Lunar New Year Sunday Service

Feb 22 , 2026

Praise the Lord for His goodness ! From the moment we entered Hope Oasis, the atmosphere was filled with joy and festive warmth. Red banners with blessings decorated the walls as brothers and sisters exchanged New Year greetings and prepared their hearts for worship.

During the Refreshing Moment, Pastor Gavin shared from Psalm 103:1–2, reminding us that David spoke to his own soul, calling himself to bless the Lord from the heart, not merely with words. We were encouraged to come before God fully present in spirit, mind, emotions and actions. Isaiah 29:13 tells us that outward honour means little if the heart is distant. When we worship sincerely and serve one another wholeheartedly, God’s blessings anchor deeply in our lives.

Brothers and sisters then entered a joyful time of praise and worship. Chairman brother Wai Hong welcomed everyone with festive blessings, and sister Elaine led the congregation in worship that lifted our hearts toward God.

Following Holy Communion in unity, sister Peri and brother Andrew led a lively Chinese New Year game that filled the room with joy. Group representatives anchored their spring blessings and fish‑shaped couplets using the game tool. This highlighted that the anchor points to the cross and God’s unchanging promise, echoing Matthew 4:19 that when lives are anchored in Christ, blessings overflow like fish gathered into a net.

Then sister Sammie from the Gentleness Group testified how God provided faithful teammates during the Thailand mission last year. It was her second trip, and she thanked God for the unity and support throughout the journey. On the final day, a logistical oversight left ten members squeezing into a nine‑seater van while visiting three schools. Although the team had planned carefully, the disruption made Sammy feel responsible. She reflected on her limitations but was moved by her teammates’ patience and understanding, recognising how God places people beside us to strengthen and uphold one another. She concluded with Isaiah 6:7–8, giving thanks for God’s forgiveness and the teammates He provides in every mission.

During the sermon, Pastor Gavin guided us into the message of Anchoring Blessings drawn from Psalm 103:1–5, teaching that blessings are not lifted lightly but anchored firmly in God. He began by reflecting on how people often express hopes for blessings and prosperity through Lunar New Year family dish, scripture reveals a deeper truth. David’s call “Bless the LORD, O my soul” urges believers toward sincere worship from the heart. The word “bless” carries the sense of kneeling and submitting before God, positioning our hearts rightly. My soul refers to the whole person including thoughts, emotions, will and actions, and God desires worship that flows from within.

He reminded us to remember God’s goodness intentionally, since forgetting in scripture means neglecting His works. He outlined the five blessings in the passage: God forgives iniquities, heals diseases, redeems from destruction, crowns His people with lovingkindness and mercy, and satisfies with good things so that strength is renewed like the eagle’s. He encouraged everyone to begin each day speaking to our soul, “Bless the LORD”, allowing His blessings to anchor deeply and shape a steady posture of worship.

After the service, the congregation continued the celebration with Chinese New Year snacks and joyful fellowship. We shared a special moment honouring Pastor Gavin’s 60th birthday. The celebration included a birthday song, cake cutting, group photos, blessings from each fellowship group, and party snacks. The room was filled with gratitude and warm appreciation as we celebrated God’s grace over Pastor Gavin and our church family.

Praise the Lord for the memorable gathering ! May we anchor our lives in His abundant blessings by faithfully following Jesus !