On Sunday the Assembly was split up and mixed up so that we could have time with other Synod delegates and to go to visit and worship with the local churches. We took a bus about an hour out of Maheking to meet and worship with the people of the Makgobistad Congregational church.
Here is the Pastor welcoming us. All the Pastors (there were five of us in our group) were invited to sit in the place of worship leadership behind the altar so the pictures you see are all from that vantage point.
Some passing of the peace and greeting each other always done with singing and dancing and the offering is also a time of singing and dancing- no passing of a plate- everyone brings their offering to the altar.
The gentleman seen is in a Soldiers of Christ uniform and he is the local church leader. He has a big staff that helps to lead and indicate the end of the singing and dancing. (He holds it up in one hand vertically, then raises it in two hands above his head and brings it down in front of him and people "magically" sit down and get quiet!)
To the right are the elders/widow who usually stay at home and receive visits from the Pastor and congregation. They wanted to be here to welcome us and worship with us. A very wonderful welcome and honor.
A little bigger view of the sanctuary where they had cleaned and decorated for our visit.
More singing and dancing by the women's fellowship. Note the bell in the hand of the woman on the left.
Every church has announcements.
A closer view of the staff.
Each church was given a visiting Pastor to preach. So their Pastor translated from English to Setswana
The elders and all of us joined in the dancing. I so appreciate the joy of worship in their church.
Then the women gifted us with some traditional dancing.
And serenade.
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