Workshop for Sunday School Teachers

A Sunday School workshop was held on 16 May 2009 at Thaba Tshwane congregation in Pretoria. Over 500 Sunday School teachers from Johannesburg and Pretoria areas attended as well as some teachers from as far as Durban and Kimberley. The workshop was to inform older and newer teachers on the syllabus, and also to demonstrate how lessons can be made interesting for the children.

Sunday School Day in Ampitatafika (Madagascar)

The Sunday School Day was celebrated this year in Madagascar on 8 June. Apostle Randriakasy celebrated the day in Ampitatafika with more than 100 children. It began with a divine service and was closed with a lunch for the congregation nearby the church.

Services in Pretoria

On 24 May 2009, Apostle Joubert conducted a service for all the Sunday School children in the Pretoria area.  A total of 329 children attended in Gezina congregation.  The service was about Jesus being our friend.  A surprise was in store after the service, as the children received goodies from the South African Police Services including colouring books, pencil bags, rulers and pamphlets. The same day he also conducted a service for Sunday School children in Soshanguve.

Service in KwaZulu-Natal

On 21 June 2009 District Apostle Kitching conducted a service for the children cared for by Bishops Naidoo and Shabangu.  A total of 476 children and 248 adults, including parents and teachers, attended at the UKZN Howard College. The theme for the service was “all things bright and beautiful“, matched by the children who were dressed in bright colours. They also displayed their Sunday School drawings on the walls that gave them a sense of belonging as they could see their pieces of art. After the service all children were given a” goodie bag “ while the children from the outlying areas ( Richards Bay District, Northern Natal and South Coast Districts) were given lunch packs for the journey home. Sixty “goodie bags” were also donated to the children of the Umkomaas Children's Orphanage.

District Apostle Kitching and Apostle Barnes
with the children after the service

Outing to Amazing Grace Children's Home (Malelane)

On 21 June 2009 the children of Matsulu, accompanied by their teachers and the Youth, visited the Amazing Grace Children's Home to perform various dramas and games.  The children of the home were presented with gifts and were also served lunch.

Service in Bloemfontein

Bishop Petersen conducted a Sunday School service in the Bloemfontein Central congregation on 24 May 2009. The children, who were informed ahead of time about the theme, made some drawings and posters in preparation for the service. The theme of the service was "Generosity – To give in abundance". The children all indicated that they experience love in the New Apostolic Church. The bishop then explained that we must share this love with others in abundance and referred to God’s “law of sowing and reaping”. If we sow love we will reap love. He then used a visual example of one burning candle lighting other candles without it loosing of its flame. If we give love in abundance, we do not loose anything but will surely make a difference in the lives of others. By so doing we will grow the love in us and in our neighbour and will bring honour to God’s name. The orchestra, organist and choir conductor for the service were all Sunday School children.