Dear West View family,
From all of the staff at West View, we trust and pray that you and your loved ones are doing well. Every year throughout August we celebrate the role that women have played and continue to play in our lives. We do so because we acknowledge that every person; regardless of gender, colour and culture, have an important and pivotal role to play within the community of Christ. Our continuous hope is not only that West View becomes a congregation wherein all people are equally the recipients of God’s love and grace, but we also hope that every one of our lives broaden the circle of God’s care and compassion so that everyone we meet may encounter God’s unfathomable heart of love. May you know that you are welcomed and that your worth in Christ is affirmed here at West View, so that you too may become a signpost for others to be sustained and strengthened by God’s grace through you in their daily lives. May God continue to protect and provide for you and your family, as you are assured of our ongoing prayers for you.
Here’s a look at what’s on offer at West View in the month ahead:
NEW SERMON SERIES STARTING THIS SUNDAY “A WAY THROUGH THE WILDERNESS”
At one time or another, everyone has a wilderness experience, a time when life is barren and difficult and we feel alone and desperate, not knowing where to turn. In the Scriptures we see that often God’s people had to go through a wilderness experience, and these experiences changed them in profound ways. The truth is that it’s impossible to go through the wilderness without being changed. There’s a way through the wilderness that can leave us broken and bitter and far away from God. But there’s another way through – God’s way – that leaves us with a deeper faith and draws us closer to God than we ever imagined.
In our upcoming sermon series entitled “A Way Through the Wilderness” we will be exploring the wilderness experience – What it is, how we get there, why God allows it, and how we can get through it God’s way. This six – week sermon series starts this coming Sunday, the 17th of August, and ends on the 21st of September. If you know a friend, family member, loved one or acquaintance who is going through a difficult time, invite them along to find strength and sustenance for the journey ahead.
UPCOMING SERMON SERIES “MOSES: IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF THE RELUCTANT PROPHET”
Join us at West View as we travel from Egypt to Mount Sinai, the Nile River, the Red Sea and the wilderness exploring the sites and events of Moses’ life. Using historical information and the biblical text, we will be guided in the footsteps of this reluctant prophet who grew in his relationship with God and by the end of his life had successfully fulfilled the role he was given.
Through learning from Moses’ journey, we are challenged and called to turn our own reluctance into boldness as we examine the significant challenges facing Moses and how God shaped his character and life in powerful ways. This upcoming sermon series, entitled “Moses: In the footsteps of the reluctant prophet”, will run for six weeks; starting on Sunday the 28th of September.
JOIN A SMALL GROUP AT WEST VIEW
Small groups are an important way we find community and grow in our faith through studying and discussing Scripture together at West View. Every human being wants to be known and to do good things in and for the world. Our small groups invite each person to an ongoing journey that intentionally fosters connection, growth, purpose, and service in the broader Centurion community. We offer both in–person and online options (There are online Bible studies available via Zoom every evening from Monday through to Thursday). Should you be interested in joining a small group at West View, please contact Rev O’Grady via email at damian@westview.org.za, and indicate your preference between either an online or in-person group. Let’s grow together!
CALLING ALL YOUNG ADULTS!
Being a young adult can be difficult and confusing. What age even is a young adult? Some people say between 18 and 35, while others say 20s and 30s. On top of trying to define this, young adults are often navigating their studies or working, becoming independent from their parents, dating, friendships, starting families, and so much more! It can be exhausting, confusing, and challenging all at once to be a young adult and to figure out where you belong. But what if it didn’t have to be this way? What if there is meaning and purpose to discover right now, as a young adult? What if you found a community of people, who could cheer you on through it all? What if being a young adult is actually one of the most amazing things ever?West View Young Adults Ministry offers a place to discover your purpose while building friendships and growing in faith. It’s a welcoming community where you can ask the hard questions, be authentically you, and do good in the world. Therefore, join us for YOUNG ADULTS’ BIBLE STUDY every Monday evening online via Zoom from 19h30 to 21h00. Should you wish to join, please use the following Zoom link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84745069308?pwd=1OtjrE8TZJZj3ijefqSvhC72yWYbgH.1
We will also be having a YOUNG ADULTS SOCIAL on Saturday the 27th of September, at 11h00 as we will go paintballing at Cry Wolf in Irene. Should you want to enquire about any furthermore information, please contact Rev. O’Grady via email at damian@westview.org.za.
AN INVITATION TO ATTEND DITSHEGO AND KHULUMA’S ANNUAL GENERAL MEETINGS
We would like to invite the West View congregation to attend the Ditshego and Khuluma AGMs respectively. Please note that this is an open invitation and that all people are welcome to attend these AGMs of West View’s missions.
The Ditshego AGM will be taking place on Friday the 22nd of August 2025 at 15h00 at the Ditshego plot and campus on Lochner Road. The election of office bearers for the Ditshego Board for the year ahead will be the primary point of business of the AGM. All nominations are welcome, and nomination forms are available at Ditshego. Should you wish to attend the Ditshego AGM, please confirm your attendance via email to faithkhuluma@ditshego.co.za by not later than the 18th of August.
The Khuluma AGM will be taking place on Wednesday the 27th of August 2025 at 18h00 in the Luke Hall at West View. Should you wish to attend the Khuluma AGM, please confirm your attendance via email to lerato@khuluma.org.za or prudence@khuluma.org.za by no later than the 20th of August. Light refreshments will be served on the evening of the AGM.
Your attendance at either of these AGMs would be sincerely appreciated.
AN UPDATE ON WEST VIEW’S FINANCES FOR THE YEAR TO DATE FOR 2025 (END OF JULY)
Please take note of the latest financial update for West View for the month of July 2025: The total giving for July was R401 304.87, which was R38 695.13 BELOW budget for the month (Our monthly budgeted for total is R440 000.00).
This is where our overall finances currently stand at the end of July 2025: So far, we have received a total of R2 802 517.68 in pledges, offerings and tithes. This leaves us with a total shortfall of R277 482.32 by the end of July 2025.
This means that our average income currently stands at R400 359.67 per month. We would like to thank everyone for their immense generosity. Your financial contribution and sacrificial giving makes ministry and God’s work at West View possible!
AN INVITATION TO CONSIDER YOUR CONTRIBUTION TO WEST VIEW
If West View’s ministry has contributed positively to your journey with God and others, and you would like to thank God through a financial contribution, then we would like to invite all West View congregation members to continue to consider their giving in order to make life – change a reality at West View. There are pledge forms available in the church foyer. Please take one, fill it in and then hand it in at the church office or to the society steward on duty. Alternatively, please email your pledge form to Lianda at lianda@westview.org.za. Your privacy is our highest priority and all your details will be kept completely confidential. Thank you, once again, for your generosity!
WE BID FAREWELL TO OUR YOUTH PASTOR, ELVIS MLISWA
It is with sadness that we inform the West View congregation that Elvis Mliswa, our current youth pastor, will be resigning from his work at our congregation at the end of August. We would like to thank Elvis for the tremendous and impactful work that he has done with all of the teenagers within the West View congregation, especially through Rooted Youth and the Confirmation Class. Elvis’ ministry has made a visible difference in the spiritual growth of our teens, as well as growing the number of teens who are drawn to West View. In addition to this, Elvis has also had a positive impact on the West View congregation at large due to his personable personality, willingness to serve and kindness towards all people. We therefore invite the congregation to pray for Elvis, especially as he takes the next step in his journey.
YOUTH PASTOR VACANCY AT WEST VIEW
With Elvis, our youth pastor, resigning at the end of August it means that we will have a youth pastor’s vacancy at West View. Should you know suitable candidates or be a suitable candidate for the role of youth pastor at West View, they / you are welcome to send a CV with contactable references, and certified copies of certificates and Driver’s License to avril@westview.org.za by no later than the 28th of August 2025. See advert attached.
AN INVITATION TO ATTEND “THE PARENTING TEENAGERS COURSE”
Are you the parent of a teenager, trying to navigate the challenges of parenthood? Then we have just the course for you at West View. Join us for The Parenting Teenager’s course, which is a series of five sessions designed to help you, as parents and carers of 11 to 18-year-olds, to equip your teenagers for life and all its complexities. Topics covered throughout the course include: Keeping the end goal in mind; meeting your teenagers’ needs; setting boundaries; developing emotional health; and helping your teenagers to make good choices. The course will run every Wednesday evening online via Zoom from 19h00 until 21h00 for five weeks from the 3rd of September until the 1st of October. Should you be interested in attending this course, please fill in the sign–up sheet in the church foyer or contact Manti via email at manti@westview.org.za.
CHILDREN’S CHURCH VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Do you have a passion for working with children? Have you ever had the desire to be a part of the spiritual growth and formation of the next generation? If so, then you can play a pivotal role in the lives of the children who attend West View. We are currently looking for teachers and teacher’s assistants for our senior groups (Grades 3 to 7). Children’s Church teachers will present topics and lessons that shape the spiritual lives of children by equipping them to have a life – giving relationship with Christ. Teachers assistants have the primary role ofassisting the Children’s Church teachers by keeping an eye on the movement and whereabouts of the children, as well as any needs that arise during a lesson. Should you like to get involved with the Children’s Church ministry, please contact our children’s pastor, Manti, via email at manti@westview.org.za.
ENSURING THE SAFETY OF CHILDREN AT WEST VIEW
At West View we want to ensure the safety of your children on our campus every Sunday of the year. In order to do this, our Children’s Church has implemented a system whereby guardians, caregivers and parents will receive a tag once they have dropped their children off at the Children’s Church. In order for guardians, caregivers, and parents to collect their children from Children’s Church, they will have to present the tag to our children’s pastor and teachers before picking their children up again. Should you have any questions or concerns, please contact Manti (our children’s pastor) at manti@westview.org.za.
BAPTISM CLASS
Baptism marks an important moment of receiving God’s grace and of being claimed as God’s own. We also remember that baptism is a communal moment, when the church promises to care for and be present to those who are being received into God’s family. At West View, we believe that baptism is a sacred moment that symbolizes and communicates God’s ability to save, sanctify and sustain us in our ongoing journey with Christ.
We baptize both infants and adults, so should you like to be baptized or have your child baptized, we would like to invite you to our next Baptism Class. The purpose of the class is to educate and inform those going through the process of baptism about its meaning and significance. The class will take place on Saturday the 23rd of August 2025 from 09h00 until 10h00 at West View in the Infant Chapel. Should you be interested in having your child baptized or having yourself baptized, please contact Manti, our children’s pastor, at manti@westview.org.za.
COUNSELLING AVAILABLE THROUGH WEST VIEW
Are you in need of counselling? Do you know a family member, friend or loved one who is looking to be counselled? As part of West View’s pastoral care ministry this year, we have a fully qualified counsellor (Heidi) on site at our church campus every Wednesday from 08h00 until 16h00. Please note that this service is being offered COMPLETELY FREE OF CHARGE. Should you wish to make an appointment, please email lael@westview.org.za and indicate which Wednesday and at what time you would like to book your appointment. You are welcome to forward this invitation as far and as wide as you’d like, as we seek to be as present as possible for the community.
PASTORAL VISITATION AND HOLY COMMUNION SERVED TO THE HOMEBOUND
West View seeks to be a caring and compassionate community and congregation to people in their time of need. The primary way in which we seek to do this is through pastoral care, home and hospital visitation and serving Holy Communion to anyone who would like to receive the sacrament at home. Therefore, if you or someone that you might know is in need of pastoral care, whether it simply be a home or hospital visitation or receiving Holy Communion at home, please do not hesitate to inform us of your need. The ministers, as well as the members of our very capable pastoral care team, are here for you. Should you like to make an appointment for any of the above pastoral care options that West View offers, then please inform Lael via email at lael@westview.org.za.
ENROLMENT FOR WEST VIEW COLLEGE IS NOW OPEN!
West View College is a pre–school and primary school that operates and functions on the West View Methodist Church campus. The school offers excellent facilities, a wonderful education and a highly skilled and qualified staff and teaching team. Through individual attention and a nurturing environment, your child will be exposed to a Christian school and community that upholds the highest values and morals in order to prepare your children for life’s challenges. Should you be interested in enrolling your child or grandchild at West View college’s pre–school or primary school, please email them via info@westviewcollege.co.za or contact them at 012 654 5882. Enrolment will be open for the remainder of this year and the beginning of next year.
ENGINEERS NEEDED FOR THE REZONING AND CONSOLIDATION OF THE WEST VIEW COLLEGE CAMPUS
We are currently in the process of rezoning and consolidating the premises and properties that are used to operate and run West View College. According to the Tshwane municipality, this process has to be completed by the end of 2027 so that the school can obtain full status as an institution with its own campus on which the premises and its facilities has been fully approved by the municipality. We are therefore making the appeal to the West View congregation to assist us with this important process, which will undoubtedly be a costly process. If you are an electrical or civil engineer, or if you know an electrical or civil engineer, we need your expertise and help. If you (As an electrical or civil engineer) or someone you know is able to offer your services either pro–bono or at a reduced cost, please contact Rev Siphiwe Madi at siphiwe@westview.org.za. Your support in this endeavour is appreciated.
JOIN THE WEST VIEW FAMILY
West View Methodist Church seeks to be a community and congregation where life – change happens. A part of making life – change happen is that we seek to be a community where all people from different walks of life feel comfortable to connect with one another and find freedom in their relationship with Christ. As we seek to grow our church, we extend the invitation to everyone to get connected to our church family. If you are new to West View, and you are interested in joining this congregation, or if you know of anyone who is looking to be a part of a congregation that will encourage them whilst also challenging them to grow in Christ, then please contact our receptionist, Lesley, via email at reception@westview.org.za.
ADVERTISING YOUR BUSINESS THROUGH WEST VIEW
Do you have a business or home industry that you would like to advertise and grow? Then this venture and opportunity offered by West View is just for you. For a small donation of only R100 per month you will be able to place an advertisement in our monthly newsletter as well as on site. This will allow your business or home industry to be exposed to as many people as possible at our West View campus as well as through our online presence. Don’t hesitate; book your spot today! All funds will go to the church. For more details please email info@Westview.org.za or speak to our society steward, Lindsey Burns, by contacting her at 062 259 9186.
THE BUSINESSES AND SERVICES THAT ARE AVAILABLE WITHIN THE WEST VIEW COMMUNITY
Here are the businesses and services that are currently on offer through the West View community. Should you need any assistance in any of the following areas, please contact the relevant persons below:
IMPORTANT DATES TO DIARISE:
“A Way Through the Wilderness” Sermon Series: Starting Sunday, the 17th of August 2025 (Every Sunday until the 21st of September)
“Moses: In the Footsteps of the Reluctant Prophet” Sermon Series: Starting Sunday, the 28th of September 2025 (Every Sunday until the 2nd of November)
Baptism Class: Saturday, the 23rd of August 2025, at 09h00 (Infant Chapel at West View)
Ditshego AGM: Friday, the 22nd of August 2025, at 15h00 (Ditshego Plot on Lochner Road)
Khuluma AGM: Wednesday, the 27th of August 2025, at 18h00 (Luke Hall at West View)
Youth Pastor Application Deadline: Thursday, the 28th of August 2025
The Parenting Teenagers Course: Wednesday, the 3rd of September 2025, at 19h00 until 21h00 online via Zoom (Every Wednesday until the 1st of October 2025)
Young Adults Bible Study: Every Monday Evening at 19h00 via Zoom
Young Adults Social (Paintballing at Cry Wolf: Saturday, the 27th of September, at 11h00
West View College Enrolment Deadline: End of 2025
Join a Bible Study Group: Anytime!
Free counselling provided through West View: EVERY Wednesday of the week
Your servant for Christ’ sake,
Siphiwe