From the 2nd to the 4th of October 2026, the Diocese of Free State held its annual Diocesan Sunday School Celebration hosted by the Kroonstad Archdeaconry. The event was a blend of learning, fun, praise, competition, and care for creation.
On Saturday 3 October, the Chaplain, Revd. S. Masisi, administered Martin’s Service to fertilise and water the hearts and souls of Sunday School children, teachers and parents. To break culture, the Diocesan Executive gifted the Chaplain with a Stole woven from plastic. As the Diocesan Chaplain, all Archdeaconry colours were blended in for full representation. Archdeaconry (Colour): Bloemfontein(Orange), Far East(Navy Blue), Goldfields(Yellow), Greater Bloemfontein(Pink), Kroonstad (Sky Blue), Maluti(Red), Mangaung(White), Sasolburg(Black) & South West(Green).
Immediately after the service, the local Traffic Officers who’d been arranged prior were waiting outside to escort everyone along the route. It was now time for the annual culture of the Street Show! We walked around the block, with the children walking in neat lines under the guard and watchful eyes of teachers who ensured their safety and assisted the Traffic Officers with the flow of traffic. Most of the same teachers had refuse bags and gloves to pick up any litter along the route we travelled.
The walk took approximately 10 minutes, and after arriving at the nearby Sports field, the Street Show began. The first item of the show was a Dance Challenge between Archdeaconries, and children expressed their talents, from TikTok challenges to Lekompo dance moves – they had so much fun!
We then moved on to the Eco-Fashion Show, where children showcased outfits they’d prepared with the guidance of Teachers. Before the show, Eco-champ Morena Pule shared a brief message. He highlighted the stemming of Green Anglicans from the 5th Mark of Mission, the importance of picking up litter & Seasons of Creation 2026.
The fun part of the show began shortly after as children showcased outfits made from recycled materials. The hosting Archdeaconry led the way with three extra outfits, which were made for showcasing and not part of the competitive show. Thereafter, there was a showcase. The Judges of the Fashion Show were given the criteria of awarding points for material & creativity. This is as per the previous engagement to encourage teachers and children to make outfits that can be reused.
After the show, we all went back to the school to participate in other activities in the program, including the Talent show, where children were given themes to express through a Sketch (Drama), a Hymn, a song, and a prayer. The topics, amongst others, included Gender-based Violence & Femicide, Bullying, Teenage Pregnancy & of course, the Environmental crisis we are facing.
On Sunday, there was a spirit-led Eucharist Service, with the Diocesan Chaplain as the Celebrant & the hosting Archdeacon, Father Kholisile Ngcola, as the Preacher. He encouraged the teachers and parents to self-introspect with the sermon rooted in Matthew 21:33-45. Father portrayed all the adults in the church as those Vineyard Workers and the Children as the field that needs to be harvested.
Shortly after the Service, Eco-champs under the leadership of the Diocesan President Eco-champ Mamane Kebaabetswe Sepato, were summoned to the front. There was yet another brief message on St. Francis Day, which marks the last day of the Seasons of Creation. In Sesotho, there’s an idiom which says, ‘E kobjwa e sa le metsi’ which loosely translates to ‘you teach them while they’re young’. It continues to be a cultural practice and will soon be the norm of teaching Sunday School children about Green Anglican and an intentional eco-friendly lifestyle.
By: Morena Pule
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