5 Questions with...Elder David MacRaild

1. How did you first get involved with Friendship Presbyterian? My wife, Yining (怡寧), and I moved from my home, Scotland, to her home, Taiwan, in 2010. I had visited FPC with my dad and brothers during a previous visit. So, returning and quickly becoming a member here was an easy decision. I was a recent convert, although I had enough Bible knowledge to know God has called all Christians to participate in the service and community of whichever church they are committed to. After a while, I got to know people and the dynamics of the church. I then began to become more involved by welcoming newcomers as I had been welcomed.

2. What do you do Monday through Saturday? I am a Taiwanese artist’s full-time technician. I work in his studio in Guishan (龜山). My boss, the artist Tu Wei Cheng (涂維政), is a teacher at Taipei National University of the Arts, so he needs someone to manage his studio, make new works, restore old ones, and prepare/install works for exhibition or sale. Much of the work is sculptural and mimics the aesthetic of relics or antiques. I am a mold-maker, by trade, and am experienced in casting multiple materials, which is useful for this current position.

3. What is something people might be surprised to know about you? Although I am from Scotland, I cannot play the bagpipes. 

4. What do you find most challenging about being a Christian today? Lately, I have thought much about observing the Sabbath. With so many distractions at hand, the need to rest from our normal work is great. God has invited us into His rest and we should respond by acknowledging that we are not saved by our works and achievements but by His grace in Jesus. God has literally made time for us, so why do I find it so hard to make time for Him?

5. What is your favorite book of the Bible? I would like to nominate two books which are both close to my heart. God used them to speak to me as I neared the point of conversion. First is the Book of Job, where I learnt that God is almighty and I am not. His plan is perfect and his promise is good, no matter what I think or say. Then, in the Gospel of Matthew, I learnt anew the truth of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection, and how the gospel is key to the fulfilling of God's promise. 

Recent Events - March/April

Worship and Community Groups in the Time of Coronavirus

Noteworthy Events

• New Location: In 1989, Friendship Presbyterian Church’s building was rebuilt. 30 years have passed since then and we are thankful to the Lord for continually adding to our numbers. Now, in order to comply with new building regulations requiring both interior and exterior renovations to strengthen the building structure, the leadership of the church has decided to temporarily relocate our offices and worship services. In January, 2020, we moved our staff offices to the old China Evangelical Seminary building at 101 Tingzhou Road, Sec. 3 (about a 5-minute walk from the current building). Sunday services began there on February 16th. We ask that all our brothers and sisters face this challenging time together, working as one to support the renovation of our old building, and praying for the Lord’s protection and guidance through it all.

• FPC Line News Group: Be sure to join our FPC LINE news group, where you can get all the latest information about FPC. You will only receive messages from FPC. You can also send questions and prayer requests which will be received by the church leaders. To join, search for "@osv3181q" or scan this QR code:

• Children’s Ministry Opportunity: We are seeking more volunteers to serve in our Children’s Ministry as teachers and assistants. If you are feeling called to serve in this wonderful ministry, please contact Anna Furness (fpchurch@friendshiptaipei.com ) for more information.

• Church Membership Class – 4 Sundays Each Month: Our church membership classes are being presented in an hour-long format over four Sundays each month this spring. We will meet from 1:15 to 2:15pm on March 1st, 8th, 15th, and 22nd in the room at the end of the hall from the sanctuary. This schedule will be repeated in April and May. Participation is open to all and does not obligate you to become a member. However, those seeking membership must attend all four classes (or make it up the following month). Sign up at the Newcomer Welcome table by the elevators.

• Community Groups – New Quarter: We encourage all attendees of FPC to be actively involved in a community group. The groups are a valuable and convenient way to both grow in the gospel and serve the church. The expected length of commitment is 3 months (one “quarter”), so the ideal time to join is at the beginning of a quarter. Our spring quarter has just begun. Check the poster on the bulletin board in the fellowship area or visit the Newcomer Welcome table (even if you are not “new”) for details.

• Youth Group Weekly Gatherings – New Time/Date – March 8: Our Youth Ministry is moving its weekly gatherings from Friday evenings to Sunday afternoons. The meetings will go from 2:30 to 4:30pm and be held in the youth worship room in the basement of the new location. As always, our aim is to provide a time of worship, Bible study, fellowship, and fun. The new schedule begins Sunday, March 8th.

• Save The Date – April 3 and 4 – Youth Retreat: In the Yang Ming Shan neighborhood. Further details TBA.

• Spotlight on Service: In 2019, there were over 1,700 individual acts of service performed by our members and regular attendees during Sunday Service and special events. We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the 145 individuals who served FPC in 2019. If you would like to join our team of volunteers, please email deacons@friendshiptaipei.com.

• FPC Sanchong Church Plant (“New Blessings”): Support our Mandarin-language church plant in Sanchong by “Liking” their Facebook page. Search this
phrase:三重祝福教會 or scan this QR code: