Thanksgiving Celebration
A Thanksgiving Celebration was held on November 30, 2009 as the closing activity for the 25th anniversary of chaplaincy service launched in public hospitals. The Celebration was well attended with almost 600 participants including hospital chaplains and volunteers, medical co-workers, chaplaincy committee members, church pastors, ex-patients and family members as well as donors and those who have supported the chaplaincy ministry in the past 25 years.
The theme of the Celebration was “One Passion”. Ms. Esther Lo was the M.C. and the program started off with piano performance by Dr. Connie Wong who only has three full-length fingers. The congregation then sang and prayed together. Followed was a film showing the history of the chaplaincy ministry. Then Mr. Anthony Wu, JP, the chairman of Hospital Authority made a speech and officiated the “lighting up our love” ceremony, with each of the participant standing up and holding the LED light symbolizing that we’ll shine for the Lord. After hymns singing by Ms. Agnes Chiang, there was “salute” to over 250 volunteers from hospitals all over Hong Kong, with various hospital chief executives pinning the silver badges to volunteer representatives. In addition, Rev. Lee Bing Kwong also presented badges to chaplain representative and led a prayer.
After the salute ceremony, artists Liu Kai Chi and Chan Man Yee as well as Dr. Connie Wong made their sharing respectively and encouraged all chaplains and volunteers to uphold their mission in serving the patients as well as their family members. Before closing of the celebration, Rev. Joshua Chan, the first chaplain serving in public hospital and the current chairman of the Association of HK Hospital Christian Chaplaincy Ministry, led a pledge reiterating our mission and passion in serving the patients who need our prayers and companionship. The finale of the celebration was a blessing prayer by the Right Reverend, Thomas Yee-po Soo.
Joint Walkathon 2009
The 2009 Joint Walkathon of all hospital chaplaincy committees was held on November 7 (Saturday) at the Pak Shek Kok Waterfront Promenade. The “Kicking-off” ceremony was officiated by Rev. Joshua Chan and Rev. Law Kit Choi, together with representatives from 12 hospital chaplaincy committees. Over 350 chaplains and volunteers participated in the walkathon. They all enjoyed the walk as well as the chanting scenery. The amount of funds raised so far has almost reached HK$1,000,000.
The Hospital Pastoral Day
To celebrate the 25th anniversary of chaplains serving in public hospitals, a Hospital Pastoral Day was held on Oct 12, 2009 at Yan Fook Church of EFCC, which was a large and open event with around 300 participants, including church pastors and leaders, as well as chaplaincy volunteers. Dr. Benedict H.B. Kwok (Associate Professor of Theology, The Alliance Bible Seminary) was invited to speak on the topic of “From Death to Life”. In addition, 8 workshops were held in both morning and afternoon sessions, which were conducted by chaplains from various hospitals as well as Pastor Chan of Christian Oi Hip Fellowship. The Pastoral Day was well received by all participants.
The Silver Chaplain' s Day
The Silver Chaplains’ Day was held at Yee Yat Restaurant of the Police Sports & Recreation Club on July 17, 2009. There were around 110 chaplains and committee members participating in the afternoon session and 12 tables were served during the evening banquet. The afternoon program included two rounds of forum which not only reviewing the chaplaincy service in the past 25 years, but also exploring the opportunities as well as challenges for chaplaincy service in the coming future. Rev. Lau Siu Hong and Rev. Lee Kam Bun were invited to share during the forum, and Dr. WC Yip also joined our discussion. The afternoon program was ended with reciting the “Chaplains’ Pledge” which reinforced the mission and passion of serving in the hospital.
The chaplains and committee members enjoyed both the food as well as the table game during the banquet. In addition, three committee members shared their feelings and showed .their appreciation and commitment to the chaplaincy ministry.
The 3rd Pastoral Day for Seminarians
The 3rd Hospital Pastoral Day for Seminary Students was successfully held on February 13, 2009 at Yan Fook Church of EFCC. The event was co-organized by 14 seminary schools with over 260 students participated. Rev. Dr. Benedict H.B. Kwok (Associate Professor of Theology, The Alliance Bible Seminary) was invited to speak on the topic:of Prayer & Healing. In addition, eight workshops were held and conducted by chaplains who shared their clinical experience with seminary students.