Evangelism - Year of Mission 2011/2012

Evangelism and Outreach is under the leadership of Andrew Geils.

Please go to Our Services / Pew Leaflets & Portfolio Presentations 2011 to view the Evangelism & Missions Portfolio presentation at our recent "Come & See" programme.

Kloof Outreach

Year of Mission (to be launched on Pentecost Sunday 12 June)

I was caught recently by this statement in a book lent to me: It is imperative that Christians develop a habit of confessing & repenting of their self-righteousness. The author goes on to assert that it is this which prohibits the natural progress of the gospel through culture. We are the reason that many do not turn to God!

As we begin to work towards the start of this focus in our church life midyear, one of the things which must concern us all is: How do those outside see us? How do those outside see the Church? In the strategy of God, we exist for Him - so that through us he can reach all. We have blessed so that we in turn can be a blessing, drawing others into his love and life.

And so the challenge will be: How do we love our neighbour? How do we bless those around us who are separated from God? Clearly we need to look to God himself - whose missionary heart led him to become one of us to win us back, and paid the price to restore us to himself. One of the key phrases that Jesus used about himself was this: I came not to be served but to serve. One way of loving is to serve. And another is to pray for those who are separated from God - chiefly to pray blessing upon them. Again and again. God's people have an impact for good on the lives of those around them.

Our aim must be that, after one year, there is not one home in our community untouched by God because of us. Whether consciously or unconsciously, may they know that they matter to God - and that they matter to us because we are his children.

(excerpt from Nigel's letter in the March 2011 issue of the St Agnes Chronicle)

Our Year of Mission Calendar can be viewed/downloaded (see below YOM 2011)

How did it all start ?

In March 2010, the extended leadership (elders, portfolio leaders) met together for a couple of days to learn what God was calling us to do and came up with a list of five areas. At the top of the list was a call to reach the community in which he has placed us. Parish Council worked with these five areas during 2010. In January 2011, Council felt God calling us to focus on reaching the community. After vestry, the new Council declared a Year of Mission to start in July 2011. This would open a way for every portfolio and every member to begin to play a part in touching the people we live next to. Nigel was asked to call together and lead a steering group to make this happen.

Did you know ?

90% or so of folk in the Kloof area that don’t have a church affiliation.

Who is on the steering committee ?

Nigel Juckes, Andrew Geils, Alan Gitsham, Morton du Preez

When was the launch Date ?

It was launched at on Pentecost Sunday 12 June

How long is the mission ?

June 2011 to June 2012 (one year)

How do I get involved ?

Please work through you Home Group leader, Portfolio leader where you can. It doesn’t all have to happen in the next 3 months, we have 12 months of programme. There has to be a slot for you. It can be anything from:

· Join a Home Group and do the “walk across the room series”

· Invite your neighbour for tea.

· Invite friends to any of the functions listed on the schedule

· Help organise or just come along and greet people to make them feel at home

· Call Diana or Lyle and put you name down and your talent and we can find a gap

· Join one of the many ministry groups involved in outreach

· Volunteer to help at one of the events

· Join a prayer team

Who is it for ?

The Year of Mission involves every member (see How do I get involved?). There are also a many events and activities planned by members of St Agnes that will bring the Kloof community to the church campus and will allow each of us to make a friendly contact with our visitors.

How is it Communicated and how can I keep up-to-date ?

The Year of Mission has been included in sermons for many months and has been discussed at leaders meetings including that on the 7^th of June. Coming events are included on the website and in Diana’s regular e-mails and also on the notice board.

Alpha

The Alpha course is for anyone who wants to explore the Christian faith in a non-threatening, non-judgmental and relaxed setting. Many guests have never been to church, others may have attended church occasionally but wish to get a better understanding of the basics of the Christian faith. It is also an ideal course for newcomers to the church, and young couples as part of marriage preparation.

The course lasts for 10 weeks, with a day or weekend away in the middle. Each session begins with a meal (tea for morning courses), then a DVD which is followed by small group discussions, where no question is too simple or too hostile.

To register for one of our morning or evening adult courses, please contact Diana on 031 764 2037 or Andrew Geils on 031 764 5425/082 875 5891.

For more information on an Alpha youth course, please contact Andrew Morris on 084 793 5418.

Missions Outwards & beyond Kloof

Zimbabawe - Antonio, Nigel, Graydon & Tammy - June 2011

Kenya - Nigel, Antonio, Jeff & Anne Moys - October 2011