Our 29 th anniversary what is important

Transcription

1 Our 29 th anniversary what is important Over the last few weeks, I reviewed some church events and prayer requests made in the recent past. A few items mentioned during the prayer meeting of 26 April caused me to do some reflection, particularly as we celebrate our 29 th anniversary. I reflected not on where we came from but how we came about. The first prayer item on the list was: Thanksgiving for the Sunday School that started Mount Carmel at Redhill Close in Our root, Mount Carmel, started out as a Sunday school outreach. It started from one man going around in search of lost souls. That man, as most of us know, was the late Uncle Robert Ong. He gathered the children in his neighbourhood and shared the gospel. Over time, the gathering grew in numbers, adults and other resources were added, and the rest is history. Reflecting on how small and insignificant it was when it first started, I am reminded that when we are obedient to God and do what He commands, we will never be left alone. God gets into the work with us. The obedience of Uncle Ong and its resultant impact proves that today, we have a few Mountain churches besides Mount Carmel. As we celebrate our anniversary, let us not forget we started in obedience to Christ s great command to go out into the world to make disciples for Him. (Since the church started out as a Sunday school class, those of us who are presently involved in this and related ministries can be greatly encouraged.) The second prayer item on the list was: Thanksgiving for the Telok Blangah Outreach that started at Swee Pharmacy in Swee Pharmacy was named after our sister, Mrs Tan Swee Sin. Telok Blangah was then an emerging new town where massive construction of For internal circulation only Vol 29 No July, 2017

2 HDB apartments was taking place. Elder Tan Kim Ping and Mrs Tan saw the new town as a potential harvest field for Christ and set out to plant an outreach there in the form of a pharmacy at one of the apartment blocks. The business did not do well as the town was not fully completed but the foundation of Mount Hermon was thus laid. Viewed from this development, it was not a lost venture but a precious and successful investment made by our elders for God s work. Elder Tan and Mrs Tan continued the legacy of obedience to make Christ known whenever and wherever the opportunity presented itself, and once again, God worked with them to birth Mount Hermon. I hope that their spirit and the example set by them will not be lost on us, especially our younger members and worshippers. At our recent church camp we learned from our speaker, Rev Desmond Soh, some fresh new lessons from the Book of Jonah, reinforcing the points made above. Without rehashing what these lessons are, let us always be reminded that we must not live for ourselves alone but for God and His Kingdom. Christ set the supreme example Himself by leaving the comfort of heaven and the fellowship of the Father in order to redeem us. In contrast, Jonah ran away from his task and retreated into the comfort of the ship s hold. Jonah was a prophet who was well versed in scriptures but missed the very heart of God. The last verse of the Book (Jonah 4:11) was a very telling moment baring the heart of God: And should not I pity Nineveh, that great city, in which there are more than 120,000 persons who do not know their right hand from their left, and also much cattle? We can surmise that the 120,000 may have included children and infants, but Rev Desmond Soh also reminded us that the cattle was also cared for. We cannot be said to know God s Word well without knowing His heart just as well. The Great Commandment given by God in His parting words before He ascended into heaven once again reinforced His heart for lost sinners. Matthew 28:19-20 says: Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age. As we celebrate our 29 th anniversary as a church of God, may we join with all of God s people everywhere to obey His heart s commandment to go and make disciples of men; and, having done that, may we leave the results to Him. Eld Peter Seah (Editorial Writers: 16 Jul Ps Daniel Tan; 23 Jul Eld Elgin Chan) 2

3 PRAYER ITEMS And behold, a leper came to him and knelt before him, saying, Lord, if you will, you can make me clean. And Jesus stretched out his hand and touched him, saying, I will; be clean. And immediately his leprosy was cleansed. Matthew 8:2-3 CHURCH Church Anniversary. As we celebrate another year of God s goodness and favour, may we seek the Lord in confident hope for His sustaining grace and be in the spirit of obedient expectations as we wait upon God for Hermon s future. Let us thank God for our past and present leaders who have served sacrificially. May the Lord continue to equip and make ready leaders for our future. Pray that the Lord will call 2 new Elders into our leadership by our 30th anniversary. New Members. Praise God for adding 10 members and 1 infant to our Hermon family. May they discover the place God has for them in the spiritual family so that they can become a vital member of our body. May the Lord spur our regular visitors to move from the Congregation to the Committed. Evangelism Discipleship Ministry. Let us ask the Lord for a friend or relative to bring to the upcoming Christianity Explored classes starting in Sep. May God grant Dn James Quek and his team discernment in their planning and execution. HCYM Staff Meeting on 15 July. Pray for Dn Chow Meng and team as they meet to review and deliberate the direction and plan for the HCYM. Ask the Lord to guide and lead them in their discussion. Pray for unity of hearts and minds in Christ, and wisdom and discernment for all to do what honors and pleases Him. WORLD Thailand. 1) Let's pray for Thailand. May the Lord use the Christians there to fulfil the vision of 2020 to increase the Christians population to 1 million. 2) Pray that the exodus of migrant workers due to the recent change in Thailand's labour laws will not severely affect businesses. Pray that the government will be able to manage the labour crisis with wisdom and justice, and swiftly bring stability back to the economy. PASTORAL CONCERN Birthdays. We rejoice with our members whose birthdays fall this week (09-15 Jul): Lester Cheng, Or Boon Kiang, Fong May Yee, Teo-Wong Lay Lan, Lydia Li, Sora Chua-Noh and Philip Leng. 09 Jul: Christine Lei / 16 Jul: Deborah Engelsen PRAYER MEETING Wed (12 Jul), Peter room Prayer leaders: Lester Cheng & Gene Tan Focus: CG Sun Ministry 3 2

4 A warm WELCOME to all who are here this morning. If this is your first time with us, please fill in a Visitor s Card and drop it into the offering bag during the Offertory. We invite you for fellowship over lunch after Service at the Visitors Table on the ground floor. ANNOUNCEMENTS 29 TH CHURCH ANNIVERSARY CUM BAPTISMAL SERVICE. Today, let s give thanks to God for his faithfulness throughout all these years! We will take a congregation photograph and a thanksgiving lunch will be served after that. As we count down the final 7 years of our church s lease in Choa Chu Kang, we will have a 2nd offering collection dedicated to our Development Fund. Please give as the Holy Spirit moves you. WELCOME TO HERMON FAMILY. Let us welcome our new members into the Hermon family: Ms Eunice Chiam, Mrs Christina Yeo-Seat Hiang Lang and Ms Ewe Zang (by Baptism); Mr Jason Chan Zhi Hao, Mr Marik Chia Jung Yeong, Mr Dominic Lim Shen Yi and Ms Evangeline Divina Thomas (by Reaffirmation of Faith); Mrs Ding Cheong-Tan Gek Im, Mrs Cancelita Lee- Makaduro and Mr Dean Errol Aubrey Nigel Martin (by Affirmation/ Membership Transfer); and Master Matthew Lee Kay Shan s/o Lee Han Khun & Cancelita Makaduro (by Infant Baptism). CATECHISM/MEMBERSHIP CLASS will start on Sun, 20 Aug. The Baptismal Service will be on Sun, 17 Dec. If you have been worshipping with us for more than six months and have decided to settle into our church as a member, get an application form from the Steward i/c after Service today. MISSIONS TRIPS IN DECEMBER 2017 to Malaysia, Ipoh (01 Dec to 06 Dec); Myanmar, Yangon (05 Dec to 11 Dec); Thailand, Phu Kiew (05 Dec to 11 Dec); Thailand, Chiang Rai (05 Dec to 11 Dec); Cambodia, Sihanoukville (08 Dec to 12 Dec). Register at Love Fellowship Hall. Please bring a photocopy of your passport and deposit of S$100 upon registration. Dn Richard Yew BETHANY METHODIST NURSING HOME VISITATION on Sat, 15 Jul. Please meet in the chapel at 4th level (9 Choa Chu Kang Ave 4, S689815) at 1.45pm. Chew Kian Chong YM SATURDAY TALK Join us as we hear from our speaker Tan Jiayi on How can a loving God send people to hell? Venue: Moriah Sanctuary Date: 15 Jul Time: 7.30pm-9.30pm. 4 2

5 ANNOUNCEMENTS MEN S FELLOWSHIP 19 Jul (Wed), 8.00pm at Peter room (#04-02). Forum: Dealing with Challenges at Work Place. Facilitated by: Dn Sandor Wang and Tang Kwee Beng. What are the challenges man faces at our workplaces? How do we deal with them? Fight or Flight or? How do we lean on Scriptures to direct and guide us in this matter? Come and share your experiences, and learn from one another. Dn James Quek The GIRLS BRIGADE SINGAPORE will be having their annual GB Fortnight from 16 to 30 Jul 17. A donation leaflet will be inserted in the 16 Jul Herald for your generous donation towards the training programme geared for developing the TOTAL GIRL educationally, physically, spiritually and socially. They also inculcate Christian moral values and training in leadership skills. Not forgetting the community, 14% of the fund will be set aside for community and development projects. Donations are tax deductible. Next Sunday, besides the donation leaflets, Hermon GB volunteers will also be approaching you to collect fund for their donation cards. Please donate generously. Lai Kin LIVING WATER CG is organising a potluck dinner and would like to invite anyone who is interested to come for fellowship. Date: 15 Jul (Sat), 5:30pm. Venue: Windermere function room Howe Chien PRISON FELLOWSHIP Angel Tree Project At the heart of this project is your gift to an inmate an act of service that empowers him/her to reach out to family members. A hand-written letter and a hamper will be delivered to the families. You can donate for the purchase of hampers ($70 each) and/or distribute the hampers and befriend the families. Please register with Wai Lan after Service at Love Fellowship Hall. STAFF MOVEMENTS. 1) Ps Daniel, Dn Luwin, Lai Kin, Zebedee Lee & Kok Eng will be attending the BPCIS Retreat in JB, Jul. 2) Karen Sim will be on leave on 13 & 20 Jul. MEETINGS Every Sun Vocal Team Practice 8.45am 9.30am Paul #04-14 Worship Practice 8.45am 10.30am Ebenezer Chapel 09 Jul DSG practice 10.00am 11.00am Paul # , 16 Jul Bible Study 9.00am 10.45am Resource # Jul Pulpit Ministry mtg 1.30pm 3.00pm Resource # Jul DSG practice 1.45pm 3.00pm Gideon/Samuel #04-07/08 CE mtg 1.30pm 2.30pm Resource #

6 COVENANT GROUP MEETINGS CG & Leader Date Venue / Occasion Agape Lester Cheng 22 July, Sat, 7.30pm Lee Pang Wee & Christina s home CCK Open Care 13 Jul, Thu, 7.30pm Gideon/Samuel rooms #04-07/08 de Vine Tan Swee Sin 28 Jul, Fri, 9.00am Eld & Mrs Tan Kim Ping s home El Shaddai Sally Chan 12 Aug, Sat, 10.00am Peter room #04-02 Jehovah Jireh Dns Malar Thomas 15 Jul, Sat, 7.30pm Dean & Ramona Martin s home Jehovah Shammah TBA TBA Klema Eld Ho Hian Chye 21 Jul, Fri, 8.00pm Moriah Sanctuary Koinonia Dn Simon Toh 21 Jul, Fri, 8.15pm Joseph room #01-07 Living Water Daniel Woon 15 Jul, Sat, 7.30pm Peter room #04-02 Morning Glory Ladies Jeanette Ler-Lee 14 Jul, Fri, 9.30am Peter room #04-02 Oxley Lee Yew Mun 14 Jul, Fri, 8.00pm Noah room #01-08 Paideia Gene Tan 15 Jul, Sat, 7.30pm Dn Sandor & Serina Wang s home Young Adults Dn Luwin Wong 21 Jul, Fri, 7.30pm Peter room #04-02 YOUTH BIBLE CLASS Time: 11.30am 1.00pm Upper Level Youths (S3 & above) Lower Level Youths (P6 S2) YOUTH & CHILDREN ROOM 09 JUL 16 JUL Peter #04-02 Gideon/Samuel (#04-07/08) No Youth Bible Classes Youth Teaching Leaders: Samuel Chan Youth Group Leaders: Post Sec Girls I Lee Woon Yeng Post Sec Girls II Priscilla Chan S3/PS Boys Darren Leong S3-S4 Girls Fong Wen Wei S4/PS Boys David Sim Youth Teaching Leaders: Dn Sandor Wang Youth Group Leaders: P6-S2 Girls Teo Mei Yee P6-S2 Boys Darren Thomas CHILDREN BIBLE CLASS Time: 11.30am 12.30pm ROOM JULY Faithfulness (P4/P5) Nehemiah (#02-04) Florence Yip / Ng Zhe Hui Goodness (P1-P3) Abraham (#01-04) Kenan Ng Peace (3 s K2) Jacob (#01-06) Lee Hwee Mei / Celestine Liow ATTENDANCE (Last Week) Adults 279 Children 28 Total 307 OFFERING / PLEDGES Last Week Month-To-Date General Fund $14, $14, Development Fund $ $ Please issue cheques to Mount Hermon BP Church (for General Fund) Mount Hermon BP Church Development Fund (for Development Fund) Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. For the ministry of this service is not only supplying the needs of the saints but is also overflowing in many thanksgivings to God. (2 Corinthians 9:7, 12) 6

7 GOD S MESSAGE Date: 09 July 2017 Speaker: Ps Daniel Tan Sermon Title: The authoritative powerful Word Scripture Text: Matthew 8:1-34 Disease Disaster Demons Discipleship Concluding reflections In your discipleship journey, have you accepted the commitment of being a disciple and the priority of obedience to Christ Jesus? What is one challenge of discipleship that you desire God's enabling? What kind of disciple do you think we are making in Hermon? 7

8 Pastoral / Ministry Staff Rev Daniel Tan (Pastor) /O-Extn 11 danieltan@hermon.org.sg Ms Tang Lai Kin /O-Extn 20 laikin@hermon.org.sg Dn Luwin Wong /O-Extn 12 luwinwong@hermon.org.sg Mr Zebedee Lee /O-Extn 13 zebedeelee@hermon.org.sg Mrs Lee Kok Eng /O-Extn 14 leekokeng@hermon.org.sg Board of Elders Eld Peter Seah (Moderator) Rev Daniel Tan Eld Elgin Chan Advisory Pastor Rev (Dr) David Wong Session Dns Elizabeth Chua Dn Mike Fong Dn Lee Pak Choon Dns Justina Ng Dn David Oh Dn James Quek Dn Sim Chow Meng Dns Malar G. Thomas Dn Simon Toh Dn Sandor Wang Dn Luwin Wong Dn Richard Yew Administrator Ms See Siew Kee /O-Extn 18 siewkee@hermon.org.sg Sunday Service 11.00am Children & Youth Bible Class 11.30am 12.30pm Prayer Meeting Every 2 nd & 4 th Wed 8.00pm 9.30pm 10 Choa Chu Kang St 52 #04-01 CCKBC Singapore Tel: church@hermon.org.sg Order of Worship 09 July, 2017, am 29 TH CHURCH ANNIVERSARY CUM BAPTISMAL Church Theme 2017: "A Community Making Disciples Welcome & Announcements Prelude Call to Worship Opening Hymn Creation Sings the Father s Song Opening Prayer Worship in Songs Offertory/Doxology Welcome to the Hermon Family Song Item Pastoral Prayer I Will Sing of My Redeemer Great is Thy Faithfulness Revive Us, O Lord By Baptism, Reaffirmation of Faith, By Membership Transfer & Infant Baptism 一世跟随你 & 主是我力量 CHILDREN LEAVE FOR THEIR BIBLE CLASSES Scripture Text Matthew 8:1-34 Message The authoritative powerful Word Closing Hymn O Church, Arise Benediction/Three-Fold Amen Postlude Speaker: Ps Daniel Tan Worship Leader: Tan Jiahan Pianists: Chantel Tay Vocalists: Sharon Thomas (ic), Inez Tan, Bernice Oh, Elsa Tan, Trina Oh and Shirlynn Yew Song Item: DSG Scripture Reader: Ng Oi Fah Announcer: Dns Justina Ng Pastoral Prayer/Benediction: Eld Peter Seah Projectionists: Samuel Chua and Chang Bing Chuen PA: Daniel Woon, Benson Fong and Edward Lim Stewards: Nelson Chong & Team B Photographers: Dn Simon Toh and Michael Koh Thanksgiving Flowers: Alice Chong-Chan; Aji & Dns Malar Thomas Floral ic: Sally Chan Chrysalis: Lilian Wong (ic), Florence Yip and Lee Han Khun Thanksgiving Lunch: Agape and Jehovah Jireh CGs NEXT SUNDAY S SERVICE (16 JUL 17) COMMUNION SUNDAY Sermon: The King who Saves Sinners (Matthew 9:1-34) Speaker: Dn Luwin Wong Worship Leader: Eric Chan Pianists: Lenith Cheng Vocalists: Josie Oh (ic), Dawn Tan Sharon Thomas, Dns Justina Ng, Chua Keng Chay and David Chong Scripture Reader: May Seah Announcer: Dns Malar Thomas Pastoral Prayer/Benediction: Eld Elgin Chan Communion Elements: Fong May Yee & team Projectionists: Sheryl Yew and Samuel Ang PA: Samuel Chan and Joel Mak Stewards: Dn Mike Fong & Team A Thanksgiving Flowers: Lee Pang Wee & Christina Floral ic: Jessie Lim-Choy Chrysalis: Lilian Wong & Team Refreshment: Agape CG