NAC Strand South Congregation

𝐉𝐞𝐬𝐮𝐬' 𝐝𝐞𝐬𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐦 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐝𝐞𝐚𝐝

On Sunday, 5 July 2026, Rector Priest Clinton Thomas conducted the divine service for the departed in Strand South Congregation.

The bible text used for the divine service was taken from 1 Peter 4 verse 6:

"For this reason, the gospel was preached also to those who are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit."

Message:
After his crucifixion, Jesus brought salvation to the realm of the dead.

Summary:
■ After His death on the cross, Jesus descended into the realm of the dead and preached to those in need of help.
■ As affirmed in the New Testament, both God’s word and the sacraments are now accessible to the dead.

Priest Isaac Latergan was called upon to serve along.

The choir concluded the divine service with the majestic sound of HC376- Glory to God.

John, the forerunner of Christ

On Wednesday 24 June, the Divine Service in Strand South Congregation was conducted by District Rector Joseph Lee, District Rector for Somerset West District.

The bible text for the service was taken from the book of Luke 1:13–15
“But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zacharias, for your prayer is heard; and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John. And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth. For he will be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink. He will also be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother’s womb.””

A Scripture reading was done by Brother Chester Thomas from the book of John 3:22–30

The message:
Like John the Baptist, we are called to profess our faith in Christ.

Summary:
- God answers the prayer of Zacharias and grants him and Elizabeth a son.
- Already in his mother’s womb, John was filled with the Holy Spirit and destined to be the forerunner of Christ.
- John the Baptist­ humbly fulfilled his­ mission and announced the coming Messiah.
- We too are called to bear witness to Christ in the power of the Spirit.

The congregation concluded the service with hymn number 13 in our English hymnal “He is exalted”

On Sunday, 07 June2026, Priest Kenneth Manuel conducted the Divine Service at the Strand South Congregation. Priest Branwill Waterboer was called to serve along.

The Bible text forming the basis of the sermon was taken from Luke 10:20. ‘Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven’.

Message:
Our election by God, which is manifested when we partake in the sacraments, is a true cause for joy.

Summary:
■ The disciples were chosen by Jesus and, when they were sent out, were empowered with His authority.
■ Jesus emphasised that it is not the authority conferred upon a person that leads to salvation, but election.
■ Those who receive the sacraments, which manifests their election, can be sure that they belong to Christ and are accompanied by the Holy Spirit.

What a blessed and joyful Divine Service we experienced today.

There was such a warm and beautiful atmosphere in the congregation. We were blessed with a visiting organist and choir conductor, and it was a joy to also welcome our District Music Coordinator.

A very special highlight was the Holy Baptism that took place — a beautiful moment of grace, love, and blessing.

Our children also brought so much joy as they played their recorders for the calling up, reminding us of the growth, blessing, and future within the congregation.

We are truly thankful for a service filled with warmth, music, fellowship, and God’s blessing.