2025 New Year Pastoral Letter
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ:
New Year Pastoral Letter
We thank our Heavenly Father for His abundant grace and love, leading us into 2025. Over the past year, we have witnessed God’s abundant blessings in our Sunday services, both in Chinese and English, with an average attendance of over 200 people each week and more than 120 people participating in Holy Communion each month. We are grateful for the Lord’s provision, which allowed us to expend English services and youth activities at the nearby Costessey Methodist Church since last November. This is a wonderful opportunity given by God.
Thanking Jesus Christ for walking with us, inspiring the hearts of our brothers and sisters in Christ to care for one another, and strengthening the promotion of Monday gatherings so that those who cannot attend Sunday services can receive spiritual nourishment more regularly. Last year, we had an average of two larger Monday gatherings each month, with an average attendance of over fifty people. Additionally, the church’s fellowship groups have developed according to the needs of the brothers and sisters. Last year, we added two family groups, a seniors’ fellowship, and continued to develop the university students and young professionals fellowship. The youth fellowship was also able to form two groups based on age. These developments help brothers and sisters practice the mission of loving and caring for one another in daily life and encourage us to watch over and shepherd each other through prayer and Bible study.
Thanking the Holy Spirit for His guidance, the church’s theme for this year is “Salt and Light Witnesses, United in Spreading the Lord’s Love.” In this challenging era, we must remember the teaching of Philippians 1:27: “Stand firm in one spirit, striving together with one mind for the faith of the gospel.” This verse reminds us that no matter what difficulties we face, we must be united and unwavering in our efforts for the gospel. As witnesses of salt and light, we must demonstrate Christ’s love in our lives, so that more people may know His salvation. Let us support and encourage each other, living out the Lord’s love both inside and outside the church, becoming His beautiful testimony.
I encourage everyone to actively participate in the church’s activities in the coming year, especially the spiritual disciplines during Lent, so that we may share in the spiritual nourishment (Soul Food) and serve the Lord with strength. Additionally, please care for those in need around you, so that our acts of love may become a blessing to them. May the Lord’s grace and peace be with you always, and may He grant us the strength to remain steadfast in our faith journey, striving together for the glory of the Lord.
Peace in Christ!
Your devotedly,
Pastor Stephen Lau
1st January, 2025