Harvest Thanksgiving

June seems an odd month to have a harvest thankgiving service, but then I forget I am living in the southern hemisphere. This attractive display was in the entrance area where we normally have our coffee and snacks before the service at the church we have decided to join while we are in Cape Town. It is called Generations Church International with a modern worship style and leadership. We feel comfortable and 'at home' there already.

Last Sunday was a special day of thanksgiving recognising all that God has done in many lives over the past year. We watched a powerpoint presentation of photos of people who had particular reasons to be thankful and then heard some of those amazing stories from the people themselves. It was very encouraging and especially helpful to us, being new to the church. After the meeting we shared a simple meal of soup and bread, breaking open the interesting nutty and seedy loaves displayed.

The Sunday service is held in a school hall but the church meets in various small groups, in homes throughout the week. I went to a ladies group one morning, which was an opportunity to meet new friends. There were only five of us that day, so I was able to share a little of our story easily and get to know them better. All the ladies groups have been working their way through a book, written by Elizabeth George about developing the Fruit of the Spirit in your life. Last week they were looking at 'gentleness'. I found it really challenging and helpful, and so in keeping with a banner I made for our Vineyard community in Halesowen, just before we left for Cape Town.

You can just make out the wording on the banner from the two photos, taken at a group gathering just before I returned to Africa, last month. It reads "Jesus said, you will be known by your fruits" with the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit as given in Ephesians chapter 5 verses 22-23, making up the branches of the vine. These represent our core goals in meeting together and reaching out to our family, friends and neighbours - our circle of influence.