30. Henry Kong. Message from CHURCH OF CHRIST - PASIR PANJANG

Transcription

1 CHURCH OF CHRIST - PASIR PANJANG FOCUS APRIL Message from Henry Kong Today is the final day of work for Bro. Henry Kong with a farewell dinner at Harbourfront tonight at 7:30pm. He has spoken to Bro. Timmy Tng and will transfer his membership to the Chinese congregation to join his wife, Nat. However, both Nat and Henry will attend our evening service to worship and support the leadership. Tomorrow, May 1st 2017, marks 51 years of my full-time ministry with the Pasir Panjang (formerly Queenstown) congregation. This is the first, and only job I have had, serving one congregation that I have come to hold so dear and whom I regard as family. I have been blessed to witness God's grace and abundant blessings on His faithful during this time. Although there have been the inevitable challenges and setbacks, if there is one takeaway from my ministry that I would pass on to you, it would be never to give up on your faith, service and allegiance to Him because God has never given up on us. In persevering, we will overcome and gain strength and resilience against the devil with every encounter. Looking back, I am indebted to so many who have been my mentors, cheerleaders who have supported me in difficult times, and members who have been pillars, contributing to the growth at Pasir Panjang while I have personally transitioned through various life stages. In particular I want to thank the 3 persons who have been responsible for the growth of PP -Timmy Tng for his leadership in the early years at Tanglin Halt and the Chinese work, and the contribution of Tan Beng Chuan and Adrian Teo in the YWCA and Pasir Panjang years. I also could not have done it without the consistent help of the church staff: Annie Koh, Patrick Ong and Barnabas Thng who have upheld me through the years. It has been a great journey of challenges, growth and rewards. Most of all, I am able to complete my jubilee year because of the support of Nat, my ministry partner and June, whom I have called to help me in so many ways. While I will miss the daily interactions with members and buzz of church activities and routines, I look forward to taking a 6-12 month break - my first long rest - before embarking on my next phase and catching my second wind. After that, I look forward to using my training and experiences in starting a house church with like-minded Christians. I stand on the promise of Isaiah 40:41 that "they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint". I know that as PP continues to stand firm on the Word of God, it will grow to greater heights. I am sure that PP will become a leader among sister churches all over Asia and a resource for training, mentorship and church development. It would be a thrill for me to see PP become as effective in local outreach as we have been in our overseas missions. Church of Christ Pasir Panjang 347, Pasir Panjang Road, Singapore (T) (F) admin@ppcoc.org facebook/ppchurchofchrist Please address all correspondence to Pasir Panjang P.O. Box 74, Singapore

2 FOCUS APRIL 2017 FAMILY NEWS Refreshments Provided by Henry All are invited to enjoy the refreshments after the 9.30am Bible classes today, by brother Henry Kong, to mark his last day of 51 years of ministry at PP. Order New Book from Theresa Visitors & Friends We welcome Shaun Siew from NUS Engineering. Shaun came with his family of six at our evening worship. Please get to know Shaun and welcome him warmly into our fellowship. Prayer Requests Margaret Slorach - Travel mercy to Africa. Manilyn Padua - Guidance and protection for my family. Ana Marie My family s salvation and hope and guidance from Lord Jesus. Penalosa Nelia - My husband s blood pressure and health issue. Clarita Simon Lord, forgive me for taking You for granted and not treating Your resurrection seriously. Fook Weng the bereaved family of the late Mr. Othman Wok. Thanksgiving DIVINELY DRESSED by Penny Kendall: Putting on Garments of Grace will be our spiritual makeover; our transformation journey to finding true identity in Christ, to seeing ourselves through His eyes, and to exchanging the old clothes of the world for garments so full of grace that the image of His glory will radiate from our lives onto those around us. Jeremy Tng I want to thank God for blessing me these 26 years, taking me through many challenges and guiding me everyday. He has also seen me through my NIE practicum and I pray that He will continue to bless me in the many years ahead in my career. Grace Mariaraja Praise God for His goodness and mercy. MerryJane Maglangit - Saving us from sins through Jesus. Amelyn Allauigan - All His blessings, mercy and grace for me, my family and friends. Grace Mariaraja, David Dass, Gina Lomibao, MerryJane Maglangit, Jim & Farida Kawi, Matthias Sim, Lolita Cataggatan, Nelia Penalosa, Clarita Simon, Maribel Cammayo, Ephril Cammayo, Darlin Quindara, Fook Weng - Brothers Bobby s and Vincent s sermons. This Week's Events 30 Apr (Sun) 8.00am & 11.00am Worship Closer and Closer! (3 rd Week) Speaker Ooi Boo Chye 9.30am Bible Classes for All Ages 6.00pm Worship Speaker Lim Cher Kiat 30 Apr (Sun) 7.30pm Celebrating Henry s 51 Years of Ministerial Service at Ban Heng Restaurant (HarbourFront) 3 May (Wed) Bible Class 7.30pm Studies on Angels Facilitators: Lim Lian Chye/Matthias Sim Upcoming Events Every Thursday 5.00pm 6.00pm Weekly Devotion at AG Home Contact: Grace Choo 3 8 May (Wed - Mon) Tuao COC Vacation Bible School Contact: Goh Wai Leng 7 May (Sun) 1.00pm 4.00pm Single Ladies Fellowship (ages 40) Theme: SWAT (Sisters With A Testimony) Contact: Catherine Leow 14 May (Sun) 1.30pm SIBI Graduation Ceremony Contact: Brandi Kendall May (Sat - Tues) Hangzhou Regional Retreat Theme: Witnessing for Christ Contact: Tan Beng Chuan 28 May (Sun) 12.30pm Farewell Lunch for the Kendalls & Book Signing by Penny Contact: Patrick Ong/Annie Koh Jun (Wed - Sat) PPCOC Church Camp Theme: Joy in the Lord Contact: Lim Lai Fun & Swee Aun Today is the last day for registration FACTS FIGURES 8AM 9.30AM 11AM 6PM MORNING EVENING 3Rs $10,538 1, $12,807

3 30APRIL 2017 FOCUS 03 Sermon Scripture Text Making the Best of a Bad Situation: Another sign of being in the flock of the Good Shepherd: Our capacity to suffer unjustly and bless God even as we endure it.1 Peter 2: Peter this week tells us much about what the life of the flock itself is like. It is the foundation of the ministry of the flock and all its members as a body of Christ, individually and collectively, wherever they find themselves, whether at work, school, home, neighbourhood, marketplace, or leisure. 1 Peter is a critical text of Christian character and identity. For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps (Verse 21, NKJV) However, some have misused this understanding of Christian calling to justify the act of staying in abusive relationships, doing nothing to free themselves of the abuse or bringing the perpetrator to justice. This is not what I Peter is describing. He is instead, describing acts of persecution or oppression from officials against Christians in numerous places during the time I Peter was written. When such persecution comes, the role of the community is to help each other endure, in the face of it. In the case of Paul, he had the right not to be flogged or kept in chains without due process, as a Roman citizen (Acts 22:22). In other words, we see in Paul an example of a Christian who certainly allowed himself to suffer unjustly, but saw it not as an act of dishonour, but who stood up for the justice that was rightly his. Hence, as we come to the Lord s Table, can we increase our capacity to suffer unjustly and bless God as we endure? Making the Best of a Bad Situation: Our capacity to suffer unjustly and bless God even as we endure it.1 Peter 2:19-25 Current week s scripture readings Acts 2:42-47 Psalms 23 1 Peter 2:19-25 John 10:1-10

4 FOCUS APRIL fold Mission Strategy for PPCOC & You! Think about My reflection on today s lesson is worship and how it will change you. Chasing God Have you met with God today personally? Check-In Do you have check-in sessions with 2 or 3 friends regularly? Heart Beat Have you discovered your sweet spot of service? This week I will aim to Reach Out Are you close to someone who is far from God? Ministers Henry Kong Patrick Ong Tan Beng Chuan Elders Winston Chong Simon Goh Lim Swee Aun Tan Beng Chuan William Wong My prayer is for Deacons Lim Li Chhoan Vincent Lim Terry Wan Peter Lim Patrick Ong Noticed a Change? We have refreshed the FOCUS and made some changes to the design and content. Help us to improve on it by giving us your feedback through this short survey. How to live as the born again (baptized): in reverent fear of God, and with deep affection for one another from the heart? Next week s scripture readings Acts 2:14a Psalms 116:1-4, Peter 1:17-23 Luke 24:13-25

5 A Tribute to Henry Celebrating more than 5 Decades of Service 1. He is a 24-hour servant-leader in guiding church members in living an abundant life. 2. He is committed to teaching eternal truths in such a simple manner that individuals will experience transformation and thanksgiving. 3. He leads in organizing discipleship programs and activities that guide members in the involvement of the local church in the Great Commission. 4. He prioritizes the admonition of Christ, and in demonstrating spiritual leadership. 5. He understands the value of developing leaders. 6. He loves children. 7. He guards the young people of the church and sets in place guiding principles to develop their faith and to shape them for future leadership. 8. He has a vision for the church to have a positive image that influences community life. 9. He has a worldview of sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ. 10. And he sponsors strategies including intercessory prayer, financial support, and mission trips.

6 30 APRIL 2017 / PHOTO GALLERY A Tribute to Henry Celebrating more than 5 Decades of Service