Dear Family of St John’s
My early childhood was spent in small towns, ‘dorpies’ some might say. I was born in Worcester in the Western Cape, we spent some time in Riversdale, and then moved to Clocolan in the Free State.
I have vivid memories of going to town with my dad and stopping to chat to everyone we met. I was picked up and put onto the counter in every store so that I could say hello properly to the manager of the Co-Op, to the butcher (who always gave me a taste of biltong), and in the local dairy (where I remember getting mini rounds of gouda, my favourite as a child!). The pharmacist knew what you needed as you walked in the door. The fruit and vegetable shop was always busy. My great-aunt helped out at the Home Industry, which had the most amazing treats! Milk was delivered to our door in milk canteens directly from a nearby farm. My mom baked her own bread, and made her own cottage cheese.
In later years, after I’d moved to Port Elizabeth, I only visited in school holidays. Every June/July and December holiday was spent on the farm, named Libertas, just outside Clocolan. Although I’d moved away, I still knew who people were and they still knew me. Because they knew my dad and my grandparents, because they still asked after me. And so, I always felt that I belonged. I always felt at home.
I experienced the true beauty of this small-town community at the end of July when I visited my dad in Senekal. Senekal is a little bigger than Clocolan – it has a set of traffic lights! But, it would still be classified as a ‘dorpie’ by most people. My dad has lived in Senekal about 35 years. He taught at the High School for 34 of those years, only retiring last year. It’s impossible to walk through town without meeting someone he has taught. In many instances he has taught multiple generations in a family.
The sense of community in these small towns in overwhelming. I know that some people don’t like it ‘because everyone knows your business’. But, I think the positive far outweighs any negative. The number of people who have offered support to my dad on the death of my stepmom these last weeks has been phenomenal. And, it’s done in such a normal, everyday kind of manner. This small town is family to him.
I think it’s this sense of community that first drew me to involvement in the church as a teenager. Something about the support and ‘knowing of each other’ within our church community reminded me of those early childhood memories.
In our fast-paced and often solitary world, the importance of a supportive church community is vital. The Bible consistently emphasises the value of coming together as a community of faith, offering strength, encouragement, and love to one another.
Consider the words of Hebrews 10:24-25 (NIV): “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” This passage reminds us of the profound importance of fellowship in our spiritual journey. Meeting together nurtures an environment where we can encourage each other, share our burdens, and celebrate our joys.
The early Church provides a vivid example of this communal support. If we look at the early chapters of the book of Acts, we see how the believers were united in heart and mind, sharing everything they had. This level of generosity and unity was a powerful testimony of their faith and a source of great strength for the community.
In times of personal struggle or uncertainty, it’s the support of our church family that can make a profound difference. Just as Paul writes in Galatians 6:2 (NIV): “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfil the law of Christ.” The call to support one another is not just a suggestion but a fulfilment of our Christian duty.
By coming together as a community, we provide a network of support that helps us navigate the highs and lows of life. Whether through prayer, practical help, or simply being present, the collective strength of our church family nurtures our faith and brings about spiritual growth.
Thank you for the part you play in our church community. Your encouragement and support of each other is what makes St John’s such a special place, a family. As we become involved, we not only grow closer to one another but also draw nearer to Christ, who is the true source of our unity and strength.
With love
Your friend and rector,
Claire