Words by our Priest-in-Charge:

Bishop’s Commissary’s Letter

Greetings in the Name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ who truly is the Head of the Church.

After these few months of much prayers, study, consultations, and deliberations in relation to the crisis facing our Diocese, the PHoB (Provincial House of Bishops) has confirmed to hold a Special Holy Communion Service “A Step Towards Revival” on Friday 19th July 2013 in the 3 main churches in Kota Kinabalu (All Saints’ Cathedral), Sandakan (Good Shepherd) and Tawau (St Patrick), where a Diocesan Bishop from the PHoB will be present to lead the service.  Then on the same weekend the other parishes or centres may hold similar services in their respective locations, led by their respective Pastors-in-charge.

This Special Holy Communion Service will provide the environment: (1) for the intentional re-gathering of God’s people to go forward in God’s way, (2) for the process of healing, and (3) for the restoring of the confidence and faith of the Christian Community.

The main part of the service is an act of foot-washing.  The foot-washing as initiated by our Lord Jesus Christ is no less than the call of God for all members of the Body of Christ to adopt the posture of humble service and a servant heart.  Then the Holy Communion will follow as an expression of the New Covenant.  We look to the Lord to do His own work among His People.  For that matter we give space for repentance, reconciliation and healing of relationships during the service itself.

It is our desire that in this service, the role of lay people are re-affirmed, the spiritual leadership upheld, the posture of honouring one another established, and unity and peace restored.

The prescribed card/form for personal renewal of covenant with God will be distributed to everyone at the service, and each person has the freedom of choice to sign the form, then or after the service.

Thank you and may the People of God have a divine encounter and the experience of God’s grace.