Celebrating New Beginnings:
Lunar/Chinese New Year at West Perth
The Revd Johnsan David Rector, Parish of West Perth
With roots reaching back more than 3,500 years to early Chinese civilisations, Chinese New Year has developed and evolved across generations/dynasties, shaped by culture and stories. Since 1949, it has been officially known in China as the Spring Festival. Today, Chinese New Year, also widely referred to as the Lunar New Year is best understood as a season of renewal: a time to pause, give thanks for the year that has passed, and step into a new one with hope. In short, it is about new beginnings, family, and goodwill.
For Christians who celebrate Lunar New Year, this resonates deeply. The Christian faith is anchored in the conviction that God is the giver of new life, not only in the change of the date on the calendar, but in the daily renewing work of his grace. For many Christians of Chinese and broader Asian heritage, Lunar New Year becomes a natural moment to express faith through culture. Among Christians, Lunar New Year is often observed not as a religious festival, but as a cultural celebration shaped by thanksgiving, prayer, and hospitality. Red decorations signify joy and blessing. Family reunion meals express gratitude and reconciliation. In this way, culture is embraced and adapted.
This is the spirit in which Lunar New Year is celebrated at St Mary’s West Perth. The congregation is diverse, with around ninety per cent of parishioners from Asian backgrounds; mostly Malaysian, alongside Chinese, Korean, Filipino, Singaporean, Sri Lankan and Japanese worshippers. Lunar New Year therefore feels less like a “special event” and more like an expression of who the community already is.
On the Sunday that is chosen to celebrate the New Year at St Mary’s, the service remains Anglican, grounded in scripture and prayer. At the same time, it is thoughtfully contextualised. Red decorations brighten the worship space, signalling joy and welcome.
Small bilingual elements whether in greeting, prayer, hymns or Scripture, acknowledge the languages represented in our church by many families.
The theological focus is always centred on Christ. The New Year theme of new beginnings and hope weaves naturally into the worship service. The congregation is invited to reflect on the year ahead, as a journey entrusted to God in hope.
After worship, the celebration usually continues around the table in fellowship. A potluck lunch brings together dishes that reflect the rich cultural diversity of the congregation.
Food plays an important part in cultural celebrations in our church, offering a very human way of connecting and being present together as a family. Often, a shared meal also becomes an easy and natural way to connect with people beyond the church community, especially those we meet through our outreach ministries, such as the English classes and Mainly Music programmes. In these ways, the missional opportunity that Lunar New Year offers, becomes clear for us at St Mary’s.
For many in the wider community, stepping into a church can feel unfamiliar; however, Lunar New Year is already a time of openness, a season when invitations are easily extended and received. Friends and family members who may not usually attend church regularly often feel comfortable joining the service or sharing a meal on this occasion.
The celebration becomes a bridge through which the message of the gospel is expressed in worship, fellowship and hospitality. For us, mission does not always begin with words. Often, it begins with presence: gathering, listening, sharing food, and creating space where faith can be seen before it is explained. Lunar New Year at St Mary’s is not simply about marking a date on the calendar. It is about bearing witness, year after year, to the God who calls his people into hope, renewal, and life together.
As I finish, may I invite you to reflect on this simple question: what opportunities might God already be placing before you to share the good news within the community he has entrusted to you?
Happy Lunar/Chinese New Year (Xīnnián kuàilè)
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