Vicar Writes

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24 May 2019
Altar call at the English/Filipino rally

"...as grace extends to more and more people it may increase thanksgiving,
to the glory of God." 2 Corinthians 4:15

There is much that has happened in CoH last weekend which we can give thanks for. However, on this space, I want to give thanks for the way the SAC community has served and participated.

Photos by Roger Deng & Edwin Arokiyam

Firstly, the stance of praying. Since the Solemn Assemblies last year, there has been a continuous chain of prayer gatherings. The deep commitment to seek the Lord has been very edifying and I trust this will change our communal prayer life for the better.  We are thankful to Pastor Lian Swan and her intercessory team for their unwavering and inspiring commitment to intercession and a deep desire for revival for our church, city and nations around us.

Leading in worship at the English/Filipino rally

Secondly, the stance of serving. It was challenging. Briefings to attend. The long hours on Sunday morning. We struggled to fill the number of volunteers but I know each one of you did your best to step in to help. Some of you couldn’t and your prayers for the event were good enough. Some of our staff worked very hard to provide the leadership and organisational energy needed. Notably, Adeline Hee, who did excellently in planning and marshalling our volunteers. The Filipino leadership team faced a setback as the pastor who was originally the vision-bearer and mobiliser for the rally had to leave the country for family reasons. Our staff, Ee May stepped in with unwavering commitment to serve and work with the Filipinos to host the Sunday morning rally. Those who were there would have seen that it was a festive and vibrant rally. There are many others whom I am not able to name but you know who you are. May this spirit of service continue every weekend here in SAC.   

COH, children and families

Thirdly, the stance of outreach and welcome. Many have had the joy of inviting someone. And greater was the joy, when their guests responded to the message. This is precious: the experience of inviting someone to explore the faith. This entails a measure of boldness to invite and to overcome the awkwardness of conversations about the faith. In so doing, we plumb the depths of human relationships as we go beneath the superficial layers. Some are still doubting but let the love and conversations continue.

Even if they have not come to faith, the friendship should continue. In stepping out in evangelism, we are also reflecting on how all our Services in SAC can also be regular frontiers for people to find Christ. Wouldn't it be wonderful if every weekend in SAC, you could look forward to the opportunity to invite a family member or friend? What if we learn to posture every Service, whether liturgical or contemporary, to be more welcoming and sensitive to those who are still seeking or those who are new to SAC? Please pray and reflect with us.

Indeed as His grace extends to many more, may our Lord be glorified.

Photos by Roger Deng & Edwin Arokiyam