NAME The Parish was named after St Thomas (nicknamed the twin), The Apostle, commemorated on 3 July each year.
ESTABLISHMENT The Parish started as a branch of the then St John's Mission Parish now St John's Collegiate, founded by the late Mr. Michael Pindani in 1997, by conducting a door to door ministry. The church was later established as a Parish in 2007, under the seal of the Bishop, Dr Sithembele Mzamane, during the incumbency of Ven Z.S. Nombekela. The Parish is now the seat of a newly established Archdeaconry, The Freedom Park Archdeaconry
LOCATION The Church is situated at Slovo Park, about 3 km west of Mthatha.
STAFFING The first priest in charge of this Parish was Rev M Zibi who served in 2007 and 2008. In 2008, he received a deacon in the name of Rev H. M. Mkize, who served for a year.
Rev J. Sikhuni was his successor as rector in 2009, assisted by Rev A.S. Bala
In 2010, Rev N.L.B. Xintolo, now an archdeacon became the third incumbent to date.
In 2011, she received three deacons, Rev Z. Bangiso, Rev N. Ludada and Rev C.T.Vikilahle, whilst Rev Bala continued as curate and left at the beginning of 2012, to start a new parish.
The three deacons later became priests in charge of newly established parishes in 2012
In 2012, she received a deacon, Rev C.M. Mnge, who served for a year.
In 2013, she was joined by Rev T. L. Mfono as a curate.
MEMBERSHIP
Presently the Parish has a membership of 224 parishioners split as follows:-
Mothers Union 52
Bernard Mizeki 25
AWF 14
St Mary Magdalene 8
Servers Guild (Some also members of the GBFS 107
GBFS (Some also members of the Servers Guild)
Sunday school
Preachers and Lay ministers (Affiliated to other guilds 11
Youth ( Some also members of the Servers Guild and GBFS)
Non-affiliated members 18
VISION A Christ-centred church, spirit led, vibrant, loving, caring, growing and united church.
MISSION STATEMENT This can be achieved through:-
Proclamation of the Good News and Teaching
Door to door Evangelism.
Outreach programmes
Prayer cells, fellowship and corporate prayers
Corporate worship
GROWTH As a branch the church had a membership of 8 adult parishioners and their children. There are no records available regarding membership, at the time of establishment as a parish. It expanded however by the establishment of three more branches as follows:
St Matthews, situated at Mandela Park
St Pauls, situated at Chris Hani
The Holy Nativity, situated at the outskirts of Slovo Park
Same branches were established as Parishes in 2012.
At that time the parish had a membership of 204 adult parishioners and 144 youth.
After the multiplication the parish was left with a membership of 87 adults and 64 youth and children
Presently there is a membership of 117 adults and 107 youth and children. However not all these members are active. Groups have been established so as to ensure that there is maximum participation by all members. Prayer cells are held at group level and the groups are responsible for the ministry of caring.
There is great potential for further growth, considering the vast area not covered. Spiritual growth is also worked at, through whole night prayers, morning prayers, cell groups and retreats.
The 3rd Sunday of the month has been set aside for youth to conduct services, for their growth.
They also meet on Saturdays for spiritual growth.
GOVERNANCE
EXECUTIVE The incumbent is the accounting officer.
Together with three Churchwardens, they form the executive of the Parish
PCC The Parish Church Council, which comprises the incumbent, 3 elected members, 3 churchwardens and ex-Officio members is the governing Body and sits at least once quarterly.
The Guild leaders are co-opted members of the PCC.
VESTRY The vestry meeting of all parishioners in good standing sits at least yearly and at variance when need arises.
FINANCIAL VIABILITY Income is derived mostly from pledges and collections and the parish is still able to make the monthly contributions of assessment promptly, thanks to dedicated givers.
Shortfalls at times are covered with special Ngqungquthelas
Family Day contributions are made as expected.
Harvest - There is enthusiasm in the Harvest judging by the income generated towards it.
Lent Offerings are made without fail and the parish has so far contributed more than the minimum expected.
Easter offerings, Pentecost Offerings and Andreya offerings are made promptly.
Youth are encouraged to make contributions to inculcate a culture of giving at their tender age.
CHALLENGES
HIV and AIDS
Poverty and unemployment
Illiteracy
Building of rectory and recreation hall
Laziness
ACHIEVEMENTS
A 600 seat church has been built with a huge church bell
Classes have been established for support, prayer cells and bible study and contributions and they have proved to be a success.
The Parish has a team of intercessors who intercede during and out of service.
LIFE IN THE PARISH
Love and caring for one another
Respect accorded to the leadership of the church to the highest level in the Diocese
Dedicated members in fellowship and giving. Some prepared to dedicate their time and energy without expecting any reward.
The church boasts of having very old ladies who are still able to attend church services.
The church also boasts of having a large number of dedicated youth more than the adults. They even go out on their own to evangelize.
KEY PERFORMANCE AREAS The church is in favour of winning people for Christ and more souls are won for Christ.
WE GIVE GLORY AND HONOUR TO THE ALMIGHTY GOD. AMEN!
