Lunar New Year Celebration

February 22, 2015

Lunar New Year is one auspicious time of year for Chinese.  Today is the fourth day, and all of us dressed the best to come to our family of God.  Everybody greeted each other with blessings of love and great joy.

Brother Jack started with a prayer then greeted all with blessings of love, encouraging us to greet each other too.  The air was filled with joy as Rosa led us to praise and worship God with thanksgiving for the past year.

Sis Katherine testified God’s goodness through all the challenges through these two months, acknowledging clearly that because of submitting to God’s leading, everything was beyond her expectations, family members accepting and growing in Christ with joy, etc.  She stated her statement to God, “Why would I need a shepherd, if I do not follow His leading”, and pledged to God that she wants to follow His leading and authorities He sent.  As she proclaims Psalms 23 everyday with faith, it reaffirmed her of God’s abundant provision in her life.

Pastor preached on Psalms 23:6, titled ‘Dwell in His home and leap with joy’.  This year is the year of the sheep.  Pastor reminded us that we are all God’s sheep, and God is our great shepherd, who has firmly assured us in Psalms 23 that He has provided the best for us that we will never be lacking in Him.  With mercy, he took away our punishment and gave us life and in His goodness, He gave His grace freely to us though we do not deserve.  As long as we trust and believe He is in control and root ourselves in His words, we will live a fruitful life full of energy, joy and excitement.  With a thanksgiving heart, we can overcome all anxieties.  Sister Ivy shared about how God led them through the whole Smile, Care, Love event from bidding to complete.  They just claimed, with a simple heart, everything God prepared for them therefore experienced and witnessed how the church, as one, worked joyfully together to evangelize.  Pastor then complete the message reminding us to be drawn to dwell in His presence to live a vibrant life.  He said a prayer to bless all.

Praise and worship team raised the atmosphere to great joy with Lunar New Year song of blessings then there was the announcements of the different competition, namely Paired Blessings, Hanging Decorations, Individual and Team best dress.  As it was pastor’s birthday, as a church, we presented a cake and took a group photo together.

May we wish you a year of great abundance and health.  Happy New Year!