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.