Annual Report 2019 St John’s Cathedral is a place of God’s grace, ‘ ‘ welcoming all, following Christ and changing lives in the heart of . Contents

Agenda of ACM 2019 1 Minutes of the 2018 ACM 2 Dean’s report 2019 4

Part 1. Reports from Officers & Council Committees Annex 1 Honorary Secretary’s Report 9 Annex 2 Honorary Treasurer’s Report 10 Appendix 1 – St John’s Cathedral Investment Fund(s) 11 Appendix 2 – St John’s Cathedral (2004) Endowment Fund 22 Appendix 3 – Audited Account 23 Annex 3 Fabric & Furnishing Committee 24 Annex 4 Events Committee 25 Annex 5 Joint Ministry Committee 26 Annex 6 Outreach Committee 27

Part 2. Reports from Church Committees, Daughter Churches & Ministries Annex 7 Discovery Bay Church 29 Annex 8 Emmanuel Church, Pokfulam 30 Annex 9 St Stephen’s Chapel, Stanley 32 Annex 10 Chinese Ministry 33 Annex 11 Filipino Ministry 34

Part 3. Reports from Individual Units Annex 12 Cathedral Bookstore 37 Annex 13 Cathedral Music Ministry 39 Annex 14 Children Ministry – Sunday School 41 Annex 15 Christians in Central – Tuesday Luncheon 42 Annex 16 CLARES 43 Annex 17 Counselling Service 44 Annex 18 Filipino Fellowship 45 Annex 19 Flower Guild 46 Annex 20 HELP for Domestic Workers 47 Annex 21 Life Enrichment Centre 48 Annex 22 Lunchtime Recital 50 Annex 23 Mission for Migrant Workers 51 Annex 24 Michaelmas Fair 2018 53 Annex 25 Parents and Babies and Toddlers Group 55 Annex 26 Poverty Alleviation Programme 56 Annex 27 Tyson Library 57 Annex 28 Servers’ Guild 58 Annex 29 Sidesmen 60 Agenda

The 2019 Annual Church Meeting will take place at 1:00 pm on Sunday 28th April 2019 in the Li Hall. The agenda of the meeting shall be as follows:

1. Welcome by the Dean and Opening Prayer 2. Apologies for Absence 3. Approval of the Minutes of the 2018 Annual Church Meeting 4. Matters Arising 5. Election of 2 Lay Trustees to the body of the Trustees of the in the of Victoria (Hong Kong) 6. Election of 20 lay representatives to the St John’s Cathedral Church Council 7. Election of Auditors for 2019 8. Election of Sidesmen 9. The Dean’s Address 10. Honorary Secretary’s Report (Annex 1) 11. Honorary Treasurer’s Report (Annex 2) 12. Questions relating to the following reports: (1) Fabric and Furnishing Committee (Annex 3) (2) Events Committee (Annex 4) (3) Joint Ministry Committee (Annex 5) (4) Outreach Committee (Annex 6) (5) Discovery Bay Church (Annex 7) (6) Emmanuel Church, Pokfulam (Annex 8) (7) St Stephen’s Church, Stanley (Annex 9) (8) Chinese Ministry (Annex 10) (9) Filipino Ministry (Annex 11) (10) Cathedral Bookstore (Annex 12) (11) Cathedral Music Ministry (Annex 13) (12) Children Ministry – Sunday School (Annex 14) (13) Christians in Central – Tuesday Luncheon (Annex 15) (14) CLARES (Annex 16) (15) Counselling Service (Annex 17) (16) Filipino Fellowship (Annex 18) (17) Flower Guild (Annex 19) (18) HELP for Domestic Workers (Annex 20) (19) Life Enrichment Centre (Annex 21) (20) Lunchtime Recital (Annex 22) (21) Mission for Migrant Workers (Annex 23) (22) Michaelmas Fair 2018 (Annex 24) (23) Parents and Babies and Toddlers Group (Annex 25) (24) Poverty Alleviation Programme (Annex 26) (25) Tyson Library (Annex 27) (26) Servers’ Guild (Annex 28) (27) Guild of Sidesmen (Annex 29)

13. Any other business connected with the affairs of the Cathedral 14. Closing Prayer - The Grace

Michael Spencer, Honorary Secretary 1 Minutes

MINUTES OF THE 2018 ANNUAL CHURCH MEETING OF ST JOHN’S CATHEDRAL

Date : Sunday April 29, 2018 at 1:00pm in the Li Hall Chairman : The Very Revd Trustees : Martin Matsui and John Li Honorary Treasurer: Craig Lindsay Honorary Secretary : Michael Spencer

One hundred and ten of the 482 members on the Electoral Roll were present.

1. The Dean opened the ACM with the children and their parents to worship St John’s Cathedral Mission Prayer. together once a month.

2. Adrian King moved to accept the Minutes Outreach ministries remain an important from the 2017 ACM. The motion was part of the Cathedral community and seconded by Tom Bispham and carried the Dean noted some important without dissent. developments. HELP for Domestic Workers has been rebranded from its 3. There were no matters arising. former HDH and has a renewed mission. Dr Mark Gandolfi will resign at the end 4. Dean’s report. of this month after eleven years’ service to the Counselling Service; a search for his The Dean began his report by discussing successor has begun. And the HIV Christian education at the Cathedral: a Education Centre will be repositioned as a new baptism/confirmation course called Life Enrichment Centre with a broader ‘Faith Begins’; a new study group mandate in youth ministry. Finally, the called ‘Grace in a Busy Week’ and a new Bookstore has recently been renovated Sunday study group in the Mandarin and the new look and product offering is congregation. The Lenten study reflected in an improved financial programme this year had more than performance. He commended as well the 100 parishioners meeting each week. He very successful Concert for Prisoners’ noted innovations in the service offerings Education, which raised $1.2 million for in the past year, including the Responsorial scholarship funds for inmates. Eucharist at the 11:45am service and the monthly ‘Worship for All’ service at The Dean noted that in 2019 the Cathedral 9:00am, both of which have been well will celebrate its 170th anniversary. Several received, the latter allowing Sunday School events are being planned to mark

2 Annual Church Meeting 2018

the event, including a public lecture, 7. Honorary Treasurer’s report. a St John’s Carnival in February and Craig Lindsay noted that the firm of Heng a Thanksgiving Service on 24th November and Tan have audited the Cathedral’s 2019. Preparations for these events are financial statements for five years and he already underway. thanked them for their service. Discussions are underway with another firm to take up Lastly, the Dean reminded parishioners the role as auditor this year. Jeff Dobbing that the Revd Desmond Cox retired at moved that the Secretary’s report and the beginning of the year and is serving as the Treasurer’s report be accepted. an associate chaplain through to the end of Edward Ng seconded the motion and this year. A search for his successor has it was carried without dissent. begun. 8. The Dean referred member to the Council 5. Election of the lay representatives on the committee reports, the reports of the 2018/19 Cathedral Council. The following daughter churches and congregations, were elected by a vote: Tom Bispham, of the outreach ministries, guilds and David Bradley, Joseph Chan, Rita Chan, others. Roger Cole moved that the forty- Ting Kin Cheung, James Choo, Dolores four sidesmen named in his report be Dayao, Julianne Doe, Patrick Fung, re-elected. Martin Matsui seconded the May Ho, Adrian King, June Li, Leo Li, motion and it was carried without dissent. Craig Lindsay, Ron Lye, Edward Ng, Margaret Sang, Michael Spencer, 9. There being no other business, the Dean Natalia Veldman, and Cheris Yuen. closed the meeting with the saying of the Grace by all members. 6. Honorary Secretary’s report. Michael Spencer had nothing to add to his written report.

3 Dean’s Report

The Very Revd Matthias Der

Grace be with you all! The Annual Church Meeting is a The vibrancy of St John’s Cathedral is supported by time when we reflect on the past year and look forward many faithful Christians. Your hard work and love to the coming one. By the grace of God, the past year for Christ are remarkable. Guided by our mission

has been a year filled with joys and thanksgiving. In statement, we aim to be more effective and systematic preparation for the coming of the 170th anniversary in carrying out the work of God entrusted to us. year in 2019 of our beloved Cathedral, the theme In the past year, we revamped the adult baptism ‘Deepening of our Faith’ was adopted for 2018. and confirmation preparation course titled ‘Faith Through a series of workshops on liturgy and worship, Begins’, making it not only as a course imparting faith outreach and Christian mindfulness we helped the knowledge, but a Christian discipleship formation. I congregational members to reflect and go deeper in am pleased to see that there are 15 different on-going their relationship with Christ. fellowship groups, Bible Study Groups and nurturing programmes at St John’s. After about two years of As we celebrate 170 years of Christian witness at planning, the first Cursillo programme was also held. St John’s Cathedral, we give thanks to God for his Thirteen Australian Cursillo members, led by abundant grace and mercy. Guided by our anniversary Ian Palmer and paid their own travels to come to theme ‘Faith in the City’, we are celebrating the Hong Kong in October 2018 to introduce this to us. faithfulness of God and recommitting our mission We were grateful for their dedication in helping us in spreading the love of Christ. It is with a sense of to grow deeper in our faith journey. Sixteen St John’s thanksgiving that we engage in the various celebratory parishioners attended the programme. The second events this year. Some of the highlights included the Hong Kong Cursillo scheduled for October 2019 Marriage Thanksgiving Service in which 37 couples is being planned. This Lent, more than 120 people renewed their marriage vows, the St John’s Carnival attended our Lenten study groups. In 2018, our held at Chater Road in February and the St John’s Public Sunday average attendance at the Cathedral was 2,238 Lecture in March featuring the Rt Revd Professor N T people, a slight growth from the previous year. We had Wright, world-renowned Biblical scholar. The In Touch 111 people baptised, approximately half of which were magazine has displayed the important milestones of adults. All these figures seem encouraging. However, our history. We look forward to the special service it is worth noting that, with the good number of the of ‘Blessing Hong Kong’ in late June and the grand newly baptised, we should have seen a healthy growth Thanksgiving Service on 24th November. in the Sunday attendance. That was not the case! It

4 means that retaining parishioners and helping people Another major transition in our outreach ministry to have a deeper sense of belonging to the Cathedral was the reposition of the HIV Education Centre to the continues to be a challenge for us all. As a Cathedral, Life Enrichment Centre (LEC). With the advancement the spiritual life in Christ needs to be at the heart of of medicine and the social awareness on HIV/AIDS, our community life and for all that we do. the context of social needs has changed significantly. The Cathedral outreach aims to address the needs From various angles, the year 2018 was also a year of of the time in our society. When the youths in our transition for the cathedral community. Fr Desmond society are facing great challenges in this changing Cox officially retired on 31st December, after serving world, we have a duty to support, nurture and protect the Cathedral for 18 years. His dedication in serving them. After two years of exploration, the Cathedral Christ, the love for people and remarkable leadership Council has approved the establishment of the Life in ministries such as the Sunday School and the HIV Enrichment Centre. This new ministry is supervised Education Centre has inspired us all. His effort in by professional and experienced social workers of the bringing the Christian witness into the community HKSKH Welfare Council. Currently, 28 parishioners outside of the church circle was also a shining example. are going through training to become mentors for We wish him well in his retirement in Australia. Fr young people. Workshops on social and emotional John Chynchen also retired from his position as the development for youth are also being held in local Honorary Chaplain on 31st December 2018 after an schools. Chill Corner, an educational programme has active priestly ministry at the Cathedral since 1989, also been introduced. I am grateful for the hard work seven years of which were fulltime chaplaincy. Many that Chair of LEC Julianne Doe, Manager of LEC Elijah remember fondly Fr John’s pastoral care ministry and Fung, Chaplain Fr Frankie Lee, and members of the his strong connection with the expatriate community. Committee have rendered for this new ministry. Both of them have served the Cathedral well which we are most grateful. One of our outreach ministries, HELP for Domestic Workers, is also facing some major transitions In the outreach ministries, we bade farewell to Dr besides the departure of the director. The Council Mark Gandolfi who served as the director of our has agreed their request to be fully incorporated. This Counselling Service since 2006. Under his leadership, was proposed with the hope of receiving grants and he had broadened the scope and upgraded the quality funding from corporations and companies for the of the counselling service. We are thankful for his development of this ministry. A restructuring of the contributions over the years. We are also grateful organisation is also taking place to provide a new level for Betty Chu who was appointed as the Interim of professionalism and efficiency for this paralegal Director upon Dr Mark’s departure so that the good ministry. work of the Counselling Service could continue. An open recruitment was held for the new director in Ministries such as the Poverty Alleviation Programme, which a total of 31 applications were received. After CLARES, Parents and Toddler Groups, Christians a selection process, Dr Elda Chan Mei Lo, who has in Central, Lunchtime Recital and Prison Ministry more than 20 years of experience in managing a continue to show our love and care to the wider counselling service was selected. Dr Chan commenced community. A very happy and successful Michaelmas work in January 2019. In this past year, we also said Fair was held on a sunny day in October. With the goodbye to Ms Holly Allan, the Director of HELP for strong leadership of Chairman Vincent Leung, Patron Domestic Worker (formally known as Helpers for Mrs June Li and the hard work of the Committee Domestic Helpers) which provides paralegal support members and volunteers, more than $1 million was for domestic workers in need. Holly had served this raised for the cathedral operating budget. In addition, outreach ministry with great dedication for the past $320,000 was raised through the raffle tickets to 17 years. We are most grateful for Dr Mark and Holly’s support three local charities and our own cathedral tremendous contributions to the life of the Cathedral. outreach ministries. The Bookstore continues to be

5 Dean’s Report

a welcoming place for many and had made a healthy cathedrals in Hong Kong. surplus this year, thanks to the hard work of Sandy Villamil and her team. Another major gathering held at St John’s was the International Taizé youth conference in August Our sacred music ministry continues to shine brightly 2018, in which thousands of youth from 30 different thanks to the dedication of our musicians. Many counties gathered for a week of learning, worship visitors and worshippers highly praised the caliber of and fellowship. The International Anglican Liturgical the music we offered in services and concerts. We Conference was also held here in January 2019, are pleased that Felix Yeung, our Director of Music, gathering theologians and liturgists from more than has been appointed the Director of Music for the 20 Anglican Provinces. We are looking forward to , a once-in-a-decade worldwide hosting the Opening Service and Closing Service of Anglican ’ Conference, which will be held in the 17th Anglican Consultative Council (ACC) in April the summer of 2020. After relying on a rented organ with the presence of the of for several years, the Cathedral had installed a new The Most Revd Justin Welby. This Council is a state of the art digital Allen organ with 89 stops in the worldwide legislative body consists of members from summer of last year. The new powerful instrument has all 40 Provinces which meet once every three years. greatly enhanced the liturgical life of our Cathedral. It is our immense privilege to host these international gatherings. On our finances in furthering God’s work, thanks to the generous support of many of you, we saw a 6.4% The Cathedral Council recently approved the Child rise on the Stewardship (registered giving), a 7.9% Protection Policy and Manual to ensure that the increase on the Sunday collection and a 6.5% growth cathedral community is a safe environment for on the occasional donations. We praise God for your children. A series involving training and introduction love for the church. However, due to the negative of the procedures will soon be launched for those impact caused by the volatility of the market in 2018, involved in children ministry. We are grateful for the the Cathedral suffered much loss on her funds and work that the Revd Catherine Graham and the Revd investments. There was also a much higher subsidy Will Newman have done in this regard. This policy is than expected on some of the outreach programmes, the first of its kind in the HKSKH. The Province is now partly due to the departure of some key personnel. following suit and is developing a Safeguarding Policy Thanks be to God that we were still blessed with a for the Anglican Church in Hong Kong. small surplus in 2018. We call upon all parishioners to respond generously for the work of God’s kingdom. Our partnership with the link Diocese of Toungoo, Myanmar remains strong and enriches our life. In In November 2018, a Peace Conference featuring the January, a delegation of 16 people including the Dean, Revd Nadim Nassar of Awareness Foundation based the Revd Will Newman, Director of Music Felix in London, UK, was held at St John’s. The weekend Yeung, Choir members, Rita Chan of Sunday School included a Peace Walk, Peace Carnival and workshops and several parishioners visited Toungoo to take part for 40 teenagers coming from different sectors in in the celebration of the retirement of Bishop John Hong Kong learning the skills and attitudes necessary Wilme and the consecration and installation of the for building a harmonious society. A very successful new bishop, the Rt Revd Dr Saw Shee Sho. Parishioner fundraising dinner was held to raise seed money for Debbie McGowan stayed behind for several weeks future peace initiatives in Hong Kong and for the work after our visit to teach English. of Awareness Foundation. The Peace Conference was the first joint effort among the three Anglican The Cathedral continues the exploration of

6 redeveloping the administration building. A Steering and his support for the cathedral ministry. Committee has been formed, an architect was selected by the Cathedral Council and the geotechnical The lay people also play a very significant role in the investigation and heritage impact assessment on the life of the church community. I thank Martin Matsui cathedral grounds will be held to further the feasibility and John Li, Cathedral Trustees; Craig Lindsay, the study on such project. Honorary Treasurer and the Chair of the Finance and General Purpose Committee; Ron Lye, Chair We are pleased that God has blessed St John’s with of the Fabric and Furnishing Committee; Rita Chan, two new fulltime chaplains. The Revd Franklin Lee, Chair of the Events Committee; Fr Mark, Chair of previously the Minor Canon of Windsor Castle, joined the Outreach Committee; and members of the Joint us in late December 2018. The Revd Sharon Langbis, Ministry Committee and all the other committees a from the Episcopal Church in the Philippines, for their good work. I am grateful for the 2018-19 joined us in March 2019. Prior to her arrival, she served Council members, all the staff and parishioners at a cathedral in Baguio City. We look forward to the who have given so much of their valuable time and passion and gifts they will bring to our community. We talents to our outreach ministries, pastoral care, warmly welcome them in our midst. nurture/education programmes, Sunday School, uniformed groups, fellowship groups, worship and I would like to take this opportunity to thank my music, cathedral minders, flower ministry, welcomers’ clerical colleagues, the Revd Desmond Cox, the Revd group, communications, and all the activities we had Catherine Graham, the Revd Mark Rogers, the Revd throughout the past year. I offer my appreciation to Robert Martin, the Revd Will Newman, the Revd Executive Administrator Viola Ip, my secretary Elisa Canon Peter Koon, the Revd Wu Wai Ho, the Revd Cheuk, and all the staff for their hard work and effort Canon Dwight dela Torre, and the honorary chaplains: in their ministries. I would also like to thank my wife The Revd John Chynchen, and the Revd Jenny Nam. Rachel and two daughters Lauren and Kristen, for Without their dedication, collegiality and support, we their support in my ministry. would not have been able to accomplish all that we have. I am grateful also to Archbishop for May God richly bless St John’s Cathedral as we follow his immense leadership for the diocese and province, and serve God as disciples of Jesus Christ.

7 Part 1 Reports from Officers & Council Committees Honorary Secretary’s Report Annex 1 for St John’s Cathedral Council for 2018/2019

The purpose of the Council is to provide advice and meetings are kept and I am grateful to members for counsel to the Dean in accordance with the Church of their assistance in preserving a permanent record of England Trust Ordinance. For the 2018/2019 session, the Council’s deliberations. the Trustees, Officers and Council Members were as follows: The Council’s main activities are to ensure the preservation of and improvements to the Cathedral Trustees buildings and grounds, its financial viability and the Mr John Li work of the Dean and clergy in their ministries and the Mr Martin Matsui work of the outreach ministries. Much of the Council’s work this past year reflected the first of these activities. Ex officio members by virtue of their position as in As the administration building has become over- charge of the daughter churches crowded and, in important respects, dilapidated, an The Revd Robert Martin Administration Building Redevelopment Committee The Revd Will Newman was formed to investigate options for the replacement The Revd Mark Rogers of the existing structure. In 2018, three architects had expressed interest in the project, with two submitting Elected Council Members proposals to work with the Cathedral on this project. Tom Bispham Council had chosen one of these and the Committee David Bradley has been working with them this past year. Council Joseph Chan members visited a church recently designed by this Rita Chan architect to see first-hand some innovative design Ting Kin Cheung features. This is likely to be a multi-year process of James Choo geotechnical investigation of the Cathedral grounds, Dolores Dayao architectural design and planning, a Heritage Impact Julianne Doe Assessment and, ultimately, construction. But Council Patrick Fung deemed it important to begin preparations at this May Ho stage rather than waiting until the current building Adrian King becomes unusable. June Li Leo Li Council also deliberated at length on a Child Protection Craig Lindsay Policy, which was approved in March. This policy sets Ron Lye forth best practices for the care and protection of Edward Ng children in the . This policy will apply to all Margaret Sang staff and volunteers at the Cathedral and daughter Michael Spencer churches and their outreach ministries. Another topic Natalia Veldman of frequent discussion at Council was the launching Cheris Yuen of the Life Enrichment Centre. Careful consideration was given to defining the mandate of this Centre This past year, the Council met for ten regularly and ensuring that its staff would get the appropriate scheduled meetings and members’ attendance showed training needed to succeed in their new ministry. their strong commitment: most members attended seven or more of the meetings. In addition to their In all of this work, the Council has been ably supported duties on Council, members sit on at least one of the by the Cathedral Executive Administrator, Viola Ip, and Cathedral committees, including the Events, Fabric her staff, who deserve our thanks and appreciation. and Furnishings, Finance and General Purposes, Joint Ministry and Outreach committees and some ad Respectfully, hoc task forces, most of which meet approximately Michael Spencer monthly as well. Minutes for all council and committee Honorary Secretary 9 Honorary Treasurer’s Report Annex 2 Review of 2018

Dear Fellow Parishioners, cannot be reported in our financial accounts.

I am pleased to present the audited accounts for the We are blessed to have a dedicated Dean and clergy, year ended 31st December 2018: professional staff, many volunteers who contribute their time to our Sunday School, Choir, Bookstore, Financial Summary: Michaelmas Fair, Outreach Programmes and many 1) F. S. Li & Co. have, in their opinion, stated that other worthwhile causes during the year and there that our financial statements ‘give a true and fair view is no way we can reflect this in our financial accounts. of the state of affairs of our Cathedral as at 31st The true value of St John’s and our daughter churches December 2018 and of its surplus and cash flows for resides in this work. the year then ended in accordance with the Hong Kong Financial Reporting Standards’. Final Thoughts: As a Congregation, we need to remain focused on our 2) Indebtedness – as in the past year the Cathedral stewardship and collections which are the main source has no indebtedness and no outstanding bank loans. of our revenues. While we have reasonable reserves, at the current time, we must continue to be diligent in 3) Assets – Our total assets of the Cathedral funding our current expenses and be mindful of future decreased to $116 million at end of December 2018 demands for Cathedral upkeep, community needs and which our trust funds accounted for $59 million of structural changes in our Cathedral giving habits. It our total assets. now takes over $99,000 per day to operate St John’s Cathedral including our daughter churches, outreach 4) Net Surplus – the net surplus of the Cathedral programmes, maintenance and improvements. Our (included gains/ (loss) in our investment portfolio) as Cathedral and related buildings need constant care per audited accounts was $14,534 vs $ 3,975,079 at and maintenance and we need funds to support these 31st December 2017. The surplus includes income projects. generated from On Lee apartments. I would like to take this opportunity to thank our 5) Trust Funds – as of 31st December 2018 the Dean Matthias, our Trustees Martin Matsui and John balance of all trust funds held at by our external Asset Li, our Executive Administrator Viola Ip, the F&GP Managers was $59 million. The balance of these same Committee and especially Lester Leung and Thomas accounts as of 31st December 2017 was $64 million. Li for their hard work, guidance and support over the past year. Assets not reflected on our Balance Sheet: Our Cathedral is a special place to those who visit I would also like to thank our auditor: F. S. Li & Co. for to attend a service or event, come for reflection or their hard work, professionalism and advice during the for those who are visiting Hong Kong. Our Cathedral past year. This was their first year as our auditors and building is reported in our balance sheet with a value they did an outstanding job. of $1.00. From an accounting standpoint this may be correct but we all know that our Cathedral is a Personally, I appreciate the support, comments, ‘priceless asset’ to ourselves, Hong Kong (and given questions and advice of our St John’s family and it has the amount of tourists who visit us) – the world. been an honour to serve at the Honorary Treasurer for the past nine years. The goodwill built up by St John’s Cathedral and our daughter churches over the years through their Sincerely, good works, our outreach programmes, programmes Craig B Lindsay of worship and many volunteer projects during the Honorary Treasurer year bring an intangible value to our Cathedral which

10 Appendix 1: Investment Fund(s)

This report covers the Cathedral’s Trust and Endowment Funds whose principal purpose is noted alongside: Fund Name Available For 1) General General purposes 2) Percy B. Dillon Endowment Cathedral upkeep 3) SJC Hall Endowment Hall upkeep 3) St John’s Council Fund Cathedral upkeep and clergy needs 4) Noel Croucher St John’s Cathedral Endowment Cathedral upkeep and clergy needs The aggregate market value of these Funds was $23.8 million at 31st December 2018 vs $26.3 million at 31st December 2017, an increase/(decrease) of -9.5% over the past year. The Funds are invested by HSBC Asset Management (the ‘Manager’) as one Portfolio following a common investment mandate. Investment Mandate Target Portfolio Actual Portfolio (as of 31st Dec 2018) Global Equities 70% 71% Global Bonds 25% 26% Cash 5% 3% 5) St John’s Cathedral (2004) Endowment Fund Long-term Endowment The market value of the St John’s Cathedral (2004) Endowment Fund was $45.4 million at 31st December 2018 vs $49.18 million at 31st December 2017 an increase/(decrease) of -7.7% over the past year and is managed by Union Bancaire Privee, UBP SA Hong Kong Branch. This mandate was effective October 2014. Specific Figures The year-end balances by individual fund are as follows: Fund Name 31st Dec 2018 31st Dec 2017 ‘000 ‘000 General Fund $12,401 $13,683 Percy Dillon Endowment $2,627 $2,899 SJC Hall Endowment Fund $3,194 $3,525 St John’s Council Fund $2,677 $2,954 Noel Croucher Endowment $2,939 $3,243 Total Funds managed by HSBC Global $23,838 $26,304 Asset Management (Hong Kong) Ltd Funds managed by Union Bancaire $45,405 $49,182 Privée, UBP SA Hong Kong Branch Total Endowment Funds $69,243 $75,486 Add: On Lee Building Specific Fund $7,615 $6,349 Z US Money Fund $416 $419 Z Hong Kong China $278 $335 St John’s Cecilia Kwok $1,077 $1,297 Church Music Scholarship Fund## Total Funds $78,629 $83,886

##This is an independent Section 88 tax-exempt trust with its own Declaration of Trust dated 3rd September 2009 and Trustees, but closely affiliated with the Cathedral

11 Appendix 1: Investment Fund(s)

St John’s Endowment Fund (2004) portfolio review as provided by our Investment Manager Union Bancaire Privée (UBP):

The St John’s Cathedral (2004) Endowment Fund The market value of the St John’s Cathedral (2004) Endowment Fund was $45.4 million as of 31st December 2018 vs $49.18 as of 31st December 2017, an increase/(decrease) of -7.7% over the past year. A net total of $416,850 was invested to the Fund in 2018.

Market review and portfolio positioning

2018: wide gap between economic performance and equity markets

World growth in 2018 was strong (3.8%) but disparities as unstable coalitions came to power in Italy, Spain appeared between the major regions and a broad- and also Germany, while the French government faced based slowdown took hold at the end of the year. The protests against its reforms. The UK’s Prime Minister economic cycle in 2018 was marked by fears of a trade finally reached a Brexit agreement with the EU, but war between the United States and its many partners, Parliament is yet to ratify it, and she is losing political specific tensions between the US and China, and the support, leaving fears about Brexit running as high Fed’s regular rate hikes and balance-sheet reduction. as ever. In Japan, growth remained weak, weighed down by major weather events in the third quarter, In 2018, US growth emerged as the strongest among but consumption and wages recovered somewhat. the major developed countries (2.9%) thanks to tax reform and the rebound in industrial and consumer In China, growth slowed as a result of measures adopted confidence. The unemployment rate continued to fall in 2017 to reduce economic agents’ indebtedness. to a historic low (3.7%), putting pressure on wages. With the threat of trade war, both fiscal and monetary The new US trade policy led to an increase in tariffs stimulus measures have been taken, but they have not on steel, aluminum and many products imported from yet had an impact, except on investment, and domestic China. Meanwhile the US renewed its trade agreement activity was still slowing at the end of the year. Growth with Mexico and Canada and opened negotiations with in other emerging countries also slowed, affected by Japan and the European Union concerning in particular the increases in key rates, the fall in commodity prices the automobile sector. At the end of the year, a three- and the currency crisis in the second quarter. In Brazil, month truce in the US - China trade dispute was agreed, signs of improvement emerged after the elections a period used by the Chinese authorities to review and Argentina secured IMF loans to contain the crisis. their tariffs on US products, access to their markets, The situation remained precarious in Turkey, which and their medium-term strategic development. sank into recession in the second half of the year.

The other developed countries started losing Inflation came back in line with the objectives of the momentum during the year, particularly in Europe major central banks, with the exception of Japan, where the growth rate fell below 2% at the end of where inflation remained well below 2%. In the US the year. Concerns over the trade war particularly and the eurozone, inflation rose again to above 2% affected morale in European companies, while during the year, but moderated in the last quarter as domestic growth lagged behind that in the US, with commodity prices fell. The underlying price indices did consumption and household confidence flagging not follow the rebound of the global indices but were despite the fall in unemployment. In addition, the stable or edged up. In emerging countries, inflation political environment in the euro area posed challenges was on an upward trajectory due to domestic

12 Appendix 1: Investment Fund(s)

demand but also to the decline in local currencies. very profitable for government bonds at the end of the year, it was detrimental to credit. The spread-widening Central banks continued to tighten, causing monetary significantly affected both the investment-grade (-2.2% constraints and even liquidity pressures to reappear. in USD and -1.1% in EUR) and high-yield (-2.3% and The Fed raised its key rates four times in 2018, from -3.6% respectively) segments. However, losses were a range of 1.25 – 1.50% to 2.25 – 2.50%, and the ECB even more significant for holders of emerging market stopped its net asset purchases after reducing the bonds (-4.3% for those denominated in dollars and amounts in October. The Bank of England hiked its rates -6.2% for those denominated in local currencies (from 0.50% to 0.75% in August) to contain inflation converted into dollars). and wages, and even the Bank of Japan adjusted its bond purchases and made its target for 10-year rates Strong dollar and high oil volatility more flexible. On the other hand, the Chinese central After its unexpected fall in 2017, the dollar appreciated bank relaxed its policy through liquidity injections against all major currencies in 2018, except the yen (-3% and reductions in commercial banks’ reserve ratios, to 109.7), which was the safe haven of choice at the after giving its currency free rein during the summer. end of the year. The greenback benefited in particular Most Asian central banks continued their rate hikes from the strength of the US growth, political risks in in the wake of the Fed to stabilise their currencies, Italy and the UK, and a sharp increase in risk-aversion. restore market confidence, and also cope with higher The euro thus corrected by nearly 5% against the inflation. As for the Turkish and Argentine central dollar, falling to almost 1.12 in mid-November before banks, they had to raise their rates drastically to stem recovering to 1.15. These uncertainties in Europe of the currency crisis, while Brazil cut its key rates twice. course supported the Swiss franc, which appreciated by nearly 4% against the euro to end up at 1.13. The Sovereign bonds end the year up lack of agreement on Brexit explains the volatility of Against the backdrop of strong economic growth, the British pound, which lost nearly 6% against the increasing inflationary pressures and the anticipation dollar. Most emerging currencies depreciated against of several Fed rate hikes, US short and long yields the dollar, including the renminbi (-5%), which tested started the year clearly up. However, it was not until the 7.0 level, against a backdrop of trade war, slowing mid-September that the 10-year yield passed the activity and PBOC monetary easing. Some currencies 3% mark before peaking at 3.24% at the beginning were severely affected by domestic political risks or of November. Signs of a slowdown in the global by the correction in commodity prices. These included economy and a more dovish tone from Jerome Powell the Turkish lira (-28%), the Argentine peso (-51%), the then pushed it back to 2.68%, a 28 basis-point (bp) Brazilian real (-15%) and the Russian rouble (-17%). gain over the year. With the 2-year yield going from 1.89% at the beginning of the year to 2.49%, the yield The latter obviously suffered from the fall in oil prices in curve flattened sharply. In the eurozone, the rise in the last quarter. The reasons for the growing concerns the German 10-year yield at the beginning of the about market oversupply have been many. While year was stopped in its tracks by fears, followed by the price increase until October (Brent rose above the materialisation in May, of the alliance between USD 85/bbl) was fuelled by the US administration’s the M5S and Lega parties in Italy. As a result the 10- desire to pull out of the nuclear agreement with Iran, year Bund unexpectedly fell by 19 bp over the year Donald Trump’s announcement of exemptions from to end at 0.24% and German sovereign debt (+2.4%) sanctions against Tehran maintained selling pressure as consequently outperformed its American counterpart production grew sharply in the US and worries about (+0.8%) by a wide margin. With the exception of Italian a slowdown in demand mounted. The price of Brent debt (-1.4%), sovereign bonds of major developed finally closed the year at USD 54/bbl, a 20% year-on- countries ended the year in positive territory, year decline. After heavy losses in the second and third including Switzerland (+0.9%) and the UK (+0.5%). quarters, mainly due to the strength of the dollar, gold While the rise in risk-aversion in the last quarter was prices recovered to end the year at USD 1,283 (-2%).

13 Appendix 1: Investment Fund(s)

Renewed equity market volatility in a very difficult year outperformed the eurozone (-12.7%), which suffered in particular from its strong exposure to the banking Despite strong global growth and corporate earnings sector. Thanks to its more defensive profile, the Swiss growth, particularly in the US, the MSCI World All market held up a little better (-8.0%), as did the UK Country Index (in local currencies, net dividends (-8.8%). Japan (-15.1%), which is notoriously cyclical, reinvested) fell by 7.7% in 2018 (after a 19.8% jump underperformed other developed markets and posted in 2017), with negative performances for almost all a loss in line with emerging markets in dollar terms countries and sectors. Yet the markets had started (-14.6%). Asian markets (-15.5% in dollars), and in on a very positive note, but the acceleration in wage particular China (-18.9%), were heavily affected by the growth in January raised worries about increased China-US trade dispute. In Latin America, Argentina firmness on the part of the US central bank and collapsed (-50.8%), while Brazil (-0.5%) was supported triggered a first bout of jitters. In Europe, the forming by the election of its new president. In Europe, Russia’s of the new government in Italy during the spring positive performance (-0.7%) contrasted with Turkey’s brought back bad memories for investors. Meanwhile tumble (-41.4%). the US stock market – driven by its major technology companies – reached new heights in September. The Globally, only the utilities (+3.5% in local currencies) markets then collapsed in October and even further and healthcare (+2.9%) sectors ended the year up. At in December, amid the threat of a slowdown in global the other end of the spectrum, the financial, industrial growth, combined with fears of excessive monetary and materials sectors all declined by about 13%. The tightening by the Fed. As a result, the US market technology sector (-5.3%) outperformed slightly (-5.0% according to the MSCI index) once again despite a disastrous year-end.

SJC Portfolio in 2018

Against a backdrop of difficult financial markets February due largely to a surge in US Treasury bond and declining risky asset prices, the SJC portfolio yields (10Y UST jumped from 2.4% to 2.8%), triggered finished the year with a loss of -8.51% (net of fees) by a rise in inflationary expectations and the prospects vs a benchmark return of -6.00% (gross of fees). The of a more hawkish US Fed rate policy. With the rise quarterly performance of the portfolio in 2018 is in Treasury yields, high yield spreads have once again listed as follows: compressed to near all time lows, thus we rotated out of high yield bond fund into emerging market local currency bond funds where we see an opportunity to get attractive carry and exposure to economies in earlier part of their recovery cycle, and their currencies. March 2018 also saw the start of a trade war between the US and China with the US Trump administration threatening to raise tariffs on China, The portfolio started 2018 very strongly in January leading to continued volatility in financial markets. We on the back of optimism over global synchronised trimmed Asian, Japanese and later European equities economic growth continuing from 2017 supporting as we saw risk-return less favorable on the back of risky asset prices. However, those gains proved to higher political and policy risks moving into mid year. be short lived as equity markets quickly reversed in The portfolio ended 1Q2018 almost flat at -0.09%.

14 Appendix 1: Investment Fund(s)

In 2Q2018, we saw a transition phase in the highs. We also repositioned our Asian equity exposure Trump presidency, i.e. from economically focused more defensively. We introduced long CHF exposure stimulus policies to a more damaging trade-focused as an addition cushion against events risks going into protectionist policy, against a backdrop of an expected the autumn and also opened some EUR exposure peak in global economic growth momentum in the expecting a potential reversal in the weakened months ahead. Benefiting from its safe haven status, EURUSD. We exited our emerging market local debt, we expected government bonds to provide portfolio as risk to emerging market currencies was expected with some protection in case of rising market to increase with the incoming implementation volatility going forward. As a result, we reduced of US tariffs on an additional US$200 billion in slightly our exposure in corporate bond funds and imports from China, as well as renewed turbulence added to US government bond ETF. Also, we saw in countries like Turkey and Argentina. Subsequently, a peak in economic growth already playing out in we rotated into short duration high yield bond Europe and Japan while the US began to show signs funds and relatively short duration Asia investment of an inflection in growth. The upward pressure on grade single line bonds to capture some carry while risk-free yields has begun to ease, warranting a shift in limiting interest rate risks. We also rotated out of our bond positioning. Due to historically tight credit emerging market equity fund into US equity funds, spreads despite the recent pick-up, we continued to and further repositioned within Asian equity funds. replace our credit bond exposure with mortgage Portfolio ended 2Q18 slightly lower by -0.50%. backed securities. In the equity space, we reduced our Eurozone equities in favour of Swiss equities, 4Q2018 was characterised by two bouts of equity and given the defensiveness of the Swiss market structure. risky assets sell offs in October and December. Fears We also repositioned our US equity exposure to of slowing world growth, and consequently slowing a more balanced growth-value exposure and exit company earnings growth, together with the ending in stages our Energy and Japanese Yen positions, of ample cheap liquidity injections from central banks locking in some gains as risk-return was no longer continued to impact investors’ sentiment globally. favorable. Portfolio ended 2Q18 lower by -2.25%. Although economic indicators remain fairly robust, the positive economic and earnings momentum In 3Q2018, the pullback in yields and credit spreads was clearly weakening towards the end of 2018 and in July opened a window to once again reduce we continued to focus on risk management for the corporate credit and interest rate sensitivity. We portfolio. We reduced emerging market, Europe and reduced our long duration credit exposure in favour Japanese equities and raised cash levels and also of short-duration government bonds. In equities, we added to Asia investment grade bonds for carry. rotated our developed market equity positions from Portfolio ended 4Q18 lower by -5.86% and the full European to US equities ahead of expectations of year decline for SJC portfolio was -8.51%. As of end political volatility in Europe. The growth-focused US of 2018, the SJC portfolio was overweight fixed equity market continued to show relative promise income (56.9% of portfolio) and underweight equities as valuations improved with a pullback from recent (37.3% of portfolio). Cash was 3.6% and gold 2.1%.

15 Appendix 1: Investment Fund(s)

Outlook 2019

At the beginning of 2018, investors had every reason growth stabilise at a slower pace than in 2017 and 2018. to be enthusiastic as synchronised global growth continued, driven in particular by US fiscal stimulus. Inflation is also projected to settle around central However, we remained cautious, believing that bank targets, but wage pressures are expected to performances would be more modest than in 2017. remain and core prices could gradually rise in several As we enter 2019, it is becoming obvious that, even countries. Thus, the major central banks should though pressures on valuations have eased, particularly continue, indeed accelerate, their monetary tightening on the equity market, other risks are still looming on with the end of the ECB’s quantitative easing and the the horizon. Fed’s plans to continue its rate hikes over the coming year. However, the latter could take a break due to Global growth is expected to slow in 2019 (to 3.6%) the tighter financial conditions, their impact on the with the synchronisation fading and giving way to US economy, and the stress on financial markets. differing growth rates from one region to another. In this context, equity investors should expect single-digit Although fears of recession in the US do not seem returns for 2019, driven mainly by moderate earnings justified, growth there should slow down (2.6%, from growth, so we recommend a tactical repositioning 2.9% in 2018), but still remain higher than in other onto strategies that contain downside risk or can offer developed countries. Activity in China is projected some yield amid rising volatility. From a strategic point to be boosted by various support measures and the of view, this volatility offers investors the opportunity prospect of a trade agreement with the US. As for the to extend their investment horizons, drawing more euro area, the UK, and Japan, they are likely to see their broadly on secular trends to add value in 2019.

Appendix:

16 Appendix 1: Investment Fund(s)

17 Appendix 1: Investment Fund(s)

18 Appendix 1: Investment Fund(s)

19 Appendix 1: Investment Fund(s)

20 Appendix 1: Investment Fund(s)

21 Appendix 2: Endowment Fund (2004)

Submitted by The Very Revd Matthias Der, Chair

The St John’s Cathedral Endowment Fund raised 2017, a decrease of –7.7% over the past year due to approximately $26 million when it was established in the vitality of the market in 2018. A total of $583,150 2004. It was set up to generate a steady support for was withdrawn from the Fund in 2018, offset by a cathedral upkeep, capital improvement projects and donation of $1,000,000 into the Fund in 2018. to subsidise the ministry and outreach programmes of St John’s Cathedral. It was officially registered as a The projects supported by the Endowment Charitable Trust Fund in late 2014 with the following Fund (2004) include: as Trustees: 1. St John’s Cathedral Counselling Service - Youth The Very Revd Matthias Der, suicide prevention and intervention and after care Dean (Chair) wellness programme - $307,200 (three instalments in 18 months since 2016) Mr Martin Matsui, St John’s Cathedral Trustee and Council’s Appointee 2. Cathedral Interior Painting - $654,000 (2016) 3. HIV Education Centre - Microfilm Competition Mr Craig Lindsay, for youth in raising awareness of prevention of HIV/ St John’s Cathedral Honorary Treasurer AIDS and against discrimination- $199,000 (three instalments in 18 months since 2017) Dr Joseph Chan, Archbishop’s Appointee 4. Cathedral Bookstore - hiring a part time staff to develop on-line business - $130,000 (approved in Mr Herbert Tsoi, December 2016, project was launched late 2017, 50% Council’s Appointee and legal counsel of the fund has been issued )

Funding Guidelines 5. MFMW - Domestic worker training on elderly The Endowment Fund trustees decided that the care- $100,000 (two instalments since 2017) grants should be project based. Up to fifty percent of the net gain of the investment based on a period 6. HELP - Education for school children on relationship of three years could be allocated for projects which with domestic workers - $129,500 (two instalments meet the criteria established by the Endowment Fund since 2017) Committee. The remaining 50% of the gain will be deposited to the Endowment Fund for further growth 7. Counselling Service for subsidising counselling for on the capital. people in poverty - $254,000 (put on hold due to the change of leadership) Endowment Fund Updates The Trustees met a total of three times in 2018 namely In 2018, a total of $328,750 was given to the in January, June and August. following projects:

The Fund is managed by Union Bancaire Privée (UBP). 1. HIV Centre for Microfilm Competition- $99,000 2. Bookstore for On Line Business Development 2018 Report: - $65,000 The market value of the St John’s Cathedral (2004) 3. MFMW for Elderly Care Training- $100,000 Endowment Fund was $45.39 million as of 31st 4. HELP Education for workshops in school December 2018 vs $49.18 million as of 31st December - $64,750

22 Appendix 3: Audited Account

Copies of the audited account for the Cathedral is printed separately for reference.

23 Fabric & Furnishing Committee Annex 3

2016 and 2017 were very busy years for renovations and renewals. Most of the offices of the Administration Building and some of the facilities of the Cathedral were renovated or refurbished. In comparison, 2018 was relatively quiet in this respect.

Nevertheless, several important projects were completed or started. The marble floor of the Chancel was polished and the antique panels were carefully cleaned and retained, giving the Chancel a clean and fresh look.

The broadband performance of the Bookstore was upgraded with the installation of the ‘Mesh Network’.

A project to install Stained Glass in the Clerestory Windows was approved by Council. In the design of the Stained Glass, a balance was struck between effectively carrying the Theological messages and any

minimising darkening of the Nave and Chancel spaces. A trial installation has been carried out on one of the

windows in 2018. The rest of the Trefoil and Quatrefoil windows will be done in 2019.

Attention was paid to the longer term issues of the maintenance and repair of the Fabric. A programme to monitor the structural stability was developed and passed on to the Antiquities and Monuments Office (AMO), hopefully for implementation before too long. In recent years there were a number of instances of water leaks from the roof, some severe, during inclement weather. During the inspection and repair exercises, evidence of age deterioration of the structural members including delamination of the membrane was found. A survey of the roof was investigated for planned implementation in 2019.

I thank God for the blessing of successful execution of our little ideas of 2018 to improve this important pillar of worship. I would also like to thank Committee Members for their time and efforts, and Trustees and Council Members for their support.

Ron Lye, Chairman

photo taken by Michelle Chua

24 Events Committee Annex 4

The Events Committee has been one of the Subcommittees of the Council since 2015. To achieve better communication, the ministry representatives are encouraged to speak about the current scope of duties, challenges, ideas and suggestions to further develop the mission of serving the cathedral community with their gift of time, energy and commitment. Lunchtime Recitals The Lunchtime Recitals have been growing steadily under the chairmanship of Ms Julianne Doe and the competent management of Mr Alan Tsang, the Assistant Director of Music of the Cathedral. The ministry will continue to undertake the community responsibility for enriching people’s lives with the harmony of music and voices.

To show kindness and hospitality to our Cathedral community, Mrs Doris Lye, the Coordinator of the Welcoming/Catering Group, would like to report that the team continues to station themselves at the Welcome Welcomers/Catering Group Table at the porch and in the Li Hall after the 9:00am Service. During the year, they are happy to have had further new Welcomers join the team. The Catering team, a sub group, has helped organise events notably the annual Parish barbeque, the post-Easter Vigil refreshments and the Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper. Welcomers from the Filipino Fellowship also undertake the running of the 9:00am refreshment.

With the continuous support of the Cathedral and the untiring efforts of Mrs K. C. Too, Chair of the Christians in Christians in Central Central, a series of professional talks on a variety of well- defined topics have been held. These have been delivered by local, and overseas, keynote speakers from culturally diverse backgrounds. The main focus of the ministry continues to be sourcing good speakers and selecting relevant topics.

It is a privilege to be part of the Cathedral Minders Team and keep the Cathedral open during public holidays.A sincere Cathedral Minders thanks has to go to Ms Elisa Cheuk, Mr Adrian Davis, Mr Rodney Farrar, Mr Martin Hills, Mrs Alice Inglis, Miss Alys Lindsay, Mr Craig Lindsay, Mrs Debbie McGowan, Mr Graham & Mrs Mimi Maclean and Ms Li Yee Wan for their continued support of this low profile ministry.

The Michaelmas Fair Committee, under the able leadership of Mr Vincent Leung, has continued to successfully promote the twin goals of encouraging Christian fellowship and raising fund. Michaelmas Fair Rita Chan, Chairperson 25 Joint Ministry Committee Annex 5

The Joint Ministry Committee consists of that more spiritual formation programmes were held representatives from the six major Ministry in the past year. Committees and several council members. It provides a platform to share and support the cathedral ministries 5. Fellowship/Congregational Development committee and acts as a think tank to pro-actively address the organised the Cathedral BBQ in November 2018 different concerns raised in the life of the Cathedral. and Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper in March 2019. Members of this group also organised receptions after This past year, the membership included the Dean many of the major cathedral services. It was clear that (Chair), the Revd Robert Martin (Liturgy and Worship), many parishioners enjoyed coming to cathedral social the Revd Catherine Graham (Pastoral Care), the Revd events. Mark Rogers (Outreach), the Revd Will Newman (Spirituality and Nurture), the Revd Desmond Cox 6. For the mission and evangelism, the Cathedral (Community Building), the Revd Wu Wai Ho (Mission organised a dinner over Christmas welcoming the and Evangelism), Maggie Chan (Communications/ students and family members of the Saturday tutoring Publicity), David Bradley, Cheris Yuen, James Choo and group at St Matthew’s Church in Sheung Wan. It also T. K. Cheung. I am most grateful for the effort and the organised a Faith Enquiry Course for those who work of each of the members. wanted to explore the faith. A Pilgrimage of St John’s was held on 30th March 2019 inviting visitors and The Joint Ministry Committee met four times over Anglicans across the Province to visit the Cathedral. the past year. Below are some of the key items that the Committee had worked on. 7. On the publicity and communication front, four issues of In Touch magazine were published with much 1. On liturgy and worship, we explored the possibility positive feedback received. The Cathedral did some of having more lunch time services for visitors and work on rebranding and had designed the 170th parishioners alike. The Cathedral also received anniversary logo. Much effort was put into promoting the permission from the Bishop for lay people to our activities and worship services of the Cathedral. administer the communion host in Eucharist. 8. St John’s Cathedral continued to provide 2. For the outreach ministry, the Committee supported opportunity for pilgrimages. The Dean and Fr Robert the repositioning of the HIV Education Centre to the led a very successful pilgrimage to the Holy Land in Life Enrichment Centre and for the HELP for Domestic May 2018. Fr Wai Ho will be leading a pilgrimage Workers on their road to incorporation. Poverty to Shandong, China in May of this year. Holy Land alleviation has become an active and regular ministry pilgrimages will now be organised once every two of the Cathedral. We continue to help parishioners to years to encourage more parishioners to receive be aware of the cathedral outreach ministries. firsthand experience of the biblical land. Our next Holy Land pilgrimage will be in February 2020. 3. On the matters of pastoral care, the committee The once a decade passion play in Oberammergau, monitored the progress of creating the Child Germany will also be a destination for us in 2020. Protection Policy which was passed in the council of March 2019. There were discussions of training lay 9. Further efforts were made on protecting the pastoral visitors and creating some support groups environment with a task group established. A priority for people in need. of reducing paper usage was introduced.

4. Regarding the ministry of nurture and spirituality, The Very Revd Matthias Der, the Committee was pleased to see the positive Chairman feedback on Faith Begins and the Cursillo retreat and

26 Outreach Committee Annex 6

The outreach organisations have submitted separate charity. reports. I will comment on the work of this Committee. The mandate of the Outreach Committee is • HELP for Domestic Workers is in transition to summarised section 5.1 of the Outreach Review becoming incorporated as a charity. The board ratified by Cathedral Council in March 2016: initiated an organisational review looking at efficiency and effectiveness in serving the clients. The review The Committee will report to the Cathedral recommended a reformed structure with a CEO-like Council and supervise, support, coordinate and person who will direct and manage the organisation develop the outreach ministries in the Cathedral. above the case managers who will work with clients. The organisation has gone through a challenging time The Outreach Committee met five times since as regards staffing, with the tragic death of Jenny Aledia, the last ACM. The Committee is composed of the the administrative assistant, and the resignation of the heads of the outreach, six Council members and four former Director Holly Allan. The board has recently Cathedral members. appointed a fundraiser. The strategy of the board is to become incorporated so to be better able to attract The meeting has two parts. In the first part, the corporate funding. The Trustees and Cathedral Council heads of the outreach organisations give reports and have advised the board that they should find facilities respond to questions. In the second part, the paid outside the cathedral grounds before December outreach staff leave for the Committee to reflect on 2019. Menawhile, the Cathedral is committed to the presentations. funding HELP’s daily expenses over the next 3 years on a reduced annual amount and to subsidise the This past year has seen a number of changes to the cost of renting the outside facility. Despite these outreach organisations: challenges, HELP continues to deliver substantial legal settlements to unfairly treated domestic workers. The • The Counselling Service has a new Director, Dr organisation has 80+ lawyer volunteers. Elda Chan. With the oversite and agreement of the Counselling service Board, Dr Chan has initiated a • MFMW continues without any major changes. The change in Counsellor fees and the rates of the charge organisation was featured on numerous occasions for clients. Dr Chan is also seeking funding from in the local press as a result of its comprehensive outside sources. survey of domestic workers working with seniors in Hong Kong. For other highlights of this excellent • The ministry of the HIV Education Centre formally grassroots ministry, please see their annual report. ended in November 2018, and was re-launched as the Life Enrichment Centre. Elijah Fung continues as • The Bookstore reported a profit for the past Manager. The assistant had resigned earlier in the year. year and continues to be part of the cathedral The board is seeking a full-time Youth worker. The outreach due to its important front-line ministry. newly constituted board consists mostly of Council members. The focus of the LEC is training of mentors I am grateful to all our Outreach for their life- for teenagers and families in need, and promotion of changing and healing ministry. wellness for all ages. The manager continues to engage with schools. Fr Frankie Lee is the Chaplain. The The Revd Mark Rogers, Chairman Centre has obtained Section 88 tax exemption as a Part 2 Reports from Church Committees, Daughter Churches & Ministries Discovery Bay Church Annex 7 2019 January: • Epiphany Sunday. Invite-a-friend Sunday with community lunch

February: • Epiphany season • Cleared out church store room

March: I will summarise the past year and then give comments. • Lent season • Stall at DBIS Food Fair 2018 • Stall at Flea Market April: • One adult is being prepared for baptism and • Four young people confirmed confirmation • Easter Day and Easter season worship • Lent study group with simple supper

May: The Church Committee has met nine times. The • Pentecost Sunday, Trinity Sunday and Trinity season Annual Meeting in April 2018 elected Rachael Mellado • Focus on stewardship as People’s Warden. I thank Natalia Veldman for her ministry as People’s Warden from 2010 – 2018. June: • Entered a church team in the Discovery Bay Annual Average Attendance: Dragonboat contest 2012: 92 2016: 92 2013: 107 2017: 94 July/August: 2014: 97 2018: 80 • Three ‘summer survivor’ meals in local restaurants 2015: 100 • Worship transferred to Dance Studio due to school hall renovations Comments: • Took part in ‘Back to School’ Fair • I give thanks to God for all the blessings given to this church community. September: • I am very grateful to the many church members • Day trip to Tai Kwun Police Compound who faithfully attend worship and assist in many ways in organising and running our events. October: In particular, I thank the wardens, the church • Harvest Thanksgiving Service. Invite-a-friend committee, the Sunday School leaders and the music Sunday with community lunch ministry team. • Attendance declined from August 2018, not November: picking up to previous year’s numbers after • All Saints Day. Taizé Style Family Worship the summer break. January and February saw a • Remembrance Sunday 100th anniversary of WWI modest rise in comparison with 2018. Armistice. Invite-a-friend Sunday with community • The Sunday School enrollment is lower than the lunch past year. • Giving declined from March 2018. Here is a December: comparison between year-end 2017 and 2018: • Advent Sunday, Advent season 2017 2018 • Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Christmas season Giving: $1,031,446 $890,830 • Carol service, Journey of Mary, Joseph & Expenses: $1,110,008 $1,137,269 the donkey with Jesse Tree Symbol making, Christingle, Nativity in Plaza The Revd Mark Rogers, Priest-in-charge 29 Emmanuel Church, Pokfulam Annex 8

As is often the case at the daughter churches the last celebrant. His visit was much appreciated - although his year has been a time of ‘Saying farewell’ to old friends fulsome homily was a little longer than we are used to! and ‘Welcoming’ new ones at Emmanuel. After a dip following the Chinese New Year holiday our numbers The Revd Catherine Graham came to the rescue at the Sung Eucharist now seem to be holding steady. on Pentecost Sunday, 20th June, and stood in for Fr The Sunday School continues to thrive and we have Robert who had just arrived back from the Holy Land – a couple of new families who have started to attend a good Pentecost celebration with a polyglot reading in Emmanuel.The Sunday School will now be implementing several languages and an imaginative use of paper plates! the Cathedral Child Protection Policy which will be challenging for a small parish like Emmanuel. On Sunday 24th June, we held another brunch after the 10.15am Sung Eucharist to celebrate Fr Robert’s Visitors to Emmanuel: 60th birthday. This was a fun, family occasion and On Sunday 27th May, we were pleased to welcome we were joined by our visiting preacher that day, the Cantata Choir from the Ebeneezer School Canon David Pickering, who was also celebrating for the Visually Impaired, Pokfulam to sing at our his birthday that week. morning worship. This is a much anticipated annual event in our liturgical life and in order to facilitate the Christian Nurture: seating of the choir we changed our 10:15am service We were delighted to be able to present for Baptism to Morning Prayer, rather than a Eucharist. (A said and Confirmation, at the Confirmation Eucharist Eucharist was celebrated at 9:30am for those wishing on Sunday 27th May, two members of the to make their Sunday communion) The service was Emmanuel congregation; Ayesha Lau McPherson a great success and well received by the community. and Fiona Tam. Both had followed the Faith Begins course of catechesis held at the Cathedral and it was During Fr Robert’s time away on pilgrimage in the encouraging to see so many of Emmanuel congregation Holy Land with the Dean we were blessed with two present to support their sisters on this special day. visiting celebrant and preachers. Lent, Holy Week & Easter On Sunday 13th May, Bishop Patrick Yu, recently Annual Parish Retreat retired Bishop of York Scarborough, Toronto, was our Our Lenten Parish Retreat was held on Saturday 30 Emmanuel Church, Pokfulam Annex 8

23rd March at the beautiful Carmelite Retreat House were Bishop and his wife Sarah. at Shek O. We were fortunate to have as our retreat Bishop Andrew has known Emmanuel over many years conductor, Dr Gareth Jones, Principal of Ming and spoke about the importance of maintaining and Hua Theological College, who led a day focused open and loving fellowship. The event was well attended on ‘Encountering the Stranger’. The retreat was well with a good number of our kids present who danced attended, 16 people, and was a time of challenge, and played games with YouTube after the dinner. It was refreshment and fellowship. a very enjoyable church family event – ‘All Age Eating!’

Lent & Holy Week Services: Annual Church Meeting We were busily preparing for our celebration of Holy On Palm Sunday, 14th April 2019, Emmanuel Week & Easter. held its ACM. We elected our Churchwardens Palm Sunday 10:15am Palm Procession & and new Church Committee for the coming year. Sung Eucharist Good Friday 10:15am The Liturgy of Good Friday Thanks Easter Sunday 10:15am Sung Eucharist & I would like to acknowledge the dedication of our Easter Ceremonies excellent churchwardens Wallace Lai and Andrea (and Children’s Easter Egg Hunt in the garden) Kan, (who also serves as our parish secretary), Sunday School coordinator Kate Moore and her Our Lent Study Group at the PinC’s home has team of teachers, and everyone else who serves on been well attended each week and has become the Committee. I would particularly like to thank a real time of sharing and fellowship. The theme of Cheris Yuen, our Council representative, who ‘Forgiveness’ has been stimulating and has led to is tireless in her organising of parish retreats and some deep sharing and prayer time together. After outings. Their generous support and encouragement Easter we plan to continue the ‘Wednesday Study to the entire congregation is greatly appreciated. Group’ as a regular feature of our faith formation. My personal thanks go to Alex and Esme Lee, both Michaelmas Fayre Stall of whom care for their parish priest in so many ways Emmanuel once again ran its popular Face-Painting and also do so much behind the scenes to help our Stall at last year’s Michaelmas Fair. This was a very worship run smoothly. positive community effort and was much enjoyed by the congregation, and hopefully by those who visited Thanks to our faithful organist, Bryan Carter and the stall. We were one of the first to open and the last also to our assistant, Jason Hung, who help to to close. The stall, along with Fr Robert’s Face Painting, invigorate our worship week by week. Also thanks raised a grand total of $18,000. We are rightly proud are due to Felix Yeung, Director of Music at St John’s of our efforts and hard work for the greater Cathedral for his invaluable help and advice on musical matters. parish. Without the hard work and faithfulness of all the Charitable Outreach above, Emmanuel would not be able to function as the Pentecost Sunday, 20th May, also saw one of our caring and welcoming Eucharistic community that we famous ‘Emmanuel Sunday Brunches’ on the have become! Terrace outside Bethanie Chapel. This was well attended and is part of our fundraising for ‘Impact HK’ Please pray for the Emmanuel community as we – one of our charities for 2018/19. continue to change, grow together in the Lord and proclaim the Good News of his love in Pokfulam, and SOCIAL EVENTS: beyond. We held our Parish Dinner on Friday 22nd February at the Hong Kong Golf Club, Deepwater Bay The Revd Robert Martin CMP, for a sumptuous buffet dinner. Our guests of honour Priest-in-Charge

31 St Stephen’s Chapel, Stanley Annex 9

In the past year Special Services included four services funds for charity. broadcast on RTHK4; the admission of eight children to receive First Communion; the Stanley Passion Play Visiting Stanley Prison is one way that we live on Palm Sunday; Remembrance Sunday, when we lay out our faith. It is a huge privilege to meet and get a wreath in Stanley Military Cemetery; Scout Sunday, to know some of the men there, and humbling when our 150th St Stephen’s Scouts take an active part to see how the Christian faith can sustain them in the service; lovely candlelit Christmas Lessons and through long years of imprisonment, bringing not Carols; and similar beautiful services of Readings and only hope for a better life ahead, but also true Music for Lent and Easter. We also held two concerts, repentance and amendment of life even in the prison. an organ recital and a Baroque Concert on period instruments, to raise funds to maintain our pipe organ. We have two new churchwardens at St Stephen’s, Alison Harada and Olivia Choi. I am extremely The past year saw our most successful ever Christmas grateful to them, to the Treasurer, Jeff Blount, Fete on the school playing field, when over 2000 and to the Chapel Committee for their support. people enjoyed the excitement of Santa arriving by helicopter, as well as stalls, marching bands, bouncy While the Cathedral celebrates its 170th Anniversary, castles, dancers (Highland, Morris, and Belly), and St Stephen’s is 100 years younger: the foundation the Vicar’s Ice Bucket Challenge. After expenses we stone was laid in 1949, and we are preparing to donated $200,000 to the charities we support – celebrate our 70th Anniversary towards the end of Bethune House, Christian Action, The Leprosy Project, 2019. As we go into our 70th Anniversary year there and Pathfinders. That Christmas Fete is destined to are challenges ahead. Several families that used to be be the last until 2021 as the school will build a new faithful attenders have left Hong Kong, and we need auditorium at the side of the field. to reinforce our efforts to let people know about St Stephen’s and attract them to join our congregation, Another splendid annual event is the Ceilidh (Scottish rebuilding our community as we look to the future. Dancing Party) held in the school hall where there’s room for over 100 people to dine and dance. It’s a The Revd Will Newman, delightful evening for young and old, and raises more Priest-in-charge

32 Chinese Ministry Annex 10

The Chinese Ministry thanks God for another fruitful for those who love singing and dancing to equip year filled with God’s gifts, ranging from worshipping themselves for further service of the community. in variety of services, deepening fellowship among the veteran congregation members, and injection of new And again, last November, we held our annual Chinese ideas from new comers. Congregation excursion and received good responses. We are now planning for this year’s excursion. Among our ministries, we keep preparing candidates for initiation in the bilingual Faith Begins programme. The Chinese Ministry would like to thank the Very In last May, 52 were baptised and confirmed to the Revd Matthias Der, Dean of the Cathedral, Canon . Peter Douglas Koon, the Revd Wu Wai Ho, the Revd Franklin Lee, and the Revd Dr Philip Wickeri for their The Andrew Fellowship continues to meet in the support, pastoral care and leadership, also thanks Mr Harold Smyth Room every Saturday afternoon with Adam Mok and Ms Wendy Wu for their pastoral lay an attendance of around 10 members. The weekday support to the clergy, and the Choral Group and fellowship Bible Study Praying Fellowship meets every servers for their enormous contributions to the Wednesday afternoon in Conference Room with liturgy of the Chinese Ministry. around 10 people as well. The monthly Young Family Fellowship is also running well and providing a platform for Chinese-speaking young parents and their children to mingle and build friendship. We record an average number of 40 participants each time. The Mandarin speaking Sharing Fellowship on Sunday noon is approaching the second year. The participants enjoy chatting and sharing after the Sunday service.

From February 2019, we kicked off a new ministry, Praise Dance Class, on every Saturday 2:00pm in the Fanny Li Hall. We aim to provide opportunities

33 Filipino Ministry Annex 11

The Filipinos constitute what must be the largest August congregation at St John’s Cathedral. They attend all The Filipino Congregation celebrated the 11th Services including the Service on Saturdays anniversary of the Iglesia Filipia Independiente (IFI) on as well as the Mandarin Service on Sundays, despite 19th August. On 26th August, the IFI Missionaries from having our own Services in Filipino (12:00noon on Odiongan, Romblon, a parish in the Philippines, had a Saturdays, 2:00pm on Sundays). dialogue with members of the Filipino Congregation, sharing their activities and witnessing to God’s The total number of communicants at the Saturday presence in their ministry. Filipino Service from 7th April 2018 – 30th March 2019 is 5,257; while the total number of communicants at September the Sunday Filipino services from 8th April 2018 to On 2nd September, we had a short service remembering 31st March 2019 is 20,743. Take note however, that Bishop Gregorio Aglipay the First Obispo Maximo of there was no Eucharist on 15th Sept 2018 as it was the IFI at the end of the 2:00pm Filipino Eucharist. T10. On 15th September, we held a Forum on Woman’s Cancers with Dr Janice Tsang, a member of our Highlights of 2018: congregation and an Oncologist. On 23rd September, we held a memorial service at Ice House Street, for July the victims in the Philippines of Tyfun Markhut. The The Filipino Congregation Choir was invited on 1 activity was initiated by the Cordillera Alliance. July by the UCCPians-HK (United Church of Christ in the Philippines) in Kowloon Union Church Space October for their Third Anniversary. UCCP is composed of five We celebrated the life and ministry of the late Bishop protestant denominations in the Philippines, uniting to Alberto B. Ramento on 7th October with a short form the UCCP. On 2nd July, I hosted a get-together Remembrance Service after the 2:00pm Eucharist lunch for the clergy espouses who are working here (Filipino) with the Most Revd Rhee Timbang, Obispo in Hong Kong. Together with the Filipino Congregation Maximo of the IFI, and the Rt Revd Dixie Taclobao of Choir, we led in the Thanksgiving Eucharist at the the Episcopal Church of the Philippines who attended Anniversary Celebration of the United Filipinos in the 20th Anniversary of the HKSKH Province. On 20th Hong Kong (UNIFIL-HK) an alliance of 32 migrants’ October, we held another forum, this time on AIDS organisations. & Health, with Johnny Li of the Aids Foundation HK.

34 Filipino Ministry Annex 11

November and Music. On 17th February, we held our Valentine’s On 4th November we held a forum on the national Day celebration with the usual draw lots for the Miss situation as part of the Observance of Philippine Valnetine (MV) and her court. This year we limited the Contemporary Church Martyrs. I attended the the age of MV to 50 or/and above. It was fun! However, Overseas Chaplains’ Consultation with Cynthia A. the fun on 17th February was replaced with sadness Tellez, at the Aglipay Central theological Seminary when we bade farewell to a long-time member of the (ACTS) in Urdaneta City (12th - 15th November); Filipino Congregation. On 24th February, we held a and the National Clergy Convocation/NCC in Davao funeral service at a funeral home in Hong Hum for a City (19th - 22nd November) all in the Philippines. All faithful member of the Sunday Filipino Congregation. were initiatives of the Iglesia Filipina Independiente. She had been a part of our congregation for over a The NCC was attended by 749 participants. decade.

December March We participated in the International Human Rights On 9th March we began the Saturday Lent Course. On Day Observance at Chater Road on 9th December. 10th March, the Revd Sharon Langbis was introduced Within 2017-2018 three Roman Catholic Priests had to the several congregations of the Cathedral and a been killed, one survived an assassination attempt and welcome pot luck lunch for her and the Revd Franklin one former priest was also killed. Those killed were Lee was initiated by Mrs June Li. involved in HR, environmental and social justice issues. A number of priests and bishops in the IFI were also From 18th-21st March, a group of clergy and lay people red-tagged or vilified. They are also very much involved led by the Obispo Maximo/Archbishop of the Iglesia in similar advocacies as those who were killed. Filipina Independiente/Philippine Independent Church attended the series of lectures given by the Rt Revd December was also full of parties! We had Christmas Professor N T Wright. parties for the Saturday congregation (15th December) and for the Sunday congregation (16th December). April The Filipino Servers also hosted another Christmas The 2:00pm Palm Sunday Observance was rained out party for the Filipino Congregation (30th December). and the blessing of the palms was inside the Cathedral. Another highlight of the Liturgy of Palm Sunday was We did a Rizal Walk (30th December) visiting places the dramatic reading of the Passion, and for this year, associated with Dr Jose Rizal. Rizal is the Philippines’ Luke. most venerated hero. He had a short sojourn here in Hong Kong (1891-1892). He died by musketry on 30th We received an invitation to celebrate the Eucharist Dec 1896 allegedly for subversion. In 1898, his death with ATIS (Abra Tinggian Ilocano Society) a regional anniversary was declared as “dia de luto nacional” – a alliance of 15 municipal migrants’ organisations and national day of mourning – by the Gen Emilio Aguinaldo, three concerned groups, as they Celebrate Cordillera President of the Philippine Revolutionary Government. Day at Chater Road, on Easter Day (21st April) at The Rizal Walk ended with a dim sum lunch. 11:00am. On the same day, we celebrated the 25th anniversary of the Filipino Congregation with an early Highlights of 2019: BBQ Dinner.

February All throughout 2018 up to the present, we continue We blessed the candles used during the Presentation to hold our joint birthday parties every other month at the Celtic Cross Area. From 3rd-7th February, the as well as our joint Bible Study with the SJC Filipino choir of the Filipino congregation had its training with Fellowship. We also regularly hold our Saturday Bible the Revd Mario B. Quince, a priest of the IFI. He earned Study. his degree in Music from the Asian Institute for Liturgy The Revd Dwight Q. dela Torre 35 Part 3 Reports from Individual Units Cathedral Bookstore Annex 12

Review of 2018 The third year of my service in the St John’s Cathedral Bookstore was as busy and challenging as in the past The net sales profit of the fiscal years. First of all, I would like to give my heartfelt year of 2018 has reached a thanks to my only full-time staff Kendy Chau for 167,667 historical record of 6 digits. her hard work, my volunteer Alice Inglis who has been committing her work to the Bookstore for a significant long service of 40 years and other part- The Bookstore had more than time staff and volunteers, to Dean Matthias being the 100,000 visitors in 2018. Chairman of the Bookstore Committee and leading 100,000 the small Bookstore team with the supports from the Bookstore Committee, the Council and the trustees.

The net sales profit of the fiscal year of 2018 has Revd George Smith on 14th December 2018. More than reached a historical record of 6 digits. This relies on 50 guests attended and more than 30 books were sold. our newly sourced vendors who offer much better and competitive prices. We definitely see that the more E-Commerce Update variety of products we offer, the more customers we The Manager regularly attends meetings of the get. Christian Booksellers Association Hong Kong to share and exchange industry information. Some In August 2018, the Taizé Community held an operators of local bookshops view that online International Meeting for Young Adults in Hong Kong. e-commerce webpages are not useful since Hong St John’s Cathedral being one of the venues in Hong Kong is an easily accessible place. Customers can Kong brought thousands of youths, volunteers and conveniently pick up their shopping from retail shops. clergy to our cathedral vicinity. During the five-day This is the main reason that we put the E-Commerce event from 8th to 12th August, the Bookstore was project on hold. The industry opined that it is not like a megastore or supermarket – full of customers worth running an e-commerce webpage due to high throughout the days – and almost all saleable items investment and recurrent costs in maintaining the and books were sold out. online e-commerce. Facebook is our crucial marketing media; the results of our frequent and regular updates The extended opening hours of the Bookstore to all always attract our customers’ enquiries and sales. year round including Public Holidays and Sundays are of great benefit to our parishioners, tourists and local Sales visitors. At Lent, Easter and Christmas, they enjoy Truly, customers or consumers prefer to buy books via their shopping for their devotional gifts and themed online book shops because of the competitive price books in the Bookstore for their friends and families. but I wish to stress that all our proceeds will go to The Bookstore now accepts all sorts of e-payments the outreach ministry of the Cathedral meaning every with the exception of American Express and China single cent our customers spend in the Bookstore will Alipay as they do not provide such services to non- help to change and convert non-Christians. profit organisations. The sales of 2018 were slightly lower than that of 2017 Illustrated Talk and Reading with Book Signing by 2.64% and yet gross and net profits have reached In collaboration with Proverse Hong Kong Publishers, 56% and 15% respectively; the ever-highest record of the Bookstore launched a new book ‘Journeys with a our Bookstore. Despite the global downturn of the Mission’ with an illustrated talk and reading with book book industry and the closing down of other local signing in the Li Hall on the 147th Anniversary of the and overseas bookshops, the Bookstore has shown Death of the First Bishop ofVictoria (Hong Kong) the Rt improvement in its financial status and performance in

37 Cathedral Bookstore

the tough retail market. Book sales accounted for 22% effect, the Bookstore serves as the welcoming of the overall sales while Paraphernalia Items were and visitor centre providing information include 76% and Refreshments and others were 2%. We are without limitation to Cathedral services, events, sad to see the book sales had been declining though. activities of Anglican churches in Hong Kong, details Members of the Christian Booksellers Association of neighbourhood ministry organisations. The first Hong Kong also shared that their sales have declined stop for some in tracking down their family histories; for 20-30% in the year of 2018. Below is a table of our and yet for a few – people who need someone to net profits over the last four years. talk to – the Bookstore offers a listening ear. The Bookstore had more than 100,000 visitors in 2018. NET SURPLUS / (DEFICIT) Other Activities 2018 2017 2016 2015 Christmas Card and Handicrafts Charity Fair, $167,668 $79,776 ($74,352) $44,643 Michaelmas Fair, St Stephen’s Christmas Fete, St John’s Cathedral Pilgrimage Book & Fair Tables, Daughter The deficit of Year 2016 was caused by a long service Churches’ Book & Fair Tables, Outreach Ministry payment to the former Bookstore Manager on his Sunday Book & Fair Tables, Book Fair & Signing, etc retirement. To conclude, the significant net profit gain are all on and on happening with the Bookstore. of year 2018 was a result of good costs control over our incoming stock. ‘PRAISE THE LORD FOR HIS ABUNDANT PROVISIONS’ Other Bookstore Ministries The mission of the Bookstore is to Welcome, Inform and Nurture members of the Cathedral, the community Sandy Villamil, and other tourists from all around the world. In Bookstore Manager

Scan the QR code:

38 Cathedral Music Ministry Annex 13

With the many blessings from God, and under the Cathedral Choir took part in both the Celebration leadership of the Director of Music, Felix Yeung, Concert (10th July 2018 at the Concert Hall, Hong together with Alan Tsang, Assistant Director of Music, Kong Cultural Centre) and the Thanksgiving Eucharist Peter Yue, the Cathedral Organist, and Jonathan Yip, (2nd October 2018 at Runway 11, Asia-WorldExpo). the Sub-Organist, the Music Ministry of St John’s Composer and conductor Geoff Weaver composed a Cathedral achieved new goals in the past year. setting of Te Deum as a gift to the Province, and the Cathedral Choir was privileged to perform the piece The ‘new’ Allen Organ, after much discussion and liturgically at Choral Mattins on 9th September 2018 negotiation, was installed and voiced between under the composer’s direction. 23rd and 27th July 2018, and it was first played in the 6:00pm Cantonese service on Saturday 28th The Cathedral Choir sent a group of 9 choir members, July 2018. We extend our gratitude to Steven A. with the Dean, Fr Will and other parishioners, to Markowitz (President) and Doug Backman of Allen celebrate the 25th anniversary of our linked diocese, Organ Company for making the installation process the Diocese of Toungoo in Myanmar. The group sang a smooth one. in all the services during the celebration, including the Consecration Service and the Enthronement Service We also had the honour to be visited by two of their new bishop, the Rt Revd Dr Saw Shee Sho. distinguished choirs from the United Kingdom, namely Choir of Corpus Christi College, Cambridge and Eton Chinese Choir College Chapel Choir who sang at our Midnight Mass The Chinese Choir, under the direction of Alan Tsang, at Christmas 2018 and the 11:45am Responsorial sings every Sunday at the 10:30am Sung Eucharist in Eucharist on Mothering Sunday 2019 respectively. Mandarin. In 2018 they have led, with great spirit, the annual Eucharist with Carols on 22nd December for Cathedral Choir the Chinese congregation. Outside the Cathedral, It saw a grow in numbers in the past year, and it now they have taken part at St James’ Church’s 65th comprises 47 singers, with the Revd Robert Martin Anniversary Concert in July and at the Ecumenical CMP as the Choir Chaplain. Prayer Service in January 2019. Currently they have over 20 singers and are looking forward to welcoming The Cathedral Choir sings at the 9:00am Sung dedicated new recruits. Eucharist on Sunday, 11:45am Choral Mattins on the second Sunday of each month, and at all special choral The Saturday Cantonese Congregation Singing services, including Advent Carol Service and Nine Group continues with their vigorous preparation Lessons and Carols. It also provides choral music for carefully constructed and guided by Felix Yeung. They weddings and funerals in the Cathedral. also receive coaching from Alan Tsang. They look forward to contributing towards the Saturday 6.00pm On 18th June 2018, the Cathedral Choir spent a Anticipated Eucharist. whole day in the China Congregational Church in Causeway Bay for a new recording to celebrate Evensong Choir the Cathedral’s 170th anniversary. The recording Choral Evensong takes place twice a month, on the features pieces by musicians of St John’s, old and first and third Sundays. The Evensong Choir, led by new, namely The University Anthem by Denman Alan Tsang, is developing in strength and in size, now Fuller (Organist and Choirmaster 1904-23) and with a steady increase of singers. St John’s Cathedral Christus factus est by Lau Yik Long (Recipient of is one of the few establishments within the whole the Cecilia Kwok Church Music Scholarship). of Southeast Asia that offers traditional BCP Choral Evensong. The Evensong Choir is grateful to be As the Hong Kong Sheng Kung Hui celebrated the contributing towards the upholding of this treasurable 20th anniversary of inauguration as a Province, the tradition. 39 Cathedral Music Ministry

Children’s Choir The Children’s Choir sings at the ‘Worship for All’ service, a new form of worship at the 9:00am service on every Lord, teach me to be generous. second Sunday of the month. The Choir is now under the Teach me to serve you as you deserve; direction of Felix Yeung, with the assistance of Jonathan ‘ to give and not to count the cost, Yip, and Ryan Ho, who is currently the instructor of the to fight and not to heed the wounds, Instrumental Ensemble. to toil and not to seek for rest, to labour and not to ask for reward, The Choir took part in St John’s Carnival on Chater Road on Sunday 24th February 2019, as part of the celebration save that of knowing that I do your will. of the Cathedral’s 170th anniversary. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Filipino Fellowship Choir Felix Yeung, The Filipino Fellowship Choir is composed of Filipino Director of Music’ Anglicans and has been at St John’s for the past 33 years. The Choir is under the leadership of Felix Yeung, and it has been singing at the ‘Worship for All’ service with the Children’s Choir every month. • Contemporary Philippine Church Martys’ Day (28th October 2018) On the 27th May 2018, the Fellowship Choir was invited to sing in the celebration of the First Mountain • 20th Anniversary of Filipino Migrant Workers Union Province Federation Day held at Central Pier No. 9. (4th November 2018) On 23rd September 2018, the Fellowship Choir sang at 9:30am service in St Stephen’s Church, Stanley at Cathedral Brass the invitation of the Revd Will Newman. The Choir Twice a year the 9.00am Sung Eucharist is filled with also sang in the 13th anniversary celebration of Bontoc added brilliance by the presence of the Cathedral Am-among Day which was held at Chater Road on Brass. Their contributions on Christmas morning and 30th September 2018. For the St John’s Carnival Palm Sunday were highly praised by both the clergy on Chater Road on 24th February 2019, the Choir and congregation. performed the traditional Sakuting dance. May I take this opportunity to thank all the music groups IFI-HK Choir and their leaders for their effort and contribution to The Iglesia Filipina Independiente (IFI) HK Choir has 39 the music ministry of St John’s. And may the words of members with Gemma Tagud as its elected conductor, St Ignatius of Loyola strengthen us in our ministry in Lisa Caisip as its President and Danilo Balabat as front of our heavenly Father: its pianist. It is composed of members of the Iglesia Filipina Independiente/Philippine Independent Church, Lord, teach me to be generous. a church in Concordat of with most Teach me to serve you as you deserve; of the member churches of the . to give and not to count the cost, The IFI-HK Choir has sung at the 2.00pm Eucharist to fight and not to heed the wounds, in Filipino every Sunday for the past 20 years, as well to toil and not to seek for rest, as on several migrants’ religious and civic activities, to labour and not to ask for reward, including: save that of knowing that I do your will. • International Labour Day (29th April 2018) Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. • 3rd Anniversary of the United Church of Christ Philippines (UCCP) - HK (8th July 2018) Felix Yeung, Director of Music

40

Children Ministry - Sunday School Annex 14

The Sunday School has again continued with strength, 2019 started with a warm welcome to with over 180 student registrations. Fr Franklin Lee, who will now lead the Sunday school. In early September, the Sunday School hosted the 2019 Worship for All service, with the teachers also commissioned at this service. The Sunday school has again continued Besides the weekly Sunday School curricula, the with strength, with over 180 student Sunday School took part in several exciting activities registrations. with the main Cathedral, starting with the Harvest 180 Festival and the ever-popular Pet Blessing Service. At the Michaelmas Fair, the crowds were treated with ‘Ho, Ho, Hosanna’ blended in a mixture of rap performed by none other than the Fair Chairman himself, Vincent, With Easter around the corner, the Sunday School is who was paired with Angela Leung of the Discoverers. encouraging students to do extra chores at home so they can fill in the Lent bottles (Lent Project) during A special Sunday School Christmas party was held on the Collection Time; the Project will support the Tung 16th December with gifts collected and subsequently Chung Integrated Services of the Hong Kong Sheng presented to an elderly home the next day. The annual Kung Hui Welfare Council. Christmas tradition continued with the Sunday School performing the Nativity Play at the 9:00am service on The Sunday School year is still busy with Easter, 23rd December. Pentecost and Book Sunday still to come. We will also be commencing Baptism/First Communion as well as The end of the Christmas season sadly saw the end of Confirmation Classes after Easter. an era with Fr Desmond Cox retiring and departing for Australia. At his Celebration and Appreciation The older students in the Discoverers have continued Dinner at the HKJC in mid-December 2018, Fr Des their challenges including having pre-Christmas bake was presented with Sunday School memorabilia sale. They had their own tattoo stall at the Michaelmas photos and a big card of the handprints of the children Fair, and made a valiant effort to control the crowds/ who performed in the Nativity Play. This was followed collection at the ever popular and crowded Christingles by an emotional Farewell Dim Sum Lunch in mid- Service. January. The Sunday School deeply thanks Fr Des for his dedication and efforts to leading the Sunday School Finally, we will take this opportunity to thank the for the past eight years. Sunday School teachers, Sinead, Sherry, Amy, Fiona, Ambrose, Meela, Yulee, Feeien, Jennifer, Kevin, Alice, 2019 started with a warm welcome to Fr Franklin Lee, Irene, Liz, May, Julianne, Will and William, for their who will now lead the Sunday School. It continued untiring efforts. with the Sunday School taking part in the Cathedral’s 170th Carnival and the Walkathon. Rita Chan and Donald Leung

41 Christians - in - Central Annex 15

Eight luncheons were organised in 2018.

Members of the Christians-in-Central Committee Committee members: worked hard to co-ordinate with local and visiting speakers who delivered meaningful talks on a variety of topics covering personal, social and spiritual The Dean dimensions. Members volunteered valuable ideas, time and energy throughout the year. Their wealth of knowledge an readiness to reach out to the vast pool Mr Martin Matsui of excellent speakers have contributed to the success of each session. Mrs Rosanna Mak All sessions were well attended by members of our congregation, friends of St John’s Cathedral and our Mrs Faye Yee friends in the neighbourhood of St John’s. Feedback from participants have been most encouraging to the organising committee. Dr T K Cheung

We are most grateful to Dean Matthias for his guidance Mrs Viola Ip and support throughout the year. Thanks are also due to the Cathedral staff who have contributed to the smooth running of these events.

K. C. Too, Chairman

42 CLARES Annex 16

‘The better the day, the better the deed,’ as the old 14th century saying goes, hearkens back to Matthew 12:12: ‘Therefore it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath.’ CARE

Year 2018 witnessed yet again the steady service of our Sunday stalwarts, devoted CLARES who staff Castaways LOVE on Sundays. These women have full-time jobs during the week and do not attend our sorting Wednesdays. ACTION Nonetheless, they provide sturdy presence in our shop, always busy and bustling on Sunday mornings. CLARES truly do epitomise Outreach in the St John’s Cathedral RESPONSE schemata. We embody a wide swath of Hong Kong denizens, from the aforementioned local working women to multinational current and retired professionals to EFFORT mothers and even grandmothers, dedicated to giving our labor to improve the lives of others. We celebrated our SERVICE Castaways Manager, Teresa Topacio, for her ascension to grandmotherhood in 2018. We delight always in our shared joys as well as empathise with each other in tougher times. In November a small group of CLARES Membership math confirms that we bid farewell to five attended the SJC memorial service for CLARE Sandie CLARES this year and our dear Chaplain: In April, Hugh Dalton’s husband, Michael. and Ruth Phillipson, beloved to all of us, moved back to the UK, preceded by venerable member Rowena All of our proceeds support over 30 charities, in Seed; Fion moved to Penang and Dolly to New York addition to St John’s Cathedral. Our year commences City; Val briefly moved to London but now will be living with the Easter Sale of bric-a-brac, jewellery and toys in Singapore. Thanks to WhatsApp we keep up a lively and continues on to the Designer Sales in the spring and exchange. On the plus side, we gained five new members! fall, when we are rewarded for careful culling of designer items, reserved for these special sales, with lucrative Team CLARES includes Viola, SJC Executive results. In keeping with tradition, we visit and entertain Administrator, herself a CLARE, Dean’s Secretary Elisa, the China Coast Community residents, with bags full and Lester, our SJC Bookeeper, not to mention our of biscuits and tissues, as requested most recently by faithful Chaplain Catherine Graham and our beneficent the CCC Manager. Thanks to Stella Carter’s husband, SJC Dean Matthias. We owe them deepest gratitude for Bryan, the piano keys are tickled and song ensues, not to enabling CLARES and Castaways to produce the funds mention abundant joy. The October Card Sale is closely to bolster the well-being of those in need around us in followed by the Michaelmas Fair, an ‘all hands on deck’ Hong Kong. Keeping us all on an even keel are Stella and operation. December is heralded by two concerts at Teresa, overseeing, with skill and diplomacy, the day-to- the Cathedral, sponsored by Hospice and the Cecilian day functioning of our charitable endeavors. We derive Singers, at which we serve home-brewed mulled wine strength, inspiration and delicious sustenance from our and donated mince pies. Shortly thereafter we salute Patron, Mrs June Li, as indefatigable as ever. Heartfelt each other and our esteemed Patron, Mrs June Li, at our thanks to all. CLARES Christmas Lunch at the Aberdeen Boat Club. We thank CLARE Sue Clift for her annual sponsorship Whatever the day, the better the deed for CLARES, of our festive lunch, complete with crazy holiday hats indeed. and a challenging Christmas quiz conjured up by Stella. We also thank CLARE Ellen for her surprise treat of a Respectfully submitted, Christmas cracker at each place setting! Barbara Bispham, CLARES

43 Counselling Service Annex 17

St John’s Cathedral Counselling Service (SJCCS) leadership of the new director, Dr Elda Chan. With celebrated its 42nd anniversary in 2018. It has been many years of leading and managing counselling service faithful in its mission in serving the community as a experience in Australia and Hong Kong, she will utilise caring, professional and affordable outreach ministry. her wealth of knowledge in leading the counselling The service remains highly recognised in the Hong service to its newest chapter. Kong community and continues to provide counselling services to children, teens and adults without In the coming year, the service will take a three- discrimination towards race, ethnicity, faith, gender, pronged approach, whilst continuing to provide sexual orientation, residency, physical conditions and counselling services to those in need, there will marital status. We are blessed and grateful for the also be effort in securing external funding so as to opportunity given by God as well as for the support initiate new projects to help those who are unable to we have received from Dean Matthias, the trustees afford counselling services, as well as to contribute and the SJC Counselling Advisory Committee for their towards research and evidence-based practice which support and guidance. We are also thankful to have a would feed back into developing the field and further team of committed and highly competent counsellors enhance the effectiveness of the counselling that is and psychologists who speak over 10 languages. being offered.

In 2018, although we have experienced a drop in With the need and high demand for psychoeducation school counselling, our client counselling services had assessments for students, SJCCS is proud to announce a steady growth with over 12,000 counselling sessions the development of Psychological Testing Services in provided at our counselling service in Central. This the areas of Intelligence/Giftedness, Attention Deficit year we have been able to support and empower over Hyperactivity Disorder, Dyslexia disorder, and Autism 1,500 registered clients with around 40% of them Spectrum Disorder. The team of trained psychologists came from the Chinese speaking community, whilst has also had success in negotiating agreements 60% of them came from the expat residents from a with education institutions to be a provider of wide range of language and cultural backgrounds. psychoeducational assessments for their students.

As a charity, we have been operating on a sliding fee In addition, specialised programmes will be developed scale and over 60% of our services delivered in 2018 in the following areas: were too low to moderate income individuals and - Community talks and workshops to enhance families. These were people who would have otherwise understanding and foster support for those been unable to access affordable and necessary mental suffering from poor mental health; health services. - Professional mediation to assist in identifying solutions and reach settlement on disputes in During 2018, the areas of issues for help seeking family or work-related situations; included family and marriage, depression, mood and - Treatment and support groups to foster self- anxiety problems, work stress, addictions, domestic understanding, inter-personal relation-ship and and sexual violent, trauma, self-harming behaviors, etc. mutual support; Our services continue to be in high demand which - Employee assistant programme to help prevent or confirms the critical importance of our outreach resolve issues affecting employees’ well-being and ministry in Hong Kong. We’ve also received a lot job performance. of positive feedbacks for the quality of our work. Without external advertising, we continue to have a For 2019, we will go all out for future challenges significant number of new client referrals on a daily and opportunities, and continue to serve those basis. underprivileged and in psychological distress.

Going forward in 2019, St John’s Cathedral Counselling Dr Elda Chan Service will be undergoing a transition under the Director, St John’s Cathedral Counselling Service 44 Filipino Fellowship Annex 18

By the grace of God and with the full support of the Cathedral family, it has been another blessed year for the Filipino Fellowship. By the grace of God and Our Filipino Fellowship choir under the leadership ‘ with the full support of the of our Director of Music Mr Felix Yeung, learn and Cathedral family, it has been practice the songs after our Sunday lunch. We are not learned musicians but through his patience, techniques, another blessed year for the and strategies in teaching us, we are able to sing our Filipino Fellowship. hymns of praise. Through him, our Igorot hymns are heard and our costume is seen at the high altar of the Cathedral and in some of the daughter churches. ’ Naimposuan ay iyaman ken Sir Felix, Angel siya ken dakami (our heartfelt gratitude to Sir Felix, he is an angel to us.) Together with the children’s choir, we sing She cares for our spiritual nourishment. May we take at the 9:00am service (Worship for All) once a month. this opportunity to express our heartfelt gratitude for her unending support and generosity. May the Lord On 23rd September 2018, we were invited to sing at bless her and her husband Canon Li Fook Hing good the 9:30am service at St Stephen’s Chapel, Stanley. It health and wealth as they share their blessings to was an opportunity to meet and worship with other others especially to those in need like us. Christian brothers and sisters. We were given a chance to show our cultural dance Last year also, we were invited to sing in the celebrations Sakuting during the first Carnival held at Chater Road by our by some of our own Igorot community groups as part of the celebration of the Cathedral’s 170th like the Cordillera Day, Mountain Province Day and Anniversary. the Bontoc Am-among Day. We also participated in the annual Cathedral Walkaton Learning the words of God through Bible study as which we enjoyed because it gave us the opportunity food for thought is done once a month together with to meet different groups from the community and the Iglesia Filipina Independiente Fellowship lead by together we walked for a good cause. Canon Dwight dela Torre. This year, more Fellowship members joined the In January 2019, we celebrated our 38th year Welcomers’ Committee. Most of them help serve the anniversary with friends from the Cathedral and tea and coffee after our 9:00am service. We are willing different Igorot organisations. The Dean, the Very Revd to learn and give a helping hand if needed. Matthias Der was our guest speaker. The Dean guided us to meditate and reflect on ourselves in the baptism Ms Gloria Laus, a member and server, decided to of Jesus Christ. This touched our hearts much because go home for good in April 2018, followed by Imelda we felt it as a healing process of our difficulties. Mrs Wacdisen Piacos in December 2018, but there are June Li, who had been providing some of our food ever more new members joining in. since the Fellowship started, again provided some of our food including our past Christmas celebrations Thank you again, Cathedral family, for your great and even Sundays for our lunch. She is a mother to us. support. We look forward for another fruitful year.

45 Flower Guild Annex 19

The Flower Guild has been continuously running financially independent group. We have done flower arrangements for weddings, funerals, baptisms, and concerts on requested and all proceeds from these Thanks to all Flower Guild flower arrangements are used for flowers decoration members for it is with their for regular Sunday services, Cathedral’s events and ‘ festivals, i.e. Easter, Harvest and Christmas in the gifted talent, unfailing Cathedral. We also supply Carnation for Mothering support and hard work that Sunday, and Palm for Palm Sunday. the Flower Guild continues to We have arranged 13 weddings flowers and 14 thrive and succeed. memorial flowers in the year 2018. There were some other donations to support our works during the year and especially for Lily for Easter, we received a Grace Fung’ total donation of HK$26,000.

Thanks to all Flower Guild members for it is with their gifted talent, unfailing support and hard work that the Flower Guild continues to thrive and succeed, they are Helen Clubb, Rebacca Breen, MiMi, Jim, Rita Chan, K.C. Too, Eva Ngai, Anita MacKillop, Heather Preston, Christina Kwan, Cammy Ip, Eliza Yuen, Catherine Chan, Julie and other who always support.

We are happy to prepare flowers arrangements in the Cathedral at donors’ request, i.e. anniversary, birthday greetings, or in memory of their loved one. The cost for one pedestal is $1,800 minimum.

Grace Fung

46 HELP for Domestic Workers Annex 20

In the year ending December 2018, HELP for In 2018, HELP responded to Domestic Workers responded to around 3,000 around 3,000 requests for requests for advice and assistance on various issues 3,000 advice and assistance. including labour, immigration and criminal cases, and helped clients recover an aggregate amount of more than HK$1.2 Million in compensation, either through Thanks to all our volunteers the courts or direct intervention by HELP that led to in 2018, who gave over 3,500 amicable settlements. 3,500 hours during that year. We also worked with law firms who took on entire cases pro bono, all of which yielded positive results. Firstly, with our FirstHand, experiential learning Apart from obtaining monetary settlements and programme, to raise awareness among young school awards for clients, we also assisted in the defence students, the future employers of Hong Kong, about of domestic workers who were accused, often issues faced by domestic workers, and to develop maliciously, of criminal offences, five of whom were empathy, and deeper understanding of human rights. acquitted. In addition, HELP dealt with cases of human Enthusiasm for the programme is growing and we trafficking and worked with various law firms and expect to do a second push to schools in the second the UN International Organisation for Migration in quarter of 2019. providing assistance to the victims. We launched our WhatsApp service during the 2nd Thanks to all our volunteers in 2018, who gave over quarter of the previous year. In 2018 alone we had 3,500 hours during that year. We currently have over over 200 individuals message us for assistance. 110 volunteers on our books, most of whom are lawyers. In October director Holly Allan left after 17 years, and we thank her for her dedication over the years. With the continued arrival of new domestic workers We welcomed Karen Ng, and Reggie Frection to join in Hong Kong and the projected increase in demand the team as case managers. Sadly our administrator for caregiving services due to the ageing population, Jennifer Aldi died unexpectedly in October, which the need for HELP’s service is expected to rise was also a sad loss to HELP’s team. Ina Lui replaced further. HELP has therefore been taking preventative Jennifer as our administrator. measures and have last year educated nearly 1,400 Indonesian domestic workers about their rights The board and staff of HELP are deeply grateful for the and the laws in Hong Kong through the Indonesian support of generous donors and St John’s Cathedral , Consulate’s Welcoming Program and other outreach who enable us to continue the work that we do, and activities. This number exceeded the target of 1,000 the valuable contribution of volunteers who give up individuals proposed for the outreach project. their time to help us facilitate access to justice to some of the most vulnerable workers in Hong Kong. Following the re-launch in March 2017, HELP is continuing to challenge perceptions of and attitudes John Davison towards domestic workers as part of our overall Chair of the Board of HELP for Domestic Workers strategy to improve their situation in the long run.

47 Life Enrichment Centre Annex 21

With a passionate team comprising Cathedral Council members, clergy advisers and the Hong Kong Sheng Kung Hui Welfare Council, a new youth outreach As a new ministry, LEC counts ministry was born. ‘on your continued support and In the annual concert on 20th November 2018, St kind assistance. Together, we can John’s Cathedral Life Enrichment Centre (LEC) was make a change to our community. established and found its home in the well-established and solid foundation of the renowned St John’s Cathedral HIV Education Centre, which was set up Elijah Fung, in 1995 to respond to the AIDS pandemic. We give Centre Manager ’ heartfelt gratitude to the Revd Desmond Cox (our recently retired Cathedral clergy and Chairman of the HIV Education Centre), the Board, staff and volunteers is a partner school of the Programme. for their commitment and contributions for the last two decades. LEC will continue its HIV ministry as Life Education For School Youth there is still a need in our community, but will also The Centre delivers regular life education talks and expand its ministry to many other equally important workshops on a spectrum of topics to school youth areas, as this report shows. in Hong Kong. In 2018 alone, the Centre delivered 30 such talks to over 2,230 primary and secondary The LEC’s Board, comprising members of the Cathedral school students. Life education topics addressed Council, is led by the Chairperson Ms Julianne Doe. include where does life come from, psychological With guidance and support of the Board, the Centre and physiological changes in puberty, how to deal not only aims to offer life education programmes with stress, prevention of sexual harassment, how to for young people, but also to enrich the lives of our develop self-confidence, prevention of drugs use, HIV/ brothers and sisters as well as to extend its services AIDS, etc. to the Hong Kong community. LEC is grateful to have the Revd Franklin Lee as our Centre Chaplain, and Ms The Sixth Peacemakers’ Cultural Celebration Kobe Tong (a professional social worker from the SKH (10-11 February 2018, Science Park, Shatin) Welfare Council) as the Centre’s Service Supervisor, LEC ran a stall at the two-day event presented by the who gives inputs for LEC’s service development. Centre for Peace & Global Development of UNESCO Hong Kong. The Celebration provided schools and Mentorship Programme For Youth community organisations with an opportunity to One of the important projects after LEC’s engage in Actions for Peace. establishment is to run a mentorship programme for youth. It is a cooperative project between SKH Short Film Contest For Hong Kong & schools and St John’s Cathedral, with assistance from Youth (2017-2018) the Sheng Kung Hui Welfare Council. Our mission In January 2018, with the support of The Hong Kong is to explore life values with young people, provide Academy of Performing Arts (HKAPA), a short film life mentorship opportunities, to uplift them with production workshop was delivered at the Li Hall for Christian love and care, and to inspire aspirations and those who were interested in joining the contest. We confidence. Training has been running for 27 members had received twenty-two short films featuring the of the Cathedral community who has signed up to theme ‘stand up for HIV zero discrimination’ created join this programme. Besides, LEC has obtained the by 150 young people from Hong Kong and Macau. On support from St Paul’s Coeducational College, which 7th July 2018, over 200 guests attended the award

48 Life Enrichment Centre

ceremony held at the Salisbury, YMCA of Hong Kong. staff team. They help the Centre Manager to implement Then in August, a three-day short film exhibition was the Centre’s services and programmes. held at the Sheung Wan Civic Centre for the public. The contest was sponsored by the Cathedral Endowment • LEC had an information booth and ran a workshop Fund 2004 and Hop Yuen Charitable Foundation Fund, to promote wellness and health at the Central & for which are grateful. Last but not least, we would Western District 2018/2019 Health Festival from 2nd also like to thank our co-organisers HKAPA, Rotary to 4th November in Sheung Wan. Club of Queensway and The Gabinete Coordinator dos Services Sociais Sheng Kung Hui Macau for their • LEC was part of the Christmas Card Fair organised support. by the Cathedral Bookstore on 9th November 2018 at the Li Hall. Embrace Peace 2018 (www.embracepeace.hk) LEC was the Secretariat of the Embrace Peace 2018 • To commemorate World AIDS Day (1st December), which was a charity project co-organised by St John’s on 2nd December, a World AIDS Sunday Service Cathedral, All Saints’ Cathedral and Holy Trinity prepared by LEC was broadcasted by RTHK 4 (97.6FM, Cathedral. The project aimed to promote peace 11:05am – 12:00 noon). The Service reached between around the world and create communal harmony 10,000 and 15,000 audience. through a genuine reconciliation between the faiths. It also raised funds for Awareness Foundation and St • On 9th December 2018, LEC joined the International John’s Cathedral. The project featured a charity walk Volunteer Day presented by Agency for Volunteer ‘Walk for Peace on Earth 2018’ and a carnival for Service (AVS) and thanked all volunteers who had participants, followed by an entertainment programme kindly supported our programmes. consisted of performances, award presentations, and a catwalk show which demonstrated outstanding Conclusion designs of ‘Embrace Peace Hong Kong Inter-Secondary We feel blessed and most thankful for the opportunity School T-shirt Pattern Design Competition 2018’. to serve the community. LEC could not have done all the things reported above without the committed A Charity Concert of Inspiring Lives 2018 support of its Board, staff, volunteers, interns and the The annual charitable concert was held on 20th generous support of St John’s Cathedral. To them, we November. It gathered over 400 audiences from are indebted. different backgrounds, and provided a great opportunity for the announcement of LEC’s establishment. Over As a new ministry, LEC counts on your continued $260,000 was raised to sustain LEC’s projects in the support and kind assistance. Together, we can make a year ahead. We would like to thank our performers, change to our community. The Hong Kong Welsh Male Voice Choir, Miss Vicky Wong Doi Kei, Harmonicaplus, and The Hong Kong Elijah T. Fung, Centre Manager University Alumni Association Choir, donors and volunteers for their generosity and kind assistance. The Life Enrichment Centre was formally launched Other Activities in November 2018. Activities before its formal • After rendering almost 17 years of service, Ms Debby launch were held under the auspices of the HIV Lai resigned in August 2018. We would like to thank Education Centre. As the LEC continues to develop Debby for her valuable and committed contribution. and grow its ministry, activities will be refined and developed in accordance to our mission and the • In 2018, Natalie Tang and Cedric Leung joined our needs of our ministry and our community.

49 Lunchtime Recital Annex 22

The Lunchtime Recitals allow talented budding musicians find a venue at which they can display their talents to a wider audience. Over the years we Talented musicians display have enjoyed high standards of performances which their talents to a wider have earned praises on many, many occasions. The ‘ Committee is grateful to the Dean and clergy for their audience and we have enjoyed support of these activities which has made it possible high standards of performance to continue this service to our community. with wonderful ranges of Over the past year we have enjoyed excellent music. performances. Audience numbers have grown to a steady over-50 every time. Julianne Doe,’ We have been blessed by a dedicated team who have Chairperson devoted time and effort to make this community service possible:

• Mr Alan Tsang, Assistant Director of Music, who has been in charge of bookings of performances, liaising with the performers and overseeing the recitals; The Cathedral staff also deserve our grateful thanks • Mr Alexander Kwan, our Treasurer; for being on site for assistance when needed.

• Ms Viola Ip, the Cathedral Executive Administrator Our Accounts show a healthy balance. This will be put who has mobilised resources to assist us with the to use in consultation with the Cathedral Council. performances and with programme printing and also assisted our Treasurer with the keeping of our The Cathedral community has been supportive of accounts. Lunchtime Recitals over many years and we look forward to another fruitful year of service. • Mrs Yonnie Shum, who has given support in liaising with the performers. Julianne Doe, Chairperson

50 Mission for Migrant Workers Annex 23

The Mission’s major highlights for this year were the diversification of skills offered in training workshops A total of 5,188 migrants who and the increased capacity of partner migrant needed rights-based information, organisations in delivering various forms of services 5,188 case support and other critical to migrant domestic workers (MDWs); as well as the services were assisted. continued various activities to foster a caring and inclusive Hong Kong.

Faith-based materials were continuously distributed Serving Migrants Anytime, Anywhere and studies were made to better understand specifically the conditions and involvement of migrant domestic A total of 5,188 individual migrants who needed workers vis-à-vis Hong Kong’s ageing population; as rights-based information, case support and other well as the impact of the MDW’s income and spending critical services were assisted. This figure includes: habits in Hong Kong. 798 case support, 1,130 telephone enquiries and 1,536 after-office emergency responses including Building Happy Homes, Fostering a Caring and rescue. The conduct of our outreach activities in the Inclusive Hong Kong four areas in the New Territories and the exploratory visits and pilot projects in the outskirts of Central is a Promotions of the call for Harmony in the new level of expansion while we maintain our reach in Household took another form with the participation Kowloon, Central and Causeway Bay. This expansion of children who are wards of MDWs and who is made possible with the cooperation and active formulated their own messages of harmony through participation of the MFMW-trained Welfare Officers visual arts. All entries in the Colouring Competition of the different MDWs organisations and nationalities. participated in by children aged 5-12 in two categories This development enabled us to reach out to more were included in the 2019 Mission Calendar. This was individuals (1,725) who were assisted in understanding announced and distributed during the Awarding of the contract, referred to the right government Happy Homes Seal of Approval on 9th December. departments and referred to experts if they needed one. Additional forms of any of the following free The awarding was part of the afternoon programme services such as massage by graduate masseurs among during the Give Care to our Caregivers service migrants, stretching exercises, Zumba dancing, Tai fair at the Cathedral where 13 services were offered Chee and simple Yoga were offered at different times to MDWs: BMI and blood pressure-taking, dental of the year in those outreach areas. check-up, chiropractic, Chinese medicine, massage, art therapy, to name a few. Educational & Faith-related Activities

In addition, 15 stories of harmonious relationship With the support of the SJC Endowment Fund grant, were posted throughout the year in the Mission’s the MFMW was able to expand the skills training Facebook page contributed by both employers and offered to MDWs and enabled us to maintain our their workers. partnership with the Hong Kong Sheng Kung Hui

51 Mission for Migrant Workers

Welfare Council. Thus, Home Safety, Mindfulness, Stress Reduction, Brain Gym and Child Care were offered. In addition, with the government’s concern about Hong Kong’s ageing population seminar/ 1. Building Happy Homes, workshops on Elderly Care and Care for elderly with Fostering a Caring and Dementia were likewise held. These added skills add on to the arsenal of skills MDWs have for their work Inclusive Hong Kong and has helped improve their performance and the quality of their life. - Harmony in the Household - Colouring Competition Related to our concern on the involvement of MDWs - Awarding of Happy Homes Seal in taking care of the elderly, a research entitled of Approval ‘Migrants and Elderly Care’ was launched. It investigates - Give Care to our Caregivers the conditions, concerns and needs of MDWs who service fair are involved in elderly care and assistance. This was distributed to members of the Legislative Council, different Hong Kong government departments, and 2. Serving Migrants Anytime, the St John’s Cathedral Council and Trustees. A soft Anywhere copy is available on the Mission’s website (www. migrants.net) with hard copies available at the Mission - Case Support center. - Telephone Enquiries We continued to distribute pamphlets on Harmonious - After-office Emergency Responses Christian Household as well as the Journey In Faith. The latter is a devotional guide for migrants in their 3. Educational & life’s journey. Faith-related materials The above activities increased the capacity of MDWs to face the challenges and address immediate problems - Skills Training encountered in their daily life, seek for assistance when - Research entitled ‘Migrants and needed or offer support to those in need and realise Elderly Care’ the importance of being equipped with knowledge - Pamphlets on Harmonious and skills in performing their work and relating with Christian Household and others. Journey In Faith

Come and visit us at the top floor of the only 3-storey building at the Cathedral compound! Take the cemented stairs located outside the building and you will be warmly welcomed!

52 Michaelmas Fair 2018 Annex 24

Patron: Mrs June Li Events Overview Chair: Vincent Leung Vice-Chair: Rita Chan 22 April 2018 Walkathon Committee: Margaret Sang, Edward Ng (Raffle Chair), 27 June 2018 Fellowship Fun Night Alice Shum, Leo Li, Howard Wong, 21 October 2018 Pre-Sale Jonathan Lai, Julienne Doe, 27 October 2018 Michaelmas Fair Marques Wong, Viola Ip, Roy Clements Throughout the year Sale of Mrs Li’s home produce and handicraft, Sunday School & It was a year full of joy and blessings. It was also a year Discoverers bake sales, sales of of great learnings. Cathedral souvenirs

My hearty thanks to Patron Mrs June Li who is the Walkathon: Seven SKH secondary schools and one driving force behind the Michaelmas Fair and all SKH primary school participated in the Walkathon the other events throughout the year. She has also together with the Cathedral family. Lunch after the organised so many sales and made so many appeals walk, souvenir (towels and caps), suckling pigs, gifts which greatly contributed to our result. She is an for winners (chocolate and USBs), lunch coupons for amazing leader who is always there to guide and students and printing of flyers, estimated costs to be support. over HK$10,000, were all sponsored. Total net income of the Walkathon was HK$135,688.20. My hearty thanks also go to Dean Matthias for all his support. Thanks for all his wisdom throughout the Fellowship Fun Night: The Fun Night was moved to year, and also thanks for the freedom he gave to me Hong Kong Country Club. The evening was splendid and the committee to thrive while always being there as the move of venue was very well received. The whenever we need help and support, both actually bigger venue also contributed to bigger event for and morally. 13 tables with 150 tickets sold out. We were also privileged to have The Archbishop and Canon Koon To Rita and all the committee members, my whole join us for the evening. The evening included hand hearted thanks for their contribution of time and chimes performance by SKH Li Fook Hing Secondary talents. Thanks for going through thick and thin with School, jazz dance by Isabelle Ng of the Cantonese me this year. It was a great team and we had a lot of congregation, performance by The Pelicans and an fun working together. auction with Jonathan Lai as the auctioneer. Mrs Li also specially handmade notebooks as gifts and for I would like to say a big thank you to the clergy, various sale at the Fun Night. Total income of the Fun Night ministries, fellowship groups and helpers for all their was HK$80,900. Further amounts saved for catering support on the event day and throughout the year. It and wine and auctioned items which were sponsored was truly a humbling experience for me and my hearty was estimated to be over HK$80,000. thanks to all who have contributed their time, talents and resources. Pre-sale & other sale throughout the year: Items sold in the pre-sale included toys, antiques items, My sincere thanks to Mrs Viola Ip and her team of staff Christmas decorations, home decorations, clothes, whose professionalism and unfailing support was so accessories and kids shoes, all contributed by kind important to the success of all the events. donors. Mrs Li’s Home Produce and Handicraft were always popular with items sold out quickly. Sunday School and Discoverers bake sales were also held throughout the year. All bakery items were homemade

53 Michaelmas Fair 2018

and were kindly donated to the Fair. Total income Total Raised generated from these sales was HK$66,150. Net surplus for Michaelmas Fair (after deducting The Fair: The Fair was held on 27 October 2018 with costs): $1,053,799 more than 45 stores hosted by different Cathedral ministries, NGOs, raffle beneficiaries and SKH schools. Net Raffle proceeds: Performances took place throughout the day thanks $320,000 to the participation from 10 schools. Sincere thanks to the treasury team for very organised and efficient cash TOTAL: collection process throughout the day. Setting up of $1,373,799 rope stands by the performance area to allow people easier access to the food area also worked quite well. 2019 Fair Sincere thanks also to the teachers and students of the following schools for their participation in the Fair: The 2019 Fair will be chaired by Rita Chan, with Natalie Kwok as Vice-Chair. St Paul’s Co-educational College St Paul’s College Vincent Leung, Chair St Mark’s College St Stephen’s College St Stephen’s Girls’ College SKH Tang Shiu Kin College SKH Li Fook Hing Secondary School SKH Bishop Mok Sau Tseng Secondary School Lee Kau Yan Memorial School SKH Bishop Hall Secondary School Isla School of Dance

Total income generated from the Fair was HK$338,584.90, together with donations received for the Fair throughout the year of HK$565,886.90, total income for the Fair amounted to HK$904,471.80.

Raffle

Of the 40,000 tickets printed, total number of tickets sold was 15,394, while 10,358 tickets were unsold and 14,248 tickets were sent out but not returned. Total net proceeds including sales and donations was HK$320,000. Michaelmas Fair Committee proposed, and the Council has approved, for net proceeds to be distributed evenly to: • St James’ Settlement • HKSKH Lady MacLehose Centre • Outreach Ministries of St John’s Cathedral • Changing Young Lives Foundation

54 Parents & Babies & Toddlers Group Annex 25

At least 30 families meet each Thursday in the Fanny Li Hall and the Conference Room from 2.30 – 4.30 pm.

The babies are from newborn up to two years old. We are often the first outing for these families, who feel safe and welcome at St John’s Cathedral. We enjoy meeting and greeting these families, give information on services and baptism at St John’s and general information about life in Hong Kong. The parents enjoy sharing experiences of how to settle and enjoy life in this vibrant city.

Susie Merritt and Vanda Cole volunteer as coordinators of this group.

Vanda Cole, Co-ordinator

55 Poverty Alleviation Programme Annex 26

The following activities were organised:

In Partnership with HKSKH Welfare Council: Participating in Various Activities:

7th July Visit to seniors’ homes from St Luke’s Neighbourhood 1. Visit to senior’s homes Centre (Kennedy Town).12 volunteers 2. ‘Dreams Come True’ activity with 4th August seniors ‘Dreams Come True’ activity with seniors from Western District. 10 volunteers 3. Senior’s Christmas Party 15th December Senior’s Christmas Party at St Luke’s Neighbourhood 4. Providing lunch for refugees Centre. 8 volunteers. 5. Visit the Day Centre In partnership with Christian Action Refugee Centre:

4th June, 3rd September, 3rd December, 7th January, 4th February, 4th March

Providing lunch for refugees. Normally 6 - 8 volunteers. Proposed visit on 8th October cancelled for lack of volunteers.

In partnership with St Barnabas Society and Home:

12th May, 29th September, 8th December, 9th March Visit to the Day Centre to engage with the guests and serve lunch. Normally 8 - 12 volunteers.

• I thank God for the partners and their service to the poor and marginalised in Hong Kong.

• I am very grateful to the all St John’s volunteers.

The Revd Mark Rogers

56 Tyson Library Annex 27

The Tyson Library, situated in the Tebbit Wing, is available for study and meetings for St John’s Cathedral. Books may be borrowed for two weeks and we also have the Tablet and Church Times Weekly. The key for the library is available from the Cathedral Office during office hours. Please sign the book when you borrow the key.

Vanda Cole, Hon. Librarian

57 Servers’ Guild Annex 28

St Gregory once said, ‘We are the servants of the servants of God.’ 2019 is the 170th Anniversary of our Servers are part of the liturgical team that enable the Cathedral. The Servers’ Guild has worship to take place to our Almighty God. We are ‘ participated and will participate a voluntary group. We help at each liturgical service in various events and services to in a proper degree of humility, among others such as celebrate this glorious occasion. preparing the altar, lighting the altar candles, checking that the correct service orders and hymn books are available for the clergy and congregation members, Some senior members of the guild serve as’ sub- leading the procession and recession, presenting the in high mass services, they are (surname in offerings to the priest and administering the blessed alphabetical order): Evelyn Chan, Jeanniee Chan, James sacraments - chalice or/and host at the Eucharist (if Choo, Simon Fong, Silvia Lai, Adam Mok, Marques Ng licensed by the Bishop). and Felix Yeung.

The Servers’ Guild reflects the international profile Two members of our Servers’ Guild continue to of the Cathedral with members drawn from different hold office as Executive Committee members of the nationalities, many walks of life and spanning at least HKSKH Provincial Servers’ Guild: James Choo as two generations – several having served for over 25 Deputy Head for External Affairs, and Kelvin Ng as years, while the need for continual recruitment has Treasurer. resulted in a good number of young men and women offering themselves for this valuable aspect of ministry. 16 members of our servers’ guild attended the The Guild brings local and overseas Chinese, Filipino, Presentation of Christ Solemn Eucharist Cum assorted westerners, and others, together with one Thanksgiving of Hong Kong Sheng Kung Hui Servers’ purpose in mind – to serve our almighty God. Guild held on 2nd February 2019 evening, at our very own St John’s Cathedral. We are glad to have two Ming Hua Theological College Postulants from Taiwan (Vivian Kuo and The seventeenth meeting of the Anglican Consultative Scott Ellinger) joining our Servers’ Guild. We heartily Council – ACC17 will be held in Hong Kong from 28th welcomed them to be part of our family; and prayed April 2019 to 5th May 2019. Some members of our to our Almighty God to bless their time spent here Servers’ Guild have been invited with great honor to will further enhance the formation of their spirituality be members of the local liturgical team, namely James towards the holy order. Choo, Scott Ellinger, Vivian Kuo, Adam Mok, Marques Ng, Saki Tsoi and Felix Yeung. Both grand opening and 2018/2019 was a very busy and fulfilling year for the closing ceremony services will be held in St John’s Guild. Apart from the usual major festivals, including Cathedral, and our serving team will heed the call to Christmas and Easter, and the usual standard Sunday serve our Lord in these glorious occasions. and weekday services, we have also assisted at baptisms, weddings and funerals. As St John’s Cathedral is the Lastly, the Guild would like to express its gratitude to mother church of the diocese, the servers’ guild also all the Cathedral clergy, including the servers’ chaplain, took part and served in major diocesan and provincial the Revd Catherine Graham, for their guidance and services including the ordination service. patience. We would also like to thank all the staff of the Cathedral, especially the amahs who have laboured 2019 is the 170th Anniversary of our Cathedral. The long and hard to launder the servers’ cassock albs! Servers’ Guild has participated and will participate in various events and services to celebrate this glorious In Christ, occasion. James Choo, Head Server

58 Servers’ Guild

List of Active Servers

Ms Letty G Awingan Ms Zenaida Carias Ms Jeanniee Chan # Ms Evelyn Chan # Mr William Chan * Mr Jonathan Chan Ms Simmy Chan Mr Saki Choi # Mr James Choo # Mr William Clay # Mr Scott Ellinger # Mr Simon Fong # Ms Genevieve Fung * Mr Johnson Fung Mr Anthony Height # Ms Alexandra Jones Ms Vivian Kuo # Mr Daniel Kong Ms Silvia Lai * Ms Glory C Laus * Mr Boris Lee Ms Christina Lee * Mr Andrew Lim Ms Evelyn M Luces * Ms Lois Mak * Mr Adam Mok # Mr Kelvin Ng # Ms Elaine Ng * Mr Marques Ng # Mr Chen Rong Ms Margaret Sang # Ms Doria Tam Ms Fe Tejada Mr David Tou Ms Betty Tsang Mr Richard Willis # Ms Faye Yee * Mr Birdy Yeung * Mr Felix Yeung #

* Denotes licensed chalice bearer. # Denotes licensed Eucharistic Minister of both kinds.

In addition to those names listed above, there are, presently, Filipino servers who attend only the Saturday 12:30pm and Sunday 2:00pm services whose name are listed as follows:

Jacqueline Manipon Gellie Dinong Joy Ann Lacambra Amy Berbedil Dories Uy Grace Lopez Kristine Doromal Candelaria Sales Aracile Balaban Lovelyn Doromal Maricel Ibarra Dianne Madraso Ernelita Calderon Nancy Lopez

59 Guild Of Sidesmen Annex 29

We currently have a dedicated team of 46 ladies and gentlemen of the Guild of Sidesmen who undertake the role of Sidesmen at the various services.

We are always looking for volunteers and if anyone is interested in becoming a member of the Guild, could they please let me know.

For this coming year I respectfully nominate the following members of the Guild of Sidesmen for service as Sidesmen:

Mr Tom Bispham Mr Alexander Kwan Mr John Breen Ms Cecilia Kwok Mrs Rebecca Breen Mr P. K. Kwok Mr Robert Bull Mr H. H. Lam Mrs Rita Chan Mr Frank Lang Mr William Chan Ms Sharon Law Mr William Cheng Mr Donald Leung Mr K. G. Chiu Mr Craig Lindsay Dr Lee Clubb Mr Ron Lye Mr Roger Cole Mr C.K. Mak Mr Edward Coles-Gale Mr Martin Matsui Mrs Anna Coles-Gale Mr Nigel Mattravers Mr Jeffrey Dobbing Mr David Nesbitt Mr John Dockerill Ms Mandy Ng Mr Peter Fung Mr Kurt Schreiber Mr Jeff Evans Mr Uday Shah Mr Trevor Fitzsimmons Mr Michael Spencer Mr Martin Hills Mr Mark Tse Mrs Viola Ip Mr John Twist Ms E. Jimenez Mr John Williams Ms Karmen Kar Mr Stuart Wolfendale Mr Robert Kennard Ms T. Y. Wong Mr Adrian King Mr Aron Yuen

Respectfully submitted Roger Cole – Hon. Secretary

60 Celebrating 170th Anniversary

Faith in the City