SJSM - 40 years of GOD'S GUIDING HAND

From Noah's flood, to Jesus' fast ahead of His temptation, to Israel's season in the wilderness, the number 40 is a recurring motif in the Bible. It represents a crossing over into a new generation, or a new season of life. 40 is therefore an important year in the life of a church.

In 2011, SJSM will be 40 years old. What has turned 40? It is not the land, nor the building, nor the individuals. It is the church - a unique family of God-given identities, shaped by a shared history and experience, that make up the community called SJSM.

As we cross this milestone, it is fitting to pause and recollect the past 40 years of SJSM's family life. We remember so that together, we can share the stories of God's guiding hand amongst us. We remember so that we can tell each other and our children that God was and is here in our church, and that we can continue to look to God to guide us in the next 40 years and beyond. We remember so that we know where we have come from, and can be inspired by Him to know where we are going.

It is our heart's desire for this year-long celebration and consecration to be meaningful for everyone in the SJSM family. The posture is one of praise and prayer; the process inclusive and intergenerational; and our earnest hope is that P40 engenders a deep sense of belonging to God's community, of gratitude of His work in our midst, and of anticipation for what He might do in the future.