On November 1 had the privilege of attending a worship service of a new congregation called University Chinese Baptist Church, which now meets at Carey Hall. Even though this group had been meeting informally for awhile, this service was their official “kick-off” Sunday for their congregation. There was a real sense of celebration in the air amongst the eighty or so people who were there. The entire service was in Mandarin until I got up to give a blessing and pronounce the benediction, but even though I didn’t understand the words that were said, I understood what, or perhaps I should say who, was behind those words. The common bond of worshipping Father, Son and Spirit came through in the reading of the Word, the singing of hymns and songs, and the sharing together of the bread and the cup. As I took in this service, I was mindful of how the church is called to look beyond outward physical differences, to look beyond language and cultural differences, and to find our commonness in our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Paul’s words to the churches of Galatia seem very fitting here. “There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” Galatians 3:28 NIV. Thanks be to God!

Blessings, Rob