Ruby anniversary for Stonecroft Ministries
National chairman, Jill Sumption, from Johannesburg, congratulated the local committee and branch on their many achievements over the past four decades.
EIGHTY women gathered at the Port Shepstone Moths’ Hall in April 1979 where speaker Ruth Barnett encouraged them to form a Christian Women’s Club (now called Stonecroft Ministries).
They did and in June that same year they held their first meeting – 40 years on and members still meet monthly for tea and fellowship and to listen to inspirational speakers.
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Chairman of the Lower South Coast branch, Antoinette Meyer, warmly welcomed everyone to the club’s ruby anniversary celebrations and introduced the visiting national board of directors. The five founder members Sue Nielson, Sharon van den Berg, Caryl Stanley, Gloria Tarboton and Audrey Arnesen, who were present, were thanked for 40 years’ dedication to Stonecroft.
Speaker Kelly Berry, a school counsellor and psychologist, gave a motivational talk entitled `Self Care’. She said many women were suffering from “compassion fatigue” whereby they wanted to help others but were at a loss as to know-how. Women. she said, were always trying to be everything to everyone.
“Self-care is hard work and you need to learn to say no and not be a constant people pleaser. It is okay not to do everything yourself. Women lose themselves when they take on the roles of wife, mother, partner, friend – however, if they need to find what makes them happy too, they cannot and should not always put their own lives on hold. Also, learn to understand that asking for help is not a sign of weakness and making `me’ time is important,” she said.
Ms Berry advised focusing on the positives by appreciating what you have rather than complaining about what you don’t have.
Before giving her testimony, national chairman, Jill Sumption, from Johannesburg, congratulated the local committee and branch on their many achievements over the past four decades.
Her journey to finding God was an intensely moving and personal account. “Jesus knocks, he never barges into your life. It is far easier to face troubles with the Lord at your side and it is never too late to ask for His help,” she said.
Entertainment was provided by piper David Alderson and the Ruth Fanner dancers.
The next Stonecroft meeting takes place at Port Shepstone Country Club on August 23 at 9am.
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