KEEPING IN TOUCH 2013/1

Dear Friends, Greetings and blessings to you in the precious name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. The year 2013 started with a bang and, no doubt, by now some of us may be still succeeding in keeping some of those New Year’s resolutions and others of us may have already failed. The quest is to never give up but to keep trying.

Remember that saying: “If at first you do not succeed, try again.” So what do you do if you keep failing?     Hmm… sounds like a really tough one, doesn’t it?

Well, I believe that the Apostle Paul has something to tell us about this as he writes about pressing on towards the Goal in Philippians 3:12 – 14: “Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining towards what is ahead, I press on towards the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenwards in Christ Jesus.” The Apostle, of course, speaks here in the context of Jesus having the power to control everything and to transform our ‘lowly’ bodies. It is with this understanding that he pleads for perseverance with the call to ‘stand firm.’ So no matter your successes or failures, stand firm in the Lord!

As I ponder on those words to ‘stand firm’ I am drawn to the words of the prophet Malachi to the people of Israel who wavered on their faith often forgetting the power and grace of God showered on them at different times on their journey. The prophet admonishes their priests in the name of God with the words: “you have not set your heart to honour me.” (Malachi 2:1). This admonition is further deepened with the following question: “Why do we profane the covenant of our fathers by breaking faith with one another? The prophet then goes on to say: “So guard yourself in your spirit, and do not break faith.” In putting these thoughts together then, this is my prayer and hope for all our ministers, leaders and members within the UPCSA: 1) Set your heart to honour God, 2) Stand firm in the Lord and, 3) Guard your spirit and do not break faith. There is always the temptation to nurture dissatisfaction instead of nourishing and flourishing in God’s grace and love. The Israelites were always grumbling and moaning by what God was supposedly not doing so much that they failed to see what God was doing. In our Denomination (Central Office), Presbyteries, and local congregations we often get caught up with what we want to see but are not ‘seeing’ so much so that we are blinded from actually seeing the things that God is doing. So instead of harbouring on the negatives let us sift out the positives, celebrate them and give thanks, and we will be surprised by what God is doing in and through us.

Let me offer you some thoughts on what we can celebrate in the UPCSA:

1. The over 450 ministers and numerous congregations and preaching stations we have in the UPCSA.

2. The thousands of lay people who are involved in various ministries in and through their congregations and are making such a significant impact in their communities.

3. The 2 Synods and 19 Presbyteries we have in South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe which oversee our work in the different regions.

4. The fact that we are a transnational, multiracial, multicultural and multi-lingual Church which embraces the diversity of God’s people.

5. Our new Vision, Mission and Mission Priorities of the UPCSA which put ‘developing and supporting missional congregations’ at the heart of what we are called to do as the UPCSA.

6. The many HIV and AIDS Projects, Educare Centres, Crèches, feeding programmes, clinics and schools we run throughout South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

7. The ecumenical contributions we are making in South Africa and worldwide. Do you know that at least 5 ecumenical organisations are led by ministers from the UPCSA?

8. We celebrate and give thanks for congregations which faithfully pay assessments so that the rest of the Church may be blessed. As I have said before, the assessment income goes toward the selection and training of ministers to serve congregations (7,8%), providing grants for congregations to be able to have a minister and church development and planting of new congregations (12,3%), holding workshops and conferences to encourage and empower ministries to benefit ministers, elders and congregations (4,5%), the running of the Central Office (including salaries, property maintenance, administrative costs, etc. (24,9%), Banking charges, computers, audit fees and pension fund (18,1%), work of Assembly Committees and the holding of General Assembly/ Executive Commission (15,9%), Education Bursaries (8,3%), Pension Administration (2%), and legal fees (6,2%). It is the kind contributions of congregations, most times under really trying circumstances, that enables us to bless other congregations who cannot afford to have ministers and maintain ministries. So when we bemoan the fact that we pay too much in Assessments to the Central Office, let us be reminded that it is not to the Central Office per se but to all of the above. As you can see more than 75% of Assessments are given back to empower and assist congregations and Presbyteries.

9. We rejoice in the fact that we are currently looking at the rate of Assessments. It is my sincere hope and prayer that we would be able to reduce it to a more manageable flat rate at least at the 2014 General Assembly. In fact, steps in this direction have already been set in motion with a decrease by 2% at the 2012 General Assembly. However, if this is to have any significant impact it is necessary that those congregations that are not making any assessment contributions do so as soon as possible.

We need to remember that we are covenanted to one another and that giving to the wider work of the Church is an essential sign of that covenant. It is no small wonder then that the prophet Malachi rebuked Israel for her failure to bring her “tithes and offerings” to bless God’s work.

10.The 2012 General Assembly decided that we should engage external mediators to address the situation of the Church Associations. Immediately after the Assembly I drafted a document outlining possibilities of organisations we could approach to help us with mediators. This document was circulated to all parties concerned for comment and discussions. I was hoping that we would be able to identify external mediators by the end of 2012. Unfortunately, some of the organisations have not responded to the document as yet. I have met/talked with those concerned and we have firmly agreed that by the second week in March we would settle on the matter of the external mediators.

So, we give thanks for this positive indication and pray that the process will start in due course.

In conclusion, let me express a sincere thanks to all the “saints” (believers) in the UPCSA for your dedication, faithfulness and commitment to both God and the UPCSA. There are countless people who sacrificially continue to keep the ‘fire burning’ in congregations and Presbyteries. We thank God for you and pray for continued wisdom, grace and strength to be given to you as you serve God and God’s people. May this year be filled with bursting vision, joyful ministry and abundant energy as you: set your heart to honour God, stand firm in the Lord and guard your spirit so that you do not break faith.

Stay blessed and keep the faith!

Blessings!

Jerry Pillay General Secretary

KEEPING IN TOUCH NOVEMBER 2012
Dear Friends,
Christian greetings and peace be upon you and all your loved ones. We are almost getting to the end of 2012 and before we know it the busy season will be upon us driving us into many different directions.
The tragedy of this is that often times the real reason for this season, the birth of the Christ child, is crowded out, and in most situations, somewhat unconsciously or unintentionally. Deep in our hearts and minds we know that our Christmas celebrations ought to be about Christ, it’s just that other things keep getting in the way.

It is for this reason that I like Advent which is part and parcel of our Christian liturgical calendar. It is a time in which we wait and prepare for the Lord’s coming. Most of our churches light candles, read scripture passages and offer prayers related to the anticipation of God’s incarnation in Jesus Christ. So before the rush begins it is important to stop, reflect and listen for the voice of God. It is this quiet reflection which (re)directs us into a place of sanity and security as we ponder on salvation, grace, forgiveness and love. We suddenly come to that profound awareness that if God did not choose to come to the world in his Son we would not be here. This holy moment leads us into a place and spirit of thankfulness and gratitude.

As this year draws to a close I stopped to ask about what I am thankful for in the UPCSA. I was pleasantly surprised by some of the things on my list:
- My family for kindly and sacrificially releasing me into the service of God and the UPCSA.
- All my many colleagues and friends who have supported me with prayer and encouragement through the past year.
- The staff at the Central Office for their dedication and devotion in spite of having to contend with the fraud situation and the need to rise above that experience.
- All the processes we have put in place to ensure good management and accountability structures within the Church.
- All our ministers, elders and leaders in congregations in South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
- All our retired ministers who continue to serve God in various places as they are able to.
- A very successful 2012 General Assembly which addressed a number of significant issues.
- The new Vision, Mission, Values and Mission Priorities we have adopted at the 2012 General Assembly.
- The fresh energy and life we are experiencing in our new Assembly committees which has been reduced from 66 to 14 to ensure effectiveness, efficiency and cost reduction.
- The new life and functionality of Presbyteries as they implement the Presbytery Empowerment Plan. As someone as said we are “moving from maintenance to mission.

We are now an outcomes – based church seeking to make a difference in the world.”
- There are wonderful signs of spiritual growth in the midst of challenges and struggles.
- Recently I conducted workshops with a few of our Presbyteries facing huge challenges. I was deeply amazed by how God’s Spirit was at work bringing us into a new place of hope and restoration.
- There are some congregations engaging some really fascinating mission and ministry into their community and context and bringing about transformation and life - changing experiences for many.

My list can go on but let me stop to ask: “What are some of the things you are thankful for in your life? As you consider your local congregation and the UPCSA at large, what are some of the things you are able to express gratitude and thanksgiving for? How is your congregation blessing those within your church and outside? How are you blessing your minister and how is your minister blessing you? Are you taking time to count your blessings?
 
At the start of this “silly” season it is most appropriate to stop and reflect on your blessings and to give proper thanks to both God and the people around you. Too many people today conclude rather quickly that they don’t have anything to be thankful for, and that is mostly because they allow their minds to be dominated by that which has been a discouraging or negative experience. In any case, the Apostle Paul reminds us in 1 Thessalonians 5: 18 that we must “in everything give thanks.” We need to be thankful in all things, to recognize the presence of God in sorrow as well as joy, in the good experiences and even in the not so good ones. Are you thankful? Can you look up and thank God every day and all the way, even sometimes through tears?
Christmas is a time for reconciliation, peace and hope. It is a time to know that no matter what we face and in spite of what is happening in our countries and the world, God is in control: “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end…”

Our thanks then must appropriately begin with what God has done, is doing and what we hope God will do. We need to acknowledge God as the source of our blessings and hope. This time of Advent reminds us that we must patiently wait on God to heal, restore and save us. We need to take time to listen to God’s voice, trust and act upon God’s Word, and receive God’s peace. When we receive God’s peace we will also realize that we are called to be agents of God’s peace and hope in the world. Are you an agent of God’s peace and hope at home, in your church and in the world?
I remain thankful for the Church with all her imperfections, failures and struggles. Do you? Advent and Christmas is a time to be hopeful and to expect the unexpected blessing from God. May you be surprised by grace and hope this Christmas.
Have a blessed Christmas and a Happy and prosperous New Year in the Lord, Jesus Christ.
Blessings!

I was invited to preach on the "Role of the Church Today"  at the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (USA) on 4 July.
You can read about it at http://www.pcusa.org/news/2012/7/4/220th-ga-ecumenical-worship-service-embraces-globa/

Keeping in Touch June 2012

Dear Friends,

Grace, peace and blessings to you and your loved ones in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour.

I trust that you are well, energized and blessed by the presence of our Triune God.

Recently we celebrated Pentecost which speaks about the coming down of the Holy Spirit and the birth of the Christian church. Acts chapter 2 verses 42-47 describes this dynamic community of believers saying that they gathered together daily, devoted themselves to the apostle’s teaching, broke bread together, sold their possessions and gave to anyone as needed. And the Lord added to their numbers daily. I wonder whether our churches today can be described in this way. Do we have the passion, devotion and joy to serve God as these early New Testament Christians? Sometimes we seem to have it all together yet something powerful and significant seems to be missing.

The prophet Ezekiel speaks about this in chapter 37. In verse 8 we read: “Indeed, as I looked, the sinews and the flesh came upon them, and the skin covered them over; but there was no breath in them.” A reference is made to the house of Israel who said: “Our bones are dry, our hope lost, and we ourselves are cut off (v.11).” And then God responded by saying, “I will put My Spirit in you, and you shall live …” (v14). Perhaps, this is what God wants to do with his church as he calls us to live in the power of his Holy Spirit. He wants us to go out into the world and be a movement as we move people on to God’s agenda.

We can only do this through the presence and power of the Holy Spirit.

We are steadily moving closer to our 2012 General Assembly which takes place from the 14th to 20th July at the University of Stellenbosch. Among the many things that we will be discussing at the Assembly is the relevance and impact of Reformed Churches today. We have invited Prof Russell Botman, the Rector and Vice Chancellor of the University of Stellenbosch, to address us on this subject. Prof. Botman has served at one time as President of the South African Alliance of Reformed Churches, President of the SACC and in various positions in the ecumenical movement. We are hoping that this conversation would help inspire and stimulate our church to address issues of relevance and growth.

The Assembly will implement the new Assembly committee structure which now consists of 14 committees instead of the previous 66. The Nominations Committee will propose names of conveners and members to serve in this new structure. We will, worship together daily, fellowship, share in bible studies and group work, break bread together, receive reports from committees, discuss in small groups, make decisions on a number of matters, receive fraternal greetings and celebrate what God is doing amongst us and through us as a denomination. We will look at the vision, mission, priorities and finances of the UPCSA. One of the very serious matters on the Agenda is the issue of Church Associations and the Assembly will be requested to prayerfully discern the way forward on this matter which has brought so much of disunity, pain and struggle in the UPCSA. As we tackle all of these challenges we need to be reminded of our purpose as a church and we need to rely on the presence of the Holy Spirit to guide and lead us into the mind of Christ. On our own we will seek solutions on our own terms which often bring restlessness and trouble; we need to allow God’s Spirit to lead us into God’s agenda for us as a church.

Please remember the Assembly in your constant prayers: the safety of commissioners as they travel to and from Stellenbosch, give thanks for the work of the outgoing Moderator (The Rev Dr George Marchinkowski), the incoming Moderator (The Rev. Rod Botsis) as he prepares to moderate the Assembly, the election of the Moderator-designate, the presentation of reports and decisions that would be made. Pray that we would leave the Assembly saying that “it seemed good to the Holy Spirit, and to us“as recorded in Acts 15:28. Pray for the Local Organising Committee and the Presbytery of the Western Cape as they host us and all those who will participate in various ways.

We hope to provide daily updated information on the UPCSA website during the Assembly. We would thus encourage you to login on www.upcsa.org.za and follow our events, discussions and decisions and, more significantly, pray with us and for us at the Assembly. We want to use this gathering as an event to draw us together, keep us connected, build the UPCSA community, get excited about the work and witness of the Church, and strengthen the bonds of unity and peace as we seek to serve God in the world together.

God is calling us to come back to our first love (to Him), not to become lukewarm or disobedient but to passionately and joyfully fulfill God’s purpose of bringing the lost into his amazing grace and love, and it is about time that we took his call seriously if we are not, lest we face the judgments made on the churches which ‘missed the mark’ as recorded in the book of Revelations.

Be Spirit-filled and joyful abounding in love, hope and faith!

May the grace and peace of God be with you both now and always!

Shalom!
Blessings

TO ALL MINISTERS AND SESSION CLERKS

Keeping in Touch 5/ 2011

Dear Friends,

Greetings in the precious name of Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour! It is quite unbelievable that we find ourselves in the last month of 2011. For some, this must have been a wonderful year of great achievements for which you offer thanks and praise to God. For others, it may be a year you wish to forget because of many unfortunate, regrettable and sad experiences as you recall the loss of loved ones, your job, etc. However, we must be reminded that we are called to give thanks in everything in spite of our struggles and sadness.

In this time of Advent we wait with anticipation and hope for the coming of the Christ-child who will bring light and life to Israel. This same lord Jesus who was born some two thousand years ago was, crucified, dead, buried, rose again, ascended into heaven and will return again, reminds us that love conquers all things. The Apostle Paul speaks about this in Romans chapter 8:37-39 where he assures us that there is absolutely nothing in this world that can separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Christmas reminds us that God loves us so much that he sent his son to dwell amongst us, not only to live with us but to die for us so that we may receive the gift of eternal life, if we believe. What great love is this? As we celebrate this season let us be quick to realize that it is God’s amazing love which compels us to love, forgive, seek reconciliation and peace. May this message fill our hearts and lives with joy, hope and peace!

Recently I visited the Presbytery of Zimbabwe and discussed with them, among other matters, the situation in Zimbabwe. They shared the following information with me:

The situation in Zimbabwe is currently stable. There are sufficient foods on the shelves but with about 90% unemployment and underemployment, many people are unable to purchase these foods. There is a view that the government of National unity is not working because the opposition parties are not given the freedom to move around in the country and to address meetings. For example, the Prime Minister was prevented on several occasions from addressing certain gatherings. The processes for the writing of a new constitution have been seriously delayed and now the President is threatening to go into a national general election in the country which is expected to favour him and his Party. Opposition parties are concerned that there would be no free and fair election and are therefore reluctant to participate in any such processes unless there are clearly agreeable preconditions. There is a great fear that there is going to be an eruption of violence as they move closer to an election. Our church has participated with the Zimbabwean Council of Churches in addressing issues in the country, and it is reported that the Council of Churches itself is divided on the issues. This obviously does not provide a unified and strengthened voice of the church in that context. Please keep Zimbabwe in your prayers.

As we look back into this past year we give thanks for some special events, ministries and celebrations:

1. The following congregations celebrated milestone anniversaries:

Berea Presbyterian Church (125 years), Auld Memorial (90), Kimberley (125), St Columba’s Parkview (90), Durbanville (50) Adelaide (150) and St Andrew’s Scottsburg (100). We give thanks to God for the faithful witness of these congregations over the years and pray that they would continue to proclaim the good news in Jesus Christ.

2. In March we had the Moderators, Clerks and Treasurers Consultation in which the Presbytery Empowerment Plan was put into place. We hope and pray that by this time next year we would have more flourishing Presbyteries and congregations.

3. We had a very successful Ministers’ and Spouses’ Conference in September. We are assured that those who attended were incredibly blessed, spiritually inspired and encouraged.

4. The Executive Commission met at the end of July and numerous decisions were taken at this meeting. I mentioned some of these in my September letter. You can access this information in full on the UPCSA website.

5. The UPCSA was instrumental in initiating and hosting a Reformed Celebration gathering of about 12 Reformed Churches in Southern Africa at the end of October. This proved to be an immensely successful event and we are hoping that these relationships will continue to be deepened and developed into a union of Reformed Churches in Southern Africa (Well, it’s a dream and prayer!)

6. In November the Justice and Social Responsibility Committee (SA) of the General Assembly conducted a Summit on Church and Poverty as per an Assembly decision. It was really interesting to see how the Church was asking very crucial and significant questions about how we include the voices of the poor in the decision-making structures and processes of the UPCSA. They also looked at ways in which the UPCSA could participate in the alleviation of poverty in both church and society.

7. We have had discussions with the different Groups of Men and Women in attempting to address the issues related to the Church Associations. The conversation with the men is progressing well and we hope to have a further joint meeting early in the New Year. The situation with the women has proved a little slow but a meeting will be taking place in January with the Aggrieved Group with the hope that it will bring us into another joint meeting soon thereafter. A final report has to be submitted to the 2012 General Assembly as per instruction of the July Executive Commission. Let’s give thanks for what is happening and pray that we will find acceptable solutions to the challenges we face in this area.

8. We give thanks to God for our ministers who passed away during 2011: The Revs Leslie Dawson, Francis Moletsane, Joel Dube, Arnold and Roy Mallinson, Moshe Rajuili and Kingsley Dale. May God’s peace and strength be given to their loved ones, especially during this time of the year.

9. We give thanks to God for all our ministers and their families, elders and congregations who continue to serve God faithfully sometimes in the midst of great challenges. May God continue to bless your ministries in 2012 and beyond.

May the love and peace of the Christ-child flood your hearts and lives with joy and thanksgiving this Christmas. In all your celebrations may you be constantly reminded that Jesus is the reason for this season. Enjoy time with your family and friends and be blessed!

Shalom!

Blessings,

Jerry Pillay

Keeping in Touch 4/ 2011

Dear Friends,

Greetings and peace to you in the precious name of Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour! In one of my recent quiet devotional times, I was deeply struck by the words uttered in Zechariah 8: 1-3: "Again the word of the Lord Almighty came to me. This is what the Lord Almighty says: "I am very jealous for Zion; I am burning with jealousy for her. This is what the Lord says: "I will return to Zion and dwell in Jerusalem. Then Jerusalem will be called the City of Truth, and the mountain of the Lord Almighty will be called the Holy Mountain."

These words reflect the promise of God to bless Jerusalem again in the midst of her struggles brought about by her own refusal to listen to God. The words "jealous for Zion" and "burning with jealousy for her" are especially powerful and mind-consuming. I could not help but think that this is precisely how God feels for his church in spite of her unfaithfulness, imperfections and failure to listen to his voice. He is jealous for her to be his Holy Bride and "City of Truth" as she proclaims his love to the world. However, this begs the question: "Are we equally jealous for the church; to protect her holiness and Truth? To proclaim the message of salvation, hope, love and peace to a broken and suffering world? Are we jealousy guarding the identity, mission and unity of the church or are we jealously protecting our own interests? We need to each pursue a deeper reflection on this question as we engage and exercise ministry in our congregations and in the wider UPCSA.

I love the conclusion to these thoughts in the words of the prophet after expressing words as to how Jerusalem and Judah should relate to each other (verses 16-17), "Let us go at once to entreat the Lord and seek the Lord Almighty. I myself am going." (v.22) He realizes the need to return to the Lord for wisdom and direction. Further, he observes what will happen if they call on the Lord: "And many peoples and powerful nations will come to Jerusalem to seek the Lord Almighty and to entreat him." And they will say, "Let us go with you, because we have heard that God is with you."(v.23) How wonderful it would be if people today would turn to the church to seek the Lord? However, that will only really happen if they hear that "God is with us". Is that the message we are sending out to the world around us as the UPCSA?

Recently, the Executive Commission of our Church met to discern God's will on a number of matters, too many to list in this short letter. However all the proceedings and decisions from this meeting were sent to Session Clerks in congregations, Presbytery Clerks and the full text has been place onto the UPCSA website. I wish to encourage members of our denomination to take some time to read these, if you have access to the internet. It is important for us to keep in tune and in touch with some of the dialogues and discussions that are taking place in our Church. Some of the key decisions taken at the EXCOM are as follows:

• Supportive/Lay Ministries were recognized and accepted as essential in the life of congregations and the denomination at large. In line with this, it was decided to establish the Order of Supportive/Lay Ministries. This means that our recognition of ministries in the UPCSA goes broader than that of ordained ministers and elders.

• We approved the contents of the Belhar Confession embracing all its sentiments and values, and commended it to all ministers, Sessions and Presbyteries for study, discussion and use as a resource for preaching and teaching.

• The Manual Committee was instructed to arrange for the translation of key sections and/or chapters in the Manual into some of the major languages used within the UPCSA family.

• It was decided not to implement a centralized system of stipends within the UPCSA.

• A Travel Policy was adopted referring comments from the Insaka groups to the Finance Committee to look at and report to the 2012 Assembly.

• Presbyteries were instructed to draw up an Action Plan (by 30th November 2011) to implement the Presbytery Empowerment Plan adopted by the 2010 Assembly.

• The terms of reference of the Assembly Committees were approved. The 2010 General reduced the number of Assembly Committees from 66 to 14 to establish a more efficient and cost-effective structure.

• The initiatives of addressing the matters related to the Church Associations were commended and these groups were instructed to work towards peace, healing and reconciliation in congregations and Presbyteries.

• 8 Ministers will retire before the next General Assembly. They were duly recognized and granted the state of minister emeritus from the date of retirement. They are: the Revs. AA Harrower, M.O. de Kock, S. Ezekiel, N. Hlatswayo, AT Mpongoshe, A. Rodger, H. Munnings and L. Scott. We give thanks and praise to God for these wonderful and faithful servants of God and pray that they will settle well into their years of retirement. .

• The St James Church in Bedford view was re-admitted into the UPCSA family with certain provisions which have now been completed.

Well, if you want to learn more, visit the UPCSA website. In conclusion, let me return to my initial thoughts in this letter as I briefly reflected on Zechariah 8. I feel very strongly about the role of the Church in our modern society and its future impact and relevance in the centuries to come. It is important for us to know that God has a "burning jealously" for the church that is you and me, for we are the church. Let us be the people of God on the march so that the world may see and believe that Jesus Christ is Lord!

May God bless and keep you as you keep the Christ light burning!

Blessings!

Keeping in touch - 2

Dear Friends,
Greetings and blessings to you and your loved ones in the precious name of our Risen Lord, Jesus Christ. We have just celebrated the death and resurrection of our Lord. The thought of “ God so loved the world that he gave us his only begotten Son that whosoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life (John 3:16) is indeed moving , overwhelming and inspirational. We are certainly captivated by those words announced on that Resurrection morning: “He (Jesus ) is not here he is risen!” (Mat. 28:6). However, the tendency is to overlook Friday and move straight to Easter Day. Good Friday reminds us of suffering, pain, agony and death, and nobody really wants to ponder on these. We rather skip it or fast forward it and get straight to the celebration and the gift of life. While that may be a good thing to do yet we need to realize that we can only truly and meaningfully celebrate Easter Day when we first observe the suffering and death experience of Good Friday.

The world is surrounded by so many events that make us to wonder what is happening. We were recently concerned by the situation in Egypt, Zimbabwe and Libya continues to be a real worry, the earthquake/ tsunami in Japan has certainly moved us and many other matters both inside and outside of Sothern Africa continues to throw us into a state of perpetual worry and a sense of hopelessness. We wonder just what is going on in this world. Well the powerful message of Easter speaks of Resurrection power and hope. Hope is given to those journeying with a erminally-ill loved one, the person struggling to find a job or make ends meet, the marriage that is struggling to survive, countries attempting to overcome dictators , people living in poverty and so the list goes on. The message of the Resurrection is that God is in control and there is absolutely nothing in this world that can keep him down. The story of the resurrection tells that our hope is not based on false expectations but in the affirmative and established truth of the Resurrection. So in as much as we can experience the Good Fridays in our lives yet we need to constantly be reminded that we live in the time of resurrection power and hope. In Christ the Father holds all things together.

I wonder what that says to us as the UPCSA. Are we living in that resurrection hope? Are we faithfully proclaiming that Resurrection hope and power or have we lost the focus of that message because we have become overshadowed with lesser things that speak of our desires and dreams instead of what God has done for us in Jesus Christ? How are we generating hope to a lost, broken and suffering world?

There are many hopeful things taking place within our denomination for which we give thanks and praise to God. We thank God for:
- The many faithful ministers and elders who proclaim the Good News and serve God’s people with love and devotion.
- The thousands of believers who attend church faithfully and participate in the ministries of our local churches.
- The very successful Moderators, Clerks and Treasurers meeting which took place on the 14-15th March and the implementation of the Presbytery Empowerment Plan. Hopefully this will lead to better functioning Presbyteries and congregations. Our vision is to build vital congregations so that we can faithfully proclaim the hope we have in our Risen Lord.
- Our church’s attempt to address significant issues related to assessments, assessment relief, developing congregational leaders through the work of the Church Development & Planning Committee, training students for the ministry, focusing on evangelism and mission.
- Arranging discussions on poverty and the church to see how we can address these within our structures and work towards poverty eradication.
- Addressing issues of decision making and the participation of people who are often left out.
- The meeting of the Men which will take place on 28th May 2011 to continue with the dialogue process.
- The faithful servants of God in the UPCSA ministry who passed away since the beginning of this year: The Rev Dr Moshe Rajuili and the Rev Edwin Pons. The Resurrection hope we have tells us that they will rejoice with God in all eternity.
- For the fact that a small denomination such as ours is making such a huge impact and contributions to both the local and global ecumenical community. I was elected as the President of the World Communion of Reformed Churches in June 2010, the Rev Mautji Pataki was appointed as the General Secretary of the South African Council of Churches as from the 1st March 2011, and more recently the Rev. Peter Langerman was elected Chairman of the Church Unity Commission.

We thank God for these opportunities availed to the UPCSA at this time.

We live in the era of Resurrection Hope, so in the midst of suffering, disasters and hopelessness we can be comforted with the knowledge of what God in Jesus has done for us and with the assurance of the presence of the Holy Spirit amongst us. The Church is called to live in this Resurrection power and to faithfully proclaim the hope we have in the Risen Lord, Jesus Christ.
May we in the UPCSA be faithful in proclaiming this Easter message to a broken and sinful world!
May God continue to bless you as you serve those around you in His love and grace!
Stay Blessed!