The Chinese Presbytery Senior Ministry Committee celebrated their annual Thanksgiving on 11th October 2014 at the Holy Grace Presbyterian Church. The highlight of this year's gathering is a special Golden Wedding Anniversary celebration for couples among our Chinese congregations who have been married for over 50 years. We were delighted to welcome 41 "Golden couples" coming from 13 churches to participate in the celebration. Some 500 older Christians from 14 churches and the Fellowship of Joyful Singers and Fellowship of Joyful Dancers of the Institute of Elders were also present.
It was such a delightful moment to witness these 41 "Golden Boys and Golden Girls" with a red pomander in their hands marching into the Sanctuary to the festive music of Mendelssohn’s Wedding March. The Golden couples were greeted with a standing ovation by those who were present. Among the Golden couples, a few of them were over 90 years of age and have stayed married for over 60 years. It was indeed a very moving moment to see some of them on wheelchairs alongside their golden brides and golden bridegrooms.
The Golden couples were our guests of honour at our lunch. We also presented them with a red pomander ball, wedding portrait and video. (Each couple were given a set of wedding portraits and a VCD) We thank God for these blessed senior couples and especially pray that God will continue to grant them good health in their body, mind and spirit.
The guest speaker Rev. Lim Kok Heng exhorted the congregation on the theme "Live well for Longevity" from Psalms 92:12 - 14. Rev. Chau Soo Kheong, Moderator of the Chinese Presbytery gave words of encouragement. Rev. Phua Chee Seng from Chen Li Presbyterian Church blessed the Golden couples.
We were delighted to see Rev. Khoo Cheng Hoot, the Director of the Institute of Elders among our guests. The Institutes' choir and dance fellowship groups presented excellent songs and dance items.
We are grateful to the Holy Grace Presbyterian Church for helping us to host the event. The senior minister Rev. Sin Fei Fong led church members to prepare lunch and to provide all the logistic supports. She gave the benediction at the end of the gathering.
Our gratitude goes to sister Tan Ai Hoa of Chen Li Church for painstakingly preparing all the gifts for the Golden couples. She was invited to serve as the photographer for the event. She has brought to all of us so much joy and is indeed a good model of service for us to imitate.
