Welcome to Emmanuel Presbyterian Church
We're a warm Bible-based family church in Pretoria East, South Africa. We have an emphasis on clear, practical teaching and we worship in a warm contemporary style that brings together the old and the new.
Our Mission Statement is:
We are committed:
to be a family of God's People
learning to follow Jesus every day
and making a difference in our neighbourhood.
KEY INFORMATION
Due to the impact of the Corona Virus and the introduction of an online service, we have reduced our services and activities.- We have an 8h30 physical service on Sunday Mornings. We have not restarted our Grace and Evening services yet
- We have services on YouTube which can be found HERE.
- You can find our weekly bulletin HERE.
- You can find click events and sermons to see the full lists or you can scroll down
- You can find details of our children's ministries and activities HERE
Recent Sermons
14th May 2023
What can we learn from Clay Pots? How can we have an Enduring Faith? Join us for our worship service where I unpack 2 Corinthians 4 and illustrate this with some insights from the life of Rev Glen Craig who passed away recently. Blessings and Love, Theo https://youtu.be/kwBASnOL5bs.
7th May 2023
Elijah discovered that the storm was inside him. Where is our storm? Welcome to our worship service. https://youtu.be/OASCBxqchbc.
30th Apr 2023
Almost everyone knows that the book of Job is about suffering… But people find it difficult to understand exactly how this long and complex book actually grapples with the problem of pain. In this message I try to unpack the book in a responsible and meaningful way. You are warmly invited to […]
23rd Apr 2023
Jesus brought His disciples to a quiet place. There were important lessons to learn from getting back to basics… You are warmly invited to join us for our service as encounter Jesus on a beach in Galilee… https://youtu.be/3SM9v9_8iJs.
16th Apr 2023
Hi there! You are warmly invited to join us for our service as we consider what Jesus had to say about the “End Times” and “Being Ready”. https://youtu.be/-SJ1Cte3Pj8. God bless and Love, Theo
9th Apr 2023
Hi there! We’ve been on a journey. Jesus PRAYED in Gethsemane, He PAID on the Cross and now we will see how He PREVAILED. He is the long-awaited Messiah, the Word made Flesh, and by Resurrection power shown to be the Victorious Son of God. Join us in a special service of […]
7th Apr 2023
Hi there! Here is our Good Friday Service. Jesus was bruised and battered for us. He’s the Hero who Prayed, Paid and Prevailed. Join us for this special service… https://youtu.be/ebVlx-SHd9I. God bless and Love, Theo
6th Apr 2023
Hi there! And so the Holy Easter Weekend begins. Jesus offers Himself for us. Tonight in our Tenebrae service we look at Jesus the Hero who prays and intercedes for us. https://youtu.be/yGSQj86Qg9g. God bless and Love, Theo
2nd Apr 2023
Hi there! There is an incredible 3…2…1… Countdown to Easter.It’s found in three events in Jesus’ ministry that evoked an audible response from God the Father. The Third Time God speaks in the Ministry of Jesus is at His Triumphal Entry, but this is a strange bitter sweet moment… And what do […]
26th Mar 2023
Hi there! There is an incredible 3…2…1… Countdown to Easter.It’s found in three events in Jesus’ ministry that evoked an audible response from God the Father. The Second Time God speaks in the Ministry of Jesus is at His Transfiguration. Why is this event, witnessed by only 3 disciples and kept under […]
19th Mar 2023
Hi there! There is an incredible 3…2…1… Countdown to Easter.It’s found in three events in Jesus’ ministry that evoked an audible response from God the Father. Join us as we explore the often misunderstood event of Jesus’ baptism. https://youtu.be/C9iDZ2UzNzg. God bless and Love, Theo
12th Mar 2023
In an age when people are going on grape diets and drinking prune juice to “detox”, what should our approach to Spirituality be? Do we “detox” or not? And where is God in all of this? Join us for our service of worship as we consider these important questions…. https://youtu.be/BKLKDsiSGTQ.
5th Mar 2023
Hi there. We take an arty approach for our service today. How were we created? What was God’s purpose for our lives? Join us for worship and communion. https://youtu.be/1E7jYSNug4Q. God bless and Love, Theo
26th Feb 2023
Hi there! We’re at the end of our Psalms series and at the start of Lent. We’re examining Ps.32 and the very misunderstood idea of confession. You are warmly invited to join us for worship and to learn more about this important aspect of our life with God. https://youtu.be/1vRKu9OPY20. Blessings and Love, […]
22nd Feb 2023
Hi there. Here’s our Ash Wednesday service. It’s a little longer than the usual devotion because I talk about the revival that is taking place at Asbury University USA and try to place it all in context. I believe you will find it meaningful and helpful. https://youtu.be/S5pg42GgacA. God bless and Love, Theo
19th Feb 2023
Psalm 1 helps us make choices in a confusing world. https://youtu.be/mUyOuqKe_QA.
12th Feb 2023
You’re warmly invited to our service of worship, where we’ll look at the well known and well loved Ps121 and explore God’s Nature as Protector, Creator and Shade when we’re in danger of footslip, sunstroke or moonstroke and in every season of our lives. https://youtu.be/GE_ud6NBsew.
5th Feb 2023
Please join us for our online communion service as we continue our series: “Psalms for the New Year”. Today we’re looking at Psalm 133 which is about Fellowship. https://youtu.be/yUsSpLlQUF8.
29th Jan 2023
As we continue to explore the depth, wisdom and richness of the Psalms, we get to Ps.127 which is a wonderful guide to seeing life’s key priorities and the principles for a significant life. Please join us for the online service at: • 20230129Psalm127 GodBless and Love, Theo
22nd Jan 2023
Legacy is so importance. What does Ps.78 tell us. Join us for our communion Service. https://youtu.be/V-QUbAqpdN8.
You can find more sermons HERE.
Events Future and Past
8th Apr 2022
Good Evening Everyone 🤗 Here’s a ten minute check-in talking about our Easter Programme and I also talk briefly about the Health Amendment Bill. Please take a moment to watch. Blessings and Love, Theo https://youtu.be/3xuGjyPBx9g
11th Mar 2022
Hi Everyone🤗. It’s Friday 🎶🎊🎉! Here’s a quick seven minute check-in where I talk a bit about the current craziness and prayers for the Ukraine. https://youtu.be/Tawvtx5yQag Please take a moment to watch, I think it will be encouraging and helpful. God bless and Much Love, Theo
2nd Mar 2022
Hi Everyone. Here’s a short (6 minute) Ash Wednesday Devotion. https://youtu.be/gqaJxAU8RwU Blessings and Love, Theo
2nd Mar 2022
Hi Everyone Here’s my Lent Letter for 2022. Why not take a moment to read through it thoughtfully tonight? Just click HERE. God bless, Theo
1st Mar 2022
Good Morning Everyone. Today is Shrove Tuesday and I have put together a chapter-a-day Bible reading challenge for Lent and will be doing email devotions on Tues-Friday each week. You can click on the link below to see the devotion and get the list of chapters. There’s also a link to subscribe […]
10th Feb 2022
Good Evening Everyone, Thursday was State of the Nation, but it had me thinking of our State of Heart/Soul. Here’s a quick check-in talking about that, but also highlighting some of the great books we have in our library… https://youtu.be/pkhl15CNLK4 Blessings and Love, Theo
21st Jan 2022
Hi there! I’m a bit out of practice with doing check-ins and I had to contend with wind and aeroplanes, but here’s our first check-in for 2022. It’s a bit of a catch up and a reflection on consecration. You can watch it at https://youtu.be/vRwAFHPisEc . God bless and Love, Theo
31st Dec 2021
Hi Everyone. I got hold of Jackie and we recorded a chat in which we reflected on the year gone by and the year ahead. We share the verses and thoughts that have sustained us and that will guide us. We hope it will be meaningful to you… We used Zoom to […]
24th Dec 2021
Christmas Weekend Programme: FRI 24 Carol Service at the Church. Fri 24 Dec 19h00-20h15. Bring: Camping chair💺, picnic blanket, or use church chairs; Tea/Coffee & Mince Pies ☕ ; A praise-filled heart… ❤️🩹🙌. Being outside increases safety, and all C19 protocols will be observed. Please sign-up online as this reduces queues… https://forms.gle/ux14y7r8RqNeLZ2a9 […]
18th Dec 2021
Hi Everyone. You are warmly invited to our open-air video presentation of Andrew Peterson’s concert: “Behold the Lamb of God”. DETAILS: – Sun 19th Dec – 19h15 for 19h30 – Duration 1 hour BRING: – Warm Jacket – Flask of Coffee – Camping chair You can see a teaser for the concert […]
18th Dec 2021
Hi Everyone. Here’s a quick check-in with a details of our Christmas programme and especially a very special open-air concert we’ll be showing this Sunday night… Please watch the check-in – it’s only 8 minutes – and please plan to come on Sunday night… I think it’s going to be very special!!! […]
5th Dec 2021
We got people to count their blessings. Here’s the beautiful result: https://youtu.be/s6UPX_fnZhs God bless, Theo
3rd Dec 2021
Hi Everyone Here’s a quick check-in with details about our Thanksgiving Service on Sunday where we will also be remembering loved ones we’ve lost in the last two years. You’ll get the details in the check-in, but basically I need two things: 1. One or two things you are grateful for. 2. […]
25th Nov 2021
Hi Everyone I have a brief message on USA Thanksgiving and us. It’s only a few minutes long and also has a beautiful song which I think could even become an anthem for you in the next few days and weeks. Please join in watching for an important reminder and maybe even […]
12th Nov 2021
Good Morning Everyone. Hope you’re well and looking forward to the weekend. Here’s a quick check-in…. https://youtu.be/rtJBQEgifDE God bless and much love, Theo
28th Oct 2021
Hey Everyone. Here’s our weekly check-in along with a beautiful song. Please watch – it’s only 10 minutes and will bring you some important updates and encouragement. Click : https://youtu.be/3t4ugMSgRpg GodBless and Love, Theo
You can find more events HERE.
Our Vision
We have a dream for our Congregation!
The name Emmanuel means God is with us. This is not just a philosophical concept. The One who carried this name actually walked amongst human beings bringing hope and love and healing with hands, feet and a body of flesh and blood. He truly was (and still is!) God with us.
There is a story of a woman who was very ill, but too afraid to approach Jesus directly. She reached out to touch the hem of His robe as He passed by, because she was convinced that this was enough to bring her into contact with His loving healing goodness. She was right. And she found more healing and love than she could have hoped for.
When Jesus ascended into heaven, He promised that He would live in those who followed Him. But how can people get to see Him and come to know Him? It is up to us who know Him to be examples of His love and to help people get to know Him.
We have a dream of a community - a welcoming family that will help people to come into contact with our God who loves us, is with us, and in us. We dream to be the hem of Jesus’ robe to the world.
Our Doctrinal Position
(This is our own summary of Scriptural Doctrine with regard to the Church)
We believe in the Triune God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
- that Jesus was (and is) fully human and fully God
- that a personal life-changing relationship with God through Christ is the only way to salvation
- that the Holy Spirit equips us for the work God has prepared for us to do.
We believe that the Scriptures of the Old and New Testament are:
- inspired by God
- reliable in revealing God’s plan and purpose to us
- the key to growth in our relationship with God
We believe that the Church is called to:
- proclaim Christ as Lord and Saviour
- to reach out to the world in a balanced (physical, spiritual, mental, and social) way in God’s love
- to teach the Word of God in a practical and meaningful way
We believe that worship
- must be sincere and truthful
- can take any form, whether “Contemporary” or “Traditional” or other
- must reveal the love and majesty of God
- must be orderly
We believe that:
- bearing the fruit of the Holy Spirit is more important than the gifts of the Spirit and that the gifts must be exercised in an orderly manner.
- the Holy Spirit moves in love and unity
- guidance from the Holy Spirit is confirmed by Scripture, Christian counsel, and practical common sense.
We believe that:
- the Church needs to continue Christ’s ministry of reconciliation in all walks of life
- this imperfect world will come to an end when Jesus comes
- God calls all the members of His Church to participate in His work.
- The divisions of culture, gender, and class have been overcome by Christ
- the Church should be ready for Christ’s return
