CHILDREN

We invite young families to our church services on Sundays – at 8.30am we hold an English service and at 10.00am a German service, tea and coffee is served between the two at 9.15am. On the last Sunday of every month we hold a bilingual service at 10.00am there after we have a bring your own picnic, tea and coffee will also be served. A Children’s service is offered every Sunday simultaneously to the main church service, except during the Christmas holidays or when there is a Family church service. The children are in the service until they are blessed by the pastor and accompanied out by the Sunday School helpers.

Our goal in the children’s service is to bring God’s word to the children in our church in a child-friendly way. We want to share Jesus’ love with them, teach them the biblical stories, sing, play, pray with them, and help them to build a personal relationship with God.

We have a group of youngsters (grades 1-6) who meet every two weeks on Saturdays. There the children get to know the biblical stories, have fun with games and creative handicrafts and it also includes occasional outings.

Twice a year we offer a children’s camp for all children in grades 1 to 7. During the winter holidays, the KiBiWo (Children’s Bible Week) takes place at our church and in December we offer the KidsCamp on a farm near Rustenburg, each time with interesting topics and spiritual programs.

If you would like more information, please contact the church office on +27 (0)11 700 0680

YOUTH

For teenagers from grade 7 we offer a Tweens Group, which meets twice a month on Friday evenings. We reflect on the works of Jesus and how these shape our faith. We want to be a place where a young person can grow in his or her relationship with God in his or her own way and find guidance and companionship along the way.

If you would like more information, please contact the church office on +27 (0)11 700 0680

LADIES
Women’s Circle

The Women’s Circle meets twice a quarter, where, over a cup of coffee or tea and a homemade piece of cake, we talk about upcoming events such as the Easter breakfast, Christmas crafts or new fundraising activities. All ladies of the church are welcome.

If you would like more information, please contact the church office on +27 (0)11 700 0680

Visitation Group

We maintain contact with the church congregants through telephone calls on birthday and we care for church members who are lonely or in need. We try to encourage members of the church community to get in touch with us or the Pastor, if they know of an illness or a church member who is in need of personal counselling.

The Visitation Group meets every other month for planning and discussions. We would be very happy if more people are able to join in. It is an opportunity to get to know the church congregants better and it is an opportunity to do heartfelt service that really doesn’t take up too much time.  Please get in touch with us if you would like to participate.

If you would like more information, please contact the church office on +27 (0)11 700 0680

SENIORS
Circle 60+

The Circle 60+ meets monthly, where interesting topics are discussed and insightful lectures are held. Coffee, tea and cake are available.

If you would like more information, please contact the church office on +27 (0)11 700 0680

DIACONY
Parcels for Alexandra

As has been the case for many years now, six times a year, at the end of January, March, May, July, September and November, parcels are packed for 50 seniors from our partner community in Alexandra.  The parcels always contain the same food, namely corn flour, sugar, soya flour, dried milk, oil, dried beans, beans in tomato sauce, peanut butter, jam, corned beef, packet soups and rooibos tea. Twice a year, in winter and at Christmas, there is usually an additional practical gift. Last year it was hot water bottles and cutlery. Especially the cutlery was very popular with the recipients.

If you would like more information, please contact the church office on +27 (0)11 700 0680

MUSIC
Brass Band

The rehearsals of the Brass Band take place every Thursday at 19.30 pm at the church. The Brass Band is one of the most active groups in our church community. We meet about forty times a year for rehearsals, play in ten services a year, play at three bazaars, play on St. Martin’s Day at the Catholic St. Boniface Church, and sometimes we support other parishes in our church. In this way we carry the word of God into the world through music.

Beginners Brass Band

The Beginners Brass Band meets Wednesdays at 19.30 pm for rehearsals. Beginners of all ages are welcome.

Band: 7-Days Worship Team

Whether our songs are accompanied on Sundays by the beautiful 130-year-old organ, the extensive and lively brass choir or the electronically supported worship team, they are always joyful services in which we celebrate Christ’s grace on us together. How blessed is our congregation with its variety of musical talents and preferences. The worship team was given its name 7-Days when it was founded at the end of 2010. Seven participants took part at that time. The name reminds us that God created heaven and earth in 7 days. Therefore we want to praise him not only once a month in the band worship service, not only every Sunday, but 7 days a week! Yes, every breath shall be a song of praise to him!

If you would like more information, please contact the church office on +27 (0)11 700 0680

EVENTS
“Kirchenkneipe”

The “Kirchenkneipe” has become a regular event in the church calendar. Four times a year everyone is invited and welcome – church members, friends and acquaintances of all ages – to chat, exchange ideas and of course eat delicious food in a relaxed and casual atmosphere!

If you would like more information, please contact the church office on +27 (0)11 700 0680

Medieval Basar

We consider the Basar primarily as an event at which the North Rand congregation can present itself as a living “church in motion”. Our decision to integrate the experiences of the two medieval festivals in 2013/14 and now to turn the annual Basar into a medieval festival is proving successful. More visitors come in traditional costume, the decoration we try to improve every year distinguishes us from other festivals/ Basar  in the city. The number of visitors is growing, albeit slowly, as is the positive feedback. In terms of size (number of guests), our bazaar in Johannesburg is rather small, but in general it has the reputation of being one of the most beautiful, harmonious and family-friendly Basar that everyone looks forward to and friends and acquaintances of all ages can enjoy. Without sponsors, stall managers and volunteers to set up and dismantle the stalls and on the day itself, we could not master this event. We would like to thank everyone who contributes every year, on a small and large scale, according to everyone’s possibilities.

If you would like more information, please contact the church office on +27 (0)11 700 0680

Community recreation

A community weekend camp takes place annually at the end of February / beginning of March in Kokoriba (near Brits). Not only church members but also friends and acquaintances are welcome. All age groups are represented, and the program had something for everyone. The next free time is already in preparation.

If you would like more information, please contact the church office on +27 (0)11 700 0680

PARTNERSHIPS
Thomaskirche Childcare Project (TKCC)

As you may know, the TKCC has not had an active committee in our community for quite some time. Hester Nolte and Karin Meyer represent our community on the Steering Committee at St Peters Child Care, where the administration of the whole project takes place. We are surprised and grateful that this project still exists.

Our families are growing up. We have no more pre-school children and some have already finished their schooling. There is, however, still a lack of finances and voluntary practical input. However, we are very grateful for all the donations we regularly receive from congregants, their companies and our circle of friends in Germany. We also received a very generous donation from the group of visitors from Germany. Many thanks for this!

If you would like more information, please contact the church office on +27 (0)11 700 0680