Life in the world is like running a marathon.  It requires strength, endurance, wisdom and many other resources.  Thank God that Jesus is our Saviour who has promised us: “Never will I leave you.  Never will I forsake you” (Heb 13:5).  But the Lord not only promised us the needed strength, He has also set up a social safety net to give us the necessary help: the help that comes from God’s family, Christians in the church.  Thus, God’s Word says: “Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers” (Gal 6:10).  God’s Word also urges us: “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching” (Heb 10:24-25).  Christians love and help for one another is critical for facing life many challenges.

We thank God for the committees who have faithfully led the Evergreen, Adult and Young People fellowship groups.  We are thankful especially to those who founded these groups and ran the regular programs.

The Lord remembers your labour of love.  They have been a constant blessing to many.  Well done.  In order to further their effectiveness, we are making some changes to the way the fellowship groups are run.  These plans that I’m sharing with you are tentative but quite firm except for some possible minor changes.

First, the Young People Fellowship will comprise those who are about 13-16 years old.  The meetings will be conducted on Sundays, 1:45-3:45 pm (subject to discussion).  They will meet either weekly or fortnightly.  The topics and programs run will enable the youths to take on challenges from the world and provide them the ability and wisdom to engage the world.  Topics to be taught and discussed include creationism versus evolution; how to be a God honouring man and woman; boy-girl relationship; pop music and Christian music; living a pure life in an impure world; a balanced student life; relationship with your family and friends; the internet, etc.  An election will also be held to elect youth leaders before the end of year 2013.

Second, cell groups will replace the present fellowship groups.  These cell groups, as the name “cell” suggests, will be self functioning.  Each group will work together to study the bible, follow up on new Christians, care and visit, evangelise, etc.  The cell group names are not finalized but the following will probably be adopted: “Evergreen,” “English,” “Chinese,” and “Youth.”  Besides conducting bible study during the Adult Sunday School time and serving together, these cell groups will also meet a minimum of once a month to discuss topics relevant to the members, visit, care and evangelise.  This also means that everyone will be involved in the care and evangelism ministries.  The present leadership of care and evangelism ministries will basically remain unchanged.  We hope that members, by serving together, will strengthen relationship and care for one another.

If you are worshipping in this church regularly, I urge you to join an appropriate group and be active by being a giver of love and care: “Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it” (Heb 13:2).  Please support the leader.  It’s very very tough running a cell group.  This is also how I, as a pastor, shepherd you.  If you refuse to join a group, you will be hurting yourself and I will find it hard to properly provide you the needed pastoral care.  Please cooperate with the church leadership.  We do it out of love for your soul: “Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account.  Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no benefit to you” (Heb 13:17).

May you love each other with the unconditional love and kindness of your Saviour Jesus Christ so that we may be strengthened to run life tough race.