4th Sunday of Easter
Psalm 23:1–6 • Acts 2:42–47 • 1 Peter 2:19–25 • John 10:1–10
Coming Events to Diarise:
Monthly Day of Prayer & Fasting – 9 May2026
Women’s Monthly Bible Study – 12 May 2026
National Church Board – 16-17 May 2026
Bi-weekly Online Bible Study – 20 May 2026
Denominational Conference 2026 – 23-26 July 2026, Hilton Dallas Lincoln Centre, Dallas, Texas, USA. (Registration Closed on 15 April)
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Greetings in the name of our Good Shepherd, Jesus Christ.
This Sunday is the 4th Sunday of the Easter Season, a sacred period that stretches from the resurrection to Pentecost. Within the Christian calendar, this Sunday carries a special name—Shepherd Sunday—a day set aside to reflect on and celebrate Jesus Christ as our Good Shepherd.
In a world where even pastoral leadership often fails, where people feel overlooked, forgotten, or scattered by the pressures of life, this reminder is important.
It is easy—far too easy—to forget that we have a Shepherd. He is not just any shepherd, but one who describes Himself in words that redefine care, leadership, and love:
“I myself will search and find my sheep… I will rescue them… I will tend my sheep and give them a place to lie down in peace… I will search for my lost ones… I will bring them safely home… I will bandage the injured and strengthen the weak… I will feed them… with justice.” (Ezekiel 34:11–16, NLT)
Notice the emphasis: “I myself…” Our triune God does not outsource our care. He does not delegate our salvation. He does not forget our condition. Where human shepherds may fail, Christ steps in personally.
Shepherd Sunday reminds us that we are not just part of a flock—we are known, seen, and pursued. “He calls his own sheep by name…” (Jn. 10:3) When we feel lost, He searches for us. When we are wounded, He heals us. When we are weak, He strengthens us. When we are burdened, He gives us rest.
Jesus Himself reinforces this in the Gospels—He is the Shepherd who leaves the ninety-nine to go after the one. That means your situation, your struggle, your season of doubt or pain—none of it is too small for His attention.
You may feel scattered by life—by work pressures, family challenges, financial strain, or spiritual fatigue—but the promise of the Good Shepherd is certain.
In Ezekiel, the Shepherd not only rescues—He restores: “I will give them a place to lie down in peace.” David experienced this in his life, and he wrote Psalm 23 from his experience. “He makes me lie down in green pastures” (Psalm 23:2) This is more than physical rest. It is rest for the soul—”he refreshes my soul.” (v3)
Many of us are weary—not because we are doing nothing, but because we are carrying too much on our own. Shepherd Sunday invites us to lay those burdens down and trust the One who carries our burdens.
Whatever you are facing this week, take hold of this promise:
“I will search for my lost ones who strayed away, and I will bring them safely home again. I will bandage the injured and strengthen the weak.” (Ezekiel 34:16)
My prayer for you this week is that you may have a deep, unshakable assurance that the Lord is YOUR Shepherd—not in theory, but in your daily reality. May you experience His pursuit, His care, His healing, and His peace. Amen!
PRAYER REQUESTS & UPDATES:
Offerings: Please remember to pray for the church’s offerings. We are 5% below budget for the period January to March.
Sick Brethren: Please continue to pray for the brethren who are suffering from various sicknesses.
Have a blessed weekend!
Shalom!
Takalani
___________________________
REPEAT ANNOUNCEMENTS NOT TO BE READ IN CHURCH SERVICES
Women of Faith Monthly Online Bible Study – 2nd Tuesday of the month
The National Women’s Ministry has started a women’s monthly bible study every second Tuesday of the month, from 7pm to 8pm. The next Bible Study will be on the 12th of May. Please diarise it and join.
NATIONAL BUILDING FUND NOW OVER R1.7 MILLION
The National Building Fund has now reached R1.7 million.
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 9 May 2026
Our next Day of Prayer and Fasting is on Saturday 9 May 2026. 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:
· May 9
· June 13
· July 11
· August 8
· September 12
· October 10
· November 7
· December 12
February 2026 ISSUE OF FACE TO FACE PUBLISHED
Our February 2026 issue of the online Face To Face magazine has been published. Please find it here: Face To Face
Parable of the Vineyard Workers
The Church Is A Temple
I Will Hold Your Hand
Online Bi-Weekly Bible Study – 20 May 2026 – Ephesians (Cancelled until 20 May)
Please diarise and join the biweekly Online Bible study every second Wednesday at 19:00. The current series is: The Book of Ephesians.
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.