The PCO Cemetery in Ruwi

  “It is better to go to the house of mourning, than to go to the house of feasting: for that is the end of all men; and the living will lay it to his heart.  Sorrow is better than laughter: for by the sadness of the countenance the heart is made better.  The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning; but the heart of fools is in the house of mirth.” (Ecclesiastes 7:2-4)   “This is an evil among all things that are done under the sun, that there is one event unto all: yea, also the heart of the sons of men is full of evil, and madness is in their heart while they live, and after that they go to the dead.”  (Ecclesiastes 9:3)   “I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.” (John 10:28)   “Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints.” (Psalm 116:15)  Although this gentleman died years ago, his widow still attends PCO services.   “A road is ended.  A path no more trod.  A name in gold in the log book of God.”  A lovely poem that most likely comes from Revelation 20:11-15 “And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them.  And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.  And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works.  And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire.  This is the second death.  And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.”  “Thou art with Christ and Christ with me.  In Christ united still are we.”

A NewYears Letter from the PCO Pastor

  Dear Friends,                                                                                                                                   Another year spans before us with a great deal of privilege and responsibility.  Often, it seems that the responsibilities far out weigh the privileges.  But with God’s providence, we can face tomorrow, knowing He holds our hand.  C.S. Lewis said, “All that is not eternal, is eternally out of date.”  This means, if there is not a touch of eternity on one’s life, then that life has missed the mark.  For living without eternity in mind, makes for careless living.  God calls us to live wisely and to use the time He has given us for constructive purposes.  As we cross over into 2009, may we join together in this prayer of Moses, the Man of God: “so teach us to count our days that we may gain a wise heart.” (Psalm 90:12)  The Council members, office staff and our caretakers join me in wishing you a Christ-centred New Year.  In Him,                                                                                                                                                                                                                   Michael Peppin

PCO Watchnight and Covenant Service Dec 31st Ghala Bosch Hall

  Pastor: Dearly beloved, the Christian life to which we are called, is a life in Christ, redeemed from sin by Him, and through Him consecrated to God.  Upon this life we have entered, having been admitted into that new covenant of which our Lord Jesus Christ is mediator, and which He sealed with His own blood, that it might stand forever.  From time to time we renew our vows of consecration especially when we gather at the Table of the Lord; but on this day we meet expressly, as generations of our fathers have met, that we may joyfully and solemnly renew the covenant which bound them and binds us to God.  Let us then, remembering the mercies of God and the hope of His calling, examine ourselves by the light of His Spirit, that we may see wherein we have failed or fallen short in faith and practice and considering all that this covenant means, may give ourselves anew to God.                                                                                         With my honey just after the Watchnight Service in Ghalah Bosch Hall

Pastor: God made a covenant with the people of Israel, calling them to be a holy nation, chosen to bear witness to His steadfast love by finding delight in the law.  The covenant was renewed in Jesus Christ our Lord, in His life, work, death and resurrection.  In Him, all people may be set free from sin and its power, and united in love and obedience.  In this covenant, God promises us new life in Christ.  For our part, we promise to live no longer for ourselves but for God.  We meet, therefore, as generations have met before us to renew the covenant which bound them and binds us to God.  Let us then seek forgiveness for the sin by which we have denied God’s claim upon us.  Sisters and brothers in Christ, let us again accept our place within this covenant which God has made with us and with all who are called to be Christ’s disciples.  This means that, by the help of the Holy Spirit, we accept God’s purpose for us, and the call to love and serve God in all our life and work.  Christ has many services to be done; some are easy, others are difficult; some bring honour, others bring reproach; some suitable to our natural inclinations and material interests, others are contrary to both; in some we may please Christ and please ourselves; in others we cannot please Christ except by denying ourselves.  Yet the power to do all these things is given to us in Christ, who strengthens us.  Therefore, le us make this covenant of God our own.  Let us give ourselves to Him, trusting in His promises and relying on His grace. Eternal God, in Your faithful and enduring love, You call us to share in Your gracious covenant in Jesus Christ.  In obedience, we hear and accept Your commands; in love, we seek to do Your perfect will; with joy, we offer ourselves anew to You.  We are no longer our own but Yours.

Congregation: I am no longer my own by Yours.  Your will, not mine be done in all things, wherever You may place me, in all that I do and in all that I may endure; when there is work for me and when there is none; when I am troubled and when I am at peace.  Your will be done when I am valued and when I am disregarded; when I find fulfilment and when it is lacking; when I have all things, and when I have nothing.  I willingly offer all I have and am to serve You, as and where you choose.  Glorious and blessed God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, You are mind and I am Yours.  May it be so forever.  Let this covenant now made on earth be fulfilled in heaven.  AMEN.

Ruwi Church Banner and Message for the New Year

  From Psalm 138:8- “The LORD will perfect that which concerneth me: thy mercy, O LORD, endureth for ever: forsake not the works of thine own hands.”  A good verse to meditate upon at the beginning of a new year.  God is not done with me (or you!) yet.  He is the potter and I am the clay.  We must surrender and submit to His will in order to find a life of meaning.  I am the work of HIS hands and He knows what He is doing.  This verse brings to mind another with a similar message.  Philippians 1:6 says “Being confident of this very thing, that He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:”  Happy New Year everyone!!!