Vicar Writes 2 Jan
With the busy Christmas season behind us, I am writing to give thanks to the Lord for His blessings as another year draws to a close.
First and foremost I am thankful for the gift of His Son, as the recent Advent and now, the Christmas season reminds us. Since I came to the Lord at the age of 13, I may have acquired years of experiences, learning and reflection but some basics do not change, especially this simple fact that I am a sinner saved by grace and a child of God, called to serve Him. My name is written in the Book of Life. This is an eternal certainty and indeed nothing in the present nor the future will ever separate me from this love of Christ (Romans 8:38). I may give thanks - or bemoan - each passing year with its collection of joys and pains, but they are each subsumed under the eternal gift of salvation. Thus, with each victory, I am reminded to ultimately give thanks instead that my name is in His book (Luke 10:20). And with each trial, to count it all joy (James 1:2).
On the parish front, we have seen a very good year of being in a ‘in between’ season. Leaders and members are rediscovering what it means to be a church as we experience the theme “Taking root, bearing fruit.” Our monthly prayer meetings have seen consistently good participation as we learn to come together as a temple of His presence. New ones have joined in, whether through Alpha or members on transfer. Each life reminds us that the Lord has called each one uniquely and it is the task of the ‘Crossroads’ church to play her part to help them discover and grow in their destiny.
The new church is taking shape and by the third quarter of 2011, we will be able to move back in. It will be a new season of growth and fruitfulness. I am only concerned that with the larger facilities and more joining the SJC family, there will be the expected challenge of disorientation and sense of ‘dis-family.’ Each of us will need to do our part to strengthen our bonds and the firmer they are, the more we are able to welcome new ones which the Lord will add to us. We are still $2.5 million SGD away and do pray with me that the bills will be paid by the time we move in. I am grateful for the support of an enthusiastic and committed Building Committee.
With the turn of the year we are focusing on renewing our Cell ministry. One of the first major events will be our Cell Leaders’ Training Retreat over the weekend of 14 & 15 Jan. Cells remain key to everything that happens here in SJC and these small ‘families’ help to give every SJC member a more complete experience of church. 2010 have been a tremendous journey and each of you had played your part. I am also grateful for the support of my Staff, PCC, Ministry Leaders and Cell leaders in sharing the task of shepherding the flock. I sense 2011 will be another unique and exciting year.
May you continue to know that the ‘greatest thing’ in our lives is to know Him, love Him and serve Him more.
Have a blessed New Year.