Reminders of God's Grace - 2009 Annual Review

Top 10 Highlights of 2009 @ The English Ministry

Here is a quick review of the ten most memorable events of 2009. There were so many to choose from but hopefully this short list will help us recognise God’s marvellous grace and mercy shown us in Jesus, leading us to respond with thanksgiving, prayer and witness of the gospel.

1. Colossians + The Just Jesus Rap
   We kicked off the year studying Colossians which reminded believers the importance of remaining in Christ. "So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness." (Colossians 2:6-7).
   Many of us will remember the awesome "Just Jesus Rap" performance which was written based on the first two chapters of Colossians.
   
   
   "Jesus over earth has all supremacy
   He is the head over the body, he's the deity
   Through the blood that he has sheddeth, in his body reconciliath
   In which showeth in all things he has authority"
   
   
2. Genesis @ Rock Fellowship
   Our mid-week bible study ran every single week of 2009! We began a fresh look at the book of Genesis starting right from the beginning, covering each verse and each chapter in turn - from creation to the fall; from the destruction of the flood to the building of Babel; from the calling of Abraham to God's blessings poured out upon the nations - with each step learning more of God's plan to save individuals, families and communities through his chosen "seed" promised in Genesis 3:15 ultimately pointing forward to the coming of Jesus.
   
   
3. Matthew's gospel @ Sunday services
   Matthew's gospel presents a powerful testimony of Jesus as the promised Christ and King, fulfilling all expectations in the Old Testament and bringing in all the promises of the Kingdom of God. Best of all, opening the gospel each Sunday has allowed us to meet with Jesus in the flesh and in His Word. We have read of his birth and baptism; his mission and ministry; even his trials and temptation - all of this pointing forward to his purpose for coming into this world: to save us from our sins by dying on the cross (Matthew 1:21).
   
   
4. Christmas Party
   Our special guest event was entitled "Coming Home". It was a unique Christmas service which looked at how Jesus left his heavenly home to make his home in us and to his dwelling among us as his people (John 1:14 and Revelation 12:3). The choir put their heart into learning and practising the carols and the children added to celebration and lively atmosphere of the day.
   
   
5. Farewells
   We said goodbye to Faye, David, Rich, Shirley, Helen, Judy, Molly, Andy, Susan, Sophia, Lang and Kinki; We love you, we miss you and we pray that you will continue to grow in the knowledge of God's grace and goodness in Jesus!
   
   
6. New Year + New Birth!
   Bartow Wylie spoke on "True Prosperity" in the bible at a special guest Chinese New Year event. The day ended with a big hotpot event to also celebrate 4 sisters who had come to know and profess Jesus as their Lord and Saviour. Hallelujah!
   
   
7. Chinese Student Survival Event
   At the beginning of the new academic year, Rock Fellowship held a welcome event for new Chinese students in Cambridge. We introduced them to useful "survival" tips: how get around town, relating to a new culture and even where to stock up on Asian cooking ingredients! The day ended with a lucky draw, lots of snacks and a tour of the Mill Road shops.
   
   
8. Men and Women's Fellowships
   Fun weekend activities which included a picnic at Grantchester, trips to parks, cooking lessons and even beauty treatments (for the girls only!). At each meeting we looked at bible passages relevant to men and women in their true identity to be found in Christ - dealing with work and aspirations, marriage and godly relationships, as well as true beauty and inner worth.
   
   
9. Chinese Cultural Night
   Tasty snacks, Mandarin lessons and even a martial arts demonstration were on the programme for our annual Chinese Cultural Night at Harry's International Cafe. The gang from Rock Fellowship had a wonderful time getting to know language students from all over the world.
   
   And finally, the most memorable event of 2009 is.......
   
   
10. The 2009 Solid Rock Music Event
    So much preparation and time and work went into this event and in the end, I think I speak from everyone when I say it was WORTH IT! The youth were amazing in their dedication and teamwork. They put their talents and time together to write and perform their own composition ‘Never Failing Trust’ which was an excellent reminder to hold on to Jesus amidst the troubles of this world. Their growing faith and commitment to the Lord was shown And this showed - not just in their attitudes and actions through in the practices and final performances - but even more through their newfound joy and unity in the Lord. It was fun, it was exciting, but most of all, it gave glory to Jesus - our only true Solid Rock and Foundation given us to trust for our salvation and fulfilment in God.