Chairperson: Nixon Fong
Speaker: ET Wong
Singspiration: Timothy Yeung
Committee on Duty: Vincent Chan
Proclamation
Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth,
burst into jubilant song with music;
make music to the Lord with the harp,
with the harp and the sound of singing,
with trumpets and the blast of the ram’s horn—
shout for joy before the Lord, the King.
(Psalm 98: 4 - 6)
Opening Prayer
Singspiration
The Lord’s Prayer
Scripture Reading
John 13:34-35
Sermon
The Legacy We Build Together
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.
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 to Friday, 3rd January 2025 at One Tree Hill College, Penrose, Auckland. Anyone is welcome to join the evening meetings at 7:00pm at Equip Conference and no registration is required. For more information, please visit the official website: https://www.equipconference.org.nz.
Mission Department: The M4 account of the church has received enough funds to support the missionaries, and all amounts have been remitted to their respective mission agencies. May God strengthen the faith and commitment of the givers to achieve this year's M4 faith pledge goal.
The newly appointed Cantonese pastor of our church, Rev. Manuel Lam, will arrive in Auckland in mid-January and officially take office on January 21. Rev. Lam's inauguration ceremony is scheduled to be held during the Cantonese service on February 16. We earnestly ask everyone to pray for Rev. Lam and his family to adapt to the new environment and new life, and may the Lord grant them peace and grace.
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 and New Cantonese Pastor Appointment: Pray for wisdom and guidance in recruiting a senior pastor and for a smooth transition for Rev. Lam.
Thanksgiving for Christmas Outreach: Thank God for the success of the Christmas outreach event and for the hearts touched.
Peace Amid Global Conflicts: Pray for peace and resolution in global conflicts, and for the protection and comfort of those affected.
Last Week's Sunday Service Attendance (22 December 2024)
| English | Cantonese (East) | Cantonese (North Shore) | Mandarin | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sunday Service | 42 | 156 | 41 | 53 |
| Prayer Meeting | 18 | 6 | 4 | 8 |
| Children Sunday School | 21 | -- | 7 | 25 |
Next Week's Roster (5 January 2025)
Chairperson: Jason Chow
Speaker: Herman Yeung
Singspiration: Rebecca Ho
Committee on Duty: Sally Che