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For Such a Time as This: Rt Rev GS Moyane's Christmas Message for 2024

Writer's picture: Vumbhoni ShandlaleVumbhoni Shandlale

As we embrace the joy and hope of this festive season, my heart is filled with gratitude for each one of you. Our people continue to face challenges of poverty, unemployment, racism and the wrath of climate change amongst others. As per the theme of the 42nd Synod “For such a time as this” (Esther 4: 13-14) the EPCSA is once more called to continue to be the prophetic voice and the beacon of hope for our nation. These challenges faced by our people during 2024 have tested us in many ways, but through it all, your unwavering faith and dedication have been a source of strength and inspiration. Together, we have faced these trials, supported one another, and drawn closer through our shared belief. To those who have experienced loss this year, my deepest sympathies go out to you. May you find comfort and peace in the knowledge that your loved ones are forever cherished, and their memories live on in our hearts. 2024 has had its share of incidences.


Our country and others in the continent and beyond held democratic elections. These brought various outcomes to different communities. In our own country, these led to the establishment of the Government on National Unity as there was no one political party which obtained an outright majority. We thank God that these elections were free and fair as pronounced by various election observer missions. We thank South Africans for accepting these outcomes and thus urge our Christians to continue praying for peace and prosperity in our mother land. As we celebrate Christmas, let us remember our brethren in Mozambique and other parts of the world whose election outcomes resulted in violence, loss of property and lives. We during this season, where we are anticipating the birth of the Prince of Peace, urge all to find peaceful means to resolve whatever challenges they face. Our prayers are with our sister church, the Igreja Presbitarian de Moçambique (IPM), all Christians and the people of Mozambique. The Peace of Christ that surpasses all understanding should also reach all persons, particularly women and children facing the scourge of war in Gaza, Ukraine, Sudan, Syria and other parts of the world.


The year 2024 is a historic moment in the life of the EPCSA, a joyous moment indeed. We saw and celebrated the unification of our church, the big and mighty EPCSA founded in 1875. On the 4th October 2024 we knit together, seamlessly so, the schism that has lasted more than 30 years in our church. We thank God for carrying us through to this moment. The legacy of the more than 30 years of our church’s division, just like apartheid, has left deep scars on our members and society, and the effects of these are felt most acutely by all. It is for this reason that all of us as Ma-EPCSA are henceforth charged with the responsibility of sustaining and cementing this unity. We all have to work at it! As the Synod Executive Management, indeed we are encouraged that since the 42nd Synod that was held on 04th - 06th October 2024, activities and programmes taking place on the ground reflect this unity of the church. Forward we go and backwards never!


The recent outbreak of Food Borne Illnesses and road carnage requires us to be mindful of our safety and well-being during this celebratory season. We live in times that call for extra vigilance, so I urge you to take care and be cautious in your actions. You are a precious part of this community, and your health and safety are of utmost importance. Let us work together to protect our children and those most vulnerable. This festive season is an opportunity to show love, compassion, and generosity. Let us extend our care to one another, offering kindness and support to those in need, especially those who may be feeling isolated or burdened by hardship. As a community, we should stand united in our commitment to end all forms of gender-based violence. Let this season be a time of reflection and action, where we join together to create a safer and a more just world for all.


I pray that your Christmas season is filled with meaningful moments, joyous laughter, and the warmth of togetherness. May you find peace, joy, and renewed hope as we celebrate the spirit of Christmas. We take this opportunity to appreciate and thank all the sons and daughters of the EPCSA for supporting and carrying the church through the 2024 year. Your participation, contributions, visibility and commitment in building this church does not go unnoticed. In the same breath we congratulate all for whatever achievements you experienced in your personal, family and communal life during 2024. Our children sat for their final examinations and we thus wish them well and are looking forward to positive and improved outcomes.


As we close 2024, we at the same time usher in the 150th birthday celebration of the EPCSA in 2025. Various activities have been arranged at all the levels of the church. You are urged to participate and to begin preparations for the big celebration to be held in September 2025 in Valdezia. You are all invited!


Warmest Regards


RT. REV. GS MOYANE

MODERATOR OF THE DENOMINATION


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