World Aids Day at St. Peter's

We celebrate World Aids day on the 1st of December each year, and this year, we had a programme and talk prepared by Kene Esom, a Human Rights Lawyer and parishioner. The talk and discussion was to educate and cultivate an understanding as well as to lead into a time of discussion, understanding and insight.   The talk brought up many questions in St. Peter's hall after the service on the 30th of November. The destigmatization of HIV/Aids was on the forefront and everyone, young and old walked away having learnt a lot. We should stand together as an enlightened, spiritual and non-judgmental community to prayer for those who are affected and infected with HIV/Aids throughout the month and the year ahead.

Sunday School Sleepover

The Sunday School team has had their annual Sleep Over on Saturday afternoon, the 1^st into Sunday morning the 2^nd of November. The event was pen to all St Peters Children from the age of 6 years old and up. 

The adults who felt young at heart joined in on all the fun. Parents were invited and joined the sleepover to help the team with the programme and to ensure there is enough adult supervision.

The programme consisted of a range of activities, making their own pizzas, bio-dancing, having a camp fire and making smores, telling storries and a talent show where modeling, singing and dancing was on the table. In short we all had a very busy and fun evening.

we look forward to hosting everyone with the next sleep over. Thought there were only 15 kids who attended, the others were very sad that they couldn't make it and are very excited about the next one. 

In the spirit of fun a lot of songs were sung and everyone came together in the spirit of the song:

“The more we come together, the happier we’ll be”

Youth Gala Diner

The Youth Gala Diner was born from the willingness of the Young Disciples to give back. This idea came as they not only wanted to add to what St. Peters has, but also to help the church make a bigger and more influential impact in the surrounding community through out-reach. The dinner was on the 24th of October and was 'A Night of the Stars'. On this night all the guest were treated like stars! The food, the music and decor were top class! The youth worked hard, and had a lot of fun with their guests making sure to deliver the best service at all times. From serving a great welcome drink, a three course meal with desert sponsored by Melville Spar it could only be described as 'a night to remember'.  As the youth pledge DG, in the form of the funds raised from the event, they did it in style. The fun and entertainment went far beyond the live singers (Kuhle Mapipa, Mimi Williams and Thuli) and the incredible DJ, it was completed with the great comedy of Karmen Naidoo who had the audience in stitches.  A big 'Thank You' to all who attended, donated and made the night a great success by their attendance and contribution. We look forward to hosting you again.

Confirmation 2014

Confirmation is a special time in our lives and is a mile stone in our faith. This is the time we take responsibility for our own lives by renew the baptism vows that were taken for us.

In welcoming the new members of the Anglican Church the bishop with the clergy, candidates, facilitators, family and friends were all present at the Cathedral on Saturday (30^th August) to bear witness to the exciting road that the candidates have chosen to take.

We had three candidates present; Sebolelo Mokhobo-Nomvete, Neo Pitso and Walter Litto Mashaba. On Sunday they were welcomed in church. We wish them grace, mercy and the Lord’s blessing on their journey in Christ. 

Women's Day Breakfast

Women's Day on the 9th August was celebrated at St Peter's by a magnificent gourmet breakfast prepared by Theo, Martin and their helpers.

After the delicious breakfast, a programme of events unfolded - a quiz on the historical significance of Women's Day devised by Kgethi; poetry written and professionally performed by Donna Smith; some poignant and relevant songs for the day from Mimi who then joined sister Jacque and her guitar in a beautiful rendition of a song that Jacque wrote during the Struggle years, and Theo did a wonderful sashaying version of Maya Angelou's Phenomenal Woman.

Donna preparing to deliver her poetry with musical background

Listening over coffee

In between all this, there were professional neck and back massages on offer, and a quick drawing lesson, where Cathy encouraged everyone to find their inner artist by drawing a 'Picasso's Dog' followed by a Portrait Party, where groups of three or four took turns to pose and draw each other for two minutes at a time. It was supposed to be an affirming, appreciative exercise but caused a bit of consternation and mirth... some definite signs of talent shone through though! 

Mimi by Brenda, Khumbu by Donna, Donna by Khumbu, Lorraine by Mimi, Rob by Babs,
Helene by Jacque, Lorraine by Refiloe, Cathedral by Edna, Mimi by Lorraine, Edna by Mercy
Mercy by Edna, Donna by Theo, Michael by Rob, Cathedral by Mercy, Jacque by Refiloe
Helen by Refiloe, Brenda by Mimi, Khumbu by Theo, Theo by Khumbu, Refiloe by Lorraine
Brenda by Lorraine, Babalwe by Rob, Refiloe by ?, Michael by Babalwe, Caleb by Barbara
Carol by Barbara, Lorraine by Brenda, Refiloe by Helene, Theo by Donna, Mercy by ?

A lot of fun, some moving and memorable moments, and fellowship was had by all, many thanks to those who worked hard to organise and make this special day happen.

Bring Back our Girls

Bring back our girls!

On the 15th of June, the congregation of St. Peter’s commemorated Youth Day in a very special way. The service started with a prayerful protest in solidarity with the 276 school girls being held by the militant group Boko Haram in Nigeria.

Congregants stood on the main road as well as outside the church gates holding aloft placards demanding the release of the girls, and invoking God’s protection for them. One passing motorist hooted in approval. 

After a few moments of silence, prayers were led by visiting priest, Rev. Jeanette Pierson who, at the start of her sermon later on, described the protest action as “moving”. She commended the congregation for this expression of concern for others, and for its willingness to take a stand for what is right.

The placards, which were made by the young people of the congregation, were left on display outside the church, as an ongoing reminder to parishioners and community members to keep praying for the captive girls, and to make whatever contribution they can to securing their release.  

Women's Pearls

Women's Pearls

"Women's Pearls" is a book of Quotations and Sayings of South African Women. Filled with words of wisdom and inspiration from real women. Just like pearls, they are something truly worth treasuring.

The book is selling for R200.00 and is available from St Peter's.

This is also part of our fundraising as an amount from the sale of each book is donated in turn.

To place your order you can call

011 726 1416.

Breakfast Club

St. Peter's Breakfast Club

Every Saturday morning you are welcome to join us for the Best breakfast in Johannesburg.
Sit down and enjoy spending time with parishioners, family and friends. Take time out of that busy schedule and treat yourself!

A full English/ Omelet/ French toast or scrambled egg breakfast is to order for ONLY R30!
Everything made just the way you'd prefer it.

But wait, there's more:
You get different kinds of cereals, coffee, tea and juice.There are delicious baked goods and they are made fresh every morning.

Don't be shy, bring your friends and family and be part of the great atmosphere at St Peter's on a Saturday.There is so much happening and you'll never be left wanting.

Outreach

The outreach programme with the Children of fire is well rooted in St Peters, mission statement. This is evidenced by  an increase in the number of parishioners volunteering to celebrate life with these young stars, in the form of a meal provided by St Peter once a month. To share a mean, and a treat with them is an honour. The bright eye'd children love to be in a space where they are loved and cared for. We have been richly rewarded for our efforts by the increasing integration of these children in our community. It has also been made that much  easier by our priest, Rev Jacqui Williams, who has immersed her energies into the programme.

Parish Breakfast

 When most people had returned to Johannesburg from their holidays at the end of January, a parish breakfast was held in the garden. Generously provided by members of the congregation, and bacon and eggs cooked at the eleventh hour by Vic Gaul, it was a delicious chance to relax in beautiful weather and spend some social time together.

Happy New Year!

St Peter's Church wishes all its members and associates a blessed and inspiring 2014.
We remind ourselves of our commitment to DEEPEN our Christian faith, GROW together as family and serve our community through ACTION.

We remember the life of Madiba and pray that we continue his legacy.

Mourners outside the Mandela home 6/12/2013 - sketches by Cathy Gatland

 

People lighting candles and placing flowers outside Madiba's home