Renew Your Purpose - Tom Eng

Ecclesiastes 2:4-11 New Living Translation (NLT)
4 I also tried to find meaning by building huge homes for myself and by planting beautiful vineyards. 5 I made gardens and parks, filling them with all kinds of fruit trees. 6 I built reservoirs to collect the water to irrigate my many flourishing groves. 7 I bought slaves, both men and women, and others were born into my household. I also owned large herds and flocks, more than any of the kings who had lived in Jerusalem before me. 8 I collected great sums of silver and gold, the treasure of many kings and provinces. I hired wonderful singers, both men and women, and had many beautiful concubines. I had everything a man could desire!
9 So I became greater than all who had lived in Jerusalem before me, and my wisdom never failed me. 10 Anything I wanted, I would take. I denied myself no pleasure. I even found great pleasure in hard work, a reward for all my labors. 11 But as I looked at everything I had worked so hard to accomplish, it was all so meaningless—like chasing the wind. There was nothing really worthwhile anywhere.

 

Happy 98th Anniversary!

On Sunday, we celebrated 98 years of being Toronto Chinese Presbyterian Church - wow! Plans are already underway for our centennial celebration in 2010. Stay tuned for all the details!

We celebrated with a combined service held in English and Cantonese. Pastor Tom Eng reminded us why the church exists. I found it particularly relevant as sometimes we can get so caught up in church activities and just life in general that it is easy to forget what our purpose is as a church.

Here's a quick summary:

the church is called to...

  1. Celebrate God's presence - WORSHIP

  2. Communicate God's grace -EVANGELISM

  3. Incorporate God's family - FELLOWSHIP

  4. Educate God's people - DISCIPLESHIP

  5. Demonstrate God's love - MINISTRY


Pastor Tom also reminded us that God wants us to give our best to others. He has given us all gifts so that we can use them to help the church fulfill it's calling.

What are your particular gifts? Which of the five purposes above are you most passionate about? Speak with Pastor Tom or any church leader to see how you can get involved. See you at the centennial celebration!