12 December 2024
PASTORAL LETTER
Advent greetings to the BMC community.
As the Advent season envelops us with its rhythm, we find ourselves at the threshold of wonder and grace – a time in the year when we are summoned to pause, to wait, and to marvel at the promise of Emmanuel – the ‘God with us.’ It is a time that speaks of a beautiful paradox where the world around us slows to rest, yet within our hearts rests an expectancy of something extraordinary.
I joined the team of clergy as I was stationed into the Fourways Circuit in December last year. The BMC community welcomed me with open arms and kind hearts. This embrace not only affirmed my calling but also established a synergy that pulsed through our gatherings. A year later, I write this letter to you, stepping into moment of pastoral reflection and appreciation both for what God has been and done for and through us all in the year 2024.
REFLECTION ON THE YEAR
Drawing to the end of the year 2024, I think we can all agree that the year 2024 has unfolded uniquely for each of us, characterized by peaks of celebration and valleys of challenge. For some, it was a year of blessings, marked by personal achievements and a celebration of milestones. Yet, for others, it has been a struggle, a time marked by grief, loss, or uncertainty, reminding us that life’s journey is not always linear and is often influenced by circumstances beyond our control.
These contrasting experiences have enriched our conversations and dialogues, offering a variety of narratives that spoke both to joy and hardship, revealing the profound truth that indeed, we are all in this together. During our Sunday services, we listened in witness to a spectrum of life experiences. In smaller groups, we gathered to ponder the question, ‘How is it with your soul?’ – and it’s here, amid the vulnerability, that we found strength as we shared our stories. Yes, many have lost loved ones along the way, and thus end the year burdened with heartaches from the grief they carry. My prayer for you and your families is that God’s love envelopes you in ways that enable you to walk tall. Psalm 34:18, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit” May you find comfort in this promise, knowing that even in the darkest moments of grief, you are not alone. And therefore friends, may we continue to strengthen the bonds of support within our church community just we have done throughout this year – standing in support of one another; reaching out to a fellow member in need, echoing even in silence prayers for those experiencing sorrow and continuously embodying the heart of Christ and his love made alive at BMC. As Henri Nouwen beautifully asserts, “community is where charity and love prevail.”
GRATITUDE
We pause to acknowledge with heartfelt gratitude all the mission groups and ministries that continue to dedicate themselves to ministering to people in diverse and meaningful ways. Your commitment provided spaces where people experienced genuine fellowship and grew spiritually. Women’s Manyano, Young Men’s Guild, Wesley Guild, Young Women’s Manyano, the Choir, Worship team – each group and ministry reflects a unique facet of God’s Kingdom. Through your efforts, you have created safe spaces for healing, learning, and connection. This has also been testified through our class meetings or small groups which continue to be a corner stone of our Methodist heritage – proving to be a sanctuary where souls are nurtured. And to those who took to write our devotional material, your words have been a source of inspiration, Thank you.
To each of you who have poured your time, resources, gifts, talents, and wisdom into the life of this church, words cannot fully express our gratitude. You have enabled the work of God to flourish in numerous ways.
TO THE CHILDREN & YOUTH
By now, many of our youth and children, at various stages of their academic journeys, have received their results. To those whose hard work and dedication have brought smiles to their faces and pride to their hearts, we celebrate with you. For those still awaiting their results from other educational levels or institutions, I urge you to remain patient and hopeful, remembering the words of Maya Angelou: “You may encounter many defeats, but you must not be defeated. It may even be necessary to encounter the defeats, so you can know who you are, what you can rise from, how you can still come out of it.”
For those who may not have achieved the results they had hoped for, take heart and know that your worth is not defined by a single moment in time. Every challenge is an opportunity to learn, to grow and to become stronger. Hang on and rise above any setbacks because sometimes what feels like a failure may be merely a stepping-stone to something greater, and so, your journey is far from over. Keep dreaming and remain determined.
STAFFING
Change is a familiar rhythm in the life of a church, and as we navigate these transitions; like the people of Israel led by a pillar of cloud by day and fire by night, we too transition guided by God’s hand. This season has brought shifts in staffing at BMC. This year, we welcomed as part of staff at BMC the Youth interns and Mr. Lwando Kupiso. At the same time, we have had to bid farewell to Mr. Themba Mavimbela as an employee at BMC, grateful for His contributions over the years and wishing him well in his future endeavors. The post he leaves behind will be advertised in due course, and we trust God to lead us in finding the right person to carry forward this work.
We say farewell to Rev. Monoametsi and Rev. Makgamathe, along with their families, as they embark on new chapters of their journeys. Their ministry in this community and circuit at large leaves an indelible mark. We do wish them and their families blessings as they embark on new chapters of their journey.
And with great joy, we welcome Rev. Zamani Sikupela, his wife, and their two daughters into our BMC family. Rev Sikupela has already been woven in through some orientation into the work of BMC. We are expecting them to move in next week, eagerly anticipating the new insights, warmth, and vision they bring to our congregation. To Rev. Sikupela and his family, we say: welcome to BMC. May your time among us be as enriching for you as we know it will be for us and may God’s blessings overflow in this new chapter of shared ministry.
ENDING
In just a few days, we will gather to celebrate Christmas, the culmination of Advent’s longing. This, as we know, is more than just a festive occasion; it is the profound truth that God chose to dwell among us, breaking into our realities with the love that knows no bounds. And so – for those traveling to be with family and loved ones or to find rest, we pray for your safety and protection. May your journeys be blessed, and your reunions filled with the warmth of Christ’s presence.
As I end, I wish you, the beloved members of Bryanston Methodist Church, the most joyous and meaningful Christmas. May your homes be filled with laughter, love, and the light of Christ. As you gather with your families and friends, please do extend our love and well-wishes to them. For this season is indeed a reminder that we are not alone – God is with us, and we are with each other.
With all my love and prayers
Rev. Thabiso Mcinga
BMC Resident Minister