ST ANDREW S CATHEDRAL THE DIOCESE OF SINGAPORE

Transcription

1 ST ANDREW S CATHEDRAL THE DIOCESE OF SINGAPORE Christmas at the Cathedral 2018 WELCOME A warm welcome to all members and visitors to our Services today. HOLY COMMUNION We welcome all confirmed members of the Anglican Church and visitors who are communicant members of other churches to share in the Holy Communion with us. Our practice is to have the Holy Communion by intinction (dipping of the wafer into the wine). If you are not partaking of the Communion, you are welcome to come forward to receive a prayer of blessing. Please keep your hands clasped to indicate that you are not receiving the Communion. CAR PARKING There are very limited carpark lots available within the Cathedral. Members and visitors are encouraged to park at the surrounding carparks on Sunday. CHILDREN MINISTRY Each Service has special provisions for families with young children. Please see page DECEMBER 2018 FIRST SUNDAY OF CHRISTMAS COLLECT Almighty God, who wonderfully created us in your own image and yet more wonderfully restored us through your Son Jesus Christ: grant that, as he came to share in our humanity, so we may share the life of his divinity; who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen LECTIONARY READINGS 1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26; Colossians 3:12-17; Luke 2:41-52 PSALM FOR 5PM Psalm 132 HYMNS 8.00am: CP44; CP73; CP74; CP am: CP44; CP73; CP74; CP pm: HP78; The Steadfast Love; Who Is Like Our God; Lord You Are Always Here With Me; Glory Glory Hallelujah; HP77 Bishop of Singapore and Dean The Rt Revd Rennis Ponniah Vicar Revd Canon Terry Wong Clergy Revd Peter Cook, Revd Freddy Lim, Revd Michael Lim, Revd Bertram Cheong, Revd Joshua Raj, Revd Hambali Leonardi Auxilliary Clergy Revd Canon Dr Louis Tay, Revd Soon Soo Kee, Revd Christopher Tan Deaconesses Ds Bessie Lee, 1

2 THE VICAR WRITES A photo taken from the Cathedral Bell Tower in This photo is released in "Singapore Then and Now" by Ray Tyers, Landmark Books, 2018 Reflection, remembrance and thanksgiving come together. We will be reminded - again and again - to remember in Being the bi-centennial year, we will of course be remembering what Stamford Raffles and our colonial leaders have done for our city. However, it also valid to say that history is strewn with many unrecognised factors, movers and shakers. Old Singapore already existed before the British came to shore. Surrounded and protected by other lands and islands, it meant that she has a steady and growing existence, almost uninterrupted by natural disasters. Situated on a busy sea route also meant the merchants from the surrounding region and world were calling to port constantly. With the advent of faster and better ships, the English and Europeans came a calling, transforming our maps forever. Arabic and Indian merchants left their imprint with the increasing importance of the spice trade. With the internal wars and rise of Communism in China, this meant that many sought a better life in this island. And highly capable and educated missionaries who could not enter China came to Singapore instead. Our early political leaders had the foresight to seek for education in THANKSGIVING TO. Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people whom he has chosen as his heritage! Psalm 33:12 2 developed countries, most of which had values imbued from years of Christian civilisation. It is a long list of many factors that have shaped Singapore today. I am coming to my point. When we say we are thankful, is that a passive reaction almost akin to saying we are so lucky!? Or are we thankful because we believe that people and nations have a destiny and that God has both created and called us as such? In other words, whether reflecting over our personal lives or that of the nation, we are thankful to Someone. As the psalmist extols in Psalm 100:4: Give thanks to Him! This will be the Christian attitude. While we make attributions to factors that have shaped our nation and our lives, we always recognise the Hand that has moved them. Theologically, we sometimes use this big word sovereignty of God". Pick up the Bible and read and you will find that this truth underpins every book in her. I should not forget to add that thanksgiving is also sometimes expressed to our fellow human beings. As St Paul will say in 1 Cor 1:4, "I give thanks to my God always for you As the year ends, take some time to think about the Lord. Take someone to thank those around you. And as you step into the Bi-Centennial year, never forget to give thanks to the One who "causes nations to rise and fall (Job 12:23)."

3 PRAYER HIGHLIGHTS WORLD Great Britain Pray for Great Britain as Brexit negotiations have hit critical stages and there is much uncertainty. Pray for the January 2019 crucial vote in British Parliament. Ask God to direct Parliament in the way that they should go, that MPs may have wisdom, clarity, unity, a concern for the common good and that God s perfect will be done. Pray for Prime Minister Theresa May, for godly wisdom and strength to lead the nation through this transition, for a strong team to support her, for God s favour as she negotiates with leaders of the European Union and with political leaders at home. Pray against intensifying social tensions and for order and peace throughout Britain and Europe as the practical effects of Brexit on daily life, business, economy, citizen rights, etc. are understood. Indonesia Volcanic tsunami in the Sunda Strait Pray for God s mercy upon Indonesia which has suffered much devastation, loss of lives and property in recent months from natural disasters; for the Indonesian government and international agencies as they coordinate search and rescue efforts, comfort the bereaved families and provide timely aid to those who have lost their homes and their means of livelihood. Celebration of Hope Thank God for bringing the Church in Singapore to a greater level of unity, through the many platforms of corporate prayer in Pray that the Church will continue to grow united and strong; that as we continue to sow in tears, we will, as we faithfully prepare for Celebration of Hope, reap with shouts of joy. DIOCESE Anglican Community Services Thank God for the growth and expansion of ACS over the years. Pray that God will continue to direct and richly bless the work of ACS with skilled manpower, financial and other resources; that His love will be manifest through those who serve in the various arms of ACS and His salvation be made known through the vibrant witness of His people. CATHEDRAL New Year s Eve Service Pray that the Lord will enrich our time together as His people gather to reflect on the year 2018 and look forward to the beginning of a New Year; the Holy Spirit will anoint the preaching of the word A Living Hope for Everyone through Bishop Rennis; that God s people will have a clear sense of God s leading and direction as we consecrate ourselves afresh to Him and for His service in the New Year. Singapore Bicentennial Singapore Bicentennial in 2019 will provide Singaporeans the chance to reflect on the 200th anniversary of Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles arrival in Singapore in 1819, which was one of the key turning points that changed Singapore s trajectory (Singapore Bicentennial Office). Pray that as we enter into 2019, the people of Singapore will know God s hand upon our nation, how God has founded us, sustained us and led us through the years of nation building, to become what we are today, that we may by His grace, fulfil His divine plan and purpose for this nation. Diocesan Certificate of Biblical Studies (3 Jan 2019) Pray that God will bless and anoint the teaching of His word through DCBS; for a deep desire in our hearts to learn the Scriptures, that we may live out its truth in our lives as faithful disciples of our Lord Jesus Christ. PLEASE PRAY FOR THE SICK Annie Dang, Khor Seow Hong, Marjorie Lau, Nancy Li, Barbara Rayney, Joy Brett, Doris Proctor, Dr. Ruth Jeremiah, Anna Lim, Albert Lim, Janet Lim, Ana Pelaez, Chew Hock Hua and Lim Soon Chye. Members who know them are encouraged to visit and pray with them. 3

4 31 Dec 2018 New Year's Eve Covenant Service 10pm CNS (with Holy Communion) A Living Hope for Everyone 1 Jan 2019 New Year's Day Service 9am Nave (with Holy Communion) A Season of Hope SATURDAY SERVICE 29 DECEMBER 4.30 pm Contemporary Service CNS The Vicar SUNDAY SERVICE 30 DECEMBER 7.00 am Holy Communion Nave 8.00 am Holy Communion Nave Dr Joseph Thambiah 9.00 am Contemporary Service CNS 9.30 am Service in Mandarin Nave am Service in Mandarin CNS am Holy Communion Nave Dr Joseph Thambiah am Contemporary Service Prayer Halls Revd Hambali Leonardi 2.00 pm Filipino Service NT Hall Revd Soon Soo Kee 2.00 pm Myanmar Worship Service CNS Revd Moses Kaser Htaw 2.30 pm Bahasa Indonesia Service South Transept Hall Mr Victor Effendie 2.30 pm Service in Cantonese Nave 4.30 pm Hokkien Service Prayer Halls Revd Freddy Lim 5.00 pm Evensong Nave 5.00 pm Service in Mandarin CNS EXTENSION CENTRES am Westside Anglican Church Revd Bertram Cheong am Jurong Anglican Church Mandarin West Coast Recreation Centre am Acts Centre My Saviour s Church Revd Michael Lim 4 SATURDAY SERVICE 5 JANUARY 4.30 pm Contemporary Service CNS Revd Freddy Lim SUNDAY SERVICE 6 JANUARY 7.00 am Holy Communion Nave 8.00 am Holy Communion Nave Mr Keith Chua 9.00 am Holy Communion CNS Revd Joshua Raj 9.30 am Service in Mandarin Nave am Service in Mandarin CNS am Holy Communion Nave Mr Keith Chua am Contemporary Service Prayer Halls Revd Hambali Leonardi 2.00 pm Filipino Service NT Hall Mrs Angeline Leong 2.00 pm Myanmar Worship Service CNS Revd Moses Kaser Htaw 2.30 pm Bahasa Indonesia Service South Transept Hall Mr Victor Effendie 2.30 pm Service in Cantonese Nave 4.30 pm Hokkien Service Prayer Halls Revd Freddy Lim 5.00 pm Holy Communion Nave 5.00 pm Service in Mandarin CNS SUNDAY SCHOOL MINISTRIES 4.30 pm Saturday CITYKids Ministry Prayer Halls, B am Sunday School North & South Transept Halls 9.00 am Sunday School Enquire at CNS, B am Sunday School (Mandarin) am Sunday School Enquire at North Transept Hall 5.00 pm Junior Cell South Transept Hall

5 WEEKDAY SERVICES/MEETINGS MONDAY, 31 DECEMBER 8.00 am Morning Prayer Epiphany Chapel TUESDAY, 1 JANUARY 2019 New Year's Day WEDNESDAY, 2 JANUARY pm Holy Communion Nave THURSDAY, 3 JANUARY am Morning Prayer Epiphany Chapel 9.30 am Holy Communion Chapel for All Peoples FRIDAY, 4 JANUARY am Morning Prayer Epiphany Chapel 7.00 pm Young Adults Ministry YA Roots and Roads SATURDAY, 5 JANUARY pm LYnC Youth Ministry Chapel for All Peoples 2.30 pm Shalomkids Ministry Prayer Halls (For children with autism) COMING UP JANUARY New Year s Day 3 DCBS Course 4 COH Be An Andrew Course 5 The Quiet Garden Retreat 10 DCBS Course 11 Intercessors Retreat COH Be An Andrew Course 13 Confirmation Course 17 DCBS Course 18 COH Be An Andrew Course 19 Batam Medical Outreach, Confirmation Course 22 EHS Course Intro 23 PCC 24 DCBS Course 25 COH Regional Prayer 27 Confirmation Course 31 DCBS Course A CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS TO CORNERSTONE STUDENT CENTRE, LAT KRABANG Cornerstone Student Centre in Lat Krabang, Bangkok, conducts free English lessons for students from the King Mongkut Institute of Technology. Situated among the hostels and only a few minutes away from Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK), it serves not just as a place for students to learn English, but also offers a space for them to hang-out and feel welcome. St. Andrew s Cathedral is currently looking for volunteer teachers. If you are confident in teaching conversational English, keen to build relationships with tertiary students and reach out to them, come and volunteer your service for 2 months or more. For more information, please write to (Lyn Wee) missions@cathedral.org.sg 5 THE QUIET GARDEN RETREAT RECOLLECT REVIEW RENEW Saturday 5 January 2019, 9am to 1pm The North Transept Hall, Level 2, Cathedral Main Building In this retreat, you will recollect the events of the year past. With gratitude, review the events and take a walk with the Lord through the year. For your failing to response in the image of God, there will be time to ask for forgiveness. After looking back, recollecting and review, you look forward to renew your commitment. Renewal is a call to spiritual growth when you ask for gifts of the Holy Spirit for the future. Retreat ends with bring and share lunch and conversation. Free-will contribution to Contemplative Spirituality Ministry is welcome. Do sign up to indicate your attendance:

6 ANNOUNCEMENTS SPECIAL NOTE: The Cathedral Bells are not ringing for Christmas this year as they have been sent to UK recently for repairs and restoration. We are fund-raising for this project and if you would like to help, please visit cathedral.org.sg/bells ROAD DIVERSION Please take note of further road diversion along North Bridge Rd at Funan gate from 22 December 2018 to Jun/July North Bridge Road at the junction of our Funan gate will be split into 2 separate lanes, drivers should exercise caution while exiting. We advise the use of the Padang gate where possible. CAR-FREE DAYS Sunday, 30 Dec 2018 Monday, 31 Dec 2018 Entry for vehicles: Capitol gate Exit: Padang & Funan gates To ease congestion, you can exit by the Padang gate, and TURN RIGHT into Coleman Street, which on car-free Sunday, will temporarily be a 2-way street. EMOTIONALLY HEALTHY SPIRITUALITY COURSE Tuesday 7.30 to 9.30pm (12 Feb - 2 Apr 2019) St Andrew s Cathedral, Level 2, North Transept Hall Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Course is the first step that launches you into a transformative spirituality with God and will equip you with tools to develop a deep interior life with Christ. Emotionally Healthy Relationship Course will teach you practical steps that launches you into transformative relationships with others and equips you with skills to love others like Jesus. Closing date for registration: 28 January 2019 Course Fees: $50/- includes The Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Book, EHS Workbook and EHS Day by Day (total $35/-). Enquiries: ext 131 or ehs@cathedral.org.sg 6 WEDDING SAT, 12 JANUARY 2019 Leow Li Yao and Tjioe Yan Yin If you know of any reason why they may not lawfully marry, please inform the Vicar of the Cathedral, or the Registrar of Marriages before the wedding. CATHEDRAL CLOSED We wish to inform all members that the cathedral office and compound will be closed from 1pm on New Year's Day (1 Jan 2019). THE BELLS of St Andrew s Cathedral - A Heritage Project Plans are underway to restore and convert our bells for change ringing by A further four bells can be added to the existing eight if funds are available. Read up on this project from the brochures and noticeboards. Donation envelopes are available at the Welcome Centre. If you are writing a cheque, please pay to St Andrew s Cathedral and mark Cathedral Bells on the reverse side. Please include your name and mailing address so that we can issue you a receipt. More information can also be read here: cathedral.org.sg/bells For more info - contact Vivien at vivienchen@cathedral.org.sg or tel ext 169 Funds raised as of (11 Dec 2018): $206,840

7 Life Faith Meaning ALPHA 20 Feb - 15 May pm St Andrew s Cathedral INTRO DINNER 20 FEB 2019, 7PM Registration: DIOCESAN CERTIFICATE OF BIBLICAL STUDIES Thursdays 7.30pm 3 January - 16 March 2019 Module 1A Background Overview of the 3 JAN Bible Old Testament track Instructor: Ms Vivien Chen Module 1B Background Overview of the 3 JAN Bible New Testament track Instructor: Ps Ti Lian Swan Module 2A The Pentateuch I 10 JAN - 7 MAR Instructors:, Ps Grace Tan, Ms Vivien Chen The Gospels Module 8 10 JAN - 7 MAR Instructors: Ds Bessie Lee, Ps Ti Lian Swan, Ps Angeline Leong Course fees: $10 per module (inclusive of study materials); $5 for written examination. Register at cathedral.org.sg/dcbs For more details, please refer to the DCBS brochure available at the Welcome Centre. BE AN ANDREW EQUIPPING FOR EVANGELISM pm, Fridays 4, 11 and 18 January 2019 Prayer Halls, St Andrew s Cathedral Admission is free. To register, please visit tinyurl.com/beanandrew or scan the QR code. In the Bible, Andrew was a fisherman and a disciple of Christ who brought his brother, Simon, to Jesus Christ (John 1). Like Andrew, today every believer, regardless of his personality and the number of years as a believer, can be an Andrew to point someone to Jesus Christ. Each can play a part in the harvest of souls in Singapore as we look forward to the evangelistic rally, CELEBRATION OF HOPE, May The Be an Andrew course aims to equip Christians to share with others the message of God s saving work in Christ. In 3 hands-on sessions with Ds Bessie Lee, Revd Hambali Leonardi and Revd Joshua Raj, participants will learn: 1. about the common barriers to the Christian faith and the resources available for handling objections*. 2. to pray with the use of scripture, for people: - who hold steadfastly to certain beliefs and misconceptions of the Christian faith; - with negative experiences of Christians; - who have promised to observe rituals for their departed loved ones. 3. to share the gospel using the FOUR and BRIDGE methods 4. to craft their testimonies: the dos and don'ts of sharing their life stories 5. to initiate a follow-up session with a new believer and to nurture him or her in the faith (with the use of the New Life Kit and the Andrew Initiative Evangelism Training Handbook). *"Christianity has no relevance and no place in a modern society like ours, is there?" 7

8 New Year's Eve Covenant Service with Holy Communion A LIVING HOPE FOR EVERY- ONE 10pm, Mon 31 Dec CNS St Andrew's Cathedral Message by the Right Revd Rennis Ponniah Bishop of Singapore Prayers for various needs. Lawn Reception & Fireworks after the Service. All are welcome. Admission is free of charge. website: info@cathedral.org.sg 11 St Andrew s Road, Singapore Tel: Fax: / We warmly welcome you to St Andrew s Cathedral Please complete and return this portion to the ushers or the Info Desk, or simply drop it into an offering bag. Your Name : Sex : F/M Age: Service attended: Telephone: (HP) I am a visitor. I would like to be contacted. I wish to attend an Alpha Course. I wish to be a member of St Andrew s Cathedral. I wish to know more about Christianity. I wish to join a Connect group. I wish to receive a set of tithe envelopes/give online. Others : 8