Page 62 - Preservation for the Documentation of Chinese Christianity

held on March 7 at Ward Memorial Hong Kong’s return to the motherland and
Methodist Church. The theme was “Like pray to have God’s strength in taking up the
mission to build a new Hong Kong.
A Seed which Grows into A Tree”. The
worship materials this year were prepared
by the women of Korean and revised to fit SOCIAL CONCERNS
COMMITTEE
the local context by the working group
assigned by the Committee. The
For the purpose of giving feedback on
Committee invited the Rev. Dr. Alan Chan
various social problems and social
to deliver the message during the service.
phenomenon during this transitional period,
The music was provided by a joint the Committee presented several papers and
women’s choir from different churches, initiated related activities:
conducted by Mrs. Josephine Wong. This
year there was also a special music program 1. Comments on the Consultation
performed by the Korean choir. Paper on the Draft Reproductive
Technology Bill：
Approximately 350 participants of different
nationalities were reminded of how to Commenting on the Consultation
respond to G o d ’s calling through this Paper on the Draft Reproductive
meaningful worship. Technology Bill published by the
Hong Kong Government, the
In order to promote the Service, a Committee presented their opinions on
Promotional Meeting took place on January September 15, 1996, stating an
3 to highlight the importance of the objection to sex selection achieved by
Service. means of reproductive technology
procedures and, the use of fetal ovarian
The Committee donated the offering to or testicular tissues in infertility
“The Gospel for the Aged” to help develop treatment or in research.
gospel work for the elderly in Hong Kong Nevertheless, the Committee also
and the Mainland. suggested the Government should
form an assessment committee to
CHRISTIAN MISSION handle exceptional cases.
COMMITTEE
2. Comments on the issue of raising
The Committee held many important more money for the government
activities within this year to respond to the lottery funds by introducing extra
needs of the society which had been raised “Mark Six” lottery draws:
in this transitional period. These included
the holding of the Hong Kong Christians Since more “Mark Six” lottery draws
Prayer Convention, the “Facing Tomorrow are likely to raise extra funds to boost
with Courage” faith series seminars co­ sports and the arts, the Committee
sponsored by other committees, the 1997 gathered opinions about the issue in
Global Prayer Chain and the 1997 November 1996. Besides, due to the
Handover Declaration. fact that the Government has long been
using the revenue generated from
In addition, it has already been six years lotteries to subsidize social welfare, it
since the Committee initiated the annual revealed the Government’s lack of
Hong Kong Sunday, held on the first responsibility in changing the quality
Sunday in July. The provided materials of people’s livelihood. Nevertheless,
were based on the return of Hong Kong the issue also raised the discussion of
with the theme on “Behold, I Will Do the principles that churches used for
Something New”. These materials running social services, the financial
included a sermon, responsive prayer, resources and the government policy
prayer and liturgy. We give thanks for etc.

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