Hi Everybody,
As God would have it, immediately after I sat down to write that letter exuberating about being so free with nothing to do, I have been swamped.
Have been busy and on the go. First there was Paul's submission for a coming competition - of course we hope that there is a possibility of his work to gain some exposure in his time here. Except that as we tried to print the photos out in the computer lab - the colours came out very differently from the colours at home. So I bue pai seh and went to Technical Support and had help to reconfigure our PC image for Mac. Wah - print four pieces practically took the whole day!
Then came the museum visits and changing the car battery (before it decides to die in the middle of the road!) and answering a series of important emails and preparing to go back.
*
Regards being away from home, it really dawned on us three weeks ago - one Saturday when Paul was studying late - as usual ... I had a nightmare about family and woke up in a sweat. Scolded him that the light was still on - 12:30am and nagged him to go to bed. All his fault - it was so bright and that's why I had that horrible nightmare! So reluctantly, he switched off the lights and got ready for bed, and within five minutes, my phone rang. Groggily I jumped out of bed to answer the call - it was a wrong number from Singapore. Now I really couldn't sleep and decided to call home.
"Janet, something has happened. We are all at the restaurant celebrating Ngou Tzek's birthday today - and Dzee Gou just fainted. She may be choking on something - we can't revive her." Thoughts just raced through the mind - praying ... numb.
I think that is the type of thing we fear most when we travel - that something bad may be happening at home when we are so far away. Praying and worrying - fearing that you may need to change your ticket home because of sad matters ... both of us so helpless because we are miles away.
Called back half an hour later and heard that Aunty managed to get a doctor from nearby in time. And Dzee Gou has been sent to the hospital - suspected stroke. She is now recovering in hospital.
We are very thankful to God that our family is spared this. Especially when Dzee Gou's grand-daughter has just left for Canada to study. In a big extended family, where some are old, it is a concern to the ones travelling as well as to the one at home. Thank you Lord.
*
Paul has 'handed in' his first assignment - a presentation for a piece of artwork to his classmates at the NSW Art Gallery - he said he 'preached' it in a didactic style and thinks it was quite well received. Thanks to the BGST course on public speaking that church sent him for in 2003 - Seng Chuan's training has really come in handy and we are very grateful. Paul pressures himself quite a bit - partly it's his make-up, and partly we sometimes do feel our age. All things considered, we are doing well.
Gotta go ... thanks for enduring my ramblings ... again.
See you soon.
Blessings,
Janet Tanchio
Wednesday, March 29, 2006
Tuesday, March 28, 2006
Noah's Ark...
interesting article of the Noah's Ark from wikipedia.orgIs Noah Ark a myth (a legend) or a historical event recorded and written by Moses?
What are your views on this? Feel free to comment.
Some other interesting websites on this subject:
WorldNetDaily: New photo resparks 'Noah's Ark mania'
The Search for the Ark
NoahArkSearch.com (Ararat Anomaly or Noah's Ark?)
Ararat Anomaly
Has Anyone Discovered Noah's Ark?
Friday, March 24, 2006
Training in Mission (TIM) 2007
Any youths who is single and between the ages of 20-30 years old and is from any of our member churches within the Presbyterian Church in Singapore and who is interested in exploring the mission field for 10 months in South Africa and India, please contact Wilson Tan for more information. Or, visit the TIM webpage.Tel: 63385837
Email: wilson@presbysing.org.sg
Application is now open for TIM in Feb - Dec 2007.
CWM: Myanmar's Presbyterians expand evangelism goals
The Presbyterian Church of Myanmar is planning to share the Christian message beyond the Chin tribe that makes up the majority of its membership.
At their 50th anniversary celebration on 4 and 5 February they resolved to evangelise in the whole of Myanmar, said visiting CWM executive secretary for mission programme Rev Dr Jooseop Keum. "It's possible this will be dangerous. But they want to dare to witness to the good news in their society."
The church's golden anniversary was marked with plays about culture and Christianity, singing, dancing, exhibits of historical materials and seminars on the challenges of mission. The theme "stand on your feet" reflected the church's desire to be self-reliant after facing serious financial crisis in recent years.
Fellow members of the CWM family of churches agreed to support the education work of the Presbyterian Church of Myanmar at a roundtable meeting before the celebrations.
The Presbyterian Church in Singapore and the Gereja Presbyterian Malaysia agreed to support a church planting project in Yangon and a hostel for students in Mandalay. The United Reformed Church is continuing its support for the church's nurses' training and will provide an English teacher at its theological college in Tahan.
The Presbyterian Church of Myanmar's overall focus in mission programmes with CWM is on rural development and leadership formation.
Beccy Beard
(news article taken from CWM website,
picture courtesy of Rt. Rev. Phua Chee Seng)
Thursday, March 23, 2006
Synod 32nd Session AGM 2006
AGM2006_025
Originally uploaded by synodym132.
We survive another Synod AGM!!! Hurray!!! For those of you interested in seeing some pics of your pastors in "action", do check out these photos at flickr.
PCS Family and Food Carnival 18 Mar 2006
The day started rather early at 9am, with some crowd coming in from all over little Singapore. Some stalls were still in the process of setting up. The organisers were busy naking sure everything is in place. I must say that this Carnival was pretty fun! More fun than the recent ACJC Fun-O-Rama in Feb. Firstly, the food here was way more decent. Second, the games stalls were more suitable for visitors of all ages! OK, maybe i am getting a little old. But i really enjoy the archery and the dunking station very much. The prices here were way cheaper than other fun fairs that i've been too. seriously, i think most people priced their stuff too cheaply. in the end, many people still had many coupons left over and there was not much left things to be bought. Small problem, considering our fun-fairs are once every 5 years!
See you in 2011!
Tuesday, March 21, 2006
A reflection on the Synod Youth Leaders' Adventure Camp...
The Synod Youth Leaders' Adventure Camp was held from the 20th – 21st January 2006 at Jubilee Presbyterian Church. This was a milestone event organized by the Synod Youth Council as it sought to bring together members from different Presbyterian Churches from all over Singapore for a youth leadership camp for the first time ever.
Glory Presbyterian Church’s Youth Fellowship sent out a total of 18 youths and 7 coaches to attend the camp, and our dominating presence was represented by our sheer number as compared to the other churches. Nevertheless, we had a great time of bonding and interaction as we got to know the other church youths better.
The camp focused a lot of leadership, and especially the concept of leadership in a church environment. This was covered in a series of talks, and was particularly useful to the people who attended as they were preparing themselves for service as leaders in the youth ministry for the coming year of 2006.
The talks were complemented by a night of challenging brainstorming games as well as the highlight of the camp- an adventure obstacle course as Sentosa. We were put through a series of obstacles that required us to work as a team. From balancing a plank in unison as a team, to supporting each other physically as we crossed obstacles via think steel cables, we worked together as a church and successfully completed all the obstacles. The final obstacle was a challenge to scale a 5-metre wall, and to get every single person up on the wall. As a camp we worked together relentlessly and after one grueling hour, we completed the task!
There were many valuable take-aways from this particular camp, especially in aspects of team-bonding and leadership. The TLs, ATLs, coaches and ministry heads were definitely well-equipped with the knowledge and zest for service in the Lord’s ministry in the year ahead!
Terence Yeo
(Glory Presbyterian Church)
Glory Presbyterian Church’s Youth Fellowship sent out a total of 18 youths and 7 coaches to attend the camp, and our dominating presence was represented by our sheer number as compared to the other churches. Nevertheless, we had a great time of bonding and interaction as we got to know the other church youths better.
The camp focused a lot of leadership, and especially the concept of leadership in a church environment. This was covered in a series of talks, and was particularly useful to the people who attended as they were preparing themselves for service as leaders in the youth ministry for the coming year of 2006.
The talks were complemented by a night of challenging brainstorming games as well as the highlight of the camp- an adventure obstacle course as Sentosa. We were put through a series of obstacles that required us to work as a team. From balancing a plank in unison as a team, to supporting each other physically as we crossed obstacles via think steel cables, we worked together as a church and successfully completed all the obstacles. The final obstacle was a challenge to scale a 5-metre wall, and to get every single person up on the wall. As a camp we worked together relentlessly and after one grueling hour, we completed the task!
There were many valuable take-aways from this particular camp, especially in aspects of team-bonding and leadership. The TLs, ATLs, coaches and ministry heads were definitely well-equipped with the knowledge and zest for service in the Lord’s ministry in the year ahead!
Terence Yeo
(Glory Presbyterian Church)
Friday, March 17, 2006
Are you aware of God’s presence?
I came across this poem during my quiet time. My soul is awaken by the gentle breathe of God. Here He is, all this while, in my life and all around me. Hope to share this joy with you
I was awakened by a tiny gleam of light
it slipped through my curtain, onto my face.
It drew me to my feet and on to the window
Drawing back the curtains
dawn stepped softly into my room.
I knew it was God.
In the middle of my loneliness
the phone rang.
A voice I knew so well, said
‘Hello, I love you.’
Love stirred in my soul
I knew that it was God.
Rain fell gently on the thirsty ground.
Slowly, carefully, steadily it came
to an earth parched with waiting.
Through those holy raindrops
I walked, unafraid – without an umbrella.
I knew that it was God…
It was only a Silver Maple
But in the morning’s sunlight
it was filled with heaven.
I stood in a trance
as one touched by angel wings.
I knew that it was God.
By Macrina Wiederkehr, taken from Joyce Huggett, “God’s Springtime” pg. 22-23
Pr. Lai Kein
I was awakened by a tiny gleam of light
it slipped through my curtain, onto my face.
It drew me to my feet and on to the window
Drawing back the curtains
dawn stepped softly into my room.
I knew it was God.
In the middle of my loneliness
the phone rang.
A voice I knew so well, said
‘Hello, I love you.’
Love stirred in my soul
I knew that it was God.
Rain fell gently on the thirsty ground.
Slowly, carefully, steadily it came
to an earth parched with waiting.
Through those holy raindrops
I walked, unafraid – without an umbrella.
I knew that it was God…
It was only a Silver Maple
But in the morning’s sunlight
it was filled with heaven.
I stood in a trance
as one touched by angel wings.
I knew that it was God.
By Macrina Wiederkehr, taken from Joyce Huggett, “God’s Springtime” pg. 22-23
Pr. Lai Kein
Wednesday, March 15, 2006
Priorities Mixed Up?
As Christian, we must understand that if our priorities are mixed up, then our values are confused.
Matt 6:33 spelled it clearly: “But seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you.”
Many individuals have problems in their lives because their priority is not the kingdom of God, nor is it the righteousness of God. The Bible teaches that we must seek first the kingdom of God. Where there is a kingdom, there is a king. The king is supreme in his kingdom. The king is first in His kingdom. The king is number One in his kingdom, nobody comes before the king. In the Kingdom of God, God is the king. God is supreme first and the number One in His Kingdom. Therefore, we must put God first in our lives. We have to make Him the priority.
Let me ask you a question: “Is God first in your life?” I am not asking if God is a resident in your life, but I am asking is God the President of your life! I am not asking if God has a piece in your life or if God has a place in your life or if God has a part in your life. I am asking is God the priority in your life. If not, then ‘what is your priority?’ How can I make God the priority in my life?
Firstly, we can give God the first thought of everyday – Ps 5:3 “In the morning, O LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation.” & Ps 63:1 “O God, you are my God, earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you, my body longs for you, in a dry and weary land where there is no water.”
Secondly, we can give God the first consideration in every decision.
Col 3:17 “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”
2 Cor 8:5 “And they did not do as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then to us in keeping with God's will.”
Let us sets our priority right. Let us inquiry of the Lord first – “where shall I go” & “What shall I do Lord”! Amen.
Matt 6:33 spelled it clearly: “But seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you.”
Many individuals have problems in their lives because their priority is not the kingdom of God, nor is it the righteousness of God. The Bible teaches that we must seek first the kingdom of God. Where there is a kingdom, there is a king. The king is supreme in his kingdom. The king is first in His kingdom. The king is number One in his kingdom, nobody comes before the king. In the Kingdom of God, God is the king. God is supreme first and the number One in His Kingdom. Therefore, we must put God first in our lives. We have to make Him the priority.
Let me ask you a question: “Is God first in your life?” I am not asking if God is a resident in your life, but I am asking is God the President of your life! I am not asking if God has a piece in your life or if God has a place in your life or if God has a part in your life. I am asking is God the priority in your life. If not, then ‘what is your priority?’ How can I make God the priority in my life?
Firstly, we can give God the first thought of everyday – Ps 5:3 “In the morning, O LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation.” & Ps 63:1 “O God, you are my God, earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you, my body longs for you, in a dry and weary land where there is no water.”
Secondly, we can give God the first consideration in every decision.
Col 3:17 “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”
2 Cor 8:5 “And they did not do as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then to us in keeping with God's will.”
Let us sets our priority right. Let us inquiry of the Lord first – “where shall I go” & “What shall I do Lord”! Amen.
Friday, March 10, 2006
Unpaid Ad: Presbyterian Family and Food Carnival
Want to get “dunked” for a good cause? Come visit the dunking station at the Presbyterian Family and Food Carnival on March 18. Come prepared with your coupons and extra clothes!!
( OR.... get your youth leaders or pastors to come with their extra clothes!! Don't miss this ONCE-IN-A-LIFE-TIME OPPORTUNITY! )
Jas
( OR.... get your youth leaders or pastors to come with their extra clothes!! Don't miss this ONCE-IN-A-LIFE-TIME OPPORTUNITY! )
Jas
Did Mary become Mrs Jesus?
In the book "DaVinci Code" by Dan Brown, he quotes from the Gnostic Gospel -- Gospel of Philip: "And the companion of the Saviour is Mary Magdalene. Christ loved her more than all the disciples and used to kiss her often on her mouth." Mrs Jesus herself is then supposed to be the legendary Holy Gail, the royal bloodline of Jesus. And the misguided theory was "Jesus and Mary Magdalene were secretly married and had a child!" Honestly, this makes for juicy scandal material but lacks any grounds to take it too seriously. In fact, Dan Brown's dubious 'sources': The Nag Hammadi texts (Which contain the Gnostic Gospels) an unreliable source: Written neither by apostles, nor by the companions of the apostles, the Gnostic Gospels were written under a pseudonym --that is, the author used the names of the apostles just to gain credibility. Hence, we have the Gospel of Thomas, or Gospel of Philip, etc, but they were not actually written by these apostles. (article from "Beneath that smile", pg 8)
For more information of DVC --check this website http://www.davincicode.org.sg/
Great flash video too! =)
Thursday, March 09, 2006
School has finally started at SCA
Hi Everybody,
School has finally started.
Courses in SCA (Sydney College of the Arts) seem to be based very much on the students' independent development, and that can be quite formidable. As a skill based training, the requirement is 90% of attendence as prerequisite for assessment. (No marks for guessing the grade if the work is not assessed.)
But it is like teaching a person to blow glass and expect them to infuse their work with meaning. In the intro lecture, different supervisors showed slides of past years' work. One of the most imaginative and sophisticated works we saw was done by a Korean artist who made a thousand ceramic bowls and laid it out on the gallery floor to form . . . an aerial view of a fingerprint. The interplay between the microcosmic view and the big picture was simply awesome.
Brings one to a position of worship. A fresh realisation of what a meticulous God who made us. What has white ceramic bowls got to do with worship? That's the brilliance of a beautiful idea I think.
Photomedia and painting seems to be the most popular studios - and I was wrong in that about 10% of the freshmen population are Asian. The challenge ahead is for Paul to pick up the skills, and to produce work that is both thoughtful and thought provoking. No mean feat for logical left brainers like mua. May God be gracious and merciful
---
We have been staying at this lodge for a week now. The neighbour to our right smokes (we hope cigarettes) and holds long dialogues at night. Upstairs, someone (or some people) likes rock music - there's a dull thud, thud, thud of the drums and the bass guitar - a background of sounds that permeate the days and sometimes the nights as well. Oh well, we can conclude that HDB is not privacy-deprived as we used to think.
The cost of everything around (except car and petrol) means that it is DIY for most things. Experiencing the satisfaction of throwing star anise into the pot (after about a week of oregano - for some reason, curries just evade my thinking). Driving 25km to reach a chicken factory (no kidding) and a beef wholesaler seems totally sane now - the sanity occupies a space just adjacent to the unspoken prayer for a bigger fridge - at least a bigger frozen compartment . . . All we need to be totally happy now is finding a vegetable farm willing to sell us a sprig of parsley (grin).
Seriously what is insane is paying $9 for twenty minutes parking. I was in the heart of Sydney getting information about my conversion course - literally ran with the information - because another ten minutes and I would be paying $18 for a hour's parking in a disused train tunnel that has been converted into a very, very expensive carpark. To think that we complain about paying for parking in the CBD!
In Sydney it takes two to drive - one to commandeer the vehicle ("Turn right after the third traffic light") and the other to drive. I wish I could say that we are quite democratic about it and have equal chance to drive, but until now ... (no marks for guessing who is the spatially challenged one who gets relegated to driving.) We are quite thankful to get an inexpensive 1993 3L 6V Mitsubitshi - it is no looker - likely was a langa car - but structurally sound and the engine is great - smooth and silent. Thankfully we are neither of us speed demons - the last owner gave it up to get a sports car. But after six years of driving a van, it's a treat to be able to pick up like the rest, and not be left chasing ... a trail of dust? Well, the car does 6km to the dollar, and that means a trip to school is about 40 - 50 cents - sures beats a $2.80 bus trip followed by $2.80 rail per person.
We are pleased to realise that we have visited two of the four surrounding churches. No Mr Yap, we did not start with the Roman Catholic one. But we attended high church in the morning - complete with pipe organ and unrecognisable hymns. You would have liked it. And in the evening, our worship was 'fueled' by drums, a bass guitar, keyboard and two MCs. Never heard the songs before, but their lyrics were quite theologically sound and musically satisfying ... felt right at home. The bassist is a "four week old" grandad (we saw the photos of baby). Anyhow, we have had a good diet of new songs since we came to Aussieland. PP was so disappointed that both churches had no choir - Bethel can be quite pleased that a small singing team is better than no choir at all.
Mr Yap - you asked why was I "writing for Paul". I suppose those who have exciting, challenging lives - live it. And those who don't - write about it. I ask him how was his day, and while he used to always want to talk to me and complain that I was not listening - now I'm all ears, and he's too tired to talk. Well, that's how I find myself writing long, long letters, and ... somehow this one sounds like ... Seinfield ??? ...
---
Anyway, we're both enjoying the scenery .... and scaring (myself) reading Michael Critchon (free from Annandale community centre), and getting on the MSN, and watching Paul prepare for his coursework and enjoying the idea that I presently have nothing more important to do than writing nonsense that you guys will trash ... no confidences to keep, no problems to solve ... just watching Paul busy with school work ... and ... enjoying God ... and ... soooooo very anxious to change visa and get a job.
I'll stop talking nonsense by then ... promise.
Janet Tanchio
Eccle 3 : 1-14
Malachi 4 : 2
School has finally started.
Courses in SCA (Sydney College of the Arts) seem to be based very much on the students' independent development, and that can be quite formidable. As a skill based training, the requirement is 90% of attendence as prerequisite for assessment. (No marks for guessing the grade if the work is not assessed.)
But it is like teaching a person to blow glass and expect them to infuse their work with meaning. In the intro lecture, different supervisors showed slides of past years' work. One of the most imaginative and sophisticated works we saw was done by a Korean artist who made a thousand ceramic bowls and laid it out on the gallery floor to form . . . an aerial view of a fingerprint. The interplay between the microcosmic view and the big picture was simply awesome.
Brings one to a position of worship. A fresh realisation of what a meticulous God who made us. What has white ceramic bowls got to do with worship? That's the brilliance of a beautiful idea I think.
Photomedia and painting seems to be the most popular studios - and I was wrong in that about 10% of the freshmen population are Asian. The challenge ahead is for Paul to pick up the skills, and to produce work that is both thoughtful and thought provoking. No mean feat for logical left brainers like mua. May God be gracious and merciful
---
We have been staying at this lodge for a week now. The neighbour to our right smokes (we hope cigarettes) and holds long dialogues at night. Upstairs, someone (or some people) likes rock music - there's a dull thud, thud, thud of the drums and the bass guitar - a background of sounds that permeate the days and sometimes the nights as well. Oh well, we can conclude that HDB is not privacy-deprived as we used to think.
The cost of everything around (except car and petrol) means that it is DIY for most things. Experiencing the satisfaction of throwing star anise into the pot (after about a week of oregano - for some reason, curries just evade my thinking). Driving 25km to reach a chicken factory (no kidding) and a beef wholesaler seems totally sane now - the sanity occupies a space just adjacent to the unspoken prayer for a bigger fridge - at least a bigger frozen compartment . . . All we need to be totally happy now is finding a vegetable farm willing to sell us a sprig of parsley (grin).
Seriously what is insane is paying $9 for twenty minutes parking. I was in the heart of Sydney getting information about my conversion course - literally ran with the information - because another ten minutes and I would be paying $18 for a hour's parking in a disused train tunnel that has been converted into a very, very expensive carpark. To think that we complain about paying for parking in the CBD!
In Sydney it takes two to drive - one to commandeer the vehicle ("Turn right after the third traffic light") and the other to drive. I wish I could say that we are quite democratic about it and have equal chance to drive, but until now ... (no marks for guessing who is the spatially challenged one who gets relegated to driving.) We are quite thankful to get an inexpensive 1993 3L 6V Mitsubitshi - it is no looker - likely was a langa car - but structurally sound and the engine is great - smooth and silent. Thankfully we are neither of us speed demons - the last owner gave it up to get a sports car. But after six years of driving a van, it's a treat to be able to pick up like the rest, and not be left chasing ... a trail of dust? Well, the car does 6km to the dollar, and that means a trip to school is about 40 - 50 cents - sures beats a $2.80 bus trip followed by $2.80 rail per person.
We are pleased to realise that we have visited two of the four surrounding churches. No Mr Yap, we did not start with the Roman Catholic one. But we attended high church in the morning - complete with pipe organ and unrecognisable hymns. You would have liked it. And in the evening, our worship was 'fueled' by drums, a bass guitar, keyboard and two MCs. Never heard the songs before, but their lyrics were quite theologically sound and musically satisfying ... felt right at home. The bassist is a "four week old" grandad (we saw the photos of baby). Anyhow, we have had a good diet of new songs since we came to Aussieland. PP was so disappointed that both churches had no choir - Bethel can be quite pleased that a small singing team is better than no choir at all.
Mr Yap - you asked why was I "writing for Paul". I suppose those who have exciting, challenging lives - live it. And those who don't - write about it. I ask him how was his day, and while he used to always want to talk to me and complain that I was not listening - now I'm all ears, and he's too tired to talk. Well, that's how I find myself writing long, long letters, and ... somehow this one sounds like ... Seinfield ??? ...
---
Anyway, we're both enjoying the scenery .... and scaring (myself) reading Michael Critchon (free from Annandale community centre), and getting on the MSN, and watching Paul prepare for his coursework and enjoying the idea that I presently have nothing more important to do than writing nonsense that you guys will trash ... no confidences to keep, no problems to solve ... just watching Paul busy with school work ... and ... enjoying God ... and ... soooooo very anxious to change visa and get a job.
I'll stop talking nonsense by then ... promise.
Janet Tanchio
Eccle 3 : 1-14
Malachi 4 : 2
Thursday, March 02, 2006
Lenten Sermon Series
For those are are in preparation for Lent and is also a huge fan of Dietrich Bonhoeffer,
The folks at Goettinger Predigten im Internet have a have listed a 2006 Lenten Sermon Series celebrating the 100th anniversary of Dietrich Bonhoeffer's birth. Texts for the sermons are supported by background writings from Bonhoeffer's Letters and Papers from Prison. You'll find the column for the English language sermons on the right-hand side of the page.
Taken from textweek blog
The folks at Goettinger Predigten im Internet have a have listed a 2006 Lenten Sermon Series celebrating the 100th anniversary of Dietrich Bonhoeffer's birth. Texts for the sermons are supported by background writings from Bonhoeffer's Letters and Papers from Prison. You'll find the column for the English language sermons on the right-hand side of the page.
Taken from textweek blog
Wednesday, March 01, 2006
New Books for the Synod Youth Resources Library
1. Four Views of Youth Ministry and the Church (Paperback) - Wesley Black, et. al.2. The Youth Worker's Guide to Creative Bible Study (Paperback) - Karen Dockrey
3. The Godbearing Life: The Art of Soul Tending for Youth Ministry (Paperback) - Kenda Creasy Dean and Ron Foster
4. Hurt: Inside the World of Today's Teenagers (Youth, Family, and Culture) (Paperback) - Chap Clark
5. Partnering With Parents in Youth Ministry (Paperback) - Jim Burns and Mike DeVries
These books and more are available for borrowing. Just pop by the Synod Office and look for Wilson Tan. For the full list of books available and their current loan status, check out our Synod Youth booklist.
If you find these books useful, you can easily buy them from SKS Books Warehouse @ 315 Outram Road #09-03 (Main) & #10-05 (Youths), Tan Boon Liat Building, Singapore 169074. Tel: 622793700 Fax:62214595
Email: sksbooks@pacific.net.sg
Website: SKS
Opening Hours: Mon - Fri / 9:00am - 7:00pm
Sat / 9:00am - 6:00pm
Greetings from the Land of Aussies! (Pastor Paul and Janet Tanchio)
Hi Everybody,
We are shifting from the Hills district into the inner west suburb of Annandale in the city today.
It'll be five minutes away from campus, and orientation starts tomorrow.
We are thankful that God has eased us into Sydney in stages.
While at the Hills district, we have been staying with Singaporeans - pastors,
fellowshipping with Asian people - S'poreans, M'sians, Philipinos who have lived here a good part of their lives. Learning our way around.
We will be moving into 32/106 Johnston Street, Johnston Lodge.
It's a one room studio - quite clean and secure -
bed and things like fridge and micro-wave are provided for, oven and laundry is shared facilities,
but we may not be able to get broadband in the building.
Since dail-up may not be a viable option, we may be living there temporarily for 13 weeks.
Sydney seems to be having a shortage of rental apartments,
so we'll see what the situation is like in three months time.
PP quite ready to settle in to study -
(but) he's still looking for his package of reference books that we had to leave behind.
Seems quite lost without his books.
It was 37kg, so we'll have to find some way of bringing it here soon.
At Annandale, we will be surrounded by a Catholic church diagonally across the road,
a Uniting church in front of the lodge we are staying,
a Presbyterian church to our right,
and a 'Christians in the Media' Anglican church to our left.
Any idea which church we should visit first? (Grin)
And we'll will be visiting this Asian church we have been worshiping at once a month
(or maybe bi-monthly - still not used to long journeys).
We look forward to settling in - and will update you when we have opportunity.
Shalom,
Janet Tanchio
We are shifting from the Hills district into the inner west suburb of Annandale in the city today.
It'll be five minutes away from campus, and orientation starts tomorrow.
We are thankful that God has eased us into Sydney in stages.
While at the Hills district, we have been staying with Singaporeans - pastors,
fellowshipping with Asian people - S'poreans, M'sians, Philipinos who have lived here a good part of their lives. Learning our way around.
We will be moving into 32/106 Johnston Street, Johnston Lodge.
It's a one room studio - quite clean and secure -
bed and things like fridge and micro-wave are provided for, oven and laundry is shared facilities,
but we may not be able to get broadband in the building.
Since dail-up may not be a viable option, we may be living there temporarily for 13 weeks.
Sydney seems to be having a shortage of rental apartments,
so we'll see what the situation is like in three months time.
PP quite ready to settle in to study -
(but) he's still looking for his package of reference books that we had to leave behind.
Seems quite lost without his books.
It was 37kg, so we'll have to find some way of bringing it here soon.
At Annandale, we will be surrounded by a Catholic church diagonally across the road,
a Uniting church in front of the lodge we are staying,
a Presbyterian church to our right,
and a 'Christians in the Media' Anglican church to our left.
Any idea which church we should visit first? (Grin)
And we'll will be visiting this Asian church we have been worshiping at once a month
(or maybe bi-monthly - still not used to long journeys).
We look forward to settling in - and will update you when we have opportunity.
Shalom,
Janet Tanchio
Tuesday, February 28, 2006
A Day in the Life of a 传道 a.k.a Preacher
Ever wonder what a pastor does? If you ask me, I’ll be hard press for words. Some times I feel like I am an event organizer, a counselor, an administrator, a bible teacher… all rolled into one. But there are moments in my busy schedule when I experience something more, something profound; moments when I find myself a channel of God’s grace.
It was one of those moments one Sunday evening in Feb. I had a very full work week, had to preach a sermon, chair a meeting, lead training and bible study... then my senior pastor asked me to preach a funeral sermon on Sunday evening. I’m a fairly new preacher (2 and ½ years) and this was my second funeral sermon. I don’t know the family at all, so that makes it very tricky. Moreover there wasn’t any time to prepare. Nevertheless I started praying about it, asking God to reveal to me which bible passage to preach from. I sensed God wanting me to preach on the resurrection of Lazarus. Now to me, that is a very strange passage to choose for a funeral sermon, because although the passage began as a funeral, the deceased end up coming alive and walking out of his tomb! I wonder, what could God possibly want me to say to a grieving family from this passage? So I tried looking up the bible for more ‘appropriate’ passages for funeral sermon amid my hectic work week, but to no avail.
By Sunday late afternoon, I finally had a chance to talk to a sister who knew the family. It was then that I understood why God wanted me to preach on Lazarus’ resurrection. Martha and Mary thought if only Jesus were there earlier, their brother Lazarus would not die. They knew Jesus loved them. They fully believed Jesus is able to heal. They trusted Jesus. But they could not understand why Jesus did not heal their brother. Such was the struggle of this family too. They had a dramatic experience of Jesus’ healing. But this time round, though they prayed, God did not heal. Although they were able to accept their lost and rest in God, a nagging ‘why’ remained in their hearts.
That evening, standing before the family, I had the privilege to be God’s vessel, to bring God’s message of comfort to this family. I saw how they were touched by God. When I sat down after delivering the sermon, I knew in my heart, those were not my words, but God’s.
It is in these moments that I am reminded; being a pastor means I am a servant of the Almighty
Pr. Neo Lai Kein
It was one of those moments one Sunday evening in Feb. I had a very full work week, had to preach a sermon, chair a meeting, lead training and bible study... then my senior pastor asked me to preach a funeral sermon on Sunday evening. I’m a fairly new preacher (2 and ½ years) and this was my second funeral sermon. I don’t know the family at all, so that makes it very tricky. Moreover there wasn’t any time to prepare. Nevertheless I started praying about it, asking God to reveal to me which bible passage to preach from. I sensed God wanting me to preach on the resurrection of Lazarus. Now to me, that is a very strange passage to choose for a funeral sermon, because although the passage began as a funeral, the deceased end up coming alive and walking out of his tomb! I wonder, what could God possibly want me to say to a grieving family from this passage? So I tried looking up the bible for more ‘appropriate’ passages for funeral sermon amid my hectic work week, but to no avail.
By Sunday late afternoon, I finally had a chance to talk to a sister who knew the family. It was then that I understood why God wanted me to preach on Lazarus’ resurrection. Martha and Mary thought if only Jesus were there earlier, their brother Lazarus would not die. They knew Jesus loved them. They fully believed Jesus is able to heal. They trusted Jesus. But they could not understand why Jesus did not heal their brother. Such was the struggle of this family too. They had a dramatic experience of Jesus’ healing. But this time round, though they prayed, God did not heal. Although they were able to accept their lost and rest in God, a nagging ‘why’ remained in their hearts.
That evening, standing before the family, I had the privilege to be God’s vessel, to bring God’s message of comfort to this family. I saw how they were touched by God. When I sat down after delivering the sermon, I knew in my heart, those were not my words, but God’s.
It is in these moments that I am reminded; being a pastor means I am a servant of the Almighty
Pr. Neo Lai Kein
Friday, February 24, 2006
Bible Tools
Bible Tools: A great place for biblical definitions and resources...a little like a Christian wiki library.
Adventure Camp Reflections: No walls too high…
So glad that at least for a day, I could join my youths and friends from the other Presbyterian churches for the recent Synod Youth Leader’s Adventure Camp (Yah lah… this kind of thing how can miss out?). Besides, when it comes to our Synod Youth’s events, our track record has been pretty good… All thanks to our faithful God and the folks who have been most supportive!Trust me, I was pretty knocked out by the flu bug earlier on. Even on the day when I joined them, I was still a little under the weather and started doubting my own wisdom in wanting to rough it out together with my team who attempted the Low-Element obstacles. But I just couldn’t bear to leave my 16-17 year olds to be on their own. I mean, this was the first time they attended a Synod Youth Event and as their pastor I should at least be there to give moral support right?
In the end, it was my own spirit which was lifted up. You see, for my own youths, I think my short “absence” helped them to be a bit more independent and forthcoming in rallying together as well as learning to come out of their comfort zone. I was thankful that they enjoyed themselves and more importantly, caught a glimpse of the bigger Body of Christ found in the bonds we share as fellow Presbyterians.
The Lord also laid an impression upon my heart when I saw the camp participants taking leadership and showing determination in their quest to get everybody over the final Low Wall obstacle. What I envisioned was the future of our denomination. Young lives yielded to the hands of our Almighty God, with all the purposefulness, potential, passion and perseverance. Who can imagine how great an impact they can make for Christ in our churches, marketplace, nation and the lands beyond when they so go forth with the abundant resources God has blessed them with in their lives?
You know, you could sense the youth’s triumphant joy and relief each time they managed to get someone over the wall. Everybody pitched in, lend a hand or two and I noticed some sacrificially offering their backs time and time again as a “launching pad” so that others could reach the hands that were stretched out to them from above. The task at hand was more important and it was no longer just the business of Jubilee, or Covenant or Glory, etc. Indeed it was just amazing how things came together even though the youths hardly knew each other before this and there was no clear designation of roles assigned to them. As the Psalmist says “... with my God I can scale a wall” (Ps 18:29). Imagine how much further we can go, when our brothers and sisters are there to lift us up and look beyond the horizons…
Pr. Edwin Wong
Monday, February 20, 2006
Bono on Grace
With their haul at the recent Grammys, grandpa band U2 proved they were rocking more than their chairs.
Bono, their lead vocals, is one rock star whose actions in fighting poverty in the world are expressly motivated by his trust in God and God's view of the world.
And he had this to say about his faith in his not-so-new biography:
Assayas: I think I am beginning to understand religion because I have started acting and thinking like a father. What do you make of that?
Bono: Yes, I think that's normal. It's a mind-blowing concept that the God who created the universe might be looking for company, a real relationship with people, but the thing that keeps me on my knees is the difference between Grace and Karma.
Assayas: I haven't heard you talk about that.
Bono: I really believe we've moved out of the realm of Karma into one of Grace.
Assayas: Well, that doesn't make it clearer for me.
Bono: You see, at the center of all religions is the idea of Karma. You know, what you put out comes back to you: an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth, or in physics—in physical laws—every action is met by an equal or an opposite one. It's clear to me that Karma is at the very heart of the universe. I'm absolutely sure of it. And yet, along comes this idea called Grace to upend all that "as you reap, so you will sow" stuff. Grace defies reason and logic. Love interrupts, if you like, the consequences of your actions, which in my case is very good news indeed, because I've done a lot of stupid stuff.
Assayas: I'd be interested to hear that.
Bono: That's between me and God. But I'd be in big trouble if Karma was going to finally be my judge. I'd be in deep s---. It doesn't excuse my mistakes, but I'm holding out for Grace. I'm holding out that Jesus took my sins onto the Cross, because I know who I am, and I hope I don't have to depend on my own religiosity.
Assayas: The Son of God who takes away the sins of the world. I wish I could believe in that.
Bono: But I love the idea of the Sacrificial Lamb. I love the idea that God says: Look, you cretins, there are certain results to the way we are, to selfishness, and there's a mortality as part of your very sinful nature, and, let's face it, you're not living a very good life, are you? There are consequences to actions. The point of the death of Christ is that Christ took on the sins of the world, so that what we put out did not come back to us, and that our sinful nature does not reap the obvious death. That's the point. It should keep us humbled… . It's not our own good works that get us through the gates of heaven.
Assayas: That's a great idea, no denying it. Such great hope is wonderful, even though it's close to lunacy, in my view. Christ has his rank among the world's great thinkers. But Son of God, isn't that farfetched?
Bono: No, it's not farfetched to me. Look, the secular response to the Christ story always goes like this: he was a great prophet, obviously a very interesting guy, had a lot to say along the lines of other great prophets, be they Elijah, Muhammad, Buddha, or Confucius. But actually Christ doesn't allow you that. He doesn't let you off that hook. Christ says: No. I'm not saying I'm a teacher, don't call me teacher. I'm not saying I'm a prophet. I'm saying: "I'm the Messiah." I'm saying: "I am God incarnate." And people say: No, no, please, just be a prophet. A prophet, we can take. You're a bit eccentric. We've had John the Baptist eating locusts and wild honey, we can handle that. But don't mention the "M" word! Because, you know, we're gonna have to crucify you. And he goes: No, no. I know you're expecting me to come back with an army, and set you free from these creeps, but actually I am the Messiah. At this point, everyone starts staring at their shoes, and says: Oh, my God, he's gonna keep saying this. So what you're left with is: either Christ was who He said He was—the Messiah—or a complete nutcase. I mean, we're talking nutcase on the level of Charles Manson. This man was like some of the people we've been talking about earlier. This man was strapping himself to a bomb, and had "King of the Jews" on his head, and, as they were putting him up on the Cross, was going: OK, martyrdom, here we go. Bring on the pain! I can take it. I'm not joking here. The idea that the entire course of civilization for over half of the globe could have its fate changed and turned upside-down by a nutcase, for me, that's farfetched …
Aging rocker or not, salty language or none, the actions and words of high profile people are ready-made opportunities to start conversations about the gospel with our unbelieving friends and family. Let's make the most of them! :-)
*image from amazon.com
Bono, their lead vocals, is one rock star whose actions in fighting poverty in the world are expressly motivated by his trust in God and God's view of the world.
And he had this to say about his faith in his not-so-new biography:
Assayas: I think I am beginning to understand religion because I have started acting and thinking like a father. What do you make of that?Bono: Yes, I think that's normal. It's a mind-blowing concept that the God who created the universe might be looking for company, a real relationship with people, but the thing that keeps me on my knees is the difference between Grace and Karma.
Assayas: I haven't heard you talk about that.
Bono: I really believe we've moved out of the realm of Karma into one of Grace.
Assayas: Well, that doesn't make it clearer for me.
Bono: You see, at the center of all religions is the idea of Karma. You know, what you put out comes back to you: an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth, or in physics—in physical laws—every action is met by an equal or an opposite one. It's clear to me that Karma is at the very heart of the universe. I'm absolutely sure of it. And yet, along comes this idea called Grace to upend all that "as you reap, so you will sow" stuff. Grace defies reason and logic. Love interrupts, if you like, the consequences of your actions, which in my case is very good news indeed, because I've done a lot of stupid stuff.
Assayas: I'd be interested to hear that.
Bono: That's between me and God. But I'd be in big trouble if Karma was going to finally be my judge. I'd be in deep s---. It doesn't excuse my mistakes, but I'm holding out for Grace. I'm holding out that Jesus took my sins onto the Cross, because I know who I am, and I hope I don't have to depend on my own religiosity.
Assayas: The Son of God who takes away the sins of the world. I wish I could believe in that.
Bono: But I love the idea of the Sacrificial Lamb. I love the idea that God says: Look, you cretins, there are certain results to the way we are, to selfishness, and there's a mortality as part of your very sinful nature, and, let's face it, you're not living a very good life, are you? There are consequences to actions. The point of the death of Christ is that Christ took on the sins of the world, so that what we put out did not come back to us, and that our sinful nature does not reap the obvious death. That's the point. It should keep us humbled… . It's not our own good works that get us through the gates of heaven.
Assayas: That's a great idea, no denying it. Such great hope is wonderful, even though it's close to lunacy, in my view. Christ has his rank among the world's great thinkers. But Son of God, isn't that farfetched?
Bono: No, it's not farfetched to me. Look, the secular response to the Christ story always goes like this: he was a great prophet, obviously a very interesting guy, had a lot to say along the lines of other great prophets, be they Elijah, Muhammad, Buddha, or Confucius. But actually Christ doesn't allow you that. He doesn't let you off that hook. Christ says: No. I'm not saying I'm a teacher, don't call me teacher. I'm not saying I'm a prophet. I'm saying: "I'm the Messiah." I'm saying: "I am God incarnate." And people say: No, no, please, just be a prophet. A prophet, we can take. You're a bit eccentric. We've had John the Baptist eating locusts and wild honey, we can handle that. But don't mention the "M" word! Because, you know, we're gonna have to crucify you. And he goes: No, no. I know you're expecting me to come back with an army, and set you free from these creeps, but actually I am the Messiah. At this point, everyone starts staring at their shoes, and says: Oh, my God, he's gonna keep saying this. So what you're left with is: either Christ was who He said He was—the Messiah—or a complete nutcase. I mean, we're talking nutcase on the level of Charles Manson. This man was like some of the people we've been talking about earlier. This man was strapping himself to a bomb, and had "King of the Jews" on his head, and, as they were putting him up on the Cross, was going: OK, martyrdom, here we go. Bring on the pain! I can take it. I'm not joking here. The idea that the entire course of civilization for over half of the globe could have its fate changed and turned upside-down by a nutcase, for me, that's farfetched …
Aging rocker or not, salty language or none, the actions and words of high profile people are ready-made opportunities to start conversations about the gospel with our unbelieving friends and family. Let's make the most of them! :-)
*image from amazon.com
Thursday, February 16, 2006
Introducing Me... (one "humble" contributor)
Hi guys, just like to introduce myself before I do some serious posting.I'm the youth pastor of Katong Presbyterian Church, I'm married to one wife, and I'm a father of 3 kids - 1 girl 2 boys.
Other then my work (which I enjoyed more than my hobbies), my other interests are jogging, swimming, camping, reading (Bible and serious Christian books - cool?), sleeping, idling, eating, talking rubbish, holidaying and playing with my kids!
I used to worship at Orchard Road Presbyterian Church. That's where I came to know Christ and decided to become a pastor. After graduating from Trinity Theological College, I started serving at Sion Presbyterian Church and then Sembawang Presbyterian Church. Last month, I just transfered to Katong Presbyterian Church. (OK, OK, I sounded pretty much like a church-hopper! But heh, God leads me in all these "hops", alright?)
Anyway, I'm looking forward to sharing with you, whoever you are, all the wonderful things God has done in my life and in the churches around me. I'm sure there'll be interesting stories from Katong too as time unfolds.
God bless you! (for more of my rantings... click here!)
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