The church in the UK (not Cantonese-speaking church) is different from the church in HK. In the UK, church is like a community centre and organizes different activities for the community every week, such as Toddler Group, Coffee Morning, Warm Welcome and Bereavement Group. Some churches may even organize tailor-made activities for HKers. With an evangelical church background, I was confused at the beginning because the church spends quite a lot of time in organizing community activities instead of gospel preaching.
I had a chance to talk to a licensed lay
minister. First of all, she considers it is a blessing to the community through the different activities. The church implements the teaching from God to love your neighbours. Besides, they want to let people know the
door of church is always open to welcome them. She advised that many people in
the UK are baptized when they are baby. However, it does not mean that they
would join worship or have confirmation when grow up. An elderly local Christian
told me that a lot of young people believe in science and don’t want to go to
church.
Gradually, I started to appreciate their community work. Indeed, quite a lot of non-Christian HKers come to join the activities. Then they changed from being a participant to volunteering in church. How lovely of them! Paster Paul, who I knew when serving in Our Daily Bread, says “Faith must be immersed into life and other people’s lives so as to let people see the Lord in your life.” I hope the church which is always welcome you will become your home one day. 💕
Date: November 2024
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