Taking Root, Bearing Fruit
SJC Theme for 2010: Taking Root, Bearing Fruit
I was preaching last weekend at SJSM. It was a fruitful time. Thanks for keeping me in your thoughts and prayers and to Revd Hwa Chih for covering for me.
We started in mid 2008 and well into last year with the launch and implementation of the Teleios Programme. A lot of thinking and planning have gone into it and it is both about “structure and culture.” As a programme it helps us as a community to practice discipleship and to disciple in an ordered way, which in turn helps to shape our culture over time. Phase 3 and 4 are still being worked out and this year should see some ordered shape given to how we train and build leaders.
With Teleios on track, this year we want to move into building a stronger culture of outreach and evangelism. The second statement of the 5-year Vision goes beyond witnessing to concrete goals of seeing new people joining our Services regularly. This is obviously tied to our new building which will give us a lot more room and opportunity to reach out to non-church goers. Growing a stronger culture of evangelism means change in the way we see and relate to our friends and relatives. Or even strangers. It means we have a deep conviction in the Gospel that has power to change lives and are enthused about sharing His story or inviting someone to hear/experience it. This is also about discipleship, for to share the Word is obedience to the command of Christ.
Bringing these together, the 2010 theme Taking Root, Bearing Fruit is helpful. It helps us to remember and keep the focus throughout the year. More will be said on this during this Saturday’s Leaders’ Conference.
Preparations for Alpha are already under way. Do uphold the Alpha Team led by Lucilla and Kean Guan in your prayers. Focus is needed and it is not just about those organising the course, but all of us praying and inviting.
We are also preparing for our final wave of pledging for the Building Fund for this last 18-month stretch. This is exciting! It is a privilege to give and be engaged in asking our friends to participate. On 21st Feb, we will begin to ask for your response through a new pledge form. Stay tuned. Meanwhile pray and seek the Lord. How can you play your part? The Fund-Raising team will be sharing with us in the coming weeks.
Our 2010 SJC Journal and Diary is already in print. It will be handed out at the coming Conference and to all worshippers next Sunday.