This is the last U Matters for 2019, which means you have tuned into this space as many as 52 times. WOW! Where did the time go? It has been a year to remember, both for our church and for the city. Congratulations on our church’s 175th anniversary, and 25 years of Alpha in Hong Kong.
As I reflect upon the year, I am so grateful. I am grateful for the vitality of the ministry teams that are in place: the COM, Deacons, Trustees, Staff, BUFF, Missions Committee, Choir, Worship leaders, Small Group leaders, Alpha leaders, Youth leaders, Stephen’s Ministers, Sunday School and Recharge teachers. I am grateful for the prayer initiatives that have happened throughout the year: weekly discernment prayer times, prayer walks, Zoom prayer, Praying the Word (daily prayers for our church which staff and leaders have been using), daily WhatsApp prayer groups and the Tuesday morning prayer time. I am grateful for the new initiatives: staff-leader day retreats, as well as, Easter Sunrise Service and Carols on the Green held at 22A Kennedy Rd. I am grateful for the generosity you have shown on various occasions, including one which enabled a young man in need to attend university and another offering which helped a church in need in Myanmar. The baptisms inspired me, the pastoral care encounters were rich and the missions trips impactful.
As we close out 2019, we read in 1 Chronicles 16:8-11 (MSG):
Thank God! Call out his Name! Tell the whole world who he is and what he’s done! Sing to him! Play songs for him! Broadcast all his wonders! Revel in his holy Name, God-seekers, be jubilant! Study God and his strength, seek his presence day and night;
Blessings to you all and wishing you a wonderful new year,
Pastor Michele