Vicar writes 2nd/ 3rd July 2011
The new building is shaping up quite well. We are still working hard at an October move in date.
We are about to enter the next phase of interior furnishing. We will need to work on the details for woodwork i.e. cabinets, tables, pulpits, pews (for the chapel) and other forms of finishes. There is the usual tension as decisions will need to be made, schedules kept etc. Please continue to pray for the project.
As the second half of the year kicks in, we want to begin to prepare all our congregations for a new phase of life and ministry at Leedon. The sermon series for this month, entitled “At the Crossroads” focuses on Jeremiah 6:16, a special theme verse which we will use for the rest of this year and the next.
You can recall that I had to call off my long overdue Sabbatical scheduled (not taken one since I was ordained in the early 90’s – and I am not proud of this!) for this year because of the project. I will however be going on a working trip with Jennifer and visit the Hillsong Conference at Sydney starting next Tues. Nicky Gumbel is one of the speakers and there will be some Alpha events to participate in. Another main reason is to visit Glenn Chan. While he is there and able to host us, the experience will be richer. And I am sure that there are some good things about evangelism which I can learn from being there.
Starting yesterday and over three Saturdays, about 9 SJC-ers are being trained on a ‘Skills In Facilitating Pastoral Care Course.’ We are thankful to FLM for organizing this and St Andrew’s Lifestream for offering the training. These ‘soft’ investments will go a long way in our community life and ministry.
Preparations are on-going for the next season of Alpha. Do pray over the friends, family and acquaintances whom you can invite. May everyone be given an opportunity to explore the meaning of life.
*Photos: Sanctuary 1 to be used by SES and Chinese Services during weekends (top), Sky Terrace (bottom)