On 2 December 2017, the annual Church Family Gathering took place, which brings volunteers of the Church community and their families together and functions as an evening to appreciate their tireless work. It has been tradition to recognise active members who have served the Church for many years and whose contributions have had lasting impact. This year, honorary life memberships were granted to Prof and Mrs Peter and Armine Ansourian, Mr and Mrs Baghdasar and Lydia Kalanderian, Mr and Mrs Hovannes and Vilma Marcarian, and Mr and Mrs Papken and Louize Zarzavatjian.
Prof Ansourian has been involved in the Church since the 1950s through his involvement in youth organisations, and has served as Chairman of the Diocese Council as well as the Properties Committee. Mrs Kalanderian has staunchly dedicated herself leading the Bible study and Prayer Ladies Groups which have been the catalyst for other areas of ministry in the Church. Mr Marcarian served on the Church Council and Properties Committee throughout the 1980s and 1990s and was a member of the Loosavorich Church Choir. Mr Marcarian was well known for the hours spent on the decorations when the church used to hold their New Years’ Eve functions at the Lane Cove Town Hall. Mr Zarzavatjian served on the Church Council in the 1990s as Treasurer and has been a long-standing member of the Welfare Committee for more than 25 years.
The Parish Council has the privilege of acknowledging the legacy of such devoted service that leads by example, inspiring a new generation and which is reflected within families.
Principle of Christian Service
In Romans 12:6-8, the Apostle Paul pronounces that we all have “gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them.” This sentiment encapsulates a small proportion of how we as Christians can serve God but nonetheless can inspire us all to act big-heartedly. This passage brings to light that people have varying and different mixes of spiritual gifts, and we must recognise this in ourselves and others in order to serve God with our own strengths.
Christian service is an expression of love, sacrifice and thanksgiving as we share our gifts with one another to build up God’s family, the church. As we contribute with what is our own strength we must realise our gifts cannot do the work of the church alone. Our strengths balance others weaknesses whilst others’ abilities make up for our deficiencies. It is therefore important to remember that we all contribute as a part of the church community as a whole. Thus, it is by serving God to the best of our ability in accordance with the teachings of the Bible and our Church that is of significance.
