Easter Weekend in the Western Cape began with a meaningful Palm Sunday Celebration Meeting at Claremont Corps, setting the tone for Holy Week and the journey toward Good Friday and Easter Sunday.
The gathering included the Shayatafula Ingathering, the commissioning of Divisional Band members, the appointment of a Divisional Bandmaster and local leaders, and a special moment of recognition for Kenny Leighbrant, honoured for 80 years of faithful service as a Bandsman.
Throughout the week, Corps across the Division hosted Holy Week meetings, each reflecting on the journey of Christ and the depth of God’s grace. Themes such as His Journey, Grace in Guidance, and God’s Grace Pursues Us Despite Our Betrayal guided congregations into deeper reflection, while a Tenebrae Service at Athlone Corps provided a moving space to consider the suffering of Christ.
The guests for the weekend were the Territorial Leaders, Colonels Stephen & Theresa Malins. The Good Friday service, held at Groote Schuur High School Hall, drew the Division together under the theme Grace Through the Cross. Over three hours, the message of God’s grace was thoughtfully woven through every aspect of the programme. From the opening welcome to the closing benediction, the focus remained on the sacrifice of Christ and the gift of salvation made available to all.
Young People brought a vibrant contribution to the service, and their engagement continued in smaller group gatherings centred on the same theme. The Word, shared by Colonel Stephen Malins, was clear and compelling, reminding the congregation that grace is freely given through Jesus Christ. A spirit of unity was evident, and many responded at the mercy seat.
Saturday provided opportunities for practical outreach. In Goodwood, officers and soldiers gathered outside the Family Stores to offer coffee, encouragement, and conversation to those passing by, while music from the band created a welcoming atmosphere. At Langa Corps, a March of Witness and open-air meetings extended the message into the community, with both Colonel Stephen Malins and Major C. Holmes sharing the Word. Children were also ministered to at each venue, adding a joyful dimension to the outreach.
That evening, young people gathered at Claremont Corps for a “Stay Awake,” where they were encouraged by visits from the Territorial Leaders and the Divisional Commander as they reflected on their journey to the Cross.
Easter Sunday began with a Sunrise Service centred on The Risen Saviour. As the sun rose, it offered a powerful visual reminder of the hope and new life found in the resurrection of Jesus Christ. A key reflection focused on Christ calling each person by name, drawing the congregation into a deeper awareness of His personal love and invitation.
The atmosphere of the early morning, combined with Scripture, song, and prayer, created a sacred space where the reality of the resurrection was both proclaimed and experienced. It was a moment marked by reverence, joy, and renewed hope.
The Easter journey continued at Masiphumelele, where the Territorial Leaders joined the congregation for a Sunday service under the theme Come to the Table. Through the sharing of the Word and a practical message for young people, the Easter story was once again brought to life in a way that was both accessible and meaningful.
Across the Western Cape, the weekend was marked by a deep sense of spiritual engagement. It offered space for reflection, opportunities for outreach, and moments of response—drawing people back to the central truth of Easter and encouraging renewed commitment to live in the light of God’s grace.
Beyond the borders of the Western Cape, the same theme resonated in Namibia, where Lt. Colonels Thomas and Doris Dlamini led a Good Friday service, followed by a community feeding on Saturday. On St Helena Island, worshippers gathered for Good Friday and again at sunrise on Easter Sunday at Ladder Hill, joining in the shared celebration of the risen Christ.
