Chairperson: Nixon Fong
Speaker: Rev ET Wong
Singspiration: Kenny Pau
Committee on Duty: Sally Mok
Proclamation
Praise the Lord.
Praise the Lord, my soul.
I will praise the Lord all my life;
I will sing praise to my God as long as I live.
(Psalm 146:1-2)
Opening Prayer
Singspiration
Apostles’ Creed
Scripture Reading
John 12:20-43
Sermon
Not the Jesus They Wanted
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.
55th Baptism will be held on 31st March as a combined service for all three congregations. For those who want to be baptised, please contact any Deacon, Pastor or your Small Group Leader. The deadline is 25th February. All baptism applicants are required to have their nurturing course completed. Once an application is received, baptism class will be arranged and the deacons will meet with you to confirm your faith. Please also contact us if you would like to have your church membership transferred to HWC or would like to have child dedication.
Pastor Herman's Inauguration Ceremony will take place on January 28th at 10:00 AM during the English worship service. We welcome brothers and sisters from all three congregations to set aside time to attend and bear witness to the grace of the Lord.
New Year comes with new Challenges! MSG (Men's Support Group) is organising a 'Chase the Sunrise Hike & Breakfast' on the 29th Jan 2024, at Waitawa Regional Park in Clevedon If you're ready for this new year new challenge, below is the sign up form, registration is open to all brothers in HWC. https://forms.gle/Zg1vbnFrLLzGHCsy6
Recently some churches and certain Christian gatherings have been infiltrated by a religious group called "Shincheonji (SCJ)" attempting to recruit members. They may also have participated in our church worship. This sect teaches its members to actively engage in 'harvesting' in other churches through strategic means (such as concealing identity or deceptive methods), inviting individuals to participate in their gatherings and Bible studies. If brothers and sisters observe suspicious behavior, please promptly contact the pastor, deacons, or the church committee. Let us be vigilant and watchful for the church, holding fast to the truth, and also pray for those who may be deceived, asking the Lord to guide them back.
Mission News
In remembrance of the challenging service of S & C in their mission field, they are currently facing the "cold winter" of both freezing temperatures and challenging circumstances. Praying that the Lord helps them, prepares students and parents for them, and strengthens the work of their hands.
H & P expresses gratitude for the warriors who have prayed alongside them during the past five years of missionary service. As the second phase of the bilingual class in the community is about to begin, they seek the Lord's preparation of students and parents to come to know Him!
Pastor Janet Tam prays for the service of preparing a children's choir (musical missionary) at the Smile Lanka School for the poor, asking for the Lord's guidance. Also, praying for Sunday school teachers needed at the First Baptist Church, asking the Lord to prepare them!
Urgent prayers are requested for H & Y's service, as two coworkers have been forced to leave their missionary team. Praying that the Lord preserves and guides them forward!
Missionary couple, James Che and his wife, have flown back to the church in Ethiopia last week. Praying that the Lord helps them to serve Him with robust health and keeps them safe in their comings and goings!
Prayer Items for the Week
Pray for Pastor Herman that he can be effective in ministering to the needs of our congregation. May his teachings and pastoral care bring spiritual growth and transformation to individuals and the church as a whole. Also pray for Pastor Herman's physical and emotional well-being. Grant him strength, good health, and resilience as he serves in ministry.
Please pray for the 7.6-magnitude earthquake that occurred in Ishikawa, Japan, on January 2nd. The heavily affected area of Wajima has seen numerous houses collapse, resulting in at least 161 fatalities and over 500 injuries. Adverse weather conditions are hampering rescue efforts. Let's pray for the comfort of the bereaved families, healing for the injured, and the Lord's guidance and protection in the relief and reconstruction efforts.
The conflict in Gaza has resulted in over 20,000 deaths and 50,000 injuries, triggering a humanitarian crisis. May God intervene to halt the actions of animosity and hostility between the warring parties. Praying for peace to swiftly descend upon the region, and that people may finally experience the long-awaited justice and peace.
Pray for discernment among the churches, that the Holy Spirit would empower us to recognise and resist the influence of false teachings. May God grant us the courage to stand firm in our faith and to protect the unity of our church family. Ask God for protection over every member, that they may be shielded from the deceptive tactics of the enemy. Pray that God will strengthen the spiritual foundations of our church, that we may be rooted in the truth and unshaken by false teachings.
Pray that God will empower us to carry the essence of 'Love & Legacy' into every aspect of our lives – within our families, friendships, workplaces, and beyond. May this theme guide our thoughts, words, and deeds, bringing glory to His name.
Last Week's Sunday Service Attendance (7 January 2023)
| English | Cantonese | Mandarin | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sunday Service | 46 | 124 | 46 |
| Prayer Meeting | - | 8 | 12 |
| Children Sunday School | 9 | - | 17 |
Next Week's Roster (21 January 2023)
Chairperson: Vincent Chan
Speaker: Rev ET Wong
Singspiration: Timothy Yeung
Committee on Duty: Nixon Fong