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Farewell to 2022 and welcome 2023, passing the baton and stepping down

Written by Editor1

2022.12.24/25

From the Pastor’s Desk:Rev. Simon Lee

Dear brothers and sisters of RCAC,

First of all, merry Christmas to you all! May the new year 2023 brings you God’s blessings, good health and spiritual growth!

2022 has been a roller-coaster year. We have gone through three years of Covid and even after 4 vaccinations I could not be spared catching COVID. This year for me, apart from facing challenges in ministry, in the first half of the year I was rear-ended, my car was totalled, and I suffered a whiplash injury to my neck for months. Then in November after a successful short-term mission to Malaysia, I was infected with severe UTI (urinary tract infection) in Hong Kong and was hospitalized. But all these events let me experience the unfailing faithfulness of God, His ever-present protection, and His mighty hand in healing at work. For example, I found out I had UTI in a very timely way and after an aggressive course of antibiotics at the hospital I was completely cured in 7 days! I really want to thank many brothers and sisters for your fervent prayers for me and Lydia. Praise the Lord for his grace and mercy!

From the Church’s perspective, in 2022, we faced a lot of challenges, but even in the third year of Covid, we had over 30 brothers and sisters (including many individuals privately) got baptized.  All 5 worship services, children ministries and fellowships have resumed in-person gatherings and activities weekly. The Chinese adult Bible classes and the Cantonese prayer meetings continued strong online. The mandarin worship was moved to Saturday morning at 9 am, meeting in the sanctuary with a steady attendance of over 80 people weekly. Rev. Mark Liu and the mandarin congregation has also launched a gospel outreach to Tsawwassen. The AYAYA congregation continues to reach out to newcomers from Hongkong and the weekly attendance has grown rapidly to as high as 200 people. Evangelism and mission efforts continue. This year we have two pastors ordained, namely, our mandarin pastor, Rev. Mark Liu and our AYAYA pastor, Rev. Francis Chan. Congratulations! For all these things God has done for RCAC, we need to give thanks to Him! May all the glory be given to God and God alone!

I pray 2023 will be a year of renewal for RCAC. The theme for the church has been set as “Deeper life, broader vision.” Let’s pray that we will stay united as a church which is comprised of people of 2 written languages and 3 spoken languages, so that people can see we are the disciples of Jesus Christ. The Board has appointed Rev. Collins Kung as the Administrator, and he has taken the baton to lead the pastoral team and coworkers moving forward in building the Church. We pray that our brothers and sisters at RCAC will give your full support to Pastor Collins. Let us also pray that we will find the next Senior Pastor soon. May the gospel spread speedily, the Church grows positively, and the Kingdom of God continue to expand, so the name of God is lifted high!

After a decade of ministry, I believe I have completed my calling to serve at RCAC. Instead of saying “retiring” I like to say I am stepping down as I also believe a pastor never stop being a pastor in serving others.  It is true that the work is never completely done, but by stepping down, I hope that the next mature pastor will come to take the Church to new heights. Here I like to thank my pastoral team members and coworkers for their strong support, making my work more effective. At the same time, I want to apologise to those I have failed to serve because of my limitations, I beg for your forgiveness. As this is my last article, may I urge you to remember each other in the Lord. Good-bye (God be with you)!

Moving forward, may I present these words to you for our mutual encouragement:

“8 This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. 9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” (Josh 1:8,9)  

Your servant in Christ
Pastor Simon

教牧心聲

送舊迎新、交棒退任

Written by Editor1

 2022.12.24/25

親愛列宣家的弟兄姊妹：

首先恭祝大家聖誕快樂，新年蒙恩，身體健康，靈命長進！

2022年可說是像坐過山車的一年，我們都捱過Covid大流行的第三年，連牧師也不能免疫而「中招」。牧師個人在面對事奉挑戰之餘，又在上半年遇上車禍傷了頸項，十一月馬來西亞短宣回途上在港患上嚴重的尿道炎…。但這些經歷卻讓牧師更經歷神的不變的信實、處處的保守和大能的醫治，就如神讓牧師及早發現尿道炎，又讓牧師迅速在醫院得到特效抗生素的治療，在七日內完全康復！謝謝眾多弟兄姊妹為我和師母代禱。感謝主的恩典與憐憫！

從教會整體來說，在2022年Covid大流行第三年這年間，教會有不少的挑戰，但竟然有超過30位弟兄姊妹(包括個別人)受洗加入教會。崇拜、兒童事工與團契亦陸續開放重回實體聚會。中文部的主日學與教會禱告會仍在線上舉行。國語崇拜改時到星期六早上九點並移師到大堂，崇拜人數維持在八十人以上，同時又展開Tsawwassen的福音工作。AYAYA崇拜不斷努力服侍由香港來的新朋友而增長到近二佰人。佈道與宣教的工作亦不斷展開。今年有兩位同工按牧，先有國語部的劉展權牧師，再有AYAYA的陳榮基牧師！這一切都是值得教會感恩的事！願一切榮耀歸主!

我深信2023年將會是教會更新的一年。教會全年的主題已定為「進深靈命、擴闊視野」。盼望教會在兩文三語的實況下能合一，讓世人看出我們是主耶穌的門徒。教會長議會已委任龔敏光牧師為行政主任，接棒帶領教牧團隊與同工，繼續努力建立教會。盼望弟兄姊妹同心支持龔牧師。更請為找到下一任主任牧師並早日履新代禱。願福音快速廣傳、教會積極成長，神的國度不斷擴展、令主名被高舉！

我喜歡說我將於年底「退任」，結束了神託付我在列宣十載主任牧師牧養的使命，因我相信服侍神的人該是「退而不休」。雖然不能說「功成身退」因為要作的事還多，但願我的退下給成熟的下一任能後浪推前浪，把教會帶到更高之處。在此衷心多謝每一位同工和弟兄姊妹十年來給我大力的支持，使我能事半功倍。但同時因著我能力所限沒有親自關心眾多肢體，我在此衷心致歉求恕。這是我最後的「教牧心聲」。願在主內繼續彼此記念！再見！

願將這寶貴的金句送給列宣家互勉：「8 這律法書不可離開你的口，要晝夜默誦，好使你謹守遵行書中所記的一切；這樣，你的道路就必順利，你必一路亨通。9 我不是吩咐過你要堅強勇敢嗎？ 所以，你不要懼怕，也不要驚慌；因為你無論到哪裡去，耶和華你的神必與你同在。」(約書亞記1:8,9)

主僕
李耀全牧師

教牧心聲

家訊(2022.12.24/25)

Written by Editor1

家事報告：

  1. 歡迎您與我們一起敬拜神！若閣下第一次參加本堂崇拜，請向司事索取「來賓咭」，填妥後交回司事員，以便本會繼續與您聯絡。
  2. 粵語祈禱會：12月27日週二祈禱會將移師與年終感恩見證祈禱會一併於12月31日(週六)8:00pm於Zoom平台進行。鼓勵弟兄姊妹預留時間出席，一同見證神的保守與祝福。年終感恩見證祈禱會登入Zoom平台 ID: 826 3973 5415，密碼: 996631。
  3. 奉獻不單是會眾作管家的責任，更是信徒的福氣，因施比受更為有福。年終感恩奉獻可以隨時透過信用咭支付 (Tithe.ly) 或銀行轉賬e-transfer (收款電子郵箱“treasurer@rcac.ca”) ；或直接投入教會奉獻箱。
  4. 【Tsawwassen 國語事工】感謝神，事工從今年七月份開始查經班，陸續有住在當地的華人加入。事工開始嘗試每週日早上十點在Tsawwassen Alliance Church舉行國語崇拜。事工需要大量事奉人員，如果有感動加入事奉，請與辦公室或劉牧師聯繫。謝謝。
  5. 【讚美操】今期讚美操已於12月16日結束。新一期將由2023年1月13日起，逢週五早上10時至11時，在教會體育館實體及網上Zoom平台同步進行，歡迎任何年齡及男女參加。
  6. 國語事工與恩雨之聲合辦【王祖藍“百變人生”佈道會】將於2023年1月7日下午2:30在本會禮堂舉行。佈道會以國語進行，期盼這次聚會能夠讓未信主的朋友聽聞福音。歡迎大家邀請新朋友參與這一次的佈道會。謝謝。
  7. 【歡送李耀全牧師晚會】現改期至2023 年 1 月 29 日下午6 時舉行，地點不變為幸運海鮮酒樓。任何查詢請與關懷部黃華興長老聯絡whatsapp 604-537-6101 。假若你已購票但不能出席，請將餐劵退回本會，我們將全數於下一週退回給你。如已購十人團票但有人退出，請另覓沒有購票新人代替，並將新名單交給黃華興長老。如需要協助重新組合十人一枱或其他需求，請直接與黃華興長老聯絡。所有退款及購票，請於崇拜後大堂辨理，2022 年 12 月31日截止。多謝大家合作！
  8. 招募義工－ 教會需要人手協助剷雪及灑鹽，特別在週末崇拜時段。參與服侍請聯絡各堂崇拜教牧。國崇：劉展權牧師，週六粵崇：周力行牧師，AYAYA：陳榮基傳道，英崇：張志成牧師，主日粵崇：龔敏光牧師。如遇嚴重積雪，本會會聘請專業剷雪公司清除積雪。
  9. 【成人教育部2023年第一季(1-3月)成人聖經課程(粵語)】繼續於ZOOM網上平台教授，上課時間上午9:00-10:00，以方便弟兄姊妹上課後能參加實體崇拜或參與崇拜事奉。網上報名連結http://bit.ly/3O0Kemf，請大家踴躍參加。報名截止日期為12月25日。
  10. 【週六粵崇愛宴】定於12月31日崇拜後下午1時於本會體育館舉行，參加者請在大堂登記以便訂餐，餐費每位8元。12月24日截止登記。
  11. 【AYAYA 週六青崇】本週崇拜將移師與平安夜崇拜「耶穌是世界的光」7:30PM 一併進行，歡迎所有弟兄姊妹參加，與我們一同敬拜上帝！
  12. 歡迎及接納李擁軍(Peter)弟兄及梁錦源(Henry) 加入本會為會友。
  13. 辦公室消息：
  • 12月26及27日聖誕節假期，辦公室休息兩天。
  • 1月2日元旦假期，辦公室休息一天。

肢體及牧者消息與代禱：

  1. 二零二二年十二月三十一及二零二三年一月一日崇拜講員：周力行牧師(週六國語、週六及主日粵語)、陳榮基牧師(週六青崇)、張志成牧師(主日英語)。
  2. 身體不適肢體：李慕慈、鄧陳有、劉黃玉蓮、葉周煥萍、高唐瑞英、陳張惠姬、關廣。每週二粵語祈禱會我們將更具體為他們代禱。

宣教/機構消息:

  1. 【第60屆加拿大華人基督徒冬令會】於12月27-31日假列治文Sheraton Vancouver Airport Hotel 舉行。大會主題：童心同行、全燃為主；約翰福音17:20-23。報名及詳情，請登入www.cccwc.ca/registration。

週六國語、週六及主日粵語
講員：李耀全牧師
經文：馬太福音1:18-23
講題：耶穌，超過萬名之上的名：耶穌基督，神的兒子，救主   

  1. 在祂的名字預告 救恩(舊約)

1.1.    賽9:6, 7 (大衛聖約)
奇妙的策士[Wonderful Counselor]
全能的神 [El gibbor]
永恆的父 [Father of eternity]
和平的君 [Prince of shalom]

1.2. 賽7:14 (主誕生700年前)
“以馬內利”

  1. 在祂的名字應許 救恩(聖誕)

2.1. 太1:1: 耶穌基督
2.2. 太1:21: 耶穌…
2.3. 太1:23: 以馬內利“神與我們同在”

  1. 在祂的名字宣告 救恩(教會)

腓2:5-11 (初期教會最早的一首以基督為中心的詩歌，可分成三節)
[在主內作僕人謙卑順服的心]

  1. 基督耶穌降世前 (主的謙卑)
  2. 基督耶穌道成肉身－倒空Kenosis (主的順服)
  3. 主被升高：復活、升天、得榮耀 (神得榮耀)

「魚」(ΙΧΘΥΣ ) 的標記是出自希臘文首字母拼音詞 (Gk acronym):
希臘文 ΙΧΘΥΣ = 魚“fish” (ixthus).

講題預告:

2023年1-4月主題：進深靈命、擴闊視野

  • 12.31          (青崇)  每天早晨都是新的  (哀3:32-33)
  • 12.31/1.01  (國/粵崇拜) 耶穌：道成為肉身 (約1:1-18)
  • 1.07/08       (聖餐) 耶穌與尼哥德慕 (約3:1-21)
  • 1.14/15       耶穌與撒瑪利亞婦人 (約4:1-26)
  • 1.21/22       耶穌與祂的神蹟 (約6:1-16)
  • 1.28/29      (國/粵崇拜) 蒙福途徑 (申11:10-28)
  • 2.04/05      (聖餐) 耶穌與淫婦，祂是世界真光 (約8:1-20)
  • 2.11/12      好牧人耶穌與群羊 (約10:1-18, 25-30)
  • 2.18/19      耶穌與馬太、馬利亞及拉撒路 (約11:1-44)
  • 2.25/26      (預苦期1st 週) 耶穌之凱旋進京 (約12:9-19)

教會行事年曆

    • 12.24        平安夜崇拜
    • 12.27-31  第60屆加拿大華人基督徒冬令會
    • 12.31        年終感恩見證祈禱會(網上進行)
    • 2023年
    • 1.07          復活節浸禮開始申請
    • 1.07          國語事工佈道會
    • 1.07/08     成人教育部第一季聖經課程
    • 1.14/15     長執就職典禮
    • 1.15          長議會會議#1
    • 1.21          國語事工慶祝農曆新年
    • 1.22          農曆大年初一
家訊

Jesus is Light of the World

Written by Editor1

December 17/18, 2022

From the Pastor’s Desk :Rev. Mark Liu

Hello, brothers and sisters. Merry Christmas. Wishing you all have a joyful Christmas Holiday.  This year, may we also take the opportunity to bring “Jesus is the Light of the world”, this important message, to your family, neighbors and colleagues.

This year’s Christmas Eve Service is special. Because the event will not only happen at RCAC but also at Tsawwassen.  The theme of this year’s Christmas Eve Service is “Jesus is the Light of the World.” (Chinese congregation) Whether in Richmond or Tsawwassen, we aim to remind our brothers and sisters that “Jesus is the Light of the World” through hymns, scriptures meditation and candles. The Great Commission given by our Lord Jesus Christ is to bring this important message to every corner of the world.

In John 8:12 (ESV)

12Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

Jesus said He is the Light of the World. The presence of light is important. We don’t like the dark, we may even be afraid of the dark. In this verse, Jesus tells us that He is the Light, not any light but the Light, and that in Him there is no darkness. That’s a declaration. In His life we see no darkness, only light. When we look for things, we cannot find them in the dark. We need light. In other words, through the life of Jesus, we find the true meaning of life. We have been searching, and it turns out that the true meaning of life is obtained through Him.

So what does the light of life represent? This meaning is very broad and far-reaching. One of them is that when we are willing to accept the Lord Jesus and follow Him, then we are new creations, the old things have gone, and everything has become new. We are not in the dark. When we live out the salvation, we become light, helping others to know Christ. We are like a signpost pointing to Jesus Christ.

When we think of light, we know that light needs to be gathered in order to become bright. This is why our faith is not to be alone, but to unite with brothers and sisters. This year’s Christmas Eve Service will remind everyone of this important point. Together we bring the light of Jesus out. We need to look for different opportunities to share the Gospel. RCAC hosts many different events for the purpose.  We aim to organize different events to meet friends.  We also have a ministry in Tsawwassen, and we will also hold an Evangelistic Meeting by Jo-Lam Wong on Jan 7 next year. All these are using practical ways to reach to people that Jesus is the Light of the World. All these activities require your support. I hope that you can connect with your pastors and actively participate in various activities.

May God bless you all, may God bless RCAC!

His servant,
Rev. Mark Liu

教牧心聲

耶穌是世界的光

Written by Editor1

2022.12.17/18

弟兄姊妹大家好。聖誕快樂。祝願大家有一個充滿喜樂的聖誕佳節。並期盼大家把耶穌的光分享給自己的家人，鄰舍和同事。

今年的平安夜聚會是特別的。因為今年的平安夜聚會，除了在列宣家舉行之外，也會在Tsawwassen舉行。而今年的主題是耶穌是世界的光。無論是在列治文或者是Tsawwassen，我們期盼透過詩歌，經文和點燃燭光來提醒弟兄姊妹，耶穌是世界的光。我們被賦予使命，把耶穌是世界的光這個重要的訊息傳揚出去。

在約翰福音8:12 耶穌又對眾人說：“我是世界的光，跟從我的，必定不在黑暗裡走，卻要得著生命的光。”

耶穌說祂是世界的光。光的出現是重要的。我們不喜歡黑暗，我們更可能會害怕黑暗。在這一節經文裡，耶穌告訴我們祂就是光，在祂的裡面沒有黑暗。那就是一種宣言。在祂的生命中，我們不會看到黑暗，只有光。我們尋找東西，在黑暗裡一定找不到，需要有光。也就是說，透過耶穌的生命，我們找到了人生的真義。我們一直在尋找，原來生命的真義就是透過祂的生命而獲得。

那生命的光是代表什麼意思呢？這個意思非常廣，而且深遠。其中一個就是，當我們願意接受主耶穌，並跟從祂，那我們就是新造的人，舊事已經過去，一切都變成新的了。我們不在黑暗中。當我們活出這一份的救恩的生命的時候，我們就成為了光，幫助其他人也能夠認識基督。我們就像是一個路標指著耶穌基督。

當我們想到光的時候，就知道光需要聚集起來，才能夠變成明亮。這個就是為什麼我們的信仰不是單打獨鬥，而是要和弟兄姊妹聯合在一起。今年的平安夜聚會將會提醒大家這個重點。我們聯合起來，把耶穌的光帶出去。我們需要尋找不同的機會，把福音帶出去。列宣家舉辦很多不同的活動來接觸新朋友。我們也在Tsawwassen 有事工，也會在明年1月7日舉行【王祖藍“百變人生”佈道會】。凡此種種就是要把耶穌是世界的光這個訊息，用實際的行動展現出來。這些活動都需要你的支持。我盼望你能夠與教牧同工聯繫，積極參與各項活動，讓列宣家成為一個永不磨滅的燈台。

願神祝福大家，願神祝福列宣家。

主僕，
劉展權牧師

教牧心聲

家訊(2022.12.17/18)

Written by Editor1

家事報告：

  1. 歡迎您與我們一起敬拜神！若閣下第一次參加本堂崇拜，請向司事索取「來賓咭」，填妥後交回司事員，以便本會繼續與您聯絡。
  2. 粵語祈禱會：逢週二8-9pm 在Zoom平台進行。Zoom ID及密碼將電郵給長執及團契再轉發給各會眾，12月20日為英語青少年事工部及兒童事工部祈禱。
  3. 12月27日週二祈禱會將移師與年終感恩見證祈禱會一併於12月31日(週六)8:00pm於Zoom平台進行。鼓勵弟兄姊妹預留時間出席，一同見證神的保守與祝福。Zoom ID及密碼將透過電郵發給長執及團契再轉發給各會眾。
  4. 奉獻不單是會眾作管家的責任，更是信徒的福氣，因施比受更為有福。年終感恩奉獻可以隨時透過信用咭支付 (Tithe.ly) 或銀行轉賬e-transfer (收款電子郵箱“treasurer@rcac.ca”) ；或直接投入教會奉獻箱。
  5. 【Tsawwassen 國語事工】感謝神，事工從今年七月份開始查經班，陸續有住在當地的華人加入。事工決定在12.24 下午3:30在Tsawwassen Alliance Church（TAC）舉行平安夜崇拜。並會從明年1月1日開始嘗試每週日早上十點在TAC舉行國語崇拜。事工需要大量事奉人員，如果有感動加入事奉，請與辦公室或劉牧師聯繫。謝謝。
  6. 【讚美操】今期讚美操已於12月16日結束。新一期將由2023年1月13日起，逢週五早上10時至11時，在教會體育館實體及網上Zoom平台同步進行，歡迎任何年齡及男女參加。
  7. 國語事工與恩雨之聲合辦【王祖藍“百變人生”佈道會】將於2023年1月7日下午2:30在本會禮堂舉行。佈道會以國語進行，期盼這次聚會能夠讓未信主的朋友聽聞福音。歡迎大家邀請新朋友參與這一次的佈道會。謝謝。
  8. 【歡送李耀全牧師晚會】現改期至2023 年 1 月 29 日下午6 時舉行，地點不變為幸運海鮮酒樓。任何查詢請與關懷部黃華興長老聯絡whatsapp 604-537-6101 。假若你已購票但不能出席，請將餐劵退回本會，我們將全數於下一週退回給你。如已購十人團票但有人退出，請另覓沒有購票新人代替，並將新名單交給黃華興長老。如需要協助重新組合十人一枱或其他需求，請直接與黃華興長老聯絡。所有退款及購票，請於祟拜後大堂辨理，2022 年 12 月31日截止。多謝大家合作！
  9. 【聖誕平安夜崇拜】英語崇拜：下午3:30；中文崇拜「耶穌是世界的光」：晚上7:30實體及網上同步進行。出席中文實體崇拜需預先登記tinyurl.com/rcac-christmaseve，網上崇拜Zoom ID將透過電郵登出，誠邀大家預留時間出席。
  10. 招募義工－ 教會需要人手協助剷雪及灑鹽，特別在週末崇拜時段。參與服侍請聯絡各堂崇拜教牧。國崇：劉展權牧師，週六粵崇：周力行牧師，AYAYA：陳榮基傳道，英崇：張志成牧師，主日粵崇：龔敏光牧師。如遇嚴重積雪，本會會聘請專業剷雪公司清除積雪。
  11. 【成人教育部2023年第一季(1-3月)成人聖經課程(粵語)】繼續於ZOOM網上平台教授，上課時間上午9:00-10:00，以方便弟兄姊妹上課後能參加實體崇拜或參與崇拜事奉。網上報名連結http://bit.ly/3O0Kemf，請大家踴躍參加。報名截止日期為12月25日。
  12. 【週六粵崇愛宴】定於12月31日崇拜後下午1時於本會體育館舉行，參加者請在大堂登記以便訂餐，餐費每位8元。12月24日截止登記。
  13. AYAYA 週六青崇7PM 實體崇拜，歡迎所有弟兄姊妹參加，與我們一同敬拜上帝！本週主題：以馬內利：上帝與我們同在。經文：以賽亞書7:14;；約翰福音15:1-12，講員：陳榮基牧師。

肢體及牧者消息與代禱：

  1. 二零二二年十二月二十四及二十五日崇拜講員：李耀全牧師(週六國語、週六及主日粵語、週六青崇AYAYA、主日英語)。
  2. 身體不適肢體：李慕慈、鄧陳有、劉黃玉蓮、葉周煥萍、高唐瑞英、陳張惠姬、關廣。每週二粵語祈禱會我們將更具體為他們代禱。

宣教/機構消息:

  1. 【第60屆加拿大華人基督徒冬令會】於12月27-31日假列治文Sheraton Vancouver Airport Hotel 舉行。大會主題：童心同行、全燃為主；約翰福音17:20-23。報名及詳情，請登入www.cccwc.ca/registration。

週六國語

講員：劉展權牧師
經文：路加福音2:1-20
講題：不一樣的耶誕節

  1. 背景：作為一本歷史書的路加福音
    1.  時間(1-2)
    2. 內容(3-5)
  1. 不一樣的耶誕節(6-7)
  2. 我們的回應

1) 不要怕(8-12)
2) 活出平安(13-14)
3) 聆聽(15-20) 

週六粵語
講員：周力行牧師
經文：彌迦書5:2；馬太福音2:6

講題：大的從小的出來

1. 小地方 (彌5:2a; 太2:6a)

  •  小地方的環境
  • 小地方的象徵

2.  大人物 (彌5:2b; 太2:6b)

  • 大人物的身分
  • 大人物的工作 

主日粵語
講員：龔敏光牧師
經文：路加福音2:8-21

講題：平安何處尋 ？  

  • 令人不安的大氣候
  • 和平之君悄然降生
  • 捉緊耶穌平安之源

講題預告:

2022年10-12月主題：基督是我們的再來之君

  • 12.24/25     聖誕福音崇拜2: 耶穌基督兒子救主          (太1:18-23; 28:18-20)

2023年1-4月主題：進深靈命、擴闊視野

  • 12.31/1.01     耶穌：道成為肉身  (約1:1-18)
  • 1.07/08         (聖餐)  耶穌與尼哥德慕  (約3:1-21)
  • 1.14/15          耶穌與撒瑪利亞婦人 (約4:1-26)
  • 1.21/22          耶穌與祂的神蹟 (約6:1-16)
  • 1.28/29         (國/粵崇拜) 蒙福途徑 (申11:10-28)
  • 2.04/05         (聖餐) 耶穌與淫婦，祂是世界真光 (約8:1-20)
  • 2.11/12          好牧人耶穌與群羊 (約10:1-18, 25-30)

教會行事年曆

  • 12.24                    平安夜崇拜
  • 12.27-31               第60屆加拿大華人基督徒冬令會
  • 12.31                    年終感恩見證祈禱會(網上進行)
  • 2023年
    • 1.07             復活節浸禮開始申請
    • 1.07             國語事工佈道會
    • 1.07/08        成人教育部第一季聖經課程
    • 1.14/15        長執就職典禮
    • 1.15             長議會會議#1
    • 1.21              國語事工慶祝農曆新年
    • 1.22              農曆大年初一
家訊

Our providential God

Written by Editor1

2022.12.10/11

From the Pastor’s Desk: Pastor Francis Chan

Dear brothers and sisters of RCAC,

One evening in December 2009, my family had dinner with Rev. Williams Cheng, an aviation missionary in the USA. On that occasion, the Holy Spirit kept asking me the same question, “What are you doing?” For the next month or so, I continued to listen and respond to the Holy Spirit, whether I was having morning devotion or listening to sermons. Finally, the Holy Spirit reminded me of a Bible verse that had become the beacon of my life since I was 21 years old, exhorting me to realign the priorities of my life. In Matthew 6:33 Jesus taught his disciples, “But seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you.” At that time, I felt I was a decent Christian because in various aspects of life, I had sought God’s will, and participated in the Kingdom’s work. But what I could not do is the word “first” in the Bible verse. Because of my busy workload and my love for my family, God’s business was often put after my work and my family. The Holy Spirit reminded me to obey Jesus’ command to put God first in my life. Since there were no clear indication that I should work towards becoming either a pastor or a missionary, I did not know if this “reminder” was a “call.” In the course of seeking further guidance, my then senior pastor Rev Gordon Siu told me firmly, “Yes! This is a call!” Subsequently in 2012, I left my job, my family, and my friends in HK to come to Regent College in Vancouver with my immediate family of four to study. At first, I was in the Master of Christian Studies program. According to my plan at that time, I would return to the marketplace after equipping myself with theological training, only that I would put my work and my family after God’s business when I return to the marketplace. Totally out of the blue, the Holy Spirit spoke to me again after a year and a half to urge me to become a fulltime pastor in the church. In view of this, I switched to the Master of Divinity program. Due to my old age, my poor memory, and a benign tumor in my pituitary gland that needed to be removed, I spent 6 years to complete the M.Div. program when other people only take 4. As I was supposed to graduate in April 2018, I started to look for a ministry position in Canada in December 2017. I sent over 20 applications to churches all over Canada. Since Hong Kong at that time had become a totally foreign and deeply frustrating place to me, and that my two sons were studying in Vancouver, I really did not want to go back to Hong Kong. I wanted to stay and serve in Canada. The year I was looking for a job in Canada was a low point in my life as most of my applications were without any response. It was only when I was willing to surrender to God’s will – even if I had to return to Hong Kong to serve – that a miracle happened. At that time, the pastor in charge of the Cantonese youth ministry in RCAC resigned under unexpected circumstances. By providence, there was a position in my home church that I could apply for. After two rounds of interviews, I was hired. On November 1, 2018, I joined the pastoral team of RCAC and began to serve fulltime. In the blink of an eye, four full years have elapsed. Again by providence, I will be ordained as a pastor of the C&MA in the AYAYA Youth Worship tonight (December 10). In retrospect, it was the will of God himself. Our Heavenly Father plans… our Lord Jesus Christ leads… our Comforter the Holy Spirit moves… and we, his people, respond. All is grace!

Your servant in Christ,
Pastor Francis Chan

教牧心聲

上帝有鋪排

Written by Editor1

2022.12.10/11

親愛的列宣家弟兄姊妹：

2009年12月的一個晚上，我們一家與從美國回港述職的飛行宣教士鄭偉昌牧師共進晚餐。談話之間，聖靈在我內心不停發出同一個問題：「你喺度做緊乜嘢？」之後一個月，在靈修和聽道的時候，我繼續聆聽、回應聖靈的聲音。最後，聖靈引用一節從我21歲開始，就成為我人生指標的金句，去提醒我重新調教人生的優先次序。主耶穌在馬太福音6:33 訓勉門徒說：「你們要先求他的國和他的義，這些東西都要加給你們了。」。當時，我自覺是個尚算可以的基督徒。因為在生活的不同範疇，我都有尋求上帝旨意，也有參與上帝國度的建立。但我做不到的，就是金句裏面的一個「先」字。由於工作繁忙又熱愛家庭，上帝的事往往都只會放在工作和家庭之後。聖靈提醒我，要遵從主耶穌的吩咐，將天父上帝重新放在我生命中的首位。由於當時沒有明確指示，叫我成為牧者或宣教士，我真的不知道這個提醒，是不是一個「呼召」。在尋求指引的過程中，我當時的主任牧師蕭壽華，就非常堅定的告訴我：「係！呢個係呼召！」就這樣，2012年我離開了香港的工作，離開了親人朋友，一家四口來到溫哥華 RECENT COLLEGE 讀神學。起初報讀基督教研究碩士課程(Master of Christian Studies)，預算有了神學裝備之後，再回職場繼續工作，但會將天父上帝放在工作和家庭之上。誰知道，就讀一年半之後，聖靈再次感動我，要我全時間在教會事奉。有見及此，便改讀道學碩士課程(Master of Divinity)。由於年紀不輕，記性又差，再加上腦下垂體下面生了一個良性腫瘤需要切除，一般用四年時間完成的課程，我用了六年。預計2018 年4 月畢業，2017年12月便開始在加拿大尋找事奉崗位，從西岸一直搜索到東岸。由於當時的香港已經變成一個令我感到陌生而且沮喪的地方，加上兩個兒子仍然在溫哥華讀書，我實在不願意返回香港，我希望在加拿大事奉。在尋找工作的那一年，是我人生中的一個低谷。因為我發出的求職信，都沒有回音。到最後，當我願意在上帝面前降服，就算要我返回香港事奉，我也願意的時候，奇蹟就發生了。當時一位在列宣家負責廣東話青年事工的傳道人，在意想不到的情況下請辭。在上帝的鋪排之下，自己的母會竟然出現一個我可以申請的事奉崗位。在兩輪面試之後，我得到聘用。在2018年11月1日正式加入列宣家的教牧團隊，開始全職事奉。轉眼間，整整四年過去了。再次在上帝的鋪排之下，今天 (12月10日) 晚上，我會在 AYAYA 青年崇拜之中被按立，成為宣道會的牧師。回想起來，一切都是出於上帝的手。天父有鋪排，耶穌有帶領，聖靈有感動，我們有回應。 一切都是恩典！

主僕,
陳榮基傳道

教牧心聲

家訊(2022.12.10/11)

Written by Editor1

家事報告：

  1. 歡迎您與我們一起敬拜神！若閣下第一次參加本堂崇拜，請向司事索取「來賓咭」，填妥後交回司事員，以便本會繼續與您聯絡。
  2. 粵語祈禱會：逢週二8-9pm 在Zoom平台進行。Zoom ID及密碼將電郵給長執及團契再轉發給各會眾，12月13日為婚姻與家庭部祈禱。
  3. 【辦公室時間】由12月12日起，本會冬季辦公室時間為星期一至五上午9時至下午4時，敬希垂注。
  4. 國語事工與恩雨之聲合辦【王祖藍“百變人生”佈道會】。聚會將於2023年1月7日下午2:30在本會禮堂舉行。佈道會以國語進行。期盼這次聚會能夠讓未信主的朋友聽聞福音。歡迎大家邀請新朋友參與這一次的佈道會。謝謝。
  5. 【歡送李耀全牧師晚會】現改期至2023 年 1 月 29 日下午6 點舉行，地點不變為幸運海鮮酒樓。任何查詢請與關懷部黃華興長老聯絡whatsapp 604-537-6101 。假若你已購票但不能出席，請將餐劵退回本會，我們將全數於下一週退回給你。如已購十人團票但有人退出，請另覓沒有購票新人代替，並將新名單交給黃華興長老。如需要協助重新組合十人一枱或其他需求，請直接與黃華興長老聯絡。所有退款及購票，請於祟拜後大堂辨理，2022 年 12 月31日截止。多謝大家合作！
  6. 【聖誕平安夜崇拜】英語崇拜：下午3:30時；中文崇拜「耶穌是世界的光」：晚上7:30實體及網上同步進行。出席中文實體崇拜需預先登記tinyurl.com/rcac-christmaseve，網上崇拜登入資料將稍後透過電郵登出，誠邀大家預留時間出席。
  7. 招募義工－ 教會需要人手協助剷雪及灑鹽，特別在週末崇拜時段。參與服侍請聯絡各堂崇拜教牧。國崇：劉展權牧師，週六粵崇：周力行牧師，AYAYA：陳榮基傳道，英崇：張志成牧師，主日粵崇：龔敏光牧師。如遇嚴重積雪，本會會聘請專業剷雪公司清除積雪。
  8. 【宣道使女事工】今年聖誕宣道使女會一連兩週(12月3/4 及10/11)自家烘焙精美曲奇餅送給支持宣道使女事工的弟兄姊妹們。數量有限，歡迎每一個家庭拿取一盒品嘗。自由奉獻，全數將用於關懷宣教士。假如你沒有拿到這份禮物，我們仍然歡迎你繼續以禱告和奉獻支持事工，衷心感謝！
  9. 【成人教育部2023年第一季(1-3月)成人聖經課程(粵語)】繼續於ZOOM網上平台教授，上課時間上午9:00-10:00，以方便弟兄姊妹上課後能參加實體崇拜或參與崇拜事奉。網上報名連結http://bit.ly/3O0Kemf，請大家踴躍參加。報名截止日期為12月25日。
  10. 【週六粵崇愛宴】定於12月31日崇拜後下午1時於本會體育館舉行，參加者請在大堂登記以便訂餐，餐費每位8元。12月24日截止登記。
  11. 【聖誕的讚美】列宣讚美操將於12月16日星期五上午10:00-11:15 在教會體育館舉行聖誕聯歡。實體及網上Zoom平台同步進行，詳情請參閱列宣網頁，大堂司事檯及辦公室備有活動單張，歡迎索閱並邀請家人朋友參加。Zoom Meeting ID: 853 0515 3506，Passcode: 2233。
  12. AYAYA 週六青崇7PM 實體崇拜，歡迎所有弟兄姊妹參加，與我們一同敬拜上帝！本週主題：牧師：身份、挑戰、使命。經文：彼得前書1:1-2, 6-7; 2:9-12，講員：李耀全牧師。
  13. 週六及主日粵語11:15AM實體崇拜並網上Zoom平台繼續維持同步直播， 與留在家裡的肢體一起敬拜。崇拜Zoom ID及密碼逢週五透過電郵發送給大家。
  14. 每週崇拜週刊，請瀏覽www.rcac.ca查閱有關連結 – 家訊、教牧心聲等。

肢體及牧者消息與代禱：

  1. 二零二二年十二月十七及十八日崇拜講員：劉展權牧師(週六國語)、周力行牧師(週六粵語)、龔敏光牧師(主日粵語)、陳榮基傳道(週六青崇AYAYA)、張志成牧師(主日英語)。
  2. 身體不適肢體：李慕慈、鄧陳有、劉黃玉蓮、葉周煥萍、高唐瑞英、陳張惠姬、關廣。每週二粵語祈禱會我們將更具體為他們代禱。

宣教/機構消息:

  1. 【第60屆加拿大華人基督徒冬令會】於12月27-31日假列治文Sheraton Vancouver Airport Hotel 舉行。大會主題：童心同行、全燃為主；約翰福音17:20-23。報名及詳情，請登入www.cccwc.ca/registration。

週六國語
講員：吳鐵漢弟兄
講題：行在基督得勝的榮光中  

  1. 天上的讚美
  2. 羔羊的婚宴
  3. 基督的榮光

 週六及主日粵語
講員：周力行牧師
講題：審判之王

  • 天上的敬拜與婚宴 (1-10節)
    •  萬王之王，萬主之主 (11-16節)
  • 地上的爭戰與筵席 (17-21節)

講題預告:

2022年10-12月主題：基督是我們的再來之君

  • 12.17(週六)           聖誕福音崇拜1:大的從小的出來   (彌5:2;太2:6 )
  • 12.18(主日)           聖誕福音崇拜1:平安何處尋   (路2:8-21)
  • 12.24/25               聖誕福音崇拜2: 耶穌基督兒子救主  (太1:18-23; 28:18-20)

2023年1-4月主題：進深靈命、擴闊視野

  • 12.31/1.01 耶穌：道成為肉身 (約1:1-18)
  • 1.07/08(聖餐) 耶穌與尼哥德慕 (約3:1-21)
  • 1.14/15 耶穌與撒瑪利亞婦人 (約4:1-26)
  • 1.21/22 耶穌與祂的神蹟 (約6:1-16)
  • 1.28/29 (國/粵崇拜) 蒙福途徑 (申11:8-28)

教會行事年曆

  • 12.10 陳榮基傳道按牧典禮
  • 12.24 平安夜崇拜
  • 12.27-31 第60屆加拿大華人基督徒冬令會
  • 12.31 年終感恩見證祈禱會(網 上進行)

2023年

  • 1.07 復活節浸禮開始申請
  • 1.07/08 成人教育部第一季聖經課程
  • 1.07 國語事工佈道會
  • 1.14/15 長執就職典禮
  • 1.15 長議會會議#1
  • 1.21 國語事工慶祝農曆新年
  • 1.22 農曆大年初一
家訊

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death

Written by Editor1

2022.12.03/04

From the Pastor’s Desk by Rev. Simon Lee, Senior Pastor

Dear brothers and sisters of RCAC,

“The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want… Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” (Ps. 23:1, 4)

I have studied and preach this text countless of times, but never have I experienced the reality of these verses until two weeks ago when I became very seriously ill with Urinal Tract Infection while I was in Hong Kong. I would like to share my personal experience and the great mercy of God on me.

It all happened after our blessed short-term mission in Malaysia, a week of experiencing the power of God in the lives of people there. The trip was to continue the mission left by our dear Rev. Matthew Wong. Nearly two years have passed since our dear Rev. Wong and Stella came back from there and he was later diagnosed as having pancreatic cancer, dying a year after. We, especially Stella Wong, will share the story of our wonderful visit another time. To God be the glory.

On our way back, my wife Lydia and I went to Hong Kong, visiting our Alliance families there, among other things. Then out of the blue we were confronted with the news of the sudden and untimely death of Lydia’s older sister-in-law due to Covid. We were all sadden by the news and stayed longer to attend the funeral. We realized life can be so fleeting, and we must treasure each moment we have with one another.

On the day of attending the cremation, I suddenly felt ill and could not walk steadily, and eventually I took a fall on the street pavement injuring my forehead.  I also started throwing up several times. All our relatives urged me to go to get checked out at the hospital. The MRI which was taken showed no internal brain injury, and I went back to the hotel, which by God’s grace was only several blocks away. I started to have a fever and ended back hospitalized in the afternoon where I was hospitalized. The fall resulted in my being quickly diagnosed as having a serious infection. It was indeed a blessing in disguise.

On the second or third day of my hospitalization, the capable doctor attending to me was quick to diagnosed that I had severe UTI (Urinal Tract Infection) from E-Coli to the extent of serious sepsis. My WBC (White Blood Count) was 10 times higher than normal, and my CRP (C-Reactive Protein) which indicated how sick I was, was over 23 times than normal. To make a long story short, I went through an aggressive course of intravenous antibiotics treatment for a whole week. By God’s grace, the antibiotics worked, and I was released from hospital in the end. Thanks to Lydia who visited me frequently and took good care of me. Thanks be to Christ the healer who had mercy on me. I finally realize how fragile life can be and it is entirely God’s grace that we can live and be healthy!

We were able to find a return ticket even though most flights were full, again it is the grace of God.  We are so happy to be back to walk with you all in our last days at RCAC. Thanks to so many of you who prayed for us during this period of crisis. We have learned to treasure the precious relationships we have, especially our families and friends. I have realized life can be short and therefore I must fully utilize each breath I have to live for God and serve Him even more faithfully in a focused way. I now understand more in a personal way that the Lord indeed is my shepherd, and even though we walk through the darkest times, the Lord is here to provide, to heal and to comfort. Praise the Lord!

Your servant in Christ,
Pastor Simon

教牧心聲