Pastoral Greetings 16/08/09

Dear all:

It was indeed a surprise that all of you celebrated for me. Thank you. I am touched and honoured. I consider this as being a family. Without people and relationship, there is no purpose. I once read about an author who went alone on a retreat to the mountains. He enjoyed the beauty and splendour of the place. After a while, this author got anxious and lonely.

He wished he had invited some friends to join him so that they could enjoy God's creation together. He felt that if he had gone with friends the trip would have been more meaningful. While it is good to be alone in solitude at times, we cannot last the loneliness! In 1980 I visited Disneyland in Los Angeles for the first time.

I had gone for a 6 week course in Missouri. I had to pay a visit the 'Happiest Place on Earth' shrine in Los Angeles. I was full of anticipation. I spent the whole day there but honestly, I did not enjoy myself as I was 'alone'. I could not share my joys, laughter, fear (Pirates of the Caribbean ride, Haunted House Mansion were quite scary!) etc with anyone. I had to scream alone at times while riding on the roller coaster! Fun? No fun....Actually, I felt funny going on all those rides.....all by myself. You got my message? Life is made more meaningful with relationships.

The church is God's way to establish meaningful, deep and covenanted relationships..." the world will know that you are my disciples when you have love one for another. " I cannot imagine anyone celebrating their birthdays, Christmas etc all by him/herself. You sing your own birthday song, cut your own cake, congratulate/wish yourself....strange? You bet! See what I mean? The best place to start relating is at church.

Thank you for being my friends and family. Let's keep this relationship going....the church is NOT a building. It is people relating to one another....and consider everyone as family. When we get together....let's talk about our Father!