MAY 2023
ISSUE1
I MUST BE ABOUT MY FATHER'S BUSINESS ONE RAYAC ONE CHURCH ONE GOD
#WEST KEBOSS
Greetings in the wonderful name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.
It gives me great pleasure and honour to be part of something so wonderful and magnificent.
I would like to congratulate the editorial team on such a beautiful body of work. It shows that commitment, dedication and hard work produces good results.
We sat for our plenary in January 2023 at SP Maarohanye in Klerksdorp and put forth our plans for the year. We are slowly working towards the realisation of our plans, God being our helper.
We still have strides to make and ground to cover on the plans we made. We are intent on making history and leaving behind a legacy of wins and strong-willed winners. The advent of this newsletter, will assist in ensuring that we are the ones to tell our stories our way. We record our history and we leave behind trail for our successors to follow.
Let it not die in our hands.
Weareourbrothers’keepers. Weare about our Father'sbusiness.
Yours in Christ
8th President of the West Annual Conference.
Leadership is an essential quality that shapes our individual and collective behaviours, actions, goals, and aspirations. Being a leader provides the necessary guidance and direction that any organization needs to achieve its potential especially in the West Conference of the Richard Allen Young Adults Council. Leaders inspire, motivate, and empower people to work together towards a common vision, while also providing a sense of direction and purpose. Leaders also bring valuable skills and traits to the table such as communication, decision-making, empathy, and accountability.
Being a leader can have a monumental impact on an individual's career prospects, personal growth, and development. Leaders are known to possess excellent communication and problem-solving skills that facilitate smooth interactions and collaborations between people. They have a significant influence on the decisions and course of action that any company or organization undertakes. Hence, leadership qualities are critical in not only managing but also effectively navigating the challenges that arise in any given situation. Leadership skills are also vital for personal success, as they help individuals gain credibility, self-confidence, and respect from their peers and colleagues.
A leader's presence is indispensable in today's world, where companies, communities, and institutions require individuals with vision, passion, and determination to bring forth positive change. Being a leader means stepping out of one's comfort zone, taking charge of one's destiny, and harnessing one's potential to create a better future. Lastly, being a leader is not just limited to influencing one's immediate circle of friends and colleagues. When we lead by example, we become an influential and profound force for good in the world. Therefore, being a leader is not merely a title, but an attitude, a mindset, and a way of being that helps us not only achieve our goals but also inspire others to do the same.
Sis Neriah Puleng Mojaki West Conference Editor
Public relations can play an important role in shaping how a church is perceived by its members, the broader community, and the media. Here are a few ways that public relations can influence a church: Building trust and credibility: A church's reputation and credibility are essential for its success. Public relations can help a church build trust and credibility with its members and the broader community by promoting positive news and highlighting its contributions to the community. Community engagement: A church is often a hub of community activity, and public relations can help the church engage with the community and build relationships with local organizations, businesses, and individuals.
Promoting events and initiatives: Public relations can help promote events and initiatives hosted by the church, such as charity drives, community service projects, and religious services. This can help increase attendance and engagement. Sharing the church's message: Public relations can help share the church's message with the media and the broader community. This can include promoting the church's values, beliefs, and mission, and helping to dispel misconceptions or misunderstandings about the church. Overall, public relations can help a church build a positive reputation, engage with the community, and share its message with a wider audience. Effective public relations can help a church fulfil its mission and reach its goals.
Overall, the use of social media in the church has proven to be an effective way to connect with members and reach new audiences, particularly during times when in-person gatherings are not possible.
The goal now is to continue with our Father’s business and continue the work of our ministry.
Fromme,yourconferencepaparazzi,continuetofollow;likeand shareallourpostsonoursocialmedia
SisSibusisiwe Ndlovu Public Relations – West ConferenceThe use of social media in the church has become increasingly common in recent years, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, where many churches had to shift their operations to online platforms to continue serving their congregations. Some churches use social media to live stream their services, allowing members who cannot attend inperson to still participate in worship. This has enabled churches to reach a broader audience beyond their local community. Social media is also used by churches to share announcements, events, and other information with their members. Platforms like Facebook and Twitter allow churches to create groups where members can connect with one another, ask for prayer requests, and share updates. Additionally, social media provides an opportunity for churches to engage with younger generations who may not be as active in traditional church settings. Platforms like Instagram and TikTok can be used to share inspirational messages, Bible verses, and other content that resonates with younger audiences.
Mmabatho District
Khunwana District
Lichtenburg District
Potchefstroom District
Johannesburg District
Venue: EL Henning Memorial, Ramatlabama
Date: 04 February 2023
Scripture: Mark 12:28 – 32 “LOVE” by Rev Tiny Matshane.
The Vice President and Standing Committees outlined their programs for the year. All were adopted with suggestions and changes. The Presiding elder Mookamedi Thari Moatlhodi and our BOCE Director Rev Tshebeletso Lehlokwana blessed us with their presence.
Treasurer Sis Priscilla Msenge and Budget & Finance Sis Grace Senokwanyane
Mookamedi Moatlhodi
VP Sis Tumalano Molefhe
Sis Tokelo Masiu
Mmabatho District Editor
Mmabatho District BOCE
President Sis Neo Sebogodi
Venue: EL Henning Memorial, Ramatlabama
Date: 04 February 2023
We had candle lighting, whereby circuits Presidents were requested to hold a candle and pray for their circuits and then after members were requested to join in praying. All done by our District Chaplain. It was indeed spiritual fulfilling.
The Khunwana District RAYAC held our LTI on the 4th February 2023 at St Paul Madibogo and we bought 40 plastic chairs for the church and we were joined by our Presiding Elder, Rev ZM Qokela on the day of the event Pastors from 3 circuits and the local congregants we were also joined by the Episcopal President.
Events attended in 2023:
*Plenary, it was fruitful we learned a lot and we also liked the idea of the adoption of members to be mentored in different offices of our organization
*Members of the Khunwana district also attended the 19th Episcopal District LSS. We enjoyed the team building games and the sermons preached throughout the weekend.
Sis Sylvia Moholonyane Khuwnana District Editor
Another year has passed by as we witnessed God’s grace working through the ministries in our churches. We are happy to share what God has done in the Potent Potchefstroom District within the RAYAC! As we continue to face challenges, we began to see our members reconnect with one another and have opportunities to grow spiritually by God’s grace. Praise God!
We hosted the West Annual Conference on the 14th of January 2023 at SP Maarohanye in Klerksdorp and what a joyous and spirit filled meeting it was. Being amidst DiBosso who came out in numbers just showed that we are servers who answer to the call of the leadership.
For the month of love, the St. Francis members in Potchefstroom had a raffle for the purpose of fundraising where 2 lucky church members walked away with lovely goodie bags on Valentine’s Day.
At the call of the Presiding Elder Rev VJ Malefetse, on the 24th-26th February 2023 at the Emmanuel Temple in Orkney, RAYAC members showed up in numbers at the District Conference, were present and on time for all sessions. Truly we are serving wholeheartedly.
*Although most couldn’t attend the Episcopal Leadership Strategic Session at Alterlekker, we had representatives that held our flag high. Kudos. The Mighty KS Malinga in Tigane had a Colour Picnic, where RAYAC members from all corners of the West are invited to come have a relaxing picnic out in the church garden to raise funds. Members support was highly appreciated... members were asked to bring a friend, your family, colleague, spouse etc. to have a calm family picnic with.
In the same fundraising breath, the St. Francis RAYAC family asked for R20 donations to buy a microwave and an urn for the Kitchen Project. Items were reported before the Easter weekend Our District Seminar was on the 15th16TH March 2023 at the Mighty KS Malinga in Tigane. We planned an exciting, spirit filled program that will lift us and motivate us to do more in our quest of serving and being about our Father’s Business.
With a new mission, vision and strategy, the JHB district strives to maintain and enhance spiritual growth while building RAYAC visibility from the local levels going up. The fellowship is adamant to draw new members not only to RAYAC but also to the ever-advancing AME Church. By the Grace of the Lord, we were able to attend the below listed events, where we were privileged to learn about, how and when RAYAC was formed, our role, purpose and our duty to the communities. We were also reminded that through the hardships we face, we are never alone! We are indeed created to serve a higher purpose and must continue to be INTENTIONAL, with God as the driving force and the spirit of UBUNTU steering us to work as one when being about our Father’s Business.
By Logan Robinson, Staff WriterEvents we took part in (incl. Local Events)
As in the case with abstract art, it may seem random but it has a meaning according to the artist.
• The 19th Episcopal District Officer’s Forum/Induction & Team Building
• The JHB District Inter-Auxiliary Sessions (Hosted by Presiding Elder Rev. J.M. Motaung)
• JHB District RAYAC Street Evangelism Praise & Worship Experience
Don’t limit yourself on what you can do because of what you’ve read about art. When drawing, painting, or sculpting, be as creative as you want, others would even encourage you to be spontaneous.
• The 19th Episcopal District Leadership Strategic Session
• JHB District Conference (Hosted by Presiding Elder Rev. B.J. Motaung)
• Thanks-Giving Service (Mt. Zion AME Chapel)
Indeed, creativity has no limits, so don’t let external factors hold you back.
• Mount Zion RAYAC DAY -Membership Outreach (Mt. Zion AME Chapel)
• Amazing Power of Love Praise & Worship Service -RAYAC Drive (St. George’s Bethel Mogale City AME Church)
• God’s Love Valentines Banquet -Worship Service (AM Senatle AME Chapel)
Sis Bontle Matlawe Johannesburg District Editor
30 April 2023
The LTI kicked off with devotions and went into the organisation with greetings from the host local n district presidents and the conference president. Districts gave brief reports on how the respective districts are doing. The total number of registered members was at 30. We then changed into the all-white attire for the candle light service. Rev. OS Tladi gave a message "leba mme o bone" from the scripture 1 Samuel 24: 10 - 13.
On Saturday, day started with a fun walk/street revival. (Side note: we also went looking for cattle that escaped on Friday night at of the houses that accommodated our members, what a mission phewww!!!), which was followed by exercises and games while waiting for breakfast.
The 19th ED RAYAC President, bro. Thembinkosi Kumalo Snr outlined and presented the missionary uniform and encouraged members to buy the uniform. In time, we should all be having the uniform and also be participating in the robing ceremonies at our local churches like other auxiliaries or ministries in the church.
The brothers weren't part of the morning session and therefore the president called them forward and fined them for their absence...
We have been campaigning the adopt-a-member programme, adopted members were presented through a quiz by the exbo. Members from all districts were selected and picked position (they did not know what positions they were choosing as they were in folded notes) after lunch they explained what their respective positions duties were through a quiz by constitution and bylaws.
The social action chairperson presented Dignity packs to children from the community that were donated by members. Only 7 of the 40 expected children showed up, thereafter the rest of the packs were left for the local church to distribute. President Thembinkosi donated each of the recipients with a R100 extra for other needs.
Rev Segaetsho gave an insightful presentation on why men don't come to church. All brothers that were present agreed with the presentation.
Rev Mere lead the discussions on Spirituality vs Religion. He toned it down to African Spirituality vs Christianity. We had to cut it short as it went on for long with members engaging.
As the day continued we had a cheer a fellow member campaign, where members all wrote messages of encouragement to either a specific member or to the general membership. The notes were randomly read out loud, a few members got special mentions. For a bit of fun members played game (flipping the bottle), surely most members have seen it on TikTok and Facebook. Only Bro Vincent, our guest (episcopal worshiper) and Sis Seipati got the bottle to stand up right.
To close off our Saturday, we changed for the night, the theme was Retro Night. The star activity of the night was Karaoke which our members thoroughly enjoyed it. Members looked good in their vintage attire, we took them back to 80s and 90s through dance and music.
The morning started with unfinished business where the minutes and the registration report were read. The total number of registered members was at 44, followed by the closing worship experience. The debutant West Conference Gospel Choir rendered a spirit filled music ministry item. PE Rev. ZM Qokela gave a message "the best is yet to come" from the scripture Philippians 3: 12 - 14.
The VP gave a vote of thanks and the LTI was closed off with a benediction.
COMPLIED BY WEST CONFERENCE EDITORS & PR FORUM
PUBLISHED APRIL 30, 2023
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