Rev Dr James JS Harrichand
To see brothers and sisters grow closer towards maturity in Christ, which, in theological terms, is referred to as Christoformity or conformity to the image of Christ Jesus our Lord and Saviour. Two primary texts were selected: Romans 8:29 and Galatians 4:19 (ESV). In the former text, the apostle Paul writes, “For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son” (emphasis mine). Then in the latter text, we read, “my little children, for whom I am again in the anguish of childbirth until Christ is formed in you!” (emphasis mine). Placing these two texts together, we see clearly that the goal of the apostle/pastor Paul is in a manner that is consistent with the goal of God the Father in heaven for His blood-bought children, namely, conformity to the image of God’s Son, Christ Jesus.
By participating with God in our union with Christ and by the Holy Spirit of God, it is the mission of the ESC Pastor (like the apostle/pastor Paul) to foster a culture of Christlike maturation, which is otherwise referred to as Christoformity.
(i) knowing Christ through the Scriptures; (ii) being transformed by Christ through Christ’s clothing (e.g., of righteousness and the full armour of God), Word, and Spirit; and (iii) doing for Christ by being with Christ (which encompasses Christian discipleship [preaching / teaching the Word of God], Christian fellowship, Christian justice [meeting the needs of others], Christian worship [prayer and praise]), and Christian resting.
2.1.1. The ESC pastors completed the preaching of the New Testament book or Epistle to the Ephesians from the pulpit on January 24. Throughout, the focus on the book of Ephesians was that of our union with Christ and the several implications therein, both positive (inclusive of which are the countless spiritual blessings in the heavenly realms, one being that of being heirs to the kingdom of God and of Christ Jesus) and negative (one of which is the need to suit up in the full armour of God to guard ourselves from the wiles of the devil).
2.1.2. The ESC pastors commenced and completed the preaching of the Old Testament prophetic book of Nehemiah from the pulpit on March 21 and November 7 respectively. Throughout, the focus was placed on encouraging brothers and sisters to rise up and rebuild the church be reconnecting with each other especially since the pandemic has contributed to isolating us physically, emotionally, and spiritually. This call to brothers and sisters came directly from the book of Nehemiah, which centred around the rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem, and thus, the restoration of dignity to the broken people of God.
2.1.3. Of course, there were some days designated for guest speakers who preached on a topic and text of their own choosing, such as our 30th anniversary service on May 30, 2021, or even our Revival and Mission Sundays on August 15 and 22 respectively.
2.1.4. Then there were special occasions, such as Advent and Christmas, which necessitated preaching from different texts and topics as well, such as “The Greatest Story Ever Told” on Good Friday and “The Measure of God’s Love” on Christmas Sunday.
2.1.5 Other preaching or teaching opportunities to share a word of encouragement either presented itself for me personally during our Deacon Board Meetings or our Quarterly Membership Meetings.
2.2.1. The ESC started a primarily Bible study small group called “Banquet in this Troubled World” on September 8, which currently includes both Informational and Transformational reading of the Word of God, as well as a time of intercessory prayer for brothers and sisters. This event occurs on alternating Wednesdays.
2.2.2. The ESC Families (Young Kids) WhatsApp group was also established on October 6 to meet the spiritual, physical, and emotional needs of our young families.
2.2.3. The ESC Prayer Warriors WhatsApp group was formed on October 17 to meet the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of brothers and sisters.
2.2.4. Footprints Fellowship communal gathering continued on alternating Friday nights. Footprints Fellowship Small Groups usually met on alternating Fridays or during the week at the availability of their respective members.
2.2.5. Here also we might include our Pastoral Retreat, which was a time of fellowship among the pastors, the purpose of which, however, was that of seeking God’s face concerning the church theme for 2022. After much prayer and discussion, we eventually settled on a new theme: “Fully Engaged with Christ.” This was extracted from the words of the apostle Paul in Colossians 3:23, “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.” Together with this new church theme, we also prayerfully decided on the Gospel According to John as the preferred book of preaching / teaching, Bible study, and life for the upcoming year 2022.
2.3.1. Brothers and sisters were encouraged to join the “Cup of Water Campaign.” Two members from the ESC Committee participated in this justice effort.
2.3.2. Brothers and sisters also contributed to the “Recycle for Sight Drive” where they donated their eye and sunglasses to the Canadian Lions Eyeglass Recycling program, which concluded on December 31, 2021.
2.4.1. The ESC continued with Family Worship primarily online through livestream, and also on-ground, which began on September 5. The time for our Worship service alternated between 10:00 AM to 9:30 AM depending on whether it was strictly online or both respectively.
2.4.2. The ESC also attempted a live Family Worship over Zoom, which was accomplished on March 7. During this service, several brothers and sisters stepped up to assist in the breakout rooms for a time of reflection and prayer for each other.
2.4.3. Our previous Worship Coordinator stepped down to channel his energies into the areas that he is spiritually gifted even as he continues to serve as a vital member of the ESC Committee. Thankfully, the Lord also raised up another brother who is currently serving in this position (with the help of a sister in Christ).
2.4.4. Our worship of the Lord also included the celebrations of: (i) the births of several babies throughout the year; (ii) dedications to the Lord of three babies on September 12; and (iii) weddings of several couples especially during the summer months, each of which were significant milestones in our ESC.
2.4.5. Prayer Meetings continued to be held online and also on-ground in the Choir Room at the reopening of the church building on September 5.
2.4.6. On a few occasions, our supported missionaries joined our Prayer Meetings at which time they were allowed the chance to share briefly about their journey with the Lord in their specific locales, after which, time was dedicated to interceding on their behalf.
2.4.7. Here, we might also include the cheerful generosity of brothers and sisters in terms of their financial donations to RHCBC, which were fragrant offerings, sacrifices acceptable and pleasing to our Triune God (see Philippians 4:18).
2.5.1. I was fortunate to have a few days off for my vacation from November 14-30 and then from December 6-12.
2.5.2. Allowing our former ESC Worship Coordinator to step down from that position also was a way for him to find rest in Christ.
2.5.3. Giving the ESC Music Team the option to pre-record their songs so that they did not feel obligated to be in-person every Sunday to help us in our worship to the Lord our God, allowed for them to have much-needed time to rest and rejuvenate.
2.5.4. I think that it is very important that servants of Christ build into the schedule a time of rest and relaxation. Perhaps something that RHCBC can reflect on is that of the concern raised by some brothers and sisters over the use the word “retreat,” as it seems that whenever there is a retreat in RHCBC, it always includes work. As such, they’ve suggested that a proper church should be a time of solitude and rest and relaxation, a time to enjoy being in the presence of God enjoying, for example, nature walks or hikes, a picnic in the park, or like Mary sitting at Jesus’ feet, or even like Jesus Himself getting away from His disciples and the crowds of people clamouring for His attention to just be in communion with His heavenly Father. Taking time to rest intentionally as a Sabbath rest will prove helpful in the fruitful service of brothers and sisters.
3.1. If there was growth in numbers, it would have to be through: (i) the addition of several babies born throughout the year, as well as (ii) the addition of at least one family consisting of father, mother, and two sons.
3.2. A gentleman did join our Family Worship service in September when we reopened our church building for in-person worship, but due to the nature of his work, which included a lot of travelling, he was unable to return to in-person worship.
3.3. Growth in terms of spiritual maturation would have to be in a handful of brothers and sisters willingly stepping up to contribute their God-given gifts and talents in service to the Lord especially from the ESC Committee. Others would also include those who have agreed to serve in the Care department either as greeters or with the Holy Communion on Sundays. Then there are others who have agreed to help in offering a closing prayer at the conclusion of the Worship services, as well as those who’ve joined our Prayer Meetings on Sundays. And then there are also those who continue to serve in Footprints even though it can be very daunting at times.
4.1. One major challenge has been finding brothers and sisters who are willing and courageous to step up and be proactive in giving of their spiritual gifts and time and energies in service to our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
4.2. Although the pastors discussed having a few other Family Worship services over Zoom, this was not met with high receptivity. As such, there was only one Family Worship service over Zoom for the entire year.
4.3. Due to the rise in COVID-19 cases, our on-ground Family Worship had to be placed on pause (until March 6, 2022). As such, we continued primarily with online Family Worship.
4.4. Our on-ground Prayer Meetings also had to be placed on pause due to the COVID (until March 6, 2022).
4.5. It would seem that a few brothers and sisters exited the church for reasons known only to them. Sadly, one vital couple did leave for ministerial services at another church that better fits with their spiritual needs and gifting, and two families relocated out of province.
4.6. The Committee Members of the Footprints Fellowship have been thinking of putting Footprints Fellowship on hold for the next year 2022 due to the low commitment from brothers and sisters. (Eventually this will become a reality by February 2022.)
4.7. Our current Worship Coordinator is usually tired on Sundays from having to work long hours during the week and then having to come in-person to lead in the music. (The potential of hiring a Music Director in the coming year is a welcomed additional help to the Music Team.)
4.8. The pandemic has indeed played a significant role in the challenges we have faced as brothers and sisters have acknowledged feeling practically burnt out from having to be online almost every day of the week for work, and then also on Sunday for Worship and Prayer Meeting, which has been quite challenging and overwhelming for them.
4.9. The announcement of my imminent departure to the leaders of RHCBC also necessitates the need for an ESC Pastor. (The plan is to designate a time of about 2 minutes every Sunday after the sermon to intercede for the Lord’s provision of the future direction of the ESC and the next under-shepherd of Christ’s flock. Our Prayer meetings will also include the first 15 minutes designated to bringing our urgent needs before Jehovah-Jireh, the LORD our Provider.)
The apostle Paul tells us in 1 Thessalonians 1:2–3 “We give thanks to God always for all of you, constantly mentioning you in our prayers, remembering before our God and Father your work and labor of love and steadfastness in our Lord Jesus Christ.” Considering this, here, I would like to take the opportunity to express my enormous appreciation to God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit, for all my brothers and sisters in Christ at RHCBC for their countless prayers, encouragement, and support in a variety of ways. I could not be the ESC Pastor of RHCBC for the past three years without you! My heartfelt gratitude to each of you! God richly bless all of you!
May the LORD bless you and keep you;
May the LORD make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you;
May the LORD lift up His countenance upon you and give you His peace as you continue to engage fully with Jesus our Messiah, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, and by believing in Him, you may not only gain life abundant and eternal, but also a coveted place at glorious wedding banquet of the Lamb, amen.
(Adapted from Numbers 6:24–26; John 1:29; 20:30–31; Colossians 3:23; Revelation 19:6–10.)