English Ministry

Rev. Andrew Tibbs

I continue to thank God for all He has been doing in and through NSCAC over the past year, and over the past 35 years. I am also thankful for, and humbled by, the privilege to serve as the English Pastor over the past 7 years.

It has been said that you can summarise the New Testament in two words: “Come” and “Stay”.

“Come” is the call for those not yet in a personal relationship with God – the only way to be right with God is to come to Jesus. He opened the way to God through His perfect obedience (both in His life and in His death on the cross). We come to Jesus because we cannot make ourselves right with God by our own efforts, morality or general goodness.

“Stay” is the call for those who have already come to Jesus – we are only able to bear the fruit of discipleship if we remain in Jesus (John 15:4). This call to stay is about remaining as part of the Body of Christ – people can “stay” in Jesus even when they leave NSCAC, as all disciples are citizens of the one kingdom of King Jesus.

If I may be so bold, I would like to add a third word; “Grow” – this actually ties in closely to “Stay”, but is worth emphasising. The evidence that an individual’s “stay” is genuine is that they will “grow” (that is, they will bear the fruit of discipleship from John 15, which Paul calls “the obedience of faith” in Romans). This growth occurs over time, and can be at different rates for each individual.

Across all areas of the English Ministry, our overarching goal in everything we do is to see people “come”, “stay” and “grow”. MES has been looking at this as we have been going through Paul’s letter to the Romans – looking at what it means to glorify God by being a united missionary church, humbled together under grace. NSY, the English-language Growth Groups, and our Ladies’ group and Men’s Ministry are also striving to be places for people to “come”, “stay” and “grow”. And our English Ministry Committee has formed a “Vine Project” team to prayerfully evaluate how effectively we are moving people further in the process of discipleship (called “learning Jesus” in the Vine Project), so that we can continue to make adjustments and improvements in how we achieve this.

I continue to thank God for the opportunity to grow and develop as a pastor – I expect this learning process to continue for the remainder of my life and ministry. I am thankful that God is also continuing to work in the lives of the individuals in the English Ministry, and that people want to grow in their relationship with God, and to serve others in various ways.

I am thankful that people have been returning to attending MES in-person over the past 12 months. Another highlight was the MES Camp held in Collaroy last October (alongside the Mandarin Camp).

God has been gracious in bring Eric to join us as Youth Pastor in 2023 – I am enjoying working alongside him. The entire pastoral team has adjusted smoothly to the new dynamic.

I want to thank everyone that has volunteered to serve over the past twelve months, across all areas of ministry. The English Ministry (and the church) is unable to grow effectively without people generously giving of their time and energy to serve others within the church. To avoid the possibility of leaving out anyone, I will mention the areas of service here (in alphabetical order, as there is no favouritism):

  • EM Cell/Growth Group leaders
  • EM Committee/Vine Project team
  • EM Ladies group team
  • EM Men’s Ministry team
  • LIFT leaders
  • MES Bible readers
  • MES bulletin team
  • MES Camp team
  • MES Committee
  • MES IT/AV/Livestream team
  • MES Music team
  • MES Outreach planning team
  • MES Service leaders
  • MES Welcoming team/ushers
  • NSY leaders

I also want to thank those who have served “behind the scenes”, either in a voluntary capacity, or to support those on the front line.

As we enter our 36th year as NSCAC, I continue to be excited by what God plans to do in the English Ministry. I continue to echo Paul’s prayer for the Philippian church (as recorded in Philippians 1:9-11) for each individual in the English Ministry, and each individual in NSCAC:  

And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, 10 so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, 11 filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.

In Him

Rev Andrew Tibbs

国语事工 Mandarin Ministry

Ps. Brock Li 李新宁传道

回顾和展望

持续近三年的COVID-19疫情,使国语事工面对前所未有的挑战,也带来了全新的机遇。随着疫情的逐步缓解,国语堂于今年初开始停止了网络崇拜,并完全恢复了实体崇拜聚会。自去年4月3日国语堂搬至Boronia Grove Community Centre崇拜开始,国语事工虽然面对场地预订、设备搬运、影音设置等诸多的不便,但感谢神的恩典和引领、教会牧长和其它堂会弟兄姊妹们的理解、支持和配合,国语事工正进入深入社区、传扬福音、造就信徒的新阶段,崇拜人数稳步上升。随着去年七月份起国语堂「清晨颂歌」、「清晨甘露」等各项新事工的陆续开展;主日讲台的教导,以及探访的深入进行,鼓励弟兄姊妹们更多地回到实体崇拜,渴慕追求神的话语,并学习同心合意,搭配服事,在属灵上不断更新成长。去年九月初的「回家·团圆」中秋晚会的顺利举行,更激励弟兄姊妹们同心合意,为主作工,活出见证。去年十月初举行的「·回家」生活营,有多达八十五人报名参加,成为弟兄姊妹经历旷日持久疫情隔离之后,难得的主内欢聚团聚、属灵奋兴的时刻,也成为慕道的亲友们认识福音、见证主爱的机会。去年十二月中旬的樱桃采摘之旅,今年一月底的「福杯满溢新春晚会」,以及今年六月中旬的浓情端午,爱在北宣等外展活动,结合中国的传统佳节,以多种多样的活动形式,吸引亲友前来参加,传扬福音,分享主爱。

       感谢主的恩典和带领,国语堂于今年7月16日正式搬至Roselea Public School 主日崇拜,弟兄姊妹们彼此关顾,搭配服事,使得新场地的崇拜和事工得以顺利进行。展望未来,求主亲自施恩带领国语堂的各项事工,行走在祂的旨意中;求主赐下智慧、能力和勇气,带领国语堂的弟兄姊妹生命成长、不负使命、传扬基督,成为Epping和Carlingford社区的金灯台,以及周边国语同胞的祝福。

以下是国语事工过去一年的总结:

主日崇拜 自去年十月份举行的「爱·回家」生活营以来,国语堂通过信息宣讲,查经团契,鼓励弟兄回到神的殿中进行实体崇拜。虽然期间面对疫情的反扑,但弟兄姊妹以信心仰望神,并坚持参加实体崇拜,崇拜聚会人数稳步上升。此外,还通过「清晨颂歌」,「清晨甘露」等事工开展,鼓励弟兄姊妹渴慕神的话语,学习委身服事。从今天1月1日开始,停止了网络直播崇拜,也鼓励更多弟兄姊妹参加实体崇拜。此外,中秋、圣诞、春节及端午的各项外展活动,也吸引了不少慕道朋友参加崇拜。感谢主的恩典,现在,平均参与国语崇拜的人数大约维持在60人左右。

在讲道方面,为配合教会今年主题:「存基督心˙爱邻如己」,国语堂分别以「雅各书」和「约翰壹贰叁书」作为讲道和小组查经的内容,从而加深弟兄姊妹对这些书卷的认识和应用,帮助弟兄姊妹学习活出有行为的信心,彼此相爱,生命更新成长!

小组团契

   感谢主的恩典,随着人数的增加,今年国语堂先后两次对团契小组进行划分重组,增加了三个团契小组,形成了马太小组(夫妻),约翰小组(夫妻)、以斯贴小组(姊妹)、雅各小组(长者)、安德烈小组(职青)、彼得小组(弟兄)六个团契小组。随着疫情的缓解,小组团契聚会逐步开始进入网络与实体结合的模式。

    今年小组查经的内容都是以讲道系列的「雅各书」及「约翰壹贰叁」为中心(弟兄小组查考《歌罗西书》)。现在,小组出席人数平均为:7-9人(雅各小组)、6-8人(马太小组)、12-13(约翰小组)、8-10(以斯帖小组)、4-5人(安德烈小组)和5-7(彼得小组)。

    此外,为了帮助小组领袖的生命成长,并提高他们带领小组的能力,国语堂于今年9/06-10/06特邀梁明生牧师前来,举行了《小组长培训》,共有26人参加,大家对于小组事工及带领,有了新的认识和了解。之后,将定期进行跟进的小组长灵修、培训和分享。

祷告会

    自疫情以来,国语堂在主日晚上7:30开展网上祷告会。感谢神的感动和带领,越来越多的弟兄姊妹愿意踊跃参加。每次祷告会,弟兄姊妹都会一同为神的恩典(感恩事项)献上感恩,为彼此的身体和心灵需要(神的子民),为教会和教会所支持的宣教士(神的教会),为世界和未得之民(神的国度)祷告。弟兄姊妹们在祷告中,彼此守望、彼此鼓励、彼此扶持;现在,参与祷告会的人数平均大约有21人左右。

探访关顾

    自去年六月份开始,国语堂成立由专人负责的迎新关顾小组,负责跟进新人的关顾探访,以及国语堂现有的弟兄姊妹的探访,透过分享交流,了解关心新朋友及弟兄姊妹们生活和属灵上的需要,加深彼此认识,主内建立美好关系,分享经历神的爱,并鼓励他们面对疫情挑战,坚守信仰,活出生命见证。此外,近期国语堂还计划成立专门的探访小组,对于面临身心软弱、家庭困境等方面的弟兄姊妹进行探访关顾。感谢主的带领和弟兄姊妹们的配合,至今,已经探访了超过90%的弟兄姊妹,鼓励了更多的弟兄姊妹参加实体崇拜、小组团契,开展信仰思考,以及清晨灵修。

新事工开展

   自去年七月份以来,国语堂开展了一系列新的事工活动,不但充分利用Boronia Grove Community Centre及Roselea Public School早上的时段,也鼓励弟兄姊妹在积极参与的过程中,增加对教会和国语堂群体的认同感,凝聚力和主内的彼此关顾,彼此相爱。到目前为止,国语堂开设了以下新的事工:

事工名称时间频度
清晨颂歌主日早上9:30am-10:30am7月3日起,每月第二及第四主日(平均约20人参加)目前已成立《清晨颂歌》诗班
初信栽培周五早上 10:30am-11:30am7月15日起。 现在已转为每主日早上9:30am-10:30am.
信仰探寻主日早上9:30am-10:30am7月31日起逢月第五个主日,现已合并到《初信栽培》中。
羽你童行主日下午 03:00pm-05:00pm每月第一和第三个主日下午
感恩分享主日下午12:30pm-01:30pm7月31日起逢第五个主日下午 (平均 25人参加)
清晨甘露周四早上8:00am-9:00am8月25日起每周四.(基于《传道书》及《罗马书》灵修分享(平均20人参加)
门徒培训周二晚上8pm zoom进行,为期一年今年2月初开始。八位学员参加,八位代祷伙伴。课程已经进展到第三学期。

福音外展事工

    去年五月底,国语堂举办了疫情后第一次爱宴,近五十人参加,其中有不少慕道的朋友,不但使弟兄姊妹在主内有美好团契,更给予新来的慕道朋友,参与其中,加深彼此认识,宣传基督福音。为此,同工会决定,每月第一个主日后举行爱宴欢聚,弟兄姊妹及亲友品尝主内“爱的温暖,家的味道”。

    去年9月3日晚举行的「回家·团圆」实体中秋晚会,吸引了约90位弟兄姊妹及亲友参加,晚会上别开生面的节目、福音信息分享、温馨丰盛的爱宴以及灯谜竞猜和月饼分享,使大家不但一同在浓郁欢乐的气氛中,庆祝传统中秋佳节,更使所有来宾感受到了在主爱中家庭般的温馨,和谐和团圆,给他们留下了美好深刻的印象。去年10月15日国语堂有超过20位弟兄姊妹参加Eastwood「青苹果节」,我们配合华澳浸信会展爱堂,举行了街头派发福音单张活动,弟兄姊妹学习街头布道,与人分享福音。之后12月17日的「樱桃采摘之旅」,虽然路途较远,但旅途中丰富多彩的节目,在给大家带来欢声笑语之余,也悄然播下福音的种子,使大家乘兴而去,满载而归!

    今年1月28日国语堂的首届「福杯满溢新春晚会」吸引了一百多人参加,不但一同包饺子、贴春联,也在喜乐颂赞的歌声中,在福音信息分享里,带给大家新春的喜庆,蒙福的思考。之后的爱宴欢聚则把活动推向高潮,使前来参加的慕道朋友,感受到在主里浓浓的爱意,满满的祝福。3月25日的「主恩相伴Ÿ健康同行」郊游健步活动,超过30位弟兄姊妹及亲友参加6月18日和7月2日的「手机摄影知识系列讲座」特邀专家讲授,帮助弟兄姊妹及亲友学习摄影知识;6月17日的「浓情端午Ÿ爱在北宣」端午节包粽子活动,吸引了三十多位弟兄姊妹及亲友参加,共完成了166个枧水及咸肉粽,并于第二天主日(6月18日)向所有参加崇拜的人员派发,不但让大家感受到浓浓的节日气氛,也感受到来自上帝的爱!

       此外,国语堂的弟兄姊妹还积极参加两个月一次的Dubbo短宣事工,以及Maitland乡村短宣事工,激励弟兄姊妹肩负福音使命,踏上短宣之路。

新崇拜场地    

自去年底开始,由于崇拜人数的增加,目前崇拜场地的容量所限、场地预订的不确定性,停车的困难,以及儿童看顾的场地需要,经过祷告,国语堂同工会决定成立专门的崇拜场地寻找“寻殿之旅”小组。并于今年二月份向周边学校、教会发出租用场地咨询的邮件12封,但均遭拒绝。之后在三月底发出第二批邮件22封,并于四月收到Roselea Public School的积极回应,经过反复共同协调,最终于29/05与校方签署协议,并经教会长议会通过,于7月16日国语堂正式搬至该学校崇拜。感谢神的恩典和带领,使国语堂拥有足够容量的礼堂崇拜,以及两间教室进行儿童看顾事工,并有充足的停车位。也感恩弟兄姊妹在主里的同心合意,搭配服事,求主继续施恩带领国语堂,在这个社区传扬福音,荣耀主名。

多加姊妹團 Dorcas Women’s Fellowship

Mei Mak   麥陳秀美姊妹

感謝神的帶領和保守,讓多加姊妹團蒙神眷顧30年了!

團契今年的主題仍沿用上年度的「悅主活人生」團歌有兩首:「神的愛使我們相聚」和「我們愛因為神先愛」

週會內容主要有: 查經、 手工、專題講座、 戶外郊遊和靈修進深等。查經方面, 今年繼續選用葉福成牧師和師母合著的「給她讚賞」。 藉著聖經中婦女們的經歷, 加深我們更認識神的愛和看顧,學習她們的信心、勇氣和順服。

今年三月慶祝30週年記念那天,我們邀請了周師母和 Sponsa姊妹, 一起分享團契過去的點滴; 並有蔡牧師給我們的勉勵。看見神在過往的日子大大地祝福我們, 教導我們在主裏成長, 姊妹們彼此有美好的相交, 實在感恩。

四月份的專題講座: 「何去何從」,我們邀請了Ivan Wong 弟兄介紹了政府資助的各種長者護理服務,讓我們對政府提供的各種護理服務有所認識。

願主繼續帶領多加團契各位姊妹, 把生命建立在以信仰實踐為目標的方向上, 學習彼此牧養及互動, 以致我們能夠展現神在我們生命中的作為, 榮耀主名!

保羅團 Paul Fellowship

Joe Chan 陳祖華弟兄

今年團契金句是: 愛神的,  也當愛弟兄,  這是我們從神所受的命令 約翰壹書4:21今年主題是: 愛神更深,  愛人更真.  可惜因為新冠病情肆弱了差不多三年, 去年11 月崇拜才開始回復實體,  聚會慢慢復常, 但情況仍不穏定.  感謝主現在病毒轉弱,  又有葯苗可以控制,  慢慢市面開始復常, 我們的生活也可以轉為正常, 不再需要自我隔離.     

          在七月份團契的大組活動, 題目是: 北宣35週年,  大家知多少?  我們都是在不同時段加入北宣,  所知有限,  但現在回望歷史,  不得不讚美神的恩典和奇妙的帶領,  又多謝團契職員們在大會提出有趣的歷史問題,  提高了大家興趣,  又帶出了前任周牧師的帶領和引導我們會眾, 札根於聖言,  活出敬虔,  遵行使命,  齊心差傳,  最後關牧師帶出保羅契的前景,  勉勵我們不要叫別人輕看我們的年歲,  不要停止聚會, 以免自困愁城,  應該按自己興趣生活,  多與人分享神的恩典和福音.  最後讓我預告下次大組會議,  是在於11月11, 主題是(忙、忘、惘),  我們邀請蔡牧師來分享,  可算是蔡牧師的第一次和團契的交流,  有興趣的歡迎參加,  屆時留意保羅團的公報.

差傳部 Mission Task Force

Elder Wayne Ng 吳劍榮長老

北宣秉承宣道會的傳統,持續參與差傳,在過往的一年,我們除了支持總會的宣教士,並透過北宣成立的差傳基金,支持了二個家庭、-對夫婦和三位姊妹的宣教事工。感謝神,感動弟兄姊妹在金錢上忠心奉獻,可是,每月的差關祈禱會,近年出席人數顯著下降,求神復興我們禱告的心,更期望神在我們教會中,興起工人全時間投身宣教。

過去一年教會的差傳事工簡報如下:

  • 今年一月至二月,籌集奉獻作支持宣教士Y&G,在宣教工場,協助物理治療課程畢業學生成立一間復康診所,預算籌集 $750。感謝天父的供應,共籌得$2,637,超過我們所想所求。奉獻足夠支付所有開設診所的費用,當地的學生更主動錄製短片,感謝教會的支持。最重要的是,讓他們感受到基督徒的愛心,願這診所在當地社區,成為神福音和恩典的印記。
  • 四月三十日,韋潔心(Jessie) 姊妹 Wycliffe差遣禮。Jessie全時間服侍神,在華人教會推動差傳宣教, 並在各教會推動及領帶Wycliffe的差傳項目,使信徒能夠明白聖經翻譯和普世宣教的重要性。
  • 六月中,Y&G一家人,離開工作十年的宣教工場,返回澳洲,並於7月9日在北宣作工場回歸分享,他們現正到澳洲不同的教會述職分享。他們將會繼續在OM服侍,參與神學生的培訓和推動宣教,求神祝福他們前面的事奉。
  • Dubbo 短宣,逢單月第四個星期六出發,每次出隊為期三天,有五至八位不等的弟兄姊妹參與。我們探訪住在城鄉的華人,所到的鄉鎮包括Lithgow、Kandos 、 Dubbo及Coonabarabran。感謝神,從探訪的對象,看到聖靈在工作,祂使人心軟化,悔改相信神。同樣也經歷到,曾經信主的人,離開真道否定從前所信的。使我們親身體會到撒種比喻的真實。
  • 各團契認領宣教士為宣教伙伴跟往年度一樣,他們是:
  • 迦勒團 (Caleb)~M & L
  • 約書亞團 (Joshua)~Alice Dang
  • 路加團 (Luke)~D & E
  • 雅歌團 (Song of Songs)~E & C
  • 約翰團 (John)~E & C
  • 保羅团 (Paul)~Y & G
  • 婦女團 (Dorcas)~Susanna Tse
  • 國語堂團契~Jessie Wei
  • 差關祈禱會(每月第四個星期五晚上舉行)。
  • 崇拜中為宣教士代禱 (每月第四個主日在粵語早堂和午堂中祈禱)。
  • 差傳事工委員會成員為關文卓牧師丶張國偉長老丶張幹元執事、吳劍榮長老及柯美奕長老;而本年度2023差傳年會備委員會成員包括關文卓牧師丶吳劍榮長老、杜昳漓執事 、廖嘉盛弟兄、鄧璧儀姊妹、Christy Or 和Matthew Lo。
  • 差傳年會將於十月九日至十五日舉行,講員為澳洲總會的Susanna Tse宣教士,她在泰國宣教長達十年,忠心服侍當地各階層的人。
  • 明年度(2023-2024)敎會差傳信心認獻預算為:
    • 總會大使命基金:$60,000
    • 北宣差傳基金 : $60,000 (另$21,665由北宣差傳儲備撥出)
    • 兩項合計:$120,000。

Pastor’s Encouragement

Rev. Andrew Choy

As society slowly emerges from the pandemic, people are gradually returning to their previous social and lifestyle patterns. Many brothers and sisters in the church have also started to come back to church and participate in physical Sunday worship services and various gatherings. However, challenges still exist. Apart from learning to coexist with COVID-19, different types of flu and viruses have caused many people to fall ill, and the recovery time is relatively long. Secondly, having become accustomed to online meetings, work, and learning, many people find it difficult to immediately return to the previous entirely physical way of life. After all, habits have changed, and reshaping them takes time. Furthermore, for those who haven’t traveled abroad for an extended period during the pandemic, the past year has been an opportunity to travel and visit relatives, as if trying to make up for lost opportunities. 

Therefore, there are certain difficulties and constraints in the development of church ministries and even in the arrangements for regular gatherings. Despite the challenges, the faithfulness and provision of God are evident, and we are grateful for that. God has protected and led North Side in the past 35 years, becoming a shining light in the northwest area of Sydney. To celebrate reaching this milestone, the 35th-anniversary celebration committee has organized some special activities and gatherings this year. 

Below is a brief review of the past year, an overview of the pastoral and leadership team, and some special ministries and gatherings established or held in North Side. 

Leadership Teams 

From last year’s ministry report, we have seen God leading Pastor Brock Li to serve at North Side, bringing a new vibe to the Mandarin congregation. Over the past year, God led myself to join this spiritual family in early January. Later, Pastor Eric Lai was appointed in February as the youth pastor of the church. Additionally, by God’s grace, Cantonese pastor Hiram Lau was ordained in June. Furthermore, God brought two student pastors to serve in the Mandarin and Cantonese congregations, respectively. 

In the past year, the pastoral team had opportunities to attend various training seminars and meetings organized by the denomination, including Professional Development Days at the end of March and July, as well as a four-day annual Pastors’ Retreat at the end of August. In addition to the weekly co-worker meetings, in mid-July, the pastoral team spent a day in prayer, reflection, and planning for future ministry. The pastoral team is also planning to further discuss the direction and focus of the ministry for the next year around October. 

We thank the Lord for leading the boards of elders and deacons to have faithfully served in their respective roles, cooperating with each other. In July, two deacons’ training sessions (one in Chinese and one in English) were conducted to provide training for current deacons and lay leaders, enhancing the effectiveness of the deacon team in their roles. Furthermore, elders’ training has been planned in late September to provide training for current elders and leaders with potential to become elders. 

Other Ministries 

Thanks to the Lord’s provision, the Mandarin congregation, after months of prayer, waiting, and preparation, transitioned to holding Sunday worship services at Roselea Public School in mid-July. God’s provision exceeded our expectations as the school premises not only provided a larger hall but also two small classrooms for other purposes, all at a more affordable cost. 

With both English and Mandarin congregations gradually starting to hold their prayer meetings, the previous Wednesday night church prayer meeting has transitioned into a Cantonese congregation prayer meeting. Recognizing this, the pastoral team held the first combined church prayer meeting in mid-July, which had a positive response; and we hope to have regular combined prayer meetings in the future. 

Considering the unique nature of a multilingual church, the gradual return to regular physical attendance after the pandemic, and the decision by the C&MA Australia to amend its constitution early this year, the board of elders (BoE) established a Church Structure & Development Think Tank this year. This Think Tank will research and analyze aspects of church development, special ministries, leadership training, and amendments to the church bylaws, providing recommendations to the BoE. Additionally, the BoE has decided to hold a church-wide camp in April 2025 and has already begun preparations. 

In the past year, the church collaborated with various organizations to hold events. At the end of April, a commissioning service was held for sister Jessie Wei, who has been sent to serve with Wycliffe Bible Translators in Australia, mobilizing missions and building church connections. In late July, the church partnered with Grace Melodia to host a gospel music concert to reach out to Hong Kong immigrants and returnees. Additionally, the church collaborated with the Chinese Theological College of Australia to conduct a theology seminar on Christianity and cultural customs. 

Regarding other church ministries, please read the remaining report with gratitude, recognizing God’s meticulous provision and care.

主任牧師的勉勵

蔡沛良牧師

隨着社會慢慢走出疫情,人們逐漸恢復從前的社交及生活模式,教會不少的弟兄姊妹,亦開始陸續回到教會,參加實體的主日崇拜及各類聚會。然而,挑戰還是有的,除了要學習與新冠病毒共存之外,不同類型的流感及病毒令多人病倒,而且痊癒的時間相對也較長。其次,習慣了網上聚會、工作及學習的模式,令很多人一時之間,很難回到以往全是實體的方式;畢竟習慣轉變了,要重新塑造的話,是需要時間的。再者,疫情中長時間沒有外遊的人,過往一年儘量抽時間出外旅遊及探親,像要追回以往失去的機會一樣。

因此,對教會事工的發展,甚至連一般恆常聚會的安排而言,也有一定程度的難度和掣肘。雖然有著困難,但神的信實和供應卻清晰可見,我們為此而感恩。神在過往35年,一直保守及帶領北宣,成為雪梨西北區的明燈;為慶祝達致這個里程碑,35週年堂慶籌備小組在本年籌辦一些特別活動和聚會。

以下簡單回顧過往一年,教牧及長執團隊的概況,並在北宣成立或舉行的一些特別事工及聚會。

教牧長執團隊

從上一年的事工報告,我們已看到神帶領李新寧傳道來到北宣事奉,為國語堂添一種新氣象。過往一年,神帶領小僕於一月初,正式加入這個屬靈大家庭;然後再安排賴頌恆傳道於二月加入團隊,成為教會的青少年牧者。另外,蒙神恩待,粵語牧者劉海林於六月受按立成為牧師。除此之外,神帶領兩位實習神學生來到,分別在國語堂及粵語堂學習事奉。

牧者團隊於過往一年,有機會出席由總會舉辦的各類培訓講座及聚會,分別為三月底及七月底的牧者培訓日,還有八月底為期四天的年度牧者退修會。另外,除了每週一次的同工會,教牧團還於七月中,花一天的時間,一起禱告、反省,並為未來的事工作計劃及準備。教牧團還計劃於十月左右,再進一步商討下一年的事工方向及重點。

感謝主帶領長執會,同工們都忠心於自己的崗位上,彼此配搭事奉。在七月,辦了兩次的執事訓練(一次中文,另一次英文),為現任執事及信徒領袖,提供培訓,好使執事團隊更有效在其崗位上事奉。另外,長老訓練亦已落實在九月下旬舉行,為現任長老及有資格擔任長老的領袖們,提供訓練。

教會其他事工

感謝主的預備,國語堂經過多月來的禱告、等候及籌備,於七月中轉到Roselea Public School舉行主日崇拜。神的供應,確實是超過我們所求所想的,小學的校舍除了提供一個較大的禮堂,還有兩個小班房,可作其他用途;而且,租金還更便宜。

隨著英語堂及國語堂均設有禱告會,以往每週三晚上的教會禱告會,改變為以粵語會衆為主的禱告會。有見及此,教牧團在七月中舉辦了首次教會合堂禱告會,反應不錯,期望以後能定期有合堂的禱告會。

顧及到教會兩文三語的獨特之處、疫後逐步復常而崇拜人數日漸增多,以及澳洲宣道會於年初修改章則的決定,長老議會於本年成立一個教會架構和發展智庫 (Church Structure & Development Think Tank),為教會發展空間、一些特別事工、領袖培訓及教會附則的修改等,進行研究及分析,再向長老議會提供意見。另外,長老議會亦已決定,將於2025年四月舉行全教會生活營,現已開始籌備工作。

教會在過往一年與不同機構合辦聚會。於四月底,舉行了Jessie韋潔心姊妹的差遣禮,差派她於澳洲的Wycliffe Bible Translators事奉,作宣教動員與教會聯絡的工作。教會亦與頌恩旋律於七月下旬,合辦福音性音樂會,以接觸香港新移民及回流人士。另外,與澳洲華人教牧神學院,合辦有關信仰與文化習俗的神學講座。

有關教會各堂及各部的事工分享,請大家以感恩的心,細閱餘下的報告,看看神無微不至的供應及看顧。

賴頌恆牧師

英文事工牧者

Eric.Lai@nscac.org.au

賴傳道在香港出生,高中時移民到澳洲;他在一所基督教高中就讀,並於一次青年團契福音活動中決志歸向基督。在開始全職牧會之前,他為一名土木工程師。

賴傳道畢業於紐省浸會神學院 (Morling College),獲得道學碩士和文學 (神學) 碩士學位。此外,他還在神學文憑課程中完成了一篇神學研究論文。賴傳道於2023年2月加入北宣,主要負責英語青少年的門徒訓練和事工發展。

賴傳道與他的大學同學Ruth結婚,他們育有兩個孩子,並很喜歡與孩子們在一起。當賴傳道有空閒時,他喜歡一邊喝杯好咖啡、一邊閱讀。

李新寧牧師

國語事工牧者

Brock.Li@nscac.org.au

李牧師在中國江西贛南,一個景色宜人,被稱為「文香詩國」的客家居住地長大。李牧師在資訊科技界工作多年後,於2005年舉家移民到雪梨。

2015年被神感動,李牧師開始部分時間神學裝備;再於2021年被神呼召,決定全時間事奉神。同年,他從澳洲華人教牧神學院獲得道學碩士學位。李牧師於2022年6月開始在北宣的華語事工中事奉。

李牧師與Mabel師母育有一位正在上大學的兒子。李牧師喜愛音樂、文學、旅行、運動和美食 (以及烹飪)。他最喜歡的經文是「喜樂的心乃是良藥,憂傷的靈使骨枯乾。」(箴言17:22)