Thursday, July 17, 2025
72 ° Partly Cloudy
72 ° Partly Cloudy
Join us in celebrating the life and legacy of Nelson Mandela at a special event on Sunday, July 20, at United Christian Church, 8525 New Falls Rd in Levittown. This annual gathering commemorates the remarkable achievements and unwavering spirit of Mandela, South Africa’s first Black president, who spent 27 years imprisoned for challenging the brutal apartheid regime. His release in 1990 marked a turning point in the struggle for equality, as his leadership and vision guided South Africa towards a peaceful end to racial segregation.
Mandela’s enduring message of justice, freedom, dignity, and forgiveness continues to resonate around the world. “To be free is not merely to cast off one’s chains,” Mandela said, “but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.” He also emphasized the transformative power of learning, proclaiming, “South Africa has three priorities: education, education, education.”
This focus on education is carried forward by the Yardley-based nonprofit Adopt a South African Preschool (ASAP). In the spirit of Mandela’s vision, ASAP is dedicated to supporting at-risk children during their crucial early years. The organization creates toy libraries in underserved communities, lending educational toys to informal daycare providers and equipping them with skills to foster learning. These daycare centers evolve into dynamic preschools, offering a stimulating and playful environment where children develop the foundations for lifelong success, often with the first toys they’ve ever touched.
United Christian Church and ASAP warmly invite you to join this special celebration, either in person or online. The worship service begins at 10:30 am and will feature a message on Mandela’s legacy from Dr. Kevin Dean, who has led many study tours to South Africa. Adding to the service’s spirit and inspiration, the Witherspoon Presbyterian Church Verse Choir will perform.
Following worship, at 11:45 am, Dr. Nico de Klerk will host an engaging Q&A session titled “Mandela’s Legacy in South Africa Today.” Afterward, guests are invited to enjoy lunch, entertainment, and an update from ASAP, offering an opportunity to learn more about their work and how you can get involved.
To attend, please RSVP by emailing ASAP’s founder, Nancy Schongalla, at Nancy.schongalla@gmail.com.
For those joining online, the Zoom worship link is available at: www.ucclevittown.org.
To learn more about ASAP and its mission, visit: www.adoptasouthafricanpreschool.org.
Come celebrate Nelson Mandela’s legacy of courage, compassion, and commitment to a brighter future for all children.
