CERC Family Day 2025: A Family on Mission for Our New Home

The end of August has always been an important time for CERC, because the 31st of August marks the day the church was founded. So on the 1st of September this year, CERC gathered once again for our annual Family Day. Traditionally, we gather for a picnic at a park, bringing along potluck dishes and firing up the BBQ. Pastor Robin would entertain us with the latest news, Joel Lee would proudly serenade us with his Cantonese songs, Jeremy Johnson would get the guys into a spirited game of “sadugudu,” while the ladies played with babies and snapped photos. But this year, things looked a little different. This year, the CERC family rallied together behind one cause: raising funds for our new family home. 

The fundraising in this year’s Family Day was part of CERC’s fundraising campaign to raise money for our new church building, ‘21 for 21’. The name ‘21 for 21’ refers to CERC’s goal to raise RM 21 million by our 21st year.

Early in the morning, Growth Groups (GG) gathered at Bukit Jalil Recreation Park in the morning and pitched in to set up food stalls, games and challenges to raise funds, making the park come alive with the sounds of laughter, friendly banter, and the energy of a church family working side by side.

As you walked through the park that morning, you would have seen more than fun and games, but a people united with a purpose. As you walked around, Kepong GG’s pet café might have caught your attention. It stole hearts with its fluffy hamsters and artisanal drinks. Then, before you knew it, a student from TGG Original would excitedly ask, “Would you like to give some money so we can cut Andy’s hair?” and if you hesitated, he would add “We could also wax Shaun Alex Thomas’ legs…it’s for the new building!”. 

Even the younger ones pitched in! Renae, a youth in CERC, sold her delicate handmade crochet keychains; Riley, Renae’s younger brother, sold his prized Transformers collection; and sisters Keziah, Sophia, and Alethea walked around together, won over many into buying refreshing soy bean drinks (people found it hard to resist their kiddie charms!)

And if that wasn’t enough excitement, Old Klang Road GG ran a Fear Factor game, getting church staff to literally squirm as they were challenged to eat worms! 

And let’s not forget the amazing dance moves that Jon, Haley, John and Marc busted out for the dance challenge. Their funky dance moves made the crowds cheer, their loved ones cringe, and their Growth Group members record the moment for posterity (possibly to resurface during their future weddings). 

The sights and sounds of the day captured the essence of a family on a mission together. Couples and families sprawled on picnic mats with refreshing tong sui and iced drinks in hand; children bounced with glee on the first-ever bouncy castle at Family Day; and both kids and adults ran about, while others had faces painted and hands adorned with henna tattoos, all done in support of the fundraising effort.

For some, the highlight of the day was the creativity of the stalls. For others, it was the chance to see our church staff bravely—or perhaps reluctantly—take up challenges that bonded us closer through laughter. But for everyone, the joy was in seeing how each GG, each child, each adult, pitched in to give sacrificially.

Shuyan, who had been taking pictures on family day, was amazed by the efforts and energy that the church put in to make Family Day a success. This is how she described it,

“I’ve spent hours just filming. The whole church has really put their heart and soul into getting their booths in order, wanting to do all they can to see Jesus’ church grow. Have you seen the bouncy castle for the kids? That’s cray. Did you see pastor Vanessa eating worms??? Did you see Riley sell off his WHOLE toy collection? I mean, even the TGG-O guys shaving their heads? Man… All things to all men, for Jesus’ kingdom growth. I’m floored. I’ve never seen anything else like it in Malaysia.”

The fun, food, and fellowship were real, but so was the mission. Family Day this year wasn’t just about celebrating life together, but about looking forward together, eyes fixed on the greater work of building God’s church—both the physical home we’re fundraising for, and the spiritual house He is building in us.

All in all, Family Day 2025 was a beautiful reminder: we are not just a family enjoying life together, but a family on mission for Christ, giving our time, talents, and treasures for His kingdom.

Here’s to many more years of serving together—Lord willing, in our new home soon. If you would like to support the good work God is doing in CERC, you can find out more here: https://cerc.com.my/support-us.