Dear COA family,
Happy Ascension Sunday and happy 74th anniversary to COA as a parish!
Over the past 74 years, the Lord has indeed blessed and grown our church in many ways. Yet it is often easy for us to overlook His goodness and take His blessings for granted.
Just recently, I met an elderly gentleman who used to worship at our church. He was baptised and confirmed in COA in 1956, and he shared with me what church life was like in those early days.
He reminded me that COA began as a school chapel community. The congregation consisted largely of St Andrew’s students, staff, and their families. At that time, the church gathered every Sunday on the third storey of the Diocesan Building. It was a small but closely knit community. After every service, everyone would gather downstairs for a delicious lunch together prepared by the ladies of the church.
Yet one remark he made caused me to pause and reflect deeply.
He said, “None of us back then could have imagined how much the church would grow into what it is today.”
He recalled being involved in the fundraising efforts to build what is now our current church building. He faithfully did his part, yet he could never have imagined what the church would look like sixty years later.
Today, we stand on the other side of those sixty years. Because we are so familiar with our present circumstances, we may assume that everything we enjoy now is normal. We may fail to appreciate how greatly God has blessed us through the decades. At times, we may even focus more on what is lacking or imperfect rather than on God’s faithfulness.
But hearing the reflections of someone who witnessed the church from its earliest days gives us perspective. It reminds us once again of the goodness and faithfulness of God through every generation.
The same is true in many areas of our lives. We often forget how graciously the Lord has provided for and sustained us, choosing instead to dwell on our frustrations and disappointments. Yet it is neither good nor healthy for us to lose sight of God’s blessings.
As we celebrate our anniversary this Sunday, may we remember the words of Psalm 136:1:
“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever.”
May we continue to trust the Lord for the years ahead, knowing that the God who has been faithful to COA through the decades will continue to guide and sustain us.
God bless,
Revd Ian