Vicar Writes

ARCHIVES

30 Jun 2018

A few months ago, we made an appeal at a Town Hall meeting for volunteers to serve in our English teaching class for Myanmar folks on Sunday. A few responded and as a result, the classes today have multiplied. A new befriender ministry has also started with walkabouts to chat and reach out to the foreigners on our grounds. One of our staff proposed to the Myanmar Worship Service (MWS) leaders to move the post-service refreshments to the tented area near the Nave. This brought them closer to the grounds. All in all, the response has been good and on recent weekends, the MWS is almost reaching 200 in attendance. We have also received various feedback and suggestions and we can say that on a whole, we are getting closer to a good balance of outreach and boundaries.

I met up with Revd Dickson Chiu this week, who serves as our chaplain for Cathedral Home for the Aged. This is, literally, a ministry for the “homeless.” For various reasons, they are not able to have their own roof over their heads. Such are 'need' gaps which the church needs to continue to fill. There are many volunteers who are serving and visiting. That is really appreciated. But more help can be given to reach them spiritually and socially. Perhaps some of you can consider helping?
 
We have an active Heritage Committee. Cathedral is blessed with many points of interest, physical and historical. It is our way of blessing our wider society by being good custodians of our heritage. Along with that, precious opportunities to share the Christian message. In fact, a mini exhibition of the Cathedral in the War Years will be held in August. Much work needs to be done: research, archiving, writing etc. Can you help?
 
Some of us may be unaware that Cathedral is also running a Childcare Centre in Jurong. The pre-school landscape has gone through massive changes. It is currently below capacity in spite of the low fees. In a new season, how may we strengthen this work? Can you help?
 
Acts Centre is our church plant, led by Revd Michael Lim. They have been facing some challenges as well. But the opportunities are there, as they are worshipping in the midst of a growing neighbourhood. Being a small congregation, their resources are limited. They need help in various areas including worship etc. In this new season, we are stepping up our efforts to help them grow into an independent congregation or parish one day. I cannot imagine how SAC can start a new church plant if our current ones are struggling. Can you help?
 
The list goes on, on the various ways you can make a difference. I leave the rest to another Vicar Writes. A little here, a little there, but together, the accretion swell of energy and time (=love!) will make a lasting difference. That said, one of the most significant differences we can make as Christians is to pray.
 
When we pray, we become alive to God’s purposes. We become more aware of His will that needs to be "done on earth as it is in heaven.” Every night from 1 July to 8 August, there is a "solemn assembly” - a worship and prayer gathering - in various churches across the city. No skill is needed. Just a lot of heart and love.
 
Will you make a difference?
 
Note: If you like to volunteer, please email info@cathedral.org.sg or call 63376104