Fourth Sunday of Easter Preparation – 30 March 2025
Psalm 32:1–11 · Joshua 5:9–12 · 2 Corinthians 5:16–21 · Luke 15:1–3,11b–32
Coming Events to Diarise:
Monthly Day of Prayer & Fasting – 12 April 2025
Denominational Conference 2026 – 23-26 July 2026, Hilton Dallas Lincoln Centre, Dallas, Texas, USA.
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Greetings in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.
Last weekend, we gathered for a historic pastoral conference, a moment that felt much like the people of Israel stepping into the land of promise with a brand new culture – a culture of the kingdom of God. As a church, we may be entering a new phase—a new chapter in our journey of faith, hope and love. Just as Israel’s wandering ended, and they began to experience the fulfilment of God’s promises, we, too, may be witnessing a shift. As it turns out, one of this week’s passages is from the Book of Joshua, talking about the time the people of Israel finally arrived in Canaan.
“While the Israelites were camped at Gilgal on the plains of Jericho, they celebrated Passover on the evening of the fourteenth day of the first month. The very next day they began to eat unleavened bread and roasted grain harvested from the land. No manna appeared on the day they first ate from the crops of the land, and it was never seen again. So from that time on the Israelites ate from the crops of Canaan.” (Jos. 5:10-12 NLT)
God is rolling away the past and rolling out the future. Just as Israel’s reproach of Egypt was removed, we believe God is moving us beyond our past challenges into a season of renewed purpose and mission.
It was a time to celebrate – The Israelites observed Passover to remember God’s faithfulness. Likewise, this Easter we will be rejoicing in what God has done as we prepare to embrace His unfolding plan.
There was a fresh expression of God’s provision. The manna ceased to fall, and the Israelites started eating the produce of Canaan. In the same way, God may be calling us to new ways of ministry, leadership, and growth, equipping us with a fresh vision and resources for the journey ahead, as we work in the mission field he has brought us to.
As we reflect on this pivotal moment, let us move forward with faith, unity, and readiness for the opportunities God is placing before us. The time of wandering around and wondering about the future is over—the time of building has begun. Are you ready?
My prayer for this week is that we may all seize this moment, roll up our sleeves, and get to work. Amen
PRAYER REQUESTS:
Building Fund: Please continue to pray for our building fund and other financial needs of the church in 2025.
Have a blessed weekend!
Shalom!
Takalani
___________________________
REPEAT ANNOUNCEMNTS NOT TO BE READ IN CHURCH SERVICES
NATIONAL BUILDING FUND NOW OVER R1.2 MILLION
The National Building Fund has now passed R1.2 million. The balances for the various congregation are as follows as at the end of February 2025:
Please support your congregation’s Building Fund by contributing additional offerings monthly or once off to the dedicated bank account as follows:
· Bank: First National Bank (FNB)
· Name: GCI Building Fund
· Account No: 6304 180 7835
· Deposit Reference: Name and Surname
You can also fundraise as a group or alone. You may have items that you no longer need or use which you can pawn and donate the funds, or approach friends and family who may be able to donate to the fund. If you need a letter to request donations please feel free to contact me.
Monthly Day of Prayer and Fasting –Saturday 12 April 2025 (2nd Saturday of the Month)
Our next Day of Prayer and Fasting is on Saturday 12 April 2025. Please see the dates for the rest of the year below, and diarise accordingly.
Please find some video links on Prayer and Fasting if you want to know more. Here are the links:
1. Fasting- The Forgotten Spiritual Discipline – https://youtu.be/7MgrVj_w9sY
2. Fasting Questions and Answers 1 – https://youtu.be/Mkk3U2KvPHg
3. Fasting Questions and Answers 2 – https://youtu.be/CghD-uxBbFk
4. Fasting Question and Answer #3 – https://youtu.be/ajKaWRgreLw (Question #3: How should I fast? Are there different types of fasts?)
Future Days of Prayer and Fasting:
· April 12
· May 10
· June 14
· Jul 12
· August 9
· September 13
· October 11
· November 8
· December 13
January 2025 ISSUE OF FACE TO FACE PUBLISHED
Our March 2025 issue of the online Face To Face magazine has been published. Please find it here: Face To Face
Use the gifts we have been given
Online Bi-Weekly Bible Study
Next Bible Study on 2 April 2025
Please diarise and join the biweekly Online Bible study every second Wednesday at 19:00. The current series is: The Book of Acts.
To connect to the biweekly Bible Study, here are the details: Click
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89054374373?pwd=NFZVaFJjVGxqQjc5K0YyeWEzVVZMUT09
OR enter the details below to join the meeting:
Meeting ID: 890 5437 4373
Passcode: GCI2021
Time: 19:00
OFFERINGS: (should Christians pay a tithe?)
Even though some churches are not able to meet, we urge you to continue to give your weekly Thanksgiving offering that you would normally give during church services. The bank details for EFT and Cash deposits are below:
The Banking details for both the weekly Thanksgiving Offerings and the monthly Freewill Offerings are as follows:
EFT PAYMENTS
GRACE COMMUNION INTERNATIONAL-S.A –
Account No: 593 800 27523 – FNB Current Account Number
Ref. NameSurname Church
Please reference your offering so that we can send a receipt.
CASH PAYMENTS
GRACE COMMUNION INTERNATIONAL-S.A –
FNB Account No: 74451599946
Account Type: 32 Day Notice account
Ref. NameSurname Church
Please reference your offering so that we can send a receipt.