13 Nov 2025, 09:23Ndumie Mafu
Plumstead Church Pastor Appreciation Day
A Day of Love, Gratitude, and Celebration – November 8, 2025
Pastor Appreciation Day at Plumstead was a truly blessed and memorable occasion, held on Sabbath, November 8, 2025. Although the official conference calendar marks this celebration for October, our church family deliberately chose to celebrate later—allowing time to plan a special and heartfelt day dedicated to our beloved Pastor Wentworth Sewell and his family.
The atmosphere was filled with joy, unity, and genuine appreciation as every department and individual came together to honor our pastor’s leadership and ministry.
Sabbath School Presentation: A Heartfelt Beginning
The day began beautifully with the Sabbath School Department, led by Sis. Edlyn Stephenson and Sis. Natasha Herman, who opened with an excellent presentation and a touching slideshow reflecting on Pastor Sewell’s life and service. Their creativity, thoughtfulness, and dedication deeply moved everyone present.
Divine Service: A Time of Prayer and Reflection
Elder Aldreana Somerville served as the elder on duty, guiding the Divine Service with grace. Elder Chiteme offered a heartfelt prayer for Pastor Sewell, lifting his ministry before God.
Elder Ndumie Mafu reminded us of another faithful servant—Pastor Sindile Mabena—who worked alongside Pastor Sewell and has now been called to serve full-time at our mother church, Peckham SDA. Elder Mafu reflected on Pastor Mabena’s impactful ministry, particularly her work in training young preachers and leading a youth evangelistic campaign in Botswana.
Before offering a prayer of dedication for both pastors, Elder Mafu compassionately noted that Pastor Mabena had faced personal trials—the loss of her mother and a period of illness—yet remained steadfast in her service. Before presenting his sermon entitled "Your day in court", Pastor Sewell also added his personal appreciation for pastor Mabena and gratitude for her ministry and continues to uplift her in prayer as she embarks on her new assignment.
Hospitality with Heart
Following the family worship service, the Hospitality Team, led by Sis. Jean Smith, prepared a wholesome and delicious meal that reflected the spirit of Christian fellowship. The team served with selfless dedication. Others worked quietly behind the scenes, contributing food, drinks, and warm smiles that made the meal a true feast of love.
Afternoon Celebration: A Joyful Tribute
The afternoon program, gracefully emceed by Sis. Maggie, was filled with warmth, laughter, and heartfelt tributes. Her cheerful spirit set the tone for a celebration rich in gratitude and joy.
Among the highlights were:
A video presentation capturing key moments of Pastor Sewell’s exemplary leadership and joyful involvement in church life—including lighthearted games and even a memorable "20 push-ups" challenge!
Bro. Bally’s touching testimony of thanks for Pastor Sewell’s spiritual guidance and for baptizing him.
Sis. Shadeen Williams’s moving poem, “A Man of the Jamaican Hills.”
Sis. Fay Ball’s reflections on the pastor’s inspiring leadership.
Bro Alex’s message of appreciation centered on Pastor Sewell’s favorite themes—Evangelism and Prayer.
A special presentation from the Pathfinders, who surprised Pastor Sewell with a personalized Pathfinder T-shirt, formally enrolling him into the club—a moment filled with joy and laughter!
A United Leadership and Grateful Church Family
Behind the scenes, the elders worked together under the leadership of Elder Stephen Okelo, who spearheaded the planning meetings and coordinated all to find creative ways to appreciate pastor.
The youth led us in uplifting music that filled the sanctuary with joy, while the children’s presentations, including a heartfelt thanksgiving by little Jonathan Kiogo, reminded everyone of the beauty of simple faith.
In Gratitude
To every department, volunteer, and member who prayed, served, cooked, sang, decorated, or simply showed up—thank you. Your efforts made Pastor Appreciation Day 2025 not just an event, but a true celebration of Christian love in action.
We are grateful for the leadership of Pastor Sewell, for the love of his family, and for a church united in faith, service, and gratitude.
“And I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will lead you with knowledge and understanding.” – Jeremiah 3:15
Pastor Appreciation Day at Plumstead was a truly blessed and memorable occasion, held on Sabbath, November 8, 2025. Although the official conference calendar marks this celebration for October, our church family deliberately chose to celebrate later—allowing time to plan a special and heartfelt day dedicated to our beloved Pastor Wentworth Sewell and his family.
The atmosphere was filled with joy, unity, and genuine appreciation as every department and individual came together to honor our pastor’s leadership and ministry.
Sabbath School Presentation: A Heartfelt Beginning
The day began beautifully with the Sabbath School Department, led by Sis. Edlyn Stephenson and Sis. Natasha Herman, who opened with an excellent presentation and a touching slideshow reflecting on Pastor Sewell’s life and service. Their creativity, thoughtfulness, and dedication deeply moved everyone present.
Divine Service: A Time of Prayer and Reflection
Elder Aldreana Somerville served as the elder on duty, guiding the Divine Service with grace. Elder Chiteme offered a heartfelt prayer for Pastor Sewell, lifting his ministry before God.
Elder Ndumie Mafu reminded us of another faithful servant—Pastor Sindile Mabena—who worked alongside Pastor Sewell and has now been called to serve full-time at our mother church, Peckham SDA. Elder Mafu reflected on Pastor Mabena’s impactful ministry, particularly her work in training young preachers and leading a youth evangelistic campaign in Botswana.
Before offering a prayer of dedication for both pastors, Elder Mafu compassionately noted that Pastor Mabena had faced personal trials—the loss of her mother and a period of illness—yet remained steadfast in her service. Before presenting his sermon entitled "Your day in court", Pastor Sewell also added his personal appreciation for pastor Mabena and gratitude for her ministry and continues to uplift her in prayer as she embarks on her new assignment.
Hospitality with Heart
Following the family worship service, the Hospitality Team, led by Sis. Jean Smith, prepared a wholesome and delicious meal that reflected the spirit of Christian fellowship. The team served with selfless dedication. Others worked quietly behind the scenes, contributing food, drinks, and warm smiles that made the meal a true feast of love.
Afternoon Celebration: A Joyful Tribute
The afternoon program, gracefully emceed by Sis. Maggie, was filled with warmth, laughter, and heartfelt tributes. Her cheerful spirit set the tone for a celebration rich in gratitude and joy.
Among the highlights were:
A video presentation capturing key moments of Pastor Sewell’s exemplary leadership and joyful involvement in church life—including lighthearted games and even a memorable "20 push-ups" challenge!
Bro. Bally’s touching testimony of thanks for Pastor Sewell’s spiritual guidance and for baptizing him.
Sis. Shadeen Williams’s moving poem, “A Man of the Jamaican Hills.”
Sis. Fay Ball’s reflections on the pastor’s inspiring leadership.
Bro Alex’s message of appreciation centered on Pastor Sewell’s favorite themes—Evangelism and Prayer.
A special presentation from the Pathfinders, who surprised Pastor Sewell with a personalized Pathfinder T-shirt, formally enrolling him into the club—a moment filled with joy and laughter!
A United Leadership and Grateful Church Family
Behind the scenes, the elders worked together under the leadership of Elder Stephen Okelo, who spearheaded the planning meetings and coordinated all to find creative ways to appreciate pastor.
The youth led us in uplifting music that filled the sanctuary with joy, while the children’s presentations, including a heartfelt thanksgiving by little Jonathan Kiogo, reminded everyone of the beauty of simple faith.
In Gratitude
To every department, volunteer, and member who prayed, served, cooked, sang, decorated, or simply showed up—thank you. Your efforts made Pastor Appreciation Day 2025 not just an event, but a true celebration of Christian love in action.
We are grateful for the leadership of Pastor Sewell, for the love of his family, and for a church united in faith, service, and gratitude.
“And I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will lead you with knowledge and understanding.” – Jeremiah 3:15
