GC WSCS Thanksgiving Service
“Finally be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armour of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armour of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place.”
– Ephesians 6:10-14.
WITH “GIRD YOURSELVES IN RIGHTEOUSNESS” as the GC WSCS theme for 2011, the women from ETAC, CAC and TRAC got together on the afternoon of Jan 8, 2011 for their annual GC WSCS Thanksgiving Service.
This gathering of God’s women in one united spirit of thanksgiving and praise embodies everything the church of Christ ought to be, totally focused on the One who loves us and to whom we owe all our love and praise.
The joyous singing of hymns and choruses echoed loud and strong within the walls of the Sophia Blackmore Hall as about 200 women from the three local conferences declared “How Great Thou Art” and gave God all the glory through singing “To God Be The Glory”. They reflected their adoration and thankfulness to their faithful, loving and all-powerful Father in heaven.
The Archbishop of the Anglican Province of South East Asia and Bishop of Singapore, the Most Reverend Dr John Chew, brought God’s message from Ephesians 6:10-14. He took the familiar passage on the armour of God and alerted the women of their continual need to equip themselves with godly truth and righteousness in an increasingly complex and challenging world.
Archbishop John Chew further emphasised that God’s faithfulness alone “does not negate our personal response and responsibility to put on the FULL armour of God, not selectively nor carelessly, choosing the parts which we like or suit us”, adding: “Only by donning the full armour of God in all circumstances, not deviating from God’s ways, can we stand firm and secure always.”
With poignant words of encouragement, Archbishop John Chew challenged the women to embody God’s truth and righteousness through integrity of their personal lives in order to influence and change the present confused and fickle world.
The service culminated with the women affirming His faithfulness with “Great Is y Faithfulness”, looking confidently to the year ahead, knowing that God is with them always.
Sharon-Anne Wong is a member of TRAC WSCS, Pentecost Methodist Church.