Untitled - Edenvale Baptist Church

Introduction
EBC is a Church that has experienced the Grace of God in her midst for almost 65 years
now! We are constantly blown away by God’s faithfulness to our Church community, despite
the continuous changes the city of Edenvale has undergone through the years.
Last year was one of those years of significant change. Not only did the ‘Winds of Change’
initiative roll out in the form of various new ministries and programs, but we also saw a handing
over of the Baton in our Senior Pastor position. And yet through all the changes we have
experienced God’s Grace in our midst, still lavishing His love on our Church and our City.
As we step back and reflect on the year that was, we’re so excited to see the transformation
of our Church on so many levels. We truly have become a more outward-focused Church,
which was the heart behind ‘Winds of Change’.
Through brand-new programs such as our ‘Equipping for Missional Living’ courses and our
‘D-Day’ outreaches we really have become a Church that is intentionally seeking to expand
the boundaries of the Kingdom of Heaven here in Edenvale. We’ve also experienced these
changes in our Worship Service format and at a structural level, including the new
‘Leadership Development program’ that started last year.
Whilst keeping our focusing on the Mission of the Church, we haven’t lost touch with
ministering to the needs of the body of Christ, as seen in other new programs such as our
‘Friday Focus’ evenings, our first ever Church-wide ‘Homecell Series’, and new Support
groups.
However the year wasn’t just about ‘New’! Throughout all the changes our Core ministries of
this Church have functioned faithfully throughout the year. That is what the rest of this booklet
is about: reports of God’s work in our Church, through the dedicated servants of this Church.
As Pastors & Elders we would like to express our sincere gratitude to the
team of volunteers that have carried this enormous ministry load through
2014. We are so grateful to God for such a committed, gifted and servanthearted team of people. We are truly Blessed.
We look forward to what God will do through this wonderful Church in the year ahead. All
Glory to God in Jesus Christ!
EDENVALE BAPTIST CHURCH
Senior Pastor REPORT
Being Senior Pastor of EBC is such a wonderful privilege, and the immense honour of being
inducted as Senior Pastor still overwhelms me!
Stepping into Renton’s shoes is no easy feat, as he was a remarkable shepherd of this
Church. I’m truly grateful to Renton for all that he taught me, and the years of preparation he
gave me for this time in my ministry.
I filled in as interim Senior Pastor from April, which was a big responsibility as we launched
right into Easter! I must say that Easter was an incredible time of blessing for us as a
Church, as we really sensed God’s presence during our Easter week.
Following Easter we started the ‘Cross Centered Life’ Sermon Series where we studied the
integration of the Gospel in everyday life, with a particular focus on our work lives. This was
followed by a monumental series studying the role of the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer,
called ‘Thirsty’. As brave as the series was we certainly felt the grace of God binding us
together in unity over these issues.
We then started our Series through the book of Colossians, called ‘Entrenched’, which was a
wonderful expository series through this immensely theological and yet practical book. It
was such a joy to collaborate with the Homecell Ministry in this Series as they followed the
Sunday Sermons in their Bible Studies. We ended the year with our ‘Inconceivable’ Sermon
Series, where we delved into the incredible blessings of life ‘In Christ’.
Besides our wonderful times in Sunday Services together, a massive highlight of the year
has simply been seeing the ‘Winds of Change’ roll out in its various forms over the year. We
truly seem to be a renewed and revitalised Church, one that seems ever more capable of
literally reaching the Ends of the Earth through Edenvale.
Throughout all these changes both Kristin and I have been absolutely overwhelmed at the
love and support that you’ve shown us as a family. Thank you so much, we’re so grateful to
God for you all, and are so privileged to be here at this time with you. We love you!
I’m especially grateful to the wonderful Pastors of EBC
who labor daily in the trenches together, and to our
Elders, who are wise and brave most capably steer
this juggernaut through the waters of Ministry.
We believe EBC is truly the greatest Church in the
world, and pray that we would give God all the glory
we can muster!
ALL OUR LOVE,
Richard & Kristin van Lieshout
Ablaze MINISTRY
Every Second Friday evening, 18:00 - 20:00
Ablaze is for children in grade 1 - 7. It is a fun
environment where the kids come every 2nd week.
We play games with them or have an event where
they can be introduced to church and God in a fun
way. It’s a place where they can make new friends.
HIGHLIGHTS OF 2014
Our Disney themed Karaoke evening was a great
hit as well as our Talent Show and the Camp
Out.
DID YOU KNOW?
We have on average 30 - 40 kids who attend.
GOING FORWARD INTO 2015
We would like to plan exciting activities to reach
more children for Jesus. Please pray for more
leaders to assist us.
TEAM LEADERS
Bronwyn & Martin Koch
Announcement Team MINISTRY
Every Sunday at both services
T h e A n n o u n c e m e n t Te a m i n f o r m s t h e
congregation about all events happening in the
church and welcomes visitors to the service. The
nature of this ministry is such that members can
be involved in other church ministries too. This
ministry team was launched soon after the
church's new vision was launched. During the
year the team has grown from 4 members to 10
members. Currently there are 8.
DID YOU KNOW?
• 4 men and 6 women were involved in this
ministry at one stage.
• Our youngest members are still at school.
GOING FORWARD INTO 2015
My prayer is that the ministry grows by at least
two members by the end of the year and that all
the current members will grow in confidence.
TEAM LEADER
Jacques Blignaut
Care MINISTRY
Everyday
The Care Ministry is the more formalised aspect of how the Body of Christ should, and
does show love for one another within the church.
We visit the sick, care for the elderly in various ways, take meals to those in need,
provide food for the hungry, inside and outside the church, and facilitate prayer by the
Body for those in need.
HIGHLIGHTS OF 2014
Our ministry happens behind the scenes, and so our real highlight is a deep
gratitude for the many folk who consistently and willingly give up time to show love
by caring for our church family, in unseen ways.
DID YOU KNOW?
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Full Care Team : 28 folk some of whom do more than one aspect of ministry.
15 people who visit /care for about 18 elderly folk, mainly in retirement centers
6 hospital visitors visit as needed at about 4-5 different hospitals
8 meal ministry volunteers
6 people phoning about 30 elderly folk each month
2300 prayer brochures printed; Emailed each week to 32 folk
The sms prayer chain reaches 48 people with urgent prayer requests
GOING FORWARD INTO 2015
As in 2014, our greatest need moving into 2015 is for more folk to be committed to
serving in this ministry, so that we can care for more people e.g. elderly visitation.
We also need the congregation to let us know more often about the needs in our
church family that we may not be aware of, in order to minister more effectively.
TEAM LEADER
Lorraine Liprini
Communion MINISTRY
First Sunday of every month at all three services.
Fourteen people are needed each month to serve
the Communion Elements at the three services.
Two of these people at each service have the
added responsibility of Praying for the Bread and
Grape Juice.
HIGHLIGHTS OF 2014
In addition to the monthly communion, we also
prepared communion for special occasions such
as Easter, Weddings or Special Events.
DID YOU KNOW?
Jeanette fills 900 communion cups and Peter
cuts 900 pieces of bread each month. That
works out to over 11000 each year.
Each person is phoned a few days beforehand
to prepare them for this service. That means in
2014 we made around 250 phone calls. Six
years on and still going strong!
GOING FORWARD INTO 2015
It is a joy when phoning somebody who is
excited about being asked to serve or Pray for
the elements. We just trust and Pray that we
continue to encounter such enthusiasm and that
the people being served are Blessed.
TEAM LEADERS
Peter & Jeanette Hammond
Community Outreach MINISTRY
Every third Saturday of the month
We seek to reach the unsaved non-English
speaking people of Edenvale and surrounding
areas, and to disciple them.
We have a full service with the Word being shared,
along with prayer and counselling. We also share
in celebrating Baptisms and Dedication of
Children.
HIGHLIGHTS OF 2014
Our closing party on the 22nd Nov was an
incredible celebration where we were joined by
the Homeless in our Community. There was
such an atmosphere of Joy and unity, and we
witnessed people dedicating their lives to Christ.
Children gathered around a jumping castle and
everyone had a warm and healthy meal all to
glory to God!
DID YOU KNOW?
For some people even eating from a real plate
(not a paper one) is such a blessing!
GOING FORWARD INTO 2015
We would love to include a crusade and prayer
retreat this year.
TEAM LEADER
Promise Nyalungu
Counselling MINISTRY
As required
Galatians 6:2(NLT) ‘Share each other’s troubles and problems, and in this way obey the law of Christ.’
The counselling team are motivated by Isaiah 61:1-3 - in the power of the Holy Spirit,
to share the gospel and in doing so to bring healing to the broken-hearted, freedom
from bondage, comfort for those who mourn, replacing sorrow with joy…to shine
Jesus’ light in their darkness.
We desire to help people become whole, not just in the physical, mental, emotional
state, but primarily in their spiritual health.
HIGHLIGHTS OF 2014
• GriefShare – an 11 week course dealing with the journey from mourning to joy,
for those who have lost loved ones.
• Dealing With Divorce – an 8 week course for women.
• Marriage Enrichment – Courses run for all married couples. (‘What Did You Expect’
by Paul Tripp , ‘Love and Respect’ by Emmerson Eggerichs, and ‘Mission
Impossible’ .
• Why Marriage – a 6 week marriage preparation course for engaged or newlywed couples. We were able to run 2 of these this year.
DID YOU KNOW?
Most Common General counselling areas: Marriage, HIV/Aids, Abuse, Relationships,
Grief, Children, Eating Disorders, Addictions, Depression, Suicide, Spiritual Direction
GOING FORWARD INTO 2015
We will be starting a ‘Recovery’ support group this year for people dealing with all
kinds of addictions. It is a Curriculum based course
from Alpha International designed to help addicts
and their family members. Please pray for God to
send the facilitators needed.
TEAM LEADER
Marlene Wright
Equipping for Missional
Living MINISTRY
3 different courses, over 4 weeks each, throughout the year.
These courses aim to equip every believer to live a
Missional lifestyle at Home, at Work and in their
Social Spaces.
HIGHLIGHTS OF 2014
We had 100 people attend our first course, ‘Just
Walk Across the Room’!
DID YOU KNOW?
Attendees learned three Gospel stories from the
New Testament by heart during our ‘Share the
Story’ course!
GOING FORWARD INTO 2015
We have three brand-new courses lined up for
2015 which we’re excited about, particularly our
‘Crossing Cultures’ course in July, where we’ll
even learn to speak some Zulu!
TEAM LEADER
Richard van Lieshout
Evangelism MINISTRY
1-on-1 Evangelism takes place every Saturday
Marketplace Evangelism takes place in Eastleigh every Monday, and at
Stoneridge once a month
Spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ here in Edenvale and surrounding areas!
We also do devotions with companies and assist with counselling. Most people work
every weekend and are not able to go to Church, so this is a very welcome time with
God, and has become their life-line!
HIGHLIGHTS OF 2014
One Saturday we were on an Evangelism outing and could not decide where to
start preaching, until a man close by begged us to come share the Word of God
with him! He subsequently went on to call others to come hear what God had to
say, and asked if we could come and pray with them every morning!
DID YOU KNOW?
The Gospel brings people together! The Cleaners and Guards at Stoneridge
Shopping Centre used to hate each other, but now that the hold devotions
together, there is peace! Glory to God in the highest!
GOING FORWARD INTO 2015
I really pray that God helps me build a team this year that will help with the followup, sharing their faith and receive the people when they come to Church on
Sunday.
We also desperately need a French speaking person to help with the Guards, and
to source devotionals or some form of material to help with their spiritual growth.
TEAM LEADER
Promise Nyalungu
Flowers with Flair MINISTRY
Every week
We create flower arrangements for church services
as a visual expression of worship and to show the
beauty of God’s creation. We have monthly gettogethers for demonstrations and practical
workshops.
HIGHLIGHTS OF 2014
• Fun, team-building and support at
demonstrations and workshops on a Saturday
morning
• New leaders taking responsibility for different
aspects of the ministry
• Many congregation members telling us that an
arrangement contributed to their worship
DID YOU KNOW?
• There are 12 ladies on the roster to provide
Church flowers.
• Each person has only about 4 turns per year.
• The demonstrations and workshops are open
to anyone, not just those on the roster.
GOING FORWARD INTO 2015
More people attending the demonstrations and
workshops
TEAM LEADER
Marina Pearson
Homecells & Connect
groups MINISTRY
During the week, mainly on Tuesday and Wednesday nights.
This ministry offers a variety of small groups that
enable folk to build relationships with one another
as they grow their knowledge and faith in our Lord.
HIGHLIGHTS OF 2014
Our Homecell Series journeyed through the
book of Colossians, as we followed the Sermon
Series on a Sunday.
DID YOU KNOW?
We have the following variety of Homecells that
meet during the week:
• Three Young Families’ Homecells that meet
twice a month.
• For Seniors, we have a Ladies Homecell on a
Thursday, and a Bible Study that meets every
second Friday.
• A ‘Moms for Jesus’ Group’ that meet on a
Wednesday.
• Four Young Adult Homecells.
• Twelve Adult Homecells that meet during the
week.
GOING FORWARD INTO 2015
We’re looking forward to another Homecell
Series this year, this time going through the
book of James.
TEAM LEADER
Andre van den Berg
Leadership Development
and Coaching MINISTRY
Once a year, for 4 weeks
This ministry aims to identify and invest in potential
leaders within the church and to equip them to
lead more effectively.
HIGHLIGHTS OF 2014
This was run for the first time in 2014! We had a
wonderful response from participants in
attendance and great interaction during the
course. The course challenged us to use Christ
as our example when leading ministries at EBC.
DID YOU KNOW?
• Leaders can do jigsaw puzzles!
• Leaders can even lead when they are
blindfolded!
• Leadership is only possible with God’s help
through the Holy Spirit.
GOING FORWARD INTO 2015
The course will be run again this year, and we’re
praying that God will raise up new leaders in a
mighty way, as well as grow those who attended
in 2014 to be a part of our Church’s Vision and
Mission.
TEAM LEADERS
Trevor & Robyn Johnstone
LIVING 4 YOU MINISTRY
Sunday morning from 08h00 to 09h30 and 10h00 to 11h30
L4U is a place where our children from grades 1-7
meet to worship God and to learn more about Him.
We learn Bible stories, verses and have fun.
HIGHLIGHTS OF 2014
During the year we learnt about Moses and the
10 plagues. We spent time learning about the
Passover and how Jesus became the Lamb who
died to save us. What a privilege it was to
witness children giving their hearts to Jesus.
What a joy it is to show children that in this
broken world there is always hope in Jesus!
We camped out for one night. Not much
sleeping but loads of fun!
ABC (Adventure Bible Club) in July saw many
children come to hear God’s word. What a funfilled week that was..
DID YOU KNOW?
We c o n s u m e d a b o u t : 9 0 l i t r e s o f O r o s
concentrate, 400 packets of biscuits, 5000
sweets this year!.
GOING FORWARD INTO 2015
May our children learn about the amazing love
that Jesus has for them. May they learn to put
their trust and hope in Him.
TEAM LEADER
Jenny Turner
L4U Band MINISTRY
Both Children’s Church sessions on a Sunday morning
Teaching children to worship God Almighty with
age appropriate songs and actions.
HIGHLIGHTS OF 2014
Adventure Bible Club
Witnessing children growing in the Lord and
worshipping their Heavenly Daddy.
DID YOU KNOW?
Leaders: 2, Vocals: 4, Acoustic Guitars: 2
Bass Guitars: 2, Drums: 1, Piano: 1, Multi-media: 1
The band has tripled in size over the past 8
years: growing from 4 members to 12 members.
The majority of the new members joined the
band in the past 2 years, with more members
expecting to join this year..
GOING FORWARD INTO 2015
• Introduce new kids songs!
• More band members
• Providing an environment that inspires the
development of a heart of worship within the
children
• Encouraging the development of living a lifestyle
of worship over and above the importance of
worshiping on a Sunday morning.
TEAM LEADER
Stacey Turner
LOL Women’s MINISTRY
Saturday afternoons, once a month, 14:00-16:30
Main events twice a year, e.g. Breakfasts
‘Lots of Ladies, Living out Life, with Loads of Love
and Laughter.’
Our desire is to help the women in our church to
connect with one another, to grow deeper in their
spiritual lives, to share life and experiences with
other women, to laugh together, to cry together, to
pray together.
HIGHLIGHTS OF 2014
• Ladies’ involvement in the EBC Outreach
events in April.
• LOLI (Loving Other Ladies Initiative)
• Moms and Daughters Tea Party in August
• In October, Trish Lockwood (Rays of Hope)
shared about ministry in Alexandra Township.
• Year End Breakfast.
DID YOU KNOW?
• We had over 120 ladies attend our Moms and
Daughters Tea Party!
• Handbag Bingo will never be the same again
(ladies who attended know what this means!)
GOING FORWARD INTO 2015
Kerry Hay will be taking over as Ministry Team
Leader. The theme of 2015 is ‘My Identity in
Christ’ . There will be a variety of speakers , lots
of tea and eats, lots of fun, and lots of love.
TEAM LEADER
Marlene Wright
Missions: Edenvale MINISTRY
Various days and places
Our outreach to Edenvale includes the following two aspects:
• Gospel Demonstration – Ministries focused on Demonstrating the Gospel through
acts of Mercy and Kindness.
• Gospel Declaration – Ministries focused on Declaring the Gospel through
Proclamation and Teaching
HIGHLIGHTS OF 2014
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D-Day: Our Amazing G-Race event during Missions week.
Distribution of 230 buckets filled with groceries over the Christmas period.
Community Outreach Christmas lunch.
Opening of Hidden Treasure shop in Edenvale during March.
Tabernacle Production in October: Ripe unto Harvest
Hidden Place Camps at Camp Eden
DID YOU KNOW?
• Lazarus Ministry hands out 15-20 food parcels at their monthly chapel meeting.
• The Amazing G-Race event had 20 teams racing around Edenvale on the first
day of Missions week.
• R42,500 was raised for the Christmas Grocery bucket Ministry.
• An average of thirty folk meet once a month at the Community Outreach event,
150 attended the Christmas party in December.
GOING FORWARD INTO 2015
Formalise a Ministry team to spearhead the vision
to reach Edenvale and to draw alongside our
Evangelism teams as they Declare the Gospel in
Edenvale.
TEAM LEADER
Andre van den Berg
Missions: The Ends of the
Earth MINISTRY
Consistent Missionary Support
The ‘Winds of Change’ initiative led to the Missions Committee focusing exclusively on
our Foreign Missions Program, as we aim to Expose, Equip & Encourage Missions to
the Ends of the Earth. The Missions Committee gets together once a month to pray for
our Missionaries, to find ways to bless them and encourage them in the Mission Field
that God has placed them.
HIGHLIGHTS OF 2014
• Missions Week! Our ‘Great Call to China’ Missions Dinner was an amazing
success!
• Although the planned STM opportunities did not happen individual members of
EBC did carry out short trips of their own.
• A Friday morning prayer group was started to pray specifically for our
Missionaries.
DID YOU KNOW?
• Missionaries supported by EBC: 2 in SE Asia, 8 in Southern Africa and 4 over
the rest of Africa.
• The average monthly contribution from EBC to Foreign mission is R80,000
• ‘Changing Our World’ email goes out quarterly to all the folk in EBC.
GOING FORWARD INTO 2015
• We will be sending a team of 8 people on a Vision-Casting trip to South-East
Asia at the end of March. This is an exciting opportunity as we consider sending
new Missionaries to the Field!
• STM planned to the Eastern Cape later in the year.
TEAM LEADER
Gary Cundill
Moms for Jesus MINISTRY
Every Wednesday morning of the school term
This is a Bible Study and fellowship group for
moms with children of school-going age as well as
pregnant women. We meet together to learn from
God’s Word and support and encourage each
other.
HIGHLIGHTS OF 2014
• We learnt how to empower our parenting with
the gospel.
• We celebrated with a number of moms on the
birth of their babies.
DID YOU KNOW?
• We use quite a few tissues in our group!
• Ruthie Campbell has sadly gone to the USA
but while she was here she hid her light under
a bush – she plays the saxophone beautifully!
GOING FORWARD INTO 2015
We are working through the book of Ruth which
is such a challenge to us as moms and ladies of
God. Ruth never complained, she worked hard
and she was blessed to be part of Christ’s line.
TEAM LEADER
Robyn Johnstone
Noah’s Ark MINISTRY
Every Sunday morning of the school term - For children ages 3 to 6 yrs
Our aim is to teach the children about Jesus – His love, protection, provision and
presence for them – to strive towards them accepting Him into their hearts, to grow
them in their love for Him, and to create a desire to be more like Him and grow to be
God’s children.
We have a team of dedicated and enthusiastic teachers and assistants who seek to
provide the children with tangible, interesting lessons and effective activities/games to
highlight the lesson. Each session is full of learning, fun and lots to do!
HIGHLIGHTS OF 2014
• One of our 4 year olds asking Jesus into her heart! That makes it all worthwhile!
• This year we introduced Hungry Harry, who was a huge hit for the children. This
was a missions project to collect non-perishables, and the children fed Harry the
food. This was given to the Lazarus Project Ministry.
• At the end of the year we had a sing-along concert where we showed parents
what we have learned this year, and sang songs for them.
• Our Color Chameleon theme was really enjoyed by the children. They made
vegetable people as part of their “Green = Growth” lesson.
DID YOU KNOW?
• Our children love to sing, and love teachers to
be daring and act!
• We have about 60 children on our register!
GOING FORWARD INTO 2015
Going back to the basic stories of the Bible. We will be doing the ABC’s of Bible
Heroes - so we will looking at the lives of unusual Bible characters – Abigail,
Balaam, etc. We would love our leader department to grow, so that we have more
and more children coming to know and love Jesus!
TEAM LEADER
Bev Tyson
Okes MINISTRY
Men’s prayer meetings: Tues mornings, Men’s breakfast: Friday mornings
Men’s Social events: Quarterly
Our Okes ministry exists to impact our city through
it’s men. We believe in the God-appointed role of
influence given to men, and thus seek change in
our city through transformation in the lives of the
men of our city.
HIGHLIGHTS OF 2014
Our Okes Breakfast at the end of the year
featured 50 men learning about all things from
Godly masculinity to the shape of Morgan
Freeman’s freckle pattern.
DID YOU KNOW?
Since we started our men’s prayer meeting
we’ve had 20 hours of men praying for our city
over 100 cups of coffee. We meet at 6am. We
need the coffee.
GOING FORWARD INTO 2015
In 2015 we hope to engage with men in the
congregation who are not yet drawn into the life
of ministry in the Church, and build a stronger
community of Okes at EBC.
TEAM LEADER
Richard van Lieshout
Prayer MINISTRY
Variety of ways
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During the week at homecell meetings
Sunday mornings in the chapel
During the Sunday Services
The Prayer Brochure
Prayer Warriors – requests via sms’ or emails
Pastors prayer time on a Tuesday morning
HIGHLIGHTS OF 2014
• Prayer during the service lead by EBC Elders
• Prayer chain via sms rather than telephone
calls
• Missions prayer group that meet on Friday
mornings
DID YOU KNOW?
Our weekly Prayer Brochure includes prayer
points for every day of the week! Sign up to
receive yours!
GOING FORWARD INTO 2015
• Prayer retreat towards the second half of the
year
• Prayer group for schools and school teachers
TEAM LEADER
Noeline Everson
Ruth Pregnancy Crisis
Centre MINISTRY
Mon – Wed 09:00 – 12:00, Bible Study Tues at 10:30am
Counselling is offered to women in a Pregnancy
Crisis. Friendship, prayer and a listening ear
offered. Resources, Bibles and tracts are made
available. Weekly Bible Study is given on a
Tuesday morning. Mom and baby aid is provided.
HIGHLIGHTS OF 2014
• God’s provisions for our Centre in the form of
Mother and Baby items.
• Answered prayer :
• Some women were given jobs, some full-time
• God’s intervention with difficult births
• Enough Volunteers to help throughout the year
• Women who have shared testimonies with us
and thanked us for teaching them to pray and
trust in our Lord.
DID YOU KNOW?
We offer free pregnancy tests!
Ruth Pregnancy Crisis Centre was named after
Ruth in the Bible for her faithfulness to God and
devoted heart in serving and honouring Him.
GOING FORWARD INTO 2015
We are praying that our Lord will provide for our
Centre to continue in His work and according to
His plan.
TEAM LEADER
Ruth Donald
Seniors MINISTRY
Fellowship – every second and fourth Friday of the month.
Bible study – every first and third Friday of the month
The purpose of the Seniors Ministry is to create opportunities for fellowship amongst
our Seniors as well as an opportunity to study God’s word together.
Our fellowship time is spent in singing, praying, having a guest speaker or DVD,
always followed by some tea and eats.
Our Bible Study is led by Rev Willie Ingpen who does an excellent job at teaching
God’s Word.
HIGHLIGHTS OF 2014
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Outing to Lory Park Zoo in Midrand
Visit to the Tea Garden at Ryan’s Nursery
Quarterly breakfasts at Serendipity Restaurant
Various missionary speakers including Fred Woolls from Asia
Christmas Breakfast in December
DID YOU KNOW?
• Average number of folk on Fellowship Fridays – 30
• Average number attending the Friday Bible Study -12
• R4,000 donated to Missions and Ministry
GOING FORWARD INTO 2015
The Seniors would love to have a bus so that they may go on more outings
together. So many of them do not have the opportunity to see what is outside the
boundaries of Edenvale.
TEAM LEADERS
John & Rosemary Molloy
Tabernacle Productions
MINISTRY
Several projects throughout the year.
Tabernacle Productions is an arts ministry, primarily performing arts.
HIGHLIGHTS OF 2014
Our first project was “Heart for the City”, a Fine Art exhibition that ran from 13-20
April in Grounded Coffee Bar. The exhibition featured work from several artists
within the church.
Our other major project was the production of “Ripe Unto Harvest” from 25-29
October, written by Melanie Blignaut and directed by Jacques Blignaut. It was our
biggest production to date and we received wonderful feedback from the audience.
Jacques also ran several drama workshops at other churches and assisted TWR
with casting for a radio drama.
DID YOU KNOW?
• “Ripe Unto Harvest” was our biggest play in
many ways:
• largest cast (14 people)
• biggest audience (335 people watched the play)
• longest play (two acts)
• It took an entire day to build the set inside the church.
GOING FORWARD INTO 2015
We have another Art exhibition planned for Easter
and a stage play planned for November. We have
also been thinking about ways to broaden our
ministry and are working with artists within the
church as we seek the way forward.
TEAM LEADERS
Jacques & Mel Blignaut
Welcome MINISTRY
Sunday at all three services. Visitors area operates after 10:00 service
This ministry focuses on welcoming visitors on a Sunday, handing out a welcome
brochure and making sure that visitors feel at home. First time visitors are given a
welcome pack which includes relevant information on EBC.
Visitors are also invited to the Visitors welcome area where they will be introduced to
the welcome team on duty. The visitors are able to find out more about EBC over a
cup of tea and a slice of cake.
HIGHLIGHTS OF 2014
Blessings of meeting visitors, finding out about their lives and how EBC can help
to them strengthen their relationship with the Lord through the ministry of the
Church.
DID YOU KNOW?
• The number of folk involved in the Sunday welcoming team – 35
• Average number of visitors per month – 8
• Each visitor is sent a welcome letter and followed up if they require more
information.
• Average number of bulletins handed out on Sundays is 280
GOING FORWARD INTO 2015
Our aim is to continue serving our visitors by making them feel at home and
inviting them to be more involved if they feel they would like to make EBC their
spiritual home.
TEAM LEADERS
Howard & Maie Dunn
Worship MINISTRY
Sunday Services (08:00, 10:00, 18:00), AGM, Missions mid-week, The
Last Supper, Good Friday, Christmas Day, Conference, Carols service
Rehearsals: Thursday evenings, Sunday mornings and afternoons.
Worship in the form of music and song should be the culmination of our daily walk
with the Lord, a time of corporate celebration as His people. We worship together so
that by His Holy Spirit, we can be refocused, reshaped and renewed, and equipped
for His Kingdom work. We worship with thanksgiving, in joy and lament, in reverence
and awe of our Saviour, Jesus.
HIGHLIGHTS OF 2014
• Easter services.
• Missions mid-week Worship and Prayer evening focused on countries where
Christians are most persecuted for their faith.
• Testimony and Worship evenings.
• Carols service and Christmas services.
DID YOU KNOW?
• Number of songs sung in services in 2014 : 709
• Number of minutes of sung worship in services : 5095
Top 2 Most sung songs in the Morning services :
• For We Know the Truth (Where the Spirit of the Lord is)
• Bless the Lord Oh My Soul (10 000 Reasons)
Top 2 Most sung songs in the Evening services :
• Nothing can separate(Your love never fails)
• Great is Your Faithfulness (Your Grace is Enough)
GOING FORWARD INTO 2015
• To be willing vessels in our Lord’s hands, used for His glory.
• Grow in our understanding of God-honouring worship and in our expression of
that worship.
• Worship Him in Spirit and in Truth, and so doing, draw all people towards Him.
TEAM LEADER
Marlene Wright
Youth MINISTRY (IGNITE & FUSION)
Ignite: 18:30-21:30
Fusion Wednesdays:18:30-20:30 Fusion Sundays: 10:00-11:30
Ignite is an events-based and relational ministry
where we aim to build a bridge between the Youth
of Edenvale and our Church
Fusion Sunday is about solid Bible teaching
aimed at developing the faith of our Youth.
Fusion Wednesday is a youth Homecell and thus
has a more community feel to it, where we take
time to really study the Sunday lessons and
integrate them into our lives. We even have
homework!
HIGHLIGHTS OF 2014
Camp! We attended the J-Life Vac Camp at the
end of the year, and it was an amazing success,
with kids still talking about it now!
DID YOU KNOW?
Youth Leaders spend around 400 hours a year
with our youth!
GOING FORWARD INTO 2015
By God’s grace we hope to take the youth into a
deeper, more vibrant and lively relationship with
Christ Jesus. We also hope to include them on
Mission Trips this year, and Evangelism
outreaches in Edenvale.
TEAM LEADER
Richard van Lieshout
Young Families MINISTRY
Weekly Homecells, Quarterly Socials, Various other events
Families are an essential part of EBC.
To
encourage our families we have various homecell
groups, a Baby Clinic, baby crèche and a parent’s
lounge. We host marriage enrichment and
parenting courses, as well as arranging social
functions for our families.
At Baby Clinic Sister Ellen inoculates, weighs
baby, checks milestones, monitors development
and helps moms with breastfeeding and other
related questions. It is a great place for moms to
be encouraged!
HIGHLIGHTS OF 2014
Meeting our newest members…our babies! To see
members of homecells encouraging and supporting
one another as they journey through life!
DID YOU KNOW?
We had 10 baby dedications this year!
GOING FORWARD INTO 2015
Assist families to grow in their relationship with
God and each other, and to reach out in some
way to those in their community.
TEAM LEADER
Jenny Turner