastructure, crime…the list is endless. Shades of grey – the abundance of “false news” – bringing a whole new level of discernment required to knowing what truth is, half truth or blatant lies. It seems overwhelming – many of us feeling hopeless, anxious and fearful. We forget that God has created a universe of colour and with one drop of white in a can of black paint – it can be turned to grey.

WE ARE SO FOCUSSED ON THE BLACK AND GREY SHADES – WE DON’T SEE THE COLOUR.

Even when we do see the colour – we don’t stop to reflect, take it in and appreciate the picture that the colours paint. The joy in a beautiful sunrise/sunset, the hues created in the change of seasons in the garden. Seeing God in full colour can bring joy to our world. Joy is one of the fruits of the spirit and yet one that seems so elusive to many.

We tend to view joy as momentary feelings of happiness, as a response to something good. This is real – we do indeed feel joy in Gods’ blessings.

True joy is deeper than this – true joy is found in experiencing Gods’ presence, even in difficult times.

In difficult times we are taught to seek out God by pausing – listening for God’s voice, surrendering our all to Him. God holds the paint brush to fill our lives with colour – He alone can fill our hearts with joy and gratitude even in times that seems dark. We are God’s canvass – let us be both courageous and intentional in allowing God to bring colour to our world.

This deeper fullness of joy – in experiencing joy in God’s presence is captured by the Psalmist – Psalm 16 encourages us to seek out a relationship with God. Psalm 16 teaches us that the more we know God and seek out His presence in our lives, the more we are filled with joy. The more we hand over control of the paintbrush and colour palette to God – the more we allow him to create a picture that brings true joy in our lives.

Psalm 16 v 8 – 11:

I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure, because you will not abandon me to the realm of the dead, nor will you let your faithful one see decay. You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.

As we continue on our path of life – let us attempt not to focus on the abundance of darkness that fills our world today but seek out the colour that only God can bring to paint our path of life and fill us with joy.

PS …I promise that the sea creatures evolving in the youth centre – will soon be swimming in the parted waves of the Red Sea. The tide is coming in soon…

Blessings in Christ
Vanessa

Nicky and Cilla Lee, who present the Alpha Marriage Course, will be in PE on Friday, 7 November at Harvest Christian Church. Please click the link if you are interested in attending, to find out more and to purchase tickets.

Saturday, 18 October from 09:30 to 10:30
@ The Beacon, Summerstrand.
(at the intersection of Marine Drive and Admiralty Way,)

This stretch of coastline has a serious, ongoing litter problem for a variety of reasons, and needs regular clean-ups. We are hoping that by continuing to concentrate on this spot, we can stop as much of this litter as possible from finding its way into the sea.

There is ample parking at the Beacon. Please bring hats, sunscreen, water and your own gloves. We will provide litter bags.

Your ongoing support of these clean-ups is greatly appreciated. We look forward to seeing you there.

For more information contact Tim at 082 775 8816.

The WESSA ABB Team.

Starting Sunday, 19 October.

Join us for a six-week series on the Nicene Creed, written 1700 years ago. Together we’ll uncover its history, explore its meaning, and discover how these ancient words continue to shape our faith, guide our discipleship, and unite us as one Church today.

You are all invited to take part!

HOW DOES IT WORK?

Choose whether you want to be a HOST or GUEST for lunch. Please read carefully before committing yourself. Anyone can take part!

You can team up with a friend if you prefer.

HOSTS PROVIDE:

» The venue – expect your guests from 1pm.

» Crockery & Cutlery

» A pasta dish (main course) to feed your guests and your family.

» Drinks for your own family.

GUESTS PROVIDE:

» Rolls, salad & pudding to share for your family +2.

» Drinks for your own family.

» Arrive between 1 – 1:15pm!

THE FUN PART:

HOSTS will only know how many are coming for lunch not WHO!

GUESTS will only know where they’re going on Sunday, 26 Oct!

Guests, please remember to come and get your lunch venue details at church on 26 Oct. Don’t tell others where you are going. Please be punctual as your hosts can’t contact you. Join this fun event and get to know other members of your church family.

Response forms are available in church.

30 Oct at 10am (fully booked).

Call us to book for November.

No agenda, no script – just a time to catch up, ask questions, share thoughts, or simply enjoy each other’s company. “Whether you’ve been part of St John’s for decades or you’re new and still finding your way, I’d love to share a coffee with you!”

(Daily readings for the whole year)

Cost: R40

Fill in your order on the notice board in the foyer or fill in the form by clicking the button below. ORDERS MUST BE IN BY 29 OCTOBER.

Centre of Concern Golf Day –

Sponsorship Opportunities! 🏌️‍♀️🏌️‍♂️

We’re inviting local businesses to partner with us for this exciting day! 🙌 It’s a fantastic opportunity to showcase your business while supporting the work of the Centre of Concern.

✅ Sponsor items or your services for our auction
✅ Advertise your brand by sponsoring a tee box

Your support makes a difference to the community!💛

📩 Contact us today to get involved.

Rachelle – 082 719 8830 / bakker@webafrica.org.za

The freezer is running low!

Your donated meals are greatly appreciated by all who receive them.

Drop off freezer meals at the church for distribution by the Pastoral Care Team to those in our congregation in times of stress.

Contact Vanessa (061 487 4639).

🧶 Lesotho Youth Outreach (6-13 Dec)🧶

Our wonderful team of 30 knitters from Beanies for Africa & PE Clothing Guild are hard at work creating beanies and clothing for those in need. Right now, the focus is on knitting beanies for school children in Lesotho. 🎓❄️

We’d be so grateful for donations of double-knit yarn, especially in grey, black, or navy (school colours). Every ball of yarn helps keep a child warm this winter. 💙

Other items requested by Africa 4 Jesus in Lesotho are:

►Packets of treats (chips, sweets, chocolate etc.)

►Face cloths, soap, toothpaste & toothbrushes.

Please include till slips with purchased items (required at the border).

If you’re able to help, please drop off donations at 
St John’s church office,
Cnr 8th Ave & Church Rd, Walmer.
Office hours: Weekdays 8:30 am – 1pm.
Tel: 041 581 2162

In need of prayer?

If you or a loved one need prayer, please contact Vanessa on 0614874639 or Claire on 0735149350 or to be added to the prayer chain. This is a closed group on which you are welcome to remain anonymous.

Global: Please pray for INcontext, an organisation that shares a Christian perspective on global news to encourage strategic mission involvement. St John’s has a long relationship with INcontext, and the team is currently going through staff changes and realigning its vision. Pray for the Lord’s guidance, wisdom, and unity as they seek His direction in this new season.

Let’s get to know each other better.

Order a magnetic name badge. The cost is R55 each.

NOTICES

Clergy Leave:

Archdeacon Claire Phelps is on leave from 6 -18 October.

Mondays:

Please be aware our pastoral staff have the day off on Mondays.
You are welcome to contact the office for assistance.