25 December 2017
Welcome to
ST ANDREW’S
Thanks for coming along to church today. At St Andrew’s, we want to welcome everyone; Christian believers, those seeking faith, skeptics, all who are looking for a spiritual home in Hong Kong. At each Sunday service we seek to learn more about the truths of God from the Bible, and encourage one another in our faith in Jesus. If you’re new, come along to the red welcome table in the north entrance foyer after the service. We’d love to be able to meet you, welcome you personally, and answer any of your questions.
THE GIFT YOU CAN GIVE Perhaps you’ve already opened your Christmas gifts today. Isn’t it interesting that at Christmas we get gifts on someone else’s birthday? After all, amidst the holidays, food, and festivities of Christmas, it’s Jesus’ birthday we’re celebrating. Have you ever thought about what Jesus might want for his birthday this Christmas? Matthew’s Gospel tells us about the Magi (or wise men) who brought gifts to Jesus after he was born. These gifts tell us something about who Jesus is and what he came to do: gold was the gift of kings; frankincense was used by priests in temple worship; and myrrh is used for embalming – telling us something about Jesus’ death. Giving gifts wasn’t the only thing these Magi did. Matthew tells us they bowed down and worshipped Jesus. Ultimately, worshipping is ascribing to something or someone supreme worth. People worship all sorts of things as of supreme worth: career, looks, wealth, reputation, achievement, or a particular relationship – anything that if you had it, you would say to yourself, ‘Now I’m happy. Now, I’m secure.’ The Magi worshipped Jesus because they believed he was of supreme worth. So they gladly gave not just their gifts to him, but also their hearts. Perhaps the gift that you could give Jesus this Christmas is to say to him from your heart, ‘I’m so happy you came into the world to rescue me. Jesus, I see that you are most worthy of my worship and I want you to be King of my life. You are more precious than anything I have.’ Megan and I, the clergy, staff and Council want to wish you a blessed and joyful Christmas, as we remember and give thanks for Jesus, born to be our Saviour and King. Yours in Christ, Rev. Alex McCoy Vicar
Upcoming
Enquiries or Sign-ups? Please go to the North Lobby or church website
7-28 JAN 2018 ST ANDREW’S PARTNERSHIP St Andrew’s Partnership Course is held to introduce you to the church and what it means to be a true disciple of Jesus. It is a course also for those who are new to St Andrew’s and is the Gateway to our Growth Groups. It’s a 4 week course and a great way to meet new people and get involved. 1/F Hall, Christian Centre
Sunday, 2:30 - 4:00pm
Free Registration: Church website www.standrews.org.hk/st-andrews-partnership Registration deadline: 3 January 2018 Enquiries: please contact Carrie (carrie@standrews.org.hk)
9 JAN-27 FEB 2018 CHRISTIANITY EXPLORED This is an informal course for anyone who wants to explore what life is all about, what the essential message of Christianity is and why it matters. It gives you time and space to ask plenty of questions or just simply listen. The course goes for 7 sessions, plus a daylong retreat. Tuesday, 7:30 - 9:30pm
1/F Hall, Christian Centre
Registration: www.standrews.org.hk/christianity-explored Enquiries: explore@standrews.org.hk
14, 21 & 28 JAN 2018 otLIVE - WALK THRU THE BIBLE ot LIVE is a fun and interactive way to learn the content of the Old Testament in a few hours. Come and join us for this enjoyable and exiting adventure! 11:30am -1:00pm
G/F Lounge, Christian Centre
HK$100/per person with refreshments (3 weeks) Sign up: www.standrews.org.hk/otlive
18, 20-21 JAN 2018 PARENTS, YOUTH & CHILDREN TRAINING TnT conference has something for everyone! Are you a parent, youth or children’s worker? Parents, rather than feeling tired or inadequate come and learn how to parent with purpose. Youth and Children’s Workers, rather than feeling disheartened or wanting to throw in the towel, come learn how to teach the Bible to children and teenagers that will keep them coming back for more! For more information go to the church website www.standrews.org.hk/tnt-conference
NEW LADIES GROWTH GROUP We are planning to start a new ladies growth group in the New Year, at 9:30-11:30 on Tuesday mornings at St Andrew’s, led by Narelle Hadfield. Email grow@standrews.org.hk if you are interested.
GOLD COAST GROWTH GROUP
The growth group that meets at the Gold Coast on Thursday evenings has had some people move away and is looking for more members. If you live in the area, it could be the perfect group for you to join. Email alistair@standrews.org.hk if you are interested.
Bible Reading Isaiah 9:1-7 1
Nevertheless, there will be no more gloom for those who were in distress. In the past he humbled the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the future he will honour Galilee of the nations, by the Way of the Sea, beyond the Jordan – 2
3
5
6
7
4
The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned. You have enlarged the nation and increased their joy; they rejoice before you as people rejoice at the harvest, as warriors rejoice when dividing the plunder. For as in the day of Midian’s defeat, you have shattered the yoke that burdens them, the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor. Every warrior’s boot used in battle and every garment rolled in blood will be destined for burning, will be fuel for the fire. For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and for ever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this.
Notes
To bring light into darkness - Isaiah 9:1-7
Next Sermon The Hidden Hand of God: Esther - The Hiddeness of God - Esther 2:1-11,17-23
Are you interested to find out more about... CHRISTIANITY
explore@standrews.org.hk
ST ANDREW’S CHURCH
info@standrews.org.hk
JOINING A BIBLE STUDY GROUP
grow@standrews.org.hk
Contact NEWCOMERS
ENQUIRIES
NEED PRAYER?
welcome@standrews.org.hk
info@standrews.org.hk
prayer@standrews.org.hk
CHILDREN’S MINISTRY
MIGRANT WORKERS MINISTRY
PASTORAL CARE
children@standrews.org.hk
home4u@standrews.org.hk
pastoral@standrews.org.hk
YOUTH MINISTRY
MEN’S MINISTRY
VOLUNTEER
youth@standrews.org.hk
men@standrews.org.hk
volunteer@standrews.org.hk
GROWTH GROUPS
WOMEN’S MINISTRY
PUTONGHUA MINISTRY
grow@standrews.org.hk
women@standrews.org.hk
pthministry@standrews.org.hk
Sunday
Clergy
ST ANDREW’S CHURCH BUILDING
Alex McCOY, Vicar Ian HADFIELD, Associate Minister Sok Han YONG, Associate Minister Alistair GIBBS, Associate Minister Darren POLLOCK, Associate Minister
(Weekly Communion) 8:30am Early Morning Lord’s Supper 11:30am Putonghua Lord’s Supper LIFE CENTRE - AUDITORIUM (Lord’s Supper 2nd & 4th Sundays) 9:30am Mid Morning Church 11:30am Late Morning Church 5:00pm Evening Church
Directors Juliana WONG, Community Relations Director Carol STRYDOM, Children’s Ministry Director Ryan RUDOLPH, Youth Ministry Director Evan BROWN, Creative Ministry Director
FACEBOOK You can also find us on social media.
facebook.com/standrewkln
www.standrews.org.hk 2367 1478 / info@standrews.org.hk 138 Nathan Road, Tsimshatsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong