St. Luke's

Whenever we are in South Africa we take the opportunity to attend services at St. Luke's Anglican church. I can't begin to tell you how amazing this church is. And it was not in a place that I thought I would find it. There is no doubt that God is present and it is always a refreshing experience to be amongst people who care so deeply and remind us of what God can really do with his people.


On first look the church has the old stone structure that can suggest cold, damp surroundings but on entering the greeters are sure to make you feel welcome, get your name and welcome you. What is so amazing is we have only attended a few times each time we are here but people know us by name, ask us how Mozambique is and know what is going on in our life. They are very attentive. They have organized themselves by their gifts and those that have hospitality are directed to make sure you feel welcome. People had observed that we were expecting a child and as I presented myself to take communion someone had told the priest that the child was born and he said a special blessing and welcome over us. About 5 or 6 people noticed and asked us how mother and child were doing. Last week a couple just invited us out to eat. We had a wonderful time.

Beyond the friendliness, they have a real focus on all the elements of worship and discipleship. They have a somewhat informal worship led by various worship teams with a variety of instruments depending on people's gifts. It is quite informal considering that the Anglican church is of the high church tradition. They weave the liturgy in with the worship and yet keep it fresh each time. People can raise their hands in worship or kneel on the cushions provided. There is freedom. There is time for prayer, for confession, for celebration, for challenge. The sermons challenge people to discipleship, to spread the word of God's love in both word and deed, to commit oneself to justice and mercy. There are small groups that are focused on the sermons of the week and challenging people to walk forward in faith. There is time for prophecy or reflection after the word is given where people can speak what God has revealed. There are people who surround you with prayer if you need it, you just walk to the side of the church during the Eucharist with a bit of faith and they pray for you. Children are welcomed in Sunday School or they are welcome in church, receiving a blessing from the priest or priestess. And there is a spirit of love and joyfulness in the faces of the people and emanating form the walls of the building with persons of almost every color. It is anything but cold stone but a warm hearth of God's Love.

And if you think you can get out the door, Krish, an Indian man, grabs you by the arms and insists that you stay for tea before you go. We will miss this place.