A Minute with Lu
Pastor for the Mandarin Congregation
Pastoral Leadership Team Guest Editorial
Thursday 5 March, 2026
A Generous God
If generosity is the virtue of being liberal in giving (often in the form of gifts) we may be caused to think of generous people, and more importantly, our generous God.
The God of generosity blesses people and calls them to learn from him, that they may become people of generosity.
"God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having that all you need, you will abound in every good work."
(2 Corinthians 9:8).
For more than seventy years SBC has witnessed God’s faithfulness in making this faith community a people of generosity.
Being liberal in giving is encouraged in Jesus’ teaching: ‘a good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your laps.’
Because God is liberal in giving, he gives us every good thing, even his son Jesus Christ, without any reservation. Because he is like this, he also call his disciples to fellow his steps.
Jesus makes the bold promise:
‘Give, it will be given to you’, ‘with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.’ (Luke 6:38).
‘Give, it will be given to you’, ‘with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.’ (Luke 6:38).
The growth of ministries and spirituality at SBC vividly demonstrates a liberal generosity at play, showing God is working in and through us.
At the beginning of the new year, we believe that ‘he supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase our store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of our righteousness.’
As we are becoming a people defined by love, love of God and love for people, we pray that God will make our mission in presenting Jesus, providing nurture and producing disciples more fruitful, and that our abundant practice of generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.
Lu Chen
What's been happening?
The Lounge Room
On Friday night we kicked off The Lounge Room for 2026, with a fantastic gathering of about 90 women who chatted, enjoyed some beautiful desserts, and heard from guest speaker, Kim Smith.
Kim launched our theme for the year, Building Stronger Relationships, by exploring how intimacy with others develops through the mututal sharing of loads, burdens and joys. It was a great start to conversations around this area of life.
Thanks to the wonderful people who helped set up, pack up and provide desserts. And a special thank you to those from the Central Young Adults ministry who pretty much set the room up for us!
Man Alive Breakfast
Last Saturday morning, 70 men of different ages came together to enjoy a cooked breakfast, danishes, coffee and ‘old school’ flavoured milk. Along with all the food and drink we were grateful to have Phil Simpson share about his life as a criminal barrister, primary school chaplin and now running The Shed Door in Mitcham which Phil describes as a 'church in things', a place for those who find going to church a bit to daunting.
Phil is a gentle and warm evangelist, someone seeking to give men the hope found in Jesus in a world that, at times, can be so difficult to navigate. As guys left the breakfast they shared how much they valued what Phil shared and how, for some, it spoke deeply into their lives.
The next event for Man Alive is the Action Night which is on Thursday May 7th, details to come shortly.
Visit Man Alive page
Cantonese Congregation Picnic
The Cantonese Congregation began the year with a joyful celebration of the Lunar New Year.
On 21 February, our picnic at Jells Park welcomed over 200 participants, many of them came along with their friends. To some of them, this was the first time they join the church activity. It was a blissful day filled with laughter, fun, festive food, cultural treats, games and most of all, warm and loving fellowship around the Yabby Hill Playscape area. We pray that everyone who joined us was able to glimpse Jesus through the love and unity within our community. I also want to extend my heartfelt thanks to our amazing teams. This picnic would not have been possible without you. Thank you for all your hard work—both seen and unseen. May God bless you richly!
Metta Mission Stories
We thank the Lord that 133 brothers, sisters, and friends joined the Cambodia short‑term mission sharing event on March 1st.
Each one who attended cares deeply about God’s mission and has been quietly upholding the team in prayer. The team’s sharing reminded us again of how God allowed us to witness his deep compassion and grace toward the street children of Cambodia—how he shines the light of hope even in the darkest corners. What the short‑term team shared was a testimony of God’s power. He led us to see, to love, and to feel with his eyes and his heart. We were especially moved by the young people’s testimonies. They spoke of how God renewed their values during the trip, giving them the courage to take a step of faith and offer their lives for his use. We have compiled reflections from 24 team members, recorded in both Chinese and English, and made them available for download through the link below. We hope that as you read, you too will be touched by God’s work among us.
Adult
Next Gen
If you would like to support the Metta Mission and Community Ministry, you may do so via the link below.
If you are interested in joining a future Cambodia Metta short‑term mission, you are welcome to fill in the link below so we can contact you when the next opportunity arises.
Church at Prayer
On Wednesday 18th February, we gathered in the West Auditorium for an evening of worshipping and praying together.
People from our English, Mandarin, Cantonese and Korean congregations spent time singing praises to God, and then praying for SBC as we seek to live into the vision 'In Christ we are becoming a people defined by love: love of God and love for others'.
Then we spent time praying for the needs of the world and people we know - using stones to represent those things which are heavy on our hearts and laying them down before God through prayer.
Our prayer team was also busy praying with individuals and listening to the Spirit on their behalf.
It was such an encouraging night and we look forward to the next one in June.
Fuel Chinese New Year Dinner
Fuel celebrated Chinese New Year a few weeks ago (20/2) and wanted to share what happened with the wider church family!
We had just under 100 of our youth come along and enjoy great food, fun conversations, and start getting excited for Fuel Camp by making some team flags on the night. We’re amazed at the way God is growing Fuel this year and encouraged by the engagement from our young people in seeking to grow deeper in their relationship with Jesus. We also wanted to pass along a big thank you to some of Way’s life group who came and served dinner on the night.
Clean Up Australia Day
On Sunday, we had a wonderful time taking part in Clean Up Australia Day, organised by Clean Up Australia and run at Syndal by our Creation Care Team. A big thank you to everyone who came along and contributed their time and effort. It was so encouraging to see 30 people turn up with willing hearts, ready to care for our local environment together. We were especially touched that a family from outside the church community joined us — it made the day even more special. Together we collected over 14 bags of rubbish. It was a wonderful display of community spirit and care for our local environment.
Member in Service Spotlight
M&K, and S&T
A Sanitation engineer and a stay at home mum supporting the church in a Muslim majority context.
South Asia
We live ordinary lives in an extraordinary context for the sake of making Jesus known and getting alongside his isolated followers in a Muslim majority nation. M works in for a development non-government organisation in the waste management and sanitation sector, while K is a stay at home mum looking after their two boys and connecting with neighbours in the community.
WHAT HAS BEEN HAPPENING IN YOUR MINISTRY RECENTLY?It's been encouraging to see new members join the small house church of believers in Jesus from a Muslim background, including one lady being baptised in November. Other small house churches have also been planted in our region and ongoing leadership training has been happening in each of these fellowships. On the work front M's been involved in a new project trialling black soldier flies as a waste management solution and income generation possibility for very poor people.
CAN YOU SHARE A STORY OF GOD AT WORK?
In December we heard about a local family, members of the house church, inviting another believing family from a village 2 hours away, to stay with them, so that the village family could participate in Christmas celebrations. We celebrate this act of love and hospitality because there are so many issues of mistrust and jealousy that can keep believers apart and cause rifts in the fragile and tiny churches. We pray for growing unity and the sense of being true brothers and sisters in Christ.
WHAT'S COMING UP IN YOUR MINISTRY?We're in Australia for the first half of this year - it's great to reconnect with our extended families, our supporters and friends. We're enjoying attending Syndal services and events as we can and sending our boys to Tribe! We hope that during our time in Australia we can foster an even greater connection with the church in South Asia and encourage and challenge people here to continue to consider what God may be calling them to and the place he has for each of us in his world and story. We're also expecting a baby girl to be born in April! When we return to South Asia in June (God-willing!) we plan to continue our roles and relationships in the home and town we've left behind.
WHAT ARE YOUR GREATEST NEEDS AT THE MOMENT?Energy, strength and wisdom as we manage various tasks an responsibilities - in ministry, and on the home front.
HOW DOES YOUR FINANCIAL SUPPORT WORK AND HOW IS IT GOING?We can only live and serve where we do through the support of Christian people and churches who believe in the vision for "a world that knows Jesus". We are sent and cared for by the mission agency CMS. Financial contributions are received and processed by CMS to cover our needs including living, travel, medical, accommodation and kids' education expenses, as well as ongoing training, accountability and pastoral care that is provided by CMS to enable us to serve long term in South Asia.
PRAY
Please pray that we would keep our eyes fixed on Jesus and listen to him.
GIVE
Follow this link to give towards our ministry:https://give.cms.org.au/mkqvOr if you would like to give to CMS using a BSB and account number, contact them (Phone: (03) 9894 4722) and they will send you the details together with a personalised code (so they know it is going from you to us).
CONNECT
We send monthly newsletters - please contact fbrown@sb.org.au if you would like to be added to our mailing list. We hope to connect with you in person while we are here in Melbourne!
Want to get to know our other Members in Service?
Visit our missions page via the link below.
Things to pray for
Fuel Camp
Our Fuel Campers (High Schoolers and their leaders) are leaving this Friday evening and returning on Sunday afternoon for the annual Fuel Camp. We currently have 91 young people registered, we’re going to Camp Manyung in Mt Eliza.
We would love prayer that God would feel super close to our youth on camp and they learn more about who he is. Also prayer for energy for the leaders and safety over the camp!
Prayers and Squares
Please pray for Joe and Maria and tie a knot in their prayer quilts at church this week
Joe Mendes is in his late 50s. He recently had two strokes and is now struggling to speak. He is also having difficulties with his short-term memory and moving his right arm and leg. Please pray for Joe and wife Bela as he works on rehabilitation.
Maria Lake was diagnosed with breast cancer over Christmas. She is 62 and has now had 4 of her scheduled 24 weekly chemo sessions. She has a strong faith and would love you to pray that her body too will be strong through treatment.
If you or anyone you know would like prayer and a quilt, please contact Rosie via the office 9803 9144 or rmerrigan@sb.org.au
I've prayed!
Coming Up
Support Foodbank as they support others
Our Community Care Foodbank provides struggling locals with pantry items they need. Every month you are invited to purchase and donate certain items the Foodbank requires.
This month's items are:
Strawberry Jam (250-370g jars)
Teabags (box of 100's or 50's)
2min noodles (pack of 5, Chicken or Oriental flavour)
You can drop donations off in the shopping trolley near the High Street Road entrance to the West Auditorium lobby or in the tub in the East Fellowship Area.
Thanks so much for your support!
Cafe Closed for Long Weekend
Just a reminder that the Cafe will be closed this Sunday as many volunteers are unable to serve due to travel and Fuel Camp.
Thanks for your understanding.
Seminars at Crossway
There are a couple of seminars being offered by Crossway Baptist this March that you or someone you know may find helpful.
Making Marriage Better Seminar - with Alan and Helen Meyer (Sat 21 March, 9am-2.30pm)Join Allan and Helen Meyer, co-founders of Careforce Lifekeys and creators of the Making Marriage Better Course (MMB), as they share life-giving insights that have transformed their own marriage and blessed countless others.
Loss of a Spouse or Life Partner Seminar (Sat 28 March, 9.30am-12pm)At the Loss of a Spouse or Life Partner seminar you’ll discover:
· Other people understand and have found ways to make it through.
· Why it won’t always hurt so much.
· Reasons for hope.
· Practical tips for coping with the death of a spouse or life partner.Learn more
Congregation Spotlight
Mandarin Congregation
With Lu Chen, Pastor for Mandarin Congregation
WHAT HAS BEEN HAPPENING RECENTLY IN THE MANDARIN CONGREGATION?We have been runny weekly discipleship training, in which we observe and learn how Jesus trained his chosen disciples. We are focusing our attention in Mark's Gospel and practicing what we learned from the Bible in our own context.
The Alpha couse is also going well, with a number of new friends - we started the course with 5 particpants, and by the 3rd, we had 14 in attendance. This dispays that God has been working in and through us
WHAT HAVE YOU GOT COMING UP IN THE NEXT FEW MONTHS?We have planned a baptism service in advance (and with faith) for those who will receive Jesus as their personal Lord through the Alpha course.
HOW CAN WE BE PRAYING FOR YOUR CONGREGATION?Please pray for the new friends in the alpha their hearts may be ready to open to the Lord and be willing to be fellowers of Jesus. pray also for the discipleship training ministry to be fruitful
Green Tip of the Month
This month's Green Tip comes from ABC News
Check out some of the tips ABC news offers for how to dry laundry without a dryer when it's wet and cold outside. Avoiding dryers can save on energy usage and cost.
Giving this week
GIVING UPDATE
Week ending: 2/3/2026
Weekly target: $51,000
This week actual: $34,951 (69% of budget)
Year to date actual: $446,476 (97% of budget)
Sunday Service Information
This Sunday
Series: Generosity
Sermon: All we have belongs to God
Preacher: Chris Danes
Many of us live under the belief that if we build our bank accounts, store away super and earn as much as we can, then we can have more of what we care about. We can live ‘the good life’. But what if all the things we consider ‘ours’ aren’t really ours at all? How would that change what we do with it?
Join us this week as Chris Danes explores these important questions and how they can change our perspective.
Coming Up
Sunday 15th March
Series: Generosity
Sermon: Practical Generosity
Preacher: Dave C
We may be excited about practicing generosity but have no idea where to start or how to make it part of our everyday life.
In this final session of the Generosity practice, Dave C will help us consider some different practical approaches to generosity and how they can reshape the way we use the resources God has given us.
Sunday 22nd March
Stand-alone message
Sermon: TBC
Preacher: Chris Danes
Sunday 29th March
Stand-alone message
Sermon: Palm Sunday
Preacher: Andrew Bawden
Join as for this special Palm Sunday message, as Andrew Bawden helps us reflect on the significance of this day in the context of Easter and all that was to unfold after Jesus entered Jerusalem.
Easter Events
Thursday 2nd April: Maundy Thursday Service
7.30pm in the East Auditorium
Friday 3rd April: Good Friday services
9am & 11am English
9am Mandarin
11am Cantonese
Children's program for kids 1 year old - Grade 3
Sunday 5th April: Easter Sunday
9am & 11am English
9am Mandarin
11am Cantonese
1pm Korean
Stay after morning services for free food and drink, and activities for kids.
Calendar
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
29
30
31
1
Apr
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
1
May
2
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