Chairperson: Robert Mak
Speaker: Rev. ET Wong
Singspiration: Violet Y, Kenny P, Shirley H, Steve G, Daniel H
Proclamation
For great is the LORD and most worthy of praise;
he is to be feared above all gods.
(1 Chronicles 16:25)
Opening Prayer
Singspiration
The Lord’s Prayer
Scripture Reading
Matthew 1:18-25 and Isaiah 7:14
Sermon
The Sign
Response Hymn
Doxology
Benediction
Threefold Amen
Announcements
A warm welcome to everyone who's joining us for the first time this morning. We are delighted to have you here.
COVID Traffic Light System: NZ Government will implement the COVID-19 Protection Framework (traffic lights) on 3rd December. Auckland will move into Red. Due to the uncertainties, HWC will continue online worship until 26th Dec 2021. The Deacon Board will continue to review the situation and make changes accordingly. Ample notice will be given for people to prepare. The church administrator and pastors will return to work on-site on
7th Dec 2021.Pastor Paul Wong decided to step down after 12 years of service in HWC, including 8 years serving the Mandarin Congregation. The deacon board had communicated with Pastor Wong regarding his decision and accepted his resignation. Pastor Wong left the position on 18th November 2021. The church would like to thank him for his faithful and steadfast service. Please keep him in your prayer.
Deacon Nomination Criteria & Procedures Review Group In the last 2 weeks, the church has received some feedback from a group of church members regarding the Review Group. The deacon board would like to thank the congregations for their feedback.
After prayers and discussion with the deacon board, Deacon Wynne Wong decided to withdraw from the Review Group. The deacon board accepted and respects her decision.The deacon board wishes the congregations to understand that the review process will adhere to the principle of fairness, justice, and openness. The Review Group will submit the report to the deacon board for consideration and open consultation from the congregation. Most importantly, the Lord will work on each step with every participating members. Let us glorify His name by co-operating in love and trust.
Deacon Board hopes to see that everyone seeks peace and chooses to build up one another. So that we can be in harmony and be one, with love and trust, even taking a step back. May the glory be to God, and that we can work together towards this. May God bless those who serve Him faithfully.
A new position for Church Administrator (Digital Support & Community Service) has been proposed by the Deacon Board to primarily manage and update the digital systems of the church. The demand for digital support in the church has been realised in view of the current communications and meetings conducted in multi-media format, including online worship services, church website, and Facebook platforms. Members serving in the audiovisual roles to enable online services across the three congregations, often with a full-time job, have been especially stretched. This new position is set up to fulfill the digital support needs, in addition to the coordination and execution of community services as part of the church’s outreach ministries. Full details of the job description can be found via this link: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1c9fN_2ZePwl7houkSt3n3a6jr-5FPvP5/view
Survey Result: The church gathered 137 responses over the last 2 weeks, result as follows:
Agree 64.7%
Disagree 11.8%
Other Comments 17.6%
No Comment 5.9%
Thank you for participating the survey. Your feedback will help the deacon board for further discussion.Community News: During the pandemic, many people in Auckland community are in need and the Bridge to C ministry are inviting brothers and sisters at HWC to participate in missions to help the community through: (1) Monetary and supplies donations, (2) Christmas Carols. For more information, please see the link below (in Chinese): https://drive.google.com/file/d/1TgRtAQQiauEdMWjYLnqGSg7lali2Pv-c/view?usp=sharing
Mission News
Praise the Lord. Rev. Janet Tam's work visa extension is approved. Pray for her travels as she will visit her family in Australia at the end of the year.
Pray for the Smile Lanka ministry in Sri Lanka, in particular for their financials needs of the school, and the dedication and patience of the teachers, and that the children attending the school can be taught to love the Lord from a young age and not depart from His ways.
Pray for S&C in their tough situation, who have just moved to a smaller office. Pray for the other 10 co-workers, and that S&C will have the wisdom to shepherd them.
H&P are staying in NZ currently. Pray that God will lead them through their application of work visa.
Remember James and Jessica’s ministry in Tanzania. Pray for their health and peace as they travel a lot to shepherd the church members.
Prayer Items for the Week
Pray that brothers and sisters can live out the church motto this year - "Renew our lives, become His disciples."
The church has decided not to gather physically before alert Level 1. Continue to pray for those who are impacted by the lockdown.
Pray for pastoral recruitment for the Senior Pastor, English Service Pastor and Mandarin Service Pastor.
A new pastor has been hired for the Cantonese service. Please pray for her work visa application. May God give her peace in her wait.
Last Week's Sunday Service Attendance
Service: 53 (English), 141 (Cantonese), 39 (Mandarin)
Prayer meeting: - 34 (Cantonese), 2 (Mandarin)
Next Week's Roster
Chairperson: Jason Chow
Speaker: Rev ET Wong
Singspiration: Herman Y, Charlie M, Kinson L, Sharon C, Johnny P, Justin L, Lillian W