This year marks a milestone for the United Congregational Church of Southern Africa’s (UCCSA) Algoa Region as it celebrates its golden jubilee.
The Bethelsdorp and Missionvale Congregational Churches stand as historical bookends within their community, representing the oldest and newest congregations, respectively.
The commemoration comes 50 years after the decentralisation of the former Eastern Cape Regional Council into the distinct Algoa and Kei regional councils in 1974.
Festivities will kick off with an elegant gala dinner on Saturday at the VW People’s Pavilion.
The UCCSA’s anniversary will be celebrated on October 6 at Kariega’s Dale Street Congregational Church.
Algoa Regional Council chair the Rev Nilan Scheuble said the region’s churches were sanctuaries where congregants could honour God through their distinct gifts.
“The Algoa Regional Council encompasses 29 churches, each fostering ministries that cater to music, youth, women, children and men, among others.
“The Mission Council is instrumental in harmonising the efforts of these diverse ministries.”
Scheuble highlighted the UCCSA, and particularly the Algoa Region, as a beacon of resistance against historical injustices such as apartheid.
“Our church is a bastion of justice, actively challenging all forms of oppression.
“The UCCSA embraces a diverse congregation across cultural lines and operates in several Southern African nations, including Angola, Botswana, Malawi, Mozambique, SA and Zimbabwe.
“This network allows for unparalleled partnerships to preach the Gospel.”
He said today’s church confronted modern adversaries.
“The social ills such as injustice, discrimination, oppression and racism are still prevalent in society today, but issues like drug abuse, gangsterism and gender-based violence are but some of the issues facing the church.
“Another issue that is confronting the church is education.
“Many of our young people attend schools where there is overcrowding and a shortage of teachers.
“The role of the church is to become active in the eradication of these social ills, to once again become the voice of the voiceless.
“The church needs to return to basics, it must become the instrument of peace, be a teaching church, be the hands and feet of God, endeavouring to reach as many souls as possible for God.”
HeraldLIVE
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