2023.11.04/05

From the Pastor’s Desk: Rev. Collins Kung

Brothers and sisters, how long have you been with RCAC? Do you know RCAC’s mission statement? If you check our website online, you will find “Our Vision” in the “About Us” column. RCAC vision statement is: “To be a missional community of God, growing toward healthy relationships and deepening our spiritual life in Christ through worship.”

RCAC is an organic, living community that is constantly updating, changing, and growing. During weekly worship, we have newcomers visiting us. Some visitors are transit tourists, but more visitors come to settle down and are looking for the church as their spiritual home. There are also visitors who come to us because they participate in the ministries organized by our church, such as Praise Dance, Alpha course, etc., or accept invitations from our brothers and sisters. The church’s Newcomers Party is designed for this group of newcomers. On the evening of last Sunday, October 29, we just held our third Newcomers Party this year, with more than 60 newcomers in attendance.

As the name of the Newcomers Party suggests, newcomers are our protagonists and our guests. Before and after worship, we have the opportunity to meet the newcomers, but due to time constraints, we are not able to talk in detail. The Newcomers Party is a suitable time and setting for newcomers to get to know RCAC and for us to meet them in a relaxed and joyful atmosphere.

Praise the Lord, under the arrangement of the pastors, elders, deacons and co-workers of the Caring Department, newcomers could have a fun night. The following is my personal experience as a pastor.

  • We conducted the event in Mandarin and Cantonese. Before the meal, the co-workers led a game to guess the price of an item. Whoever guessed the closest price would receive that item as a gift. This game helped us break the ice. After the meal, the co-workers continued to lead us to play games in groups. Through games, everyone worked together and mingled.
  • Although the food on the table is simple, it is surprising. It is not only delicious, but also large in portion, enough for two meals. As a pastor, being able to dine with newcomers brought us closer together. They no longer know me as a pastor on the pulpit, but as a brother in daily life.
  • One of the special features of the RCAC Newcomers Party is that our professional dance instructor, Elder Peter Wong, led us to dance his own piece – Rooster Dance. It is easy to learn, lively and has a strong sense of rhythm. It is suitable for all ages.
  • After dinner, our co-workers led us into singspiration to praise the Lord. One of the hymns moved me even more, which was the Clay Music hymn “Live Out Love”. One of the verses said: “The love of Jesus inspires me and opens up my life. Let yourself be the blessing to others. The love of Jesus ignites me and the flame of love is sparkling in my heart. Let us live out love to the world together.” This is the RCAC vision. We live out love through the Newcomers Party, share the love of Jesus, and become a blessing to others. All people sang enthusiastically.
  • When talking with newcomers, I often ask them a question: “How did you come to our church?” Some answered that we were introduced by friends. From their words, I know people’s impression of RCAC is a church with good reputation. There are also newcomers who were invited because they participated in our Praise Dance. Some of these newcomers expressed their interest in joining our adult Bible Study classes, and I was happy to introduce the classes to them. There was also a group of students from UBC and some new immigrant families attended with the whole family.
  • Brothers and sisters from RCAC also participated in the Newcomers Party. They acted as drivers to give rides to the newcomers, including the group of students from UBC, so that we could get to know each other.

Finally, I give glory and praise to our Heavenly Father. Praise the Lord for being able to serve together with a group of brothers and sisters who live out love. Let newcomers blend with RCAC.

Your servant in Christ,
Rev. Collins Kung