Installation of Sherry Hong at Redeemer Waverley
There was great rejoicing on Sunday 17th February at Redeemer Waverley, as Sherry Hong was introduced to the congregation and officially inducted into her role as the congregation’s Multicultural Events Coordinator.
For many years the congregation has been running an English Conversation Class as a means of meeting members of its community and reaching out to them. The City of Monash, in which Redeemer congregation is located, is one of the most culturally, linguistically and religiously diverse municipalities in Melbourne, with more than 54% of the population born in a country other than Australia, and more than 56% of households speaking a language other than English at home. In more recent times, the congregation has also run a weekly Table Tennis Club.
Through such activities, the congregation members are committed to meeting members of the community, and to form friendships and connections, so that they can also introduce them to our Lord.
Emeritus Pastor Wayne Muschamp led the worship service, which was very fitting given his involvement and leadership in the establishment of these mission initiatives during his years as congregational pastor. The congregation is currently in pastoral vacancy, but the congregation continues its commitment to its mission in the community.
In introducing Sherry to the congregation, English Conversation Class Convenor, Merrilyn Beaumont, said, “Sherry brings a great deal of experience and vision to this innovative role. She has worked in industry, managing business and coordinating events. She has used these skills to establish the Gospel CAN organisation, which brings hope through Jesus Christ to sufferers of cancer. Sherry coordinates a team of twenty volunteers who work alongside sufferers and their families, through music and the Word.
In 2024, Sherry will work with our congregational ministry teams to bring Christ to our local multicultural community, focusing on creating events to bring people into our church.”
The first planned special event is the annual church picnic, which is now reframed as a lantern festival.
This is an exciting time for the congregation as it works together with Sherry and discovers how the Lord wishes to bless this ministry.
