How Suddenly Autumn Came

As summer warmth fades, the cool mornings and evenings have quietly transformed the city’s greenery into patches of apricot yellow and maple red, leaves rustle all over the ground…..it turns out that autumn has arrived so suddenly. Looking back over this year, time seems to have flown by. From July to September, we held Church’s Work Day, Youth Summer Camp, an English retreat, Church Picnic, and a Chinese retreat; on top of that, we prepared and launched the first issue of Rooted and Reaching.

 

Meanwhile, there were also duties related to the Asian and Multicultural Ministry in Canada (AMMiC), including the ordination assessments. Personally, I am not certain whether these efforts have brought measurable growth to the church, but they do bring a sense of joy in having accomplished something meaningful.

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Entering October, the schedule shows no signs of slowing down. Just this past weekend, I attended the AMMiC’s Mental Health Conference, titled Peace be with You: Journeying Together amidst Mental Health Challenges. Dr. John Swinton, the keynote speaker, shared that the key to mental well-being lies in peace (Shalom) in our relationship with God, with others, and with ourselves. God never forgets, nor does He label those struggling with mental health challenges. Beyond Friday’s keynote, Saturday featured three workshops: a pastor sharing his journey with depression; a missionary couple reflecting on signs they observed before their son’s suicide; and a session addressing the church’s follow-up and counseling in two cases of youth suicides. While the sessions were emotionally heavy, the conference highlighted the importance of facing these issues head-on. Since Jesus calls “all who labor and are heavy laden” and blesses “the poor in spirit,” the church must recognize the need for mental health care and walk alongside those who are hurting.

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Mid-October also saw the AMMiC annual fundraising luncheon, themed Rise Up: Becoming Gospel Partners for a New Generation. The event aimed to introduce younger people to AMMiC’s mission and encourage their recognition and support. Following the luncheon, we celebrated ordinations: Deacon Peter Ra of the Korean Church Plant was ordained as a priest, and Edward Lui from Good Shepherd Richmond was ordained as a Vocational Deacon. Please support them in your prayers. Of course, the highlight of October is the 2025 Synod. This year’s theme, God’s Word Succeeds, will be launched with a public opening Eucharist on Wednesday the 29th, encouraging everyone to attend.

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God’s word never in vain. Likewise, our work in the Lord is never in vain too. As Paul encourages the Corinthians: “Therefore, my beloved brothers and sisters, be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor in the Lord is not in vain” (1 Cor. 15:58). May we, in this beautiful autumn season, cherish the time and labor diligently for the Lord, so that our lives may bring God’s joy and bear fruit each day. Amen.

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Angus

Oct 2025