An Invitation to no.43 Putney road, Brixton

I was invited to Brixton NG Church early December 2016, and I’ve been attending ever since. If I wanted to describe this wonderful church to you, how would I do it…

I could tell you about this church which has stood for more than half a century at the heart of Brixton, which is painted with modern murals that adorn the great hall. Vibrate colors of stirring religious iconography and the Light of Heaven above the Johannesburg sky line - all painted by visiting Father Jan Haen from Holland.

Or, I could tell you about the thought provoking bilingual services given by Father Hennie van Rooyen – who infuses joyful sincerity into Gods message of love, and invites us all to know Him and to live our truth and our light.

Or maybe I could tell you about their fundraiser events, like The Crazy Hat Dance. They really showed this English girl from Pretoria, how to kuier in Brixton. The church hall bounced with music over the big speakers and we all danced up a storm – meeting friend and neighbor alike. With Tannie Susans famous curry and rice, Mrs. Balls Chutney, and onion relish to keep us going till late.

I could tell you all about Tannie Elsie, our senior ministry leader who not only works with the Early Childhood Development program as a volunteer teacher, but who is also always ready to get involved with a warm smile and her own signature style.

Or perhaps I could tell you about the music department with Andries van den Heever; a consummate artist and the worship Ministry leader. The children’s choir, from the Abraham Kriel Kinderhuis, is one of bright young voices that lifts us all up while praising together. I’ve never seen children so loved by a community, nor a community so loved as by these gifted young people.

I could also tell you about Wednesdays Adoramus Meditations – a time of contemplation and reflection lead by Father van Rooyen. These meditation sessions have proved to be an island of stillness in the middle of the busy week and a touch point with my God and my friends.

I could tell you about the GriefShare program lead by Mark Menteath and his delightful daughter, Melissa. It is a 13 week program of coming together to process the grief of losing a loved one. It is a safe space of love and nurturing that has helped the participants so much.

There are many other things I could tell you about this church – like the powerful new website that is busy being built, or the new community projects that are attracting diverse, interesting and talented people from all over… Or I could just invite you to come see.

With love,

Kai-Anne Clews