People

Our Minister

Our Minister is the Theo Groeneveld (who likes to be called Theo, not Rev or Pastor – just “Theo”!) He studied Theology at the University of Pretoria and then at Rhodes where he met and married Brenda. They served a congregation in Grahamstown for seven years before being called to Emmanuel in 1997. Theo likes programming computers, and he’s also enjoys cycling and working with his hands.

Brenda (housewife and Mom) has a BA Honours in English and Linguistics and is Theo’s partner in ministry. She is involved in almost every facet of the congregation’s life although the activities of their son Caleb (born in 2000) keep her busy too. Brenda likes all sorts of handwork. They have a cat named Jedediah and occasionally foster homeless kittens and find homes for them.

 

Pastoral Executive

SmithsCraig Smith is our Pastoral Executive who was appointed in 2009. Previously he served for 2 years as our Project Manager. He is a chartered accountant by profession and has previously run a successful carpentry business. Craig devotes his time and energy to sorting out the nuts and bolts of the day-to-day running of Emmanuel and Grace congregations.
He is married to Tara who is a Director at KPMG. Craig enjoys motor bikes and Tara loves scrap-booking. They are parents to 3 dogs and 1 cat.

 

Admin Assistant

Susan Hodgson is our ever efficient and super-friendly admin assistant. She’s married to Peter and have two grown-up children. They have three labradors and a cat. She is a self-confessed scrap-booking and card-making addict and the touches of her artistic flair can be seen all over the church. Susan also assists the Presbytery as their administrator.

Cleaner and Gardener

Lazaros Mahlafunya is our helpful, friendly, dedicated and very hard-working Cleaner and Gardener. He is an eager handyman and can often be seen with a hammer, paintbrush or screw-driver in his hands. He’s always ready with a friendly smile and a helping hand. He works on Tuesdays to Fridays. He has a son and two daughters.