Every year on Mother’s Day, Calvary Church is proud to celebrate and appreciate mothers, both biological and spiritual. The celebration this year was themed, “Light That Never Fades”, drawn from Proverbs 31:18. 

In honour of the occasion, the Carpenter’s Workshop children presented a delightful special number titled “The Ones Who Mother Me,” thanking mothers for their love, for being the light leading them to Jesus, and for making their world brighter.

The sermon shared by Sister Petrina Guneratnam, our church overseer, carried special significance. Having faithfully served alongside our late Senior Pastor Prince Guneratnam in Calvary Church since the age of 28, she is now 82— that is 54 remarkable years of ministry!

A spiritual mother to many, Sister Petrina has steadfastly laboured, leading and guiding the Calvary family with her unwavering devotion to the Lord, her resilient strength, and her discerning wisdom. Today, she continues to be an inspiration both locally and abroad, her life and ministry an enduring testament of faith spanning three generations.  

Sister Petrina brought an insightful message from Genesis 16:1-16, on Hagar, who became a mother not by choice. Fleeing  abuse and exploitation, Hagar ran into God, who met her at the most devastating point of her life, redeeming and vindicating her. In the wake of that encounter, she declared the Lord to be El Roi, meaning “the God who sees me." From the story of Hagar, we have the assurance that not only does God understand us, but He sees and validates us too. To be seen is to be significant — a divine acknowledgement of our true worth. 

Ministry pastor, Pastor Steven Kum, then prayed a prayer of blessing upon mothers. Pastor Steven also explained that the Mission’s Offering, which is typically collected on the first Sunday of each month, would instead be collected  in conjunction with Mother’s Day. The collection would go toward starting a fund for the Salt Shakers ministry, providing care and assistance to the elderly with health and mobility challenges. A new initiative by Dimensions, Calvary’s women’s ministry, Salt Shakers, aims to reach out to seniors and provide a regular avenue for fellowship.

The ladies' choir brought the service to a colourful close with a beautiful rendition of ‘Take This Life’ — a heartfelt expression of surrender and of worship to God. 

Light, but sumptuous refreshments were served after the Worship Service, and the Plaza was abuzz as the Calvary family connected over food and fellowship. Many also took advantage of the prepared photobooth area to capture cherished memories.