Vicar Writes 13 Nov 2011
The Parable of the Talents is a fitting reminder as we begin to use this new facility. Set in a chapter with the major parables, it reminds us of our relationship to the Lord (10 Virgins), to ourselves (Talents) and the world (Sheep & Goats).
The Church is neither a building nor an institution. Its true identity and strength lies in the fact that it is a community build on Christ. Indeed each of us has many gifts (“talents”) as unique members of His Body. It is when we use them that this church as a community will reach her potential. This includes all our language congregations and ministries. We need each other to be the church He has called us to be.
And we are blessed with a wonderful building. I like to call this the “House of the Lord”. It connotes the idea of home and this is what we want SJC to be: a place to call home. No one should be a stranger or made to feel un-welcomed. We treat this place as a home. We welcome those who walk in. We treat the place well. We make it a warm place where all can find comfort in. And as we are under one roof, we also see each other as family in Christ.
We are in the process of getting more to serve in our welcome, ushering and carpark stewardship ministries. Please contact Philip or Simon Ho if you would like to serve.
It is also significant that this building is ready for our annual Confirmation Service.
This Confirmation Service may well be the last one which Abp Chew will be conducting as our bishop. We are grateful to his support and encouragement in this rebuilding project and we are glad that it was completed under his watch.
And to all of us, we great each other: Welcome Home. It is great that all our congregations can be together again. It is an emotional homecoming for some. As C.S Lewis has said, what we experience on earth is just a glimpse of heaven. It is a foretaste of what is to come.
We look forward to that Day of eternal homecoming.