West View e-Letter
July 11, 2025
Dear West View family,
As we pass the halfway mark for 2025, we trust that this newsletter finds you and your loved ones well. May God bless you, as we look at what West View has in store ahead
As we pass the halfway mark for 2025, we trust that this newsletter finds you and your loved ones well.
May God bless you, as we look at what West View has in store ahead.
NEW SERMON SERIES “THE HOLY SPIRIT”
Have you ever wondered about the role and responsibility of the Holy Spirit in your life? Our upcoming 4–week sermon series, entitled “The Holy Spirit: The Person, Work, Peace, and Power of the Spirit of God”, examines Scripture’s teachings about the Holy Spirit, discovering how God’s presence equips us with gifts, abilities, wisdom, and understanding. We will study Jesus’ promise of the Holy Spirit as a comforter and counsellor and investigate how the early church experienced the Spirit’s transformative power in their daily lives. Designed both for people new to faith and long–time believers, this series offers fresh insights and opportunities for personal growth through experiencing the Holy Spirit’s transformative power today. Our sermon series on the Holy Spirit starts on Sunday the 13th of July. So, invite a family member or friend to join us!
NEW SERMON SERIES FOR AUGUST “A WAY THROUGH THE WILDERNESS: GROWING IN FAITH WHEN LIFE IS HARD”
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. Whether it’s the loss of a loved one, a financial or health crisis, divorce, or some other painful experience, we see no end in sight and wonder how we can make it through another day.
In the Scriptures we see that often God’s people went 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 in God’s way, so that we learn the lessons that can be learned only in the desolate seasons of life when we are totally dependent on God. This 6–week sermon series starts on Sunday the 10th of August. 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.
JOIN A BIBLE-STUDY GROUP AT WEST VIEW
At West View, we provide all of our members with the opportunity to journey with one another through Bible study groups and to grow in their walk with God together. We offer both in–person and online options. Should you be interested in taking your relationship with Christ to a deeper level in 2025 by joining a Bible study 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 so that we can get you plugged into a small group as soon as possible.
AN UPDATE ON WEST VIEW’S FINANCES FOR THE YEAR TO DATE FOR 2025
Please take note of the latest financial update for West View for the months of April, May, and June 2025: The total giving for April was R376 268.44, which was R63 731.56 BELOW budget for the month. The total giving for May was R398 074.55, which was R41 925.45 BELOW budget for the month. The total giving for June was R418 009.06, which was R21 990.94 BELOW budget for the month.
This is where our overall finances currently stand at the end of June 2025: So far, we have received a total of R2 401 212.81 in pledges, offerings and tithes. This leaves us with a total shortfall of R238 787.19 at the end of June 2025.
As we’ve come to the halfway mark for 2025, our giving has stabilized at an average income of R400 202.14 per month. We would like to thank everyone for their immense generosity and sacrificial giving; Your financial contribution makes God’s work at West View possible!
EXPRESSING OUR GRATITUDE FOR MAY TITHE MONTH AND AN INVITATION TO CONSIDER YOUR CONTRIBUTION TO WEST VIEW
As ministers, but also as Christians, we understand and are fully aware of how sensitive a topic money can be within church settings and environments. It can be an uncomfortable and awkward topic to listen to, but also to preach about. With that in mind, our intention has never been to guilt or pressurise anyone into a financial contribution to the local church. Therefore, we would like to thank every member and congregant of West View for their patience in allowing us the space to have the difficult but necessary conversations and sermons about giving, generosity and tithing. In addition to this, we would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to each member for their consistent and constant financial contribution to God’s work in and through 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. 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@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!
THANK YOU FOR MAKING WEST VIEW’S WINTER HOLIDAY CLUB A REALITY
It is with great excitement and appreciation that we report to the West View congregation that we had a very successful, meaningful, and impactful Winter Holiday Club. We recognise that we could never have provided a free Holiday Club experience to all our children without your generous support. Therefore, we would like to thank each person who contributed towards making our Winter Holiday Club a reality. Thank you so much for your support and care. We look forward to partnering with you in the future to continue to provide life–changing ministry to our children. God bless you all!
GET INVOVLED WITH THE WOMEN’S AUXILIARY TOILETRIES DRIVE
The West View Women’s Auxiliary would like to invite the West View congregation to partner with them to supply toiletry items to women in need within our community. Items that are needed are face cloths, toilet soap, toothbrushes, toothpaste, tissue packs, small Vaseline, lip ice, body creams, and deodorant. All donations can be dropped at the station and donation box, which is provided at the front of the sanctuary. The cut–off date for all donations is Sunday the 10th of August. For more information, please contact Liz Verburg at 082 927 7715. Your support and generosity are deeply appreciated.
JOIN THE FRIENDSHIP CLUB!
The Friendship Club would like to invite anyone and everyone to join them on Thursday, the 17th of July at 10h00 in the Luke Hall for some fellowship and fun. The Friendship Club meets on the third Thursday of every month. Please take note that this ministry is inclusive of both men and ladies, which means that all people are welcome. We hope to see you there!
AN INVITATION TO PRAY FOR THE ALPHA HOLY SPIRIT WEEKEND
Our Alpha participants will be attending the Holy Spirit weekend, which will be taking place this Friday (The 11th of August) to Saturday (The 12th of August). The weekend will be spent exploring who the Holy Spirit is, how to be led by the Holy Spirit, and how to powerfully experience the Holy Spirit. We would like to invite the West View congregation to pray for a meaningful and impactful time together.
KHULUMA REPORT FOR THE YEAR TO DATE FOR 2025 FROM LERATO (MANAGING DIRECTOR)
Khuluma’s Victim Friendly Rooms provide a safe, confidential space for victims of gender-based violence, crime, and abuse to access Psychosocial services at Police Stations. Our rooms offer emotional support and containment, general information on social services, counselling, referrals and shelter placements. Our Victim Empowerment Programme aims to help individuals, groups, and families regain control over their lives, overcome challenges, and achieve emotional wellbeing after experiencing violence, crime, and trauma. Khuluma provides Psychosocial care and support services to beneficiaries across Lyttelton, Wierdabrug, Erasmia, and Olievenhoutbosch Police Stations satellite office in Mooiplaas and main office in Raslouw.
As part of our commitment to addressing gender-based violence and promoting human rights, our organization implements comprehensive awareness programs and educational group work initiatives. These initiatives are designed to educate communities about the devastating impact of gender-based violence, intimate partner violence, human trafficking, and bullying. Through engaging and interactive methods, including drama, music, and poetry, we illustrate the complexities of the cycle of violence and the various forms of abuse. Our programs also explore the societal factors that contribute to gender-based violence.
To date, our awareness campaigns have reached 3114 beneficiaries in diverse settings, including schools, public spaces, taxis and institutions of higher learning. Empowering our communities with knowledge and understanding of these social issues helps create a supportive and tolerant environment. Our initiatives have also encouraged community members to access our Psychosocial support services, promoting a holistic approach to healing and recovery.
Limited staff availability due to shift work schedules is addressed by implementing flexible work arrangements, enabling participation in awareness initiatives without conflicting with shift responsibilities.
ADVERTISING AND CREATING AWARENESS FOR WEST VIEW COLLEGE
West View College is a pre – school and primary school that operates and functions on the West View 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 children to take the next step in their development and growth with the best character possible. Should you be interested in enrolling your child or grandchild at West View college, please email them via info@westviewcollege.co.za or contact them at 012 654 5882.
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 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. 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.
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 AT HOME
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.
AN INVITATION TO JOIN THE MEN @ WORK FOR COFFEE
The Men @ Work ministry will be hosting a Men’s Fellowship and coffee morning at the church this coming Saturday 12th of July 2025, from 07h00 until 09h00. There is no cost involved. So, if you are a man who might be interested in attending, feel free to join us for a cup of tea or coffee and some rusks. Time will be spent in worship as well as creating opportunities to connect and fellowship. Please RSVP to Adrian Gant via email at Adrian.John.Gant@gmail.com or via his cell phone number on 082 902 9376. Come and join us!
COME JOIN US FOR SERVE SATURDAY
Our next opportunity to join the Soup Kitchen through our ‘Serve Saturday’ ministry will also take place this coming Saturday the 12th of July 2025. We would like to invite the entire West View community to come and be a part of making a visible difference within our community. We will meet at West View Methodist Church at 07h00 on the 12th of July before serving the needy.
Should you be interested in attending the outreach or providing soup for the day please RSVP to our youth pastor (Elvis Mliswa) via email at youthpastor@westview.org.za.
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 at reception@westview.org.za. Our next new members orientation, called “The Foundation Course”, will run every Thursday evening for 4 weeks from Thursday the 8th of August, until Thursday, the 29th of August, from 20h00 until 21h00 online via Zoom. We look forward to having you join this church community and congregation!
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 being 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:
Serve Saturday Soup Kitchen: Saturday, the 12th of July 2025, at 07h00
Men at Work Fellowship Gathering: Saturday, the 12th of July 2025, at 07h00
Alpha Holy Spirit Week: From Friday, the 11th of July 2025, until Saturday, the 12th of July 2025
“The Holy Spirit” Sermon Series: Starting this Sunday, the 13th of July 2025 (Every Sunday until the 3rd of August)
Friendship Club Gathering: Thursday, the 17th of July 2025, at 10h00 in the Luke Hall
“The Foundation Course” (New Members’ Orientation Classes): Every Thursday evening, from the 8th of August until the 29th of August 2025 (From 20h00 until 21h00; online via Zoom)
Women’s Auxiliary Toiletries Drive Donations: Closing date is Sunday, the 10th of August 2025
“A Way Through the Wilderness” Sermon Series: Starting Sunday, the 10th of August 2025 (Every Sunday until the 14th of September)
Join a Bible Study Group: Anytime!
Free counselling provided through West View: EVERY Wednesday of the week
Your servant for Christ’ sake,
Siphiwe