CHURCH MEMBERSHIP
By joining the Bergvliet Congregational Church one becomes a member of the UCCSA (United Congregational Church of Southern Africa).
Conditions of membership are:
- confession of Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour;
- belief in one God as the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit;
- acceptance of the Bible as the Word of God;
- a reliance on Christ to carry out His teaching in daily living;
- acceptance of the Constitution of the Church, to uphold its honour, and witness by the consecration of individual gifts of time, talent and means;
- to glorify God in all things and to seek the extension of God’s kingdom in worship, fellowship, witness and service.
Obligation of Church Members
The main obligation is to bear in mind that the Church was founded, not by an ordinary man or woman, but by Jesus Christ. He is the Head of the Church, its life and its authority. From this fact originates the duties of Church members:
- to join in worship regularly
- to share in the work of the Church
- to join in governing the Church
- to support the Church financially
- to create a pattern of private devotion
- to attend the celebration of Holy Communion
- to assist in creating a loving spirit in the Church
- to value our congregational heritage.
MINISTRIES, ORGANISATIONS AND ACTIVITIES
Bergvliet Congregational Church offers worship and fellowship. There are many church organisations, ministries and activities. These are listed below. Should you wish to be of service to the Lord in any of these, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Worship time
Sunday mornings at 9.00 am - with Communion on the first Sunday of the month.
Kids and Youth 4 Christ
This Sunday School coincides with the Service at 9.00 am during term time (in recess during school holidays). It is run by a small team of “teachers”.
Bible Study
The bi-weekly Bible Study is held on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays. The minister leads this group.
Home Fellowship Groups
This is our “small groups” ministry. The focus of these groups is personal growth in faith, in obedience to God’s Word, accepting one another, caring, sharing and praying together and for one another. Each group has a different character. Presently 3 groups meet at different times of the day on different days of the week. This information appears in the Sunday Bulletin each week,
If you would like to join a group, contact us.
Cluster Groups
The Cluster System looks after those members and adherents (regular attenders) of the church who are not in a Home Fellowship Group.
Cluster Leaders make themselves known to everyone in their Groups and keep them informed of Church activities, events, deaths and funerals, as well as letting them feel that they have someone to turn to should the need arise.
Each Leader is supported by a Deacon. The ultimate aim of the church is to have everyone in a Home Fellowship Group and anyone wishing to join one will be encouraged to do so.
Friendship Group
This group meets on the 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month.
Prayer Chain (Requests)
The Church has a very active and wonderful Prayer Chain. Contact us for more information.
Hall Custodian
The Church Hall is leased out to various tenants for exercise and dancing classes and other functions.
Joy Magazine
This is our Church magazine, produced quarterly by Mark and Hazel. The Magazine is available at the church entrance. Members are encouraged to submit appropriate articles, e.g. verses, prayers, events and even jokes.
The Garden and Wall of Remembrance
The Garden of Remembrance is open to all Church Members who wish to scatter the ashes of a loved one. A Memorial Plaque can be ordered through the church with your wording specified at a small cost.
Library
We have a small library, housed at the back of the Hall and opens after the service on Sundays. Members are welcome to browse or borrow spiritual books. CDs of Sunday Services are kept for about a year and these are also lent out. Please make use of this facility.