The fact is, we do need daily reminders and constant encouragement to stay on course. As Scripture has said, sin is always crouching at the door, and daily, we do need to “stand still” and reflect before the mirror of His Word so that we may clearly see our own heart conditions. There is a wonderful quote from Søren Kierkegaard in July 10’s “Mirror Mirror”: “A mirror has the quality of enabling a person to see his image in it, but to do this he must stand still.” How true.
Incidentally, the Connect Groups have also been going through the book of James. You will find that you will remember a lot more of what you discussed compared to what you hear in sermons. Participating and discussing, as we all know, is a more effective way of learning and internalising biblical truth. I am hearing that new Connect Groups are being formed. Do drop an email to connect@cathedral.org.sg if you would like to join one.
For the seniors in our midst, do take note of the coming Seniors Members Fellowship (SMF) event with the talk curiously entitled “Fall Reduction Strategies.” For those who are younger, this is not about how to manage your funds after Brexit. I wish my 80+ year old Mama could attend the talk but even if she could, she would not be able to understand English. As always, please invite someone along whom you think would benefit from this. This event is also an opportunity to share the faith (verbally and communally) with an unbeliever.
On the property and maintenance front, we are looking into renovating the West House and various parts of the Prayer Halls and Welcome Centre. With the project being spearheaded by the Mandarin Congregation, we are almost ready to submit the drawings for the new lift at the South Transept for the authorities to evaluate and approve. We are also looking at providing some form of covering at the amphitheatre or the area outside the Prayer Hall to facilitate post-Service gathering and provision of refreshments. The Finance & Property Committee (FPC) is also aware that parts of the Cathedral building are in need of repairs, repainting.
Some 610 organ pipes are in need of restoration and this project is spearheaded by a joint-congregation organ committee to provide direction and advice. The team is also considering the relocation of the pipes. This is of course a major project but we are encouraged that there are already private donations given in support of this refurbishment and relocation. History, culture and the arts have had their place in the Cathedral and this is also about our stewardship of resources entrusted to our care, for the city and future generations.
I gave a sweeping overview of our weekend Services last Sunday. We have two weekday Services. Our Auxiliary Priest, the Revd Soon Soo Kee, takes charge of the Wednesday Communion and the
Revd Timothy Chow (to be replaced by the Revd Bertram soon) takes care of the Thursday Service. Bertram is already serving at the Westside Anglican Church (WAC), anticipating Timothy’s move to CCK on 1st Sept. The Revd Michael Lim has moved his office to My Saviour’s Church. The Acts Congregation is enjoying worshipping in this Church’s premises and the use of facilities in the weekday means that the community can gather beyond Sunday. We continue to pray that they will be a blessing to the Indian Congregation and the surrounding neighbourhood.
We gather again for prayer this Friday. Let’s continue to wait upon the Lord and be aligned to His will and purposes.?
