好幾年前牧養教會有寫過類似的筆記。透過文字向弟兄姐妹們表達心聲和傳達消息,這是好的無比的事。希望藉著一點點的文字,能帶給大家一些的勉勵,讓大家對教會的情況更有參與感。

        While shepherding churches a few years ago, I remember writing similar ‘Pastor’s Notes’. Through this writing, I believe it is a wonderful way to express my heart and message to you.  With a few words, I hope to bring some encouragement, so that everyone will be more involved in our church happenings.While shepherding churches a few years ago, I remember writing similar ‘Pastor’s Notes’. Through this writing, I believe it is a wonderful way to express my heart and message to you.  With a few words, I hope to bring some encouragement, so that everyone will be more involved in our church happenings.

        感謝主帶領我們進入2016的下半年和夏天的炎熱。這是一年裡活動最多和最頻密的時刻。除了個別家庭有出外旅遊或回國探親外,教會事工忙得很呢。我們常說教會不大,但神並沒有因此給我們少一點工作。最近這兩個星期教會的事工服事動態接二連三的出現一些新局面和變化。在此,給大家分享並請你為教會代禱。

        We thank the Lord for bringing us into the latter half of the year 2016 as well as the hot summer days. This is the time of the year with the most activities all happening in the same timeframe. Aside from individual families traveling or visiting loved ones back home, there are many ministries in church to keep us all busy. We often say, though our church is not huge, but God didn’t give us less work to do. These past two weeks, there were many changes in the serving arena. I will share this news with you so you can pray for these changes.

        首先,是我們一直關心遲遲未尋到青少年和英文事工的牧者。然而我們感謝神興起好幾位弟兄姐妹一起配搭和同工。如今,教會執事會委派有負擔並願意服事的達世弟兄出來當過度時期英文青少年事工的主任(Interim director)。希望藉此可以凝聚事奉的力量,並且減輕現時同工們的重擔。

        First of all, we are still praying for a Youth/English Ministry Pastor. We are thankful that God raised up many brothers and sisters who are working together to help. Recently, the deacon’s board has delegated a willing and loving brother, Mr. Da-Shi Su, to be the Interim Director of the youth ministry. Through this new role, we pray that we can combine the power of serving as well as reduce the workload of the current coworkers in this ministry.

        長執們對教會中文部的主日學也加以跟進。牧師將帶領擬定一套較完善主日學課程系統。從慕道班,初信徒,門徒訓練直到高年級班都能有效的被建造和訓練。希望這個系統能提供大家按部就班的成長。也能幫助老師們更有效的的準備課程。

        The deacons are also working hard to improve the Chinese Sunday school courses. The pastor will be leading a systematic, complete Sunday school series. From seekers, new believers, discipleship training to higher level courses, everyone will be built up and thoroughly equipped in God’s words. We pray that this will help everyone grow spiritually, and help teachers prepare for courses more effectively.

        有人說牧師的工作是最複雜煩躁,而神興起長老來分擔這個挑戰。所以,身為牧者的都希望神興起和呼召資深的信徒來擔當這個重任。感謝主,自從牧者支援團隊開始,神就把這個感動放在我們當中的幾位,而一心朝向這個目標。所以我開始以導師方式發掘和預備合乎聖經的長老人選。希望明年年底按立長老。請大家為此積極的禱告。

        Some people say, a pastor’s job is the most complicated and difficult, hence God raised up elders to shoulder the challenge. All pastors hope that God would call upon mature believers to take on this important role. Praise the Lord that since the pastoral support team was formed, God touched the hearts of some of us toward this goal. As a guide/teacher, I will be discovering and preparing those who fit the biblical description of this important position, the Elders.  I hope that at the end of next year, we will be able to appoint Elders. Please pray earnestly for this.

        神不但在這裡展開祂福音的工作,更托付我們這小小的教會去參與普世宣教的大使命。我們今年短宣計劃11月到愛爾蘭的都柏林參與向當地華人餐飲業人士傳福音的工作。歡迎已經受洗而對宣教有興趣的弟兄姐妹來參與。除此之外,教會宣教委員會和執事會通過支持陸尊恩傳道成為我們宣教的夥伴,向來美讀書90後的中國留學生傳福音。

        Not only did God expand the work of His gospel here, but also calls us forth to participate in the Great Commission of mission work. This year our short term mission will be in Dublin, Ireland in November sharing the gospel to Chinese food service workers. We welcome baptized brothers and sisters interested in mission work to participate. In addition, the church mission committee and deacon board voted to support Minister Tsun-En Lu to be our partner in missionary work to share the gospel with 90 Chinese students studying abroad here.

        是的,神的工作做不完。然而,鼓勵大家:『所以,我亲爱的弟兄们,你们务要坚固,不可摇动,常常竭力多做主工;因为知道,你们的劳苦在主里面不是徒然的。』(林前15:58)

        Yes, God’s work is never-ending, yet I encourage everyone with these words, “Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” (1 Corinthians 15:58)