‘Help carry one another’s burdens, and in this way you will obey the law of Christ.’ ‘So then, as often as we have the chance, we should do good to everyone, and especially to those who belong to our family in the faith.’
Galatians 6: 2,10
At St. Thomas Methodist Church you will find many ways in which to become involved in mission and outreach. We encourage all our members to actively express their faith through good works, focusing much of our attention on those who are the most vulnerable in our communities.
Alpha Under a Tree
Our Mission is to obey the Great Commission. Jesus said to his disciples: “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely, I am with everything I have commanded you. And surely, I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Mathew 28: 18 – 20)
We are a ministry of St Thomas Methodist Church Plettenberg Bay, South Africa, under the leadership of Reverend Timothy Rist. Alpha Under a Tree started in Gracepoint Methodist Church, Gauteng. The Alpha Under a Tree Ministry is headed up by Andre & Kathy van Staden at Gracepoint Methodist under the leadership Reverend Gary & Jacqui Rivas. Our team on the ground in Plettenberg Bay is headed up by Kathy van Staden.
Alpha Under a Tree has been adapted to ‘speak’ into our South African context from the original course authored by Nicky Gumble, which has been presented to more than 30 million people worldwide.
Our aim is to present the Gospel of Jesus Christ in a way that promotes unity among the people and the various church denominations.
Alpha Under a Tree is a wonderful teaching tool, which facilitates and attempts to answer the fundamental truths about our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, in a unique community driven way. It is both a teaching and an evangelical tool.
We strive to reach the all people, in seeking a Christ healed Africa.
Ours is the ministry of conciliation and therefore we strive to promote cross cultural healing to our local communities and throughout our continent
HOW DOES IT WORK?
We partner with a local church or community leader in the area. Alpha under a Tree consists of sessions, during which we provide sound biblical teaching and activities, believing that our faith is not only intellectual but also experiential, based on a personal relationship With the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.
A light meal is served after each session to engender a sense of intimacy and community and to promote discussion on the teaching material presented.
We choose a tree that is central to community life thereby reinforcing the neutrality of the course
On completion, each participant is given a certificate and a bible to acknowledge their commitment to the course and to equip them as they begin the path of discipleship.
Feeding Schemes
“Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter — when you see the naked, to clothe them, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?” Isaiah 58:7
As part of STMC’s “Social Concerns” our mission is to reach out and help any person or family who find themselves in a desperate situation that we are able to assist with (food, clothing, etc.). When something is brought to our attention we visit those in need and discuss with them how we may help.
We are in partnership with local feeding schemes and soup kitchens. Many of our STMC members help to feed the hungry daily. Through e’Pap feeding we help to feed 1000 children a day at 19 creches in the Bitou Municipal District.
As is so often the case, it is through the act of giving that we receive – we know this to be true.
To learn more about the e’Pap organization click on this link http://www.epap.co.za/
JUSTICE FOR GIRLS
We recognize the importance of education as a right. When the ability to receive an education is hampered by poverty we understand our need to become part of the solution. At STMC we believe that no young woman’s education should be jeopardized because of a lack of sanitary products through poverty. All donations whether in cash or in products may be delivered either on a Sunday Morning at the information desk or during the week at the office. We ensure that stocks of sanitary products at local schools are regularly refreshed. We are open from 8h30 – 15h00 Monday to Friday.
The Red Frogs
STMC works closely with the Red Frog Volunteers. The Red Frog volunteers aim to support Matrics through their week-long celebrations at the end of the school year, and provide a positive presence within their party culture. The Red Frog Crew assist Matrics by walking them home, cooking pancakes, cleaning their rooms, handing out Cartoon Red Frog Sweets, and – most importantly – offering emotional support through what can often be a challenging week.
To read more about the Red Frogs go to http://za.redfrogs.com/
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