We celebrated the 20th anniversary since the "reboot" of Epping Church when a few young families moved over from Strathfield Chinese Church. Here is the link to the recording of the service.

https://youtube.com/live/z5HaesdhXZI?feature=share

Below is also the message from Pr Bruce Grosse who was our Church Paster in 2006-2007.

CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR 20^th ANNIVERSARY

Dear Epping Church Family

We have become aware of your 20^th Anniversary celebrations this Sabbath and would like to share some memories if that is OK.

We have so many happy and treasured memories of our ministry among you – 2006 and 2007.

The Epping church family will always have a very special place in our hearts.   Your enthusiasm for God, your love for young people and children, made us feel very blessed sharing with you.

Thank you to the parents whose commitment encouraged your youth and children in their journey with Jesus. 

Arthur, you were an excellent Head Elder, always caring and supportive in all aspects of the church, as also each one of you on the elder’s team

While Alvin had many commitments in life and church, I especially appreciate your publishing the first church newsletter. Your newsletter continued to bond us together as a caring church family.    It kept the church up-to-date with church events and church life.  And it is wonderful that it is still continuing.

Thanks also to Victor as personal ministries leader, who along with Rod and other medicos and members organised successful health outreaches at Eastwood and in our church community centre.

Epping church members always supported their children and young people 100%.

We have many happy memories of exciting Pathfinder events - great leadership was shown by Henry and Belle and their supporters.

Great camps, camporees, and events like walking across the Sydney Harbour Bridge with other Sydney clubs, Conference fairs (Epping club always had the tastiest food on sale), remain firmly in our memories.

Your involvement and commitment was priceless and it was a blessing to share with a number of the young people choosing to follow Jesus in baptism.

So much musical talent   Worship services at Epping were excellent.  Thank you Greg and Kerry for leading the music and always involving the youth, teens and children.  Your leadership brought the church famliy together uplifting us to God in our worship.

It is great to see a number of your young people are still involved with worship.

Ben, you helped me to appreciate that the appropriate use of drums was a great addition to church worship.

Epping church lunches – thank you all for introducing us to a new world of cuisine – very delicious!

We remember wonderful social evenings where everyone was involved – and remember especially the Chinese New Year and Christmas Celebrations.  It was on one of these occasions, a strong odour wafted into our midst.  It was our first introduction to Durian - will say no more!

We greatly appreciated the dedication of all those carrying church responsibilities and all those who faithfully supported and attended the church.

During my visitation, I heard so many stories of God’s leading and protection.  One especially being Loc Binh, who faced great uncertainty, escaping from Vietnam in an overloaded boat so many years ago – what bravery – but thanks to God’s leading and protection with other family members, arrived safely to begin a new life in Australia.

I still remember God’s love for your church when Crystal and her son arrived at church as a result of God giving her a dream, in which she was specifically shown your church building.  Thank you to Channing and Grace for taking this family under their wing.

We could go on and on … every church member always made us feel 100% supported and 100% loved and appreciated.  This still means so much to us.

Looking at the large photo you gave us of the church family, taken on a special baptism day of your young people … some members would now be aging gracefully.

However, other very faithful members would now be resting and waiting for Jesus to come.

Allan, I am so happy you and Sandra chose the Epping Church as your church family.   it has been great to see your involvement there. I remember the times we shared Gods word together with you and Sandra many years ago.   May God’s resurrection promises be of great comfort to you and your family - I know the Epping church family will put their arms around you at this sad time of Sandra’s sudden passing.

What a wonderful day for us all to look forward to .. when all those loved ones we have lost, will be restored to us again.

We still have the special rock from the Epping church garden, along with small polished stones glued on, and each stone personally signed by you all.  It was a wonderful gift.

Finally, we are so thankful again for the various gifts and talents that church members shared in bringing life and growth to the church.

Thank you again for your faithful support and positive witness to the community.

May God continue to bless each one of you as in these uncertain times, we look forward with confidence to Jesus’ return.  May that be soon.

God bless you on your special Anniversary.

Luv

Bruce and Elaine