Chairperson: Marco Yu
Speaker: Herman Yeung
Singspiration: Kenny Pau & Boaz
Committee on Duty: Emily Tsang
Proclamation
How lovely is your dwelling place, LORD Almighty! My soul yearns, even faints, for the courts of the LORD; my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God.
(Psalm 84: 1-2)
Opening Prayer
Singspiration
The Lord’s Prayer
Scripture Reading
Isaiah 9:1-7
Sermon
He shall be called : Prince of Peace
Response Hymn
Closing Prayer
Doxology
Benediction
Threefold Amen
Announcements
A warm welcome to everyone who joined us this morning. We are delighted to see you all.
Senior Pastor Recruitment Update: After months of prayer and discussion by the Deacon Board, we have officially commenced the process of recruiting a Senior Pastor and are actively communicating with pastors and staff. We earnestly ask everyone to continue remembering this matter in prayer as we seek God’s guidance together.
Christmas outreach 2024: This year we are hosting a Christmas party on 24th December 4-6pm followed by dinner. There will be fun and games that point towards Jesus and a light sharing of the gospel.
Pray for your friends, family and colleagues that might not know Christ yet. Take a faith step and invite them along! Register here to help us prepare: https://forms.gle/MkhNZMZV9DRxKsNLA
Mark your calendars for 31st December 2024 at 4:00 PM in the church extension for our End-of-Year Thanksgiving Prayer Meeting. The evening will feature worship, reflection, testimonies, and prayer, followed by a shared dinner for fellowship. Let’s come together to thank God for His faithfulness and prepare our hearts for the year ahead. More details will follow.
Equip Conference 2025 (Equip North) is a transformative event designed to train attendees to understand and teach the Word of God. The conference runs from Monday, 30th December 2024, 9:00 AM to Friday, 3rd January 2025, 2:00 PM at One Tree Hill College, Penrose, Auckland. The conference also provides excellent kids and youth programs, so you can bring the whole family to learn more about God and His Word. For more information and registration, please visit the official website: https://www.equipconference.org.nz.
Reverend Mureen Wong will be on annual leave from 24 December 2024 to 26 January 2025. For urgent matters, please contact Jenny Ip.
HWC Financial Overview-Consolidated Income & Expense Report November 2024
| November Actual | Year-to-Date Actual | Year-to-Date Budget | Full Year Budget | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Income | 39,155 | 342,425 | 376,600 | 565,200 |
| Total Expense | 39,911 | 362,072 | 448,535 | 692,400 |
| Net Surplus/(Deficit) | (756) | (19,647) | (71,935) | (127,200) |
*November Income:
General & Thanksgiving (00) $ 35,386
Building (01) $ 1,140
Mission (02) $ 1,100
Others $ 1,529
Bank Balance as of November: $678,673
Mission News
This year’s Overseas Mission (M4) faith pledge received a total of $17,040.00, while the budget was $30,700.00. Faith pledging is about trusting God to provide even when we may not have enough now. It is also a response to God’s abundant grace. Pray for God to help us fulfil our pledges, remembering the needs of missionaries, and bringing them encouragement during this season of celebrating Christ’s birth.
Pray for the Mission Department as they plan next year’s initiatives and budget. May God guide and use these efforts!
S & C: Give thanks that S has received a two-year work visa! Their daughter, Eva, will return home for the holidays, bringing them comfort. Pray for their preparations for Christmas ministries, that the message of salvation would reach the unreached in their community.
H & P will host evangelistic gatherings during Christmas after the end of their tutoring classes. Pray that many will receive salvation during this joyous season. Also, remember parents of students who have come to faith—pray for God to strengthen their faith.
Rev. Janet Tam recently led a 10-day short-term mission trip, bearing some fruit by God’s mercy. She is now leading First Baptist Church members to engage fully in Christmas evangelism, inspiring believers to proclaim the Gospel boldly.
H & Y have heavy ministry and academic responsibilities. Having served for four years, they are now praying for guidance regarding the direction of their ministry. Pray for God’s will to be accomplished in their lives.
Pastor James Che and his wife have resumed their labour for the Lord upon returning to New Zealand. They are currently assisting Formosan Christian Church in establishing a congregation in Browns Bay, North Shore. Pray for God to bless the work of their hands.
Pray for Nicholas Yao as he serves during the summer holidays. May God strengthen and sustain him!
Prayer Items
Senior Pastor Recruitment: Pray for God’s guidance and wisdom in the recruitment process, that the church leadership may discern His will and appoint a pastor who will lead faithfully and shepherd the congregation in accordance with God’s purpose.
Christmas Outreach Event: Pray for the outreach to be a powerful witness of God’s love, that attendees may encounter the message of Jesus’ birth and be drawn closer to Him. Pray for the volunteers to serve with joy and for all logistical arrangements to run smoothly.
Vanuatu Earthquake: Pray for those affected by the earthquake in Vanuatu, for the safety and wellbeing of the people, and for swift and effective relief efforts. Ask for God’s comfort and provision for those grieving or displaced.
Today’s Message: Pray for hearts to be open to the message of Jesus as the Prince of Peace, that we may experience His restoration and Shalom in our lives. May the hope of His ultimate return inspire us to live faithfully and share His peace with others.
Last Week's Sunday Service Attendance (15/12/2024)
| English | Cantonese (East) | Cantonese (North Shore) | Mandarin | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sunday Service | 48 | 133 | 36 | 44 |
| Prayer Meeting | 20 | 6 | 6 | 16 |
| Children Sunday School | 13 | - | 3 | 23 |
Next Week's Roster (29 December 2024)
Chairperson: Nixon Fong
Speaker: ET Wong
Singspiration: Timothy Yeung
Committee on Duty: Vincent Chan