19 sep 2021 ordinary 17 8.30am & 11am service
TRANSCRIPT
Pastoral Staff Rev Lee Kien Seng Mobile: 9815 2589 / Ext 104
[email protected] Rev Edwin Wong Mobile: 9477 0727 / Ext 115
[email protected] Pr George Ang Mobile: 9657 4460 / Ext 105
[email protected] Pr Loliro Sani Worship Director Mobile: 9129
7546 / Ext 116 [email protected] Pr Png Eng Keat Mobile:9819
8901 / Ext117 [email protected] Ms Chan Suet Fong Children
Ministry Director Mobile: 9870 6048 / Ext 112
[email protected] Ms Suttiporn Radeerat Thai Service Mobile:
8862 3457 / Ext 111 [email protected] Church Manager Mr Ray
Hsu Tel: 6474 3527 / Ext 122 [email protected] Facility Coordinator
Mr Chee Hock Guan Tel: 6474 3527 / Ext 122 Fax: 6474 6572
[email protected] Administrative Assistant Mr Alvin Yip Tel:
6474 3527 / Ext 114 Fax: 6474 6572 [email protected]
September Memory Verse
But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep. For this we declare to you by a word from the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord.
1 Thessalonians 4:13-17 (ESV)
Sermon Afflicted Together 1 Thessalonians 2:17-3:13 Pr Png Eng Keat
Sermon Do This More And More 1 Thessalonians 4:1-12 Pr Loliro Sani
Worship Leader Eld Peter Goh
Worship Leader Kevin Chua
Pianist Heng Jie En
Pianist Heng Jie En
Holy Communion Servers Eld Lek Siang Hwa (S1/Z1) Pr Loliro Sani (S1/Z1) Eld Florence Chua (S1/Z2) Eld Pearl Tan (S1/Z2) Eld Peter Goh (S1/Z3) Rev Ronnie Ang (S2/Z4) Eld Corinne Liu (S2/Z4) Pr Loliro Sani (S2/Z4) Eld Eddy Teo (S2/Z5)
Holy Communion Servers Eld Lek Siang Hwa (S1/Z2) Pr Png Eng Keat (S1/Z1) Eld Alex Chan (S1/Z1) Eld Chng Say Tiong (S1/Z2) Rev Ronnie Ang (S2/Z4) Eld Chng Chee An (MPH) Eld Chong Yoke Fooi (MPH)
Count Offering Eld Lek Siang Hwa Eld Peter Goh Eld Corinne Liu Eld Eddy Teo
Count Offering Eld Alex Chan Eld Chng Say Tiong Eld Chng Chee An Eld Chong Yoke Fooi
Announcer Rev Edwin Wong Pr Loliro Sani
Announcer Rev Lee Kien Seng Rev Lee Kien Seng
Ushers Phoebe Ng/Kwek Lee Lee (S1) Theresa Ong (S1) Simon Lee/Terry Chia (S2) Desmond Tan/Cynthia Tan (S2)
Ushers Sandra Mok/Belinda Lee (S1) Edmund Chia (S1) Eld Alex Chan/Sally Chan (S2) Wendy Wong/Ho Yoke Chan (S2)
Sound Crew Dn Soh Lay Suan/Lim Swee Sien (S1) Tony Cheung (S2) Tony Cheung/Tan Hock Beng (S2)
Sound Crew Alvin Chia/Jakin Heng (S1) Ang Lay Choo (S2) Eld Lek Siang Hwa/Alvin Chia (MPH)
Computer Amy Tan
Live-Streaming Crew Gaius Lee (audio)/Jeremy Goh
Safe-Entry Screening Yvonne Tan/Ang Mui Kwee (S1) Dn Koh Guat Hua (S2) Chua Ban Hua/Catherine Susha (S2)
Safe-Entry Screening Dn Tan Yi Ling/Chen Li Qun (S1) Dn Koh Guat Hua (S2) Serene Tan/Catherine Susha (S2)
*11am Service
19 Sep 2021 Ordinary 17 8.30am & 11am Service
GATHERING TO WORSHIP Prelude Entry of the Word / Call to Worship Opening Song: O For A Thousand Tongues* Prayer of Praise & Confession* Song of Praise & Adoration: Yet Not I But Through Christ In Me* PROCLAIMING THE WORD Scripture Reading: Matthew 10:16-25 Sermon: Afflicted Together 1 Thessalonians 2:17-3:13 Affirmation of Faith* Sacrament of Holy Communion RESPONDING TO THE WORD Intercessory Prayers Offertory / Doxology* Offertory Prayer* Announcement SENDING FORTH INTO THE WORLD Closing Song: For All the Saints* Benediction & Threefold Amen* Postlude * Please stand as you are able
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Welcome We welcome everyone who is worshipping with us at our 8.30 &11am service as well as those who have tuned into our online service. Are You a Newcomer at True Way? If you are a newcomer who has tuned in to the 8.30am Live Stream/11am Online Service or attended our onsite worship services, we would appreciate if you could scan the QR code or click on the link to fill up the Response Form so that we can get in touch with you. The QR code and Response Form link are as follows: https:// tinyurl.com/Truewayvisitor. Live Services (8.30 & 11am) In accordance with the new measures, we are increasing the capacities of our in-person services:
• The 8.30 am service will now accommodate 235 persons, with 135 in Sanctuary 1 and 100 in Sanctuary 2 as
“overflow” (Holy Communion will be conducted in each sanctuary).
• The 11 am service will now accommodate 100 persons in Sanctuary 2.
Please note that these services are for fully vaccinated persons only, with the exception of children below the age of 12. Children below the age of 12 may still attend the service without vaccination. Do bring along your smart device with the TraceTogether app or your TraceTogether token to be admitted into the church premises.
Tickets are still required for admission to the in-person services. If you are unable to reserve tickets, please join us in the online service at 8.30am or 11am.
Singing is not allowed at the in-person services for now and you are advised to leave the premises as soon as possible after the service. 11.30am service for 50 pax on 26 Sep (next Sun) in MPH Being the 4th Sunday of the month, we will be having a service for 50 pax to accommodate those who are not vaccinated. We are shifting the service from 11am to 11.30am and shifting the venue from S2 to MPH because we want to minimise interaction between us and the Chinese Church. This is the guideline given by MCCY when there are two congregations worshipping around the same time, one for fully vaccinated persons while the other has unvaccinated worshippers attending.
Those who are vaccinated can also attend the 50 pax service.
8.30 am service for next Sun remains the same. It will accommodate 235 persons and those who attend have to be fully vaccinated. Women Ministry - ”My sister’s keeper” - CANCELLED Date: 18 Sep (Sat) Time: 3pm-4.30pm Venue: MPH (Level 2)
Please note that this event is cancelled due to the current Covid-19 situation. . Before You Say I Do (BYSID) Class (via Zoom) Date: 28 Sep; 5, 12, 19, 26 Oct (Tue) Time: 7.45pm - 9.30pm
Couples who intend to get married in the first half of 2022 or later are required to attend the BYSID class. Please register with Alvin Yip at <[email protected]>. ASK Class (via Zoom) Dates: 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 Oct (Sat) Time: 10am - 12pm
Session 1: The Bible – fact or fiction? Session 2: The Claims of Jesus – true or false? Session 3: Jesus Christ – dead or alive? Session 4: Questions? Questions? Questions? Session 5: Faith – fact or feeling?
This is an exploratory class for seekers who are keen to know more about Christianity. Each session begins with a short presentation which examines a certain aspect of the Christian faith. This is followed by Q&A where everyone can ask questions in a safe environment. Session 4 is devoted to answering participants' questions which require a more extensive explanation. This class will be facilitated by Rev Lee Kien Seng and brother Leong Kok Hwa. Please register with Alvin Yip with your full name, contact number and email. Membership Class (via Zoom) Date: 14, 21, 28 Oct; 11, 18, 25 Nov; 2 Dec (Thu) Time: 7.45pm - 9.30pm
Worshippers seeking to be baptised, confirmed or transferred during Christmas Day on 25 Dec are required to attend this class. Please register via email with Mr Alvin Yip. Do indicate whether you are registering for baptism, confirmation or transfer.
Learning to Pray (via Zoom) Dates: 14 Oct & 21 Oct (Thu) Time: 7.45 pm - 9.45 pm
This class will teach the theology behind prayer and the 'ACTS' format of prayer. Christians who wish to pray in small groups but lack the confidence or the know-how will benefit from this course. There will be three follow-up sessions on practicing prayer to be announced in the future. This course will be facilitated by Ps George Ang so do register with him via email. Understanding mental wellness and how we can build resilience to cope with the challenges of life (via Zoom) Date: 16 Oct (Sat) Time: 2 pm to 3.30pm with 30mins of Q&A Trainer: Yap Siew Ling For more information on this workshop, kindly refer to the bulletin insert. Please register with Alvin Yip with your full name, contact number and email. Donation for Chiang Rai Huay Kwang New Church Building Pannee, our missionary from Thai Service, moved to Thailand in 2016 to reach out to her family hometown in Huay Kang, Chiang Rai. Since then, the congregation size has grown and there is an increasing need to have their own physical place of worship so that more can be done in terms of ministry and outreach. Pannee has earlier bought a piece of land (1600sqm) and has donated it to build the new church. There is still a shortage of $55,000 to complete the project which costs $233,000 in total. We therefore encourage all worshippers to donate generously towards this cause. A second offering box will be placed at the entrance to the sanctuary for all the 4 Sundays in September. You can also give via PayNow (launch your mobile banking app and scan the QR code using the app or key in UEN:T12SS0173B), Internet Transfer to DBS 1629002650 or write a cheque payable to TWPC-English Congregation. Remember to indicate CRHK in this donation. Resource Library Resource Library is open for book loans in September 2021. Please scan the QR code or click on the link https://tinyurl.com/twpclib to access our book reservation form. You can view our monthly highlights or search for other titles available in the library catalogue. Select the titles you want and indicate the date you will be attending Sunday Service. Submit the form and you will be notified for collection at Library (Level 2) after the 8.30am service. Everyone is encouraged to read at least 4 Christian books a year! Start again in cultivating good reading habits. Looking for a Discipleship Group (DG) If you have been worshipping at True Way (Online or Onsite services), we would like to encourage you to join a Discipleship Group (DG). If you would like to, please email to Ps George Ang. Bible Reading Plan (BRP) Bible reading is a good spiritual discipline. You are encouraged to embark on this journey of reading the Bible from cover to cover. If you want to know God, you will need to know His Word (the Bible) because He has revealed Himself through His Word. You may choose to read the Bible either within a year or 2 years or 3 years. You will receive a BRP guide to help you. If you are keen to register or have any queries, please email Ps George Ang. Online Outreach Resources If you need online outreach resources, you may check out the materials on our webpage at https://truewaypc.com/ online-outreach-resources/ to aid your personal evangelistic efforts. Church Monthly Prayer Calendar The Church monthly prayer calendar is located at the TWPC-EC website. Please go to this link: https://truewaypc.com/ prayer-calendar/ to access to it. Every month, the prayer calendar will be uploaded there. Digital Giving of Tithes & Offerings There are 3 ways to give our tithes and offerings: 1) PayNow - Launch your mobile banking app
- Scan the QR code using the app or key in UEN: T12SS0173B - Indicate whether it is ‘tithe’ or ‘offering’ in the narrative field “Enter UEN / Bill Reference No.”
2) Internet Transfer to DBS 1629002650. Kindly indicate your name and purpose ‘tithe’ or ‘offering’ while making the transfer.
3) Write a cheque payable to "TWPC - English Congregation". Kindly indicate your name, contact number and purpose ‘tithe’ or ‘offering’ behind the cheque. Mail the cheque to 156B Stirling Road Singapore 148947.
Testing Ourselves Regularly
Due to an increase in number of Covid-19 cases, our government has
recently announced new measures in an attempt to keep the situation
under control and to slow down transmission. This include requiring
workers in more sectors such as public transport front-line staff to undergo
mandatory routine testing more frequently - from once a fortnight to once
weekly.
In addition, companies in sectors not subject to mandatory testing will get
eight Antigen Rapid Test (ART) kits per employee and are expected to
initiate weekly testing for their onsite staff over a two-month period. While
these tests can be administered by the individuals at home or at the work
premises, employers are to ensure that the tests are done properly and
report the results to respective government agencies.
As Singapore transits to endemic Covid-19, every household will also be
receiving six kits to enable self-testing. With access to a convenient and
quick means of testing, the government hopes that pre-emptive self-testing
and a close monitoring of one’s health would help to ensure a safer
community for all. It would also provide any individual a peace of mind if he
or she is worried about possible contact with a positive case.
Based on the recent measures, one would say that there is certainly a
tremendous amount of effort and resources that is being channelled into
detecting Covid-19. This is because over the past 28 days (based on
Channel News Asia’s report on 15 Sept 2021), the percentage of local
cases who were asymptomatic or had mild symptoms is 98.1%. This would
suggest that if not for the regular testing, most of those individuals would
not have known that they even have Covid-19 and would most likely have
gone on with their daily routine.
While more and more in Singapore are required or being encouraged to
self-test for Covid-19 for the sake of their health as well as the physical
well-being of others, one wonders how different a local church community
and society at large would be like if Christians are just as intentional about
examining the condition of our relationship with God. After all, one who is
walking closely with Jesus would inevitably make a positive impact upon
others.
In his second letter to the Corinthians, Apostle Paul urged the believers to
“Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves.
Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—
unless indeed you fail to meet the test!” (2 Corinthians 13:5).
The fact that Paul could give such an instruction indicates that it is possible
to distinguish between a true Christian from those who simply self-identify
as one. After all, a Christian is not one who merely points to some event in
the past to substantiate their claim. More than just putting one’s name on a
church membership list or regular Sunday attendance, Paul helps us
understand that a true follower of Christ is someone in whom Christ dwells.
And those in whom Christ dwells will increasingly display Christ-like
character in their lives.
The word examine comes from the Greek word, peirazo, which means to
“scrutinize and try.” When Paul instructed the Corinthians to examine
themselves, he was not trying to cast doubt over their salvation. Rather, he
was urging them to take an honest and careful look into their current beliefs
and conduct. Instead of becoming presumptuous or merely going with the
flow, the Corinthians are to prayerfully consider what they believe about
Jesus and whether they still believe what they believe since the time they
received the Gospel.
Likewise, whether we are spiritually young or have been a Christian for
decades, there is always room to develop greater confidence and faith in
what we believe with regards to God and his Word. Instead of blindly
following tradition or naively believing what we read or hear, we should take
steps to grow in our understanding and appreciation of the apostolic faith
that has been passed down to us. It will also be of much help to ourselves
and others if we can strengthen our ability to explain our Christian
convictions as well as to discern erroneous teaching and unscriptural
practices.
Apart from examining their beliefs, the Corinthians were also to reflect upon
whether their lives are consistent with God’s will. If Christ is truly in their
lives, their conduct and attitudes towards sin will be different as compared
to when they were pagans. As people who have placed their faith in Jesus,
they are to hate sin and humbly repent of it. They should also be eager to
do what is right before God and demonstrate sincere love for others. If sin
and unrighteousness persistently characterise their lives, there is a
possibility that they are being disobedient Christians but there is a greater
danger that they are not Christians at all.
For Paul, he was hopeful that since Christ is truly in the lives of the
Corinthians, the latter would humbly repent as they examine themselves.
He took heart that when they do so, there would be no need for him to be
severe in exercising his pastoral authority over them (2 Cor 15:10).
Just as we need a test kit and need to know how to use it to properly test
for Covid-19, Christians are mindful that we need God’s help to properly
examine ourselves. Apart from having godly friends who can speak into our
lives, a good place to start would be to set aside regular time for prayer,
bible reading and to echo the Psalmist’s prayer to “Search me, O God and
know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any
grievous way in me and lead me in the way everlasting!” (Psalm 139:23-24).
Like the Psalmist, we can trust that our gracious God has no intention to
crush us through a regular time of self-examination. Because God loves
those whom he has saved, he will direct our paths so that we can continue
walking in the fullness of life and not stray away from him.
Self-testing for Covid-19 is only but a very limited way to indicate physical
well-being since it is not meant to pick up any other health issues. The test
kit is also unable to prevent someone from falling sick or help a person in
his recovery. In contrast, regular self-testing to see if we are in the faith is
God’s means of grace in building Christians up in the faith and enabling us
to continue bearing spiritual fruit to the glory of his name. As much as the
time of self-testing may not always be a pleasant experience, it is certainly
needful for our spiritual well-being. No Christians can do without it, not
unless we are not one to begin with.
Rev Edwin Wong
19 September 2021
can build resilience to cope with the
challenges of life
Elijah the Prophet was a powerful man of God who found himself mentally, physically, and emotionally drained. We all feel this way at times and especially during this pandemic. Elijah’s depletion is an illustration of how our mental well-being is interconnected to our biological, psychological, social and spiritual spheres. How then can we respond to the challenges of life? It is recognised that resilient people are better able to cope with life’s challenges drawing on healthy coping skills. Resilience relies on different skills and draws on various sources of help, including rational thinking skills, physical and emotional health, and our relationships with those around us. This talk will help us understand how the 4 spheres contribute to our mental wellbeing and how we can build resilience to help us cope better with adversity and bounce back after a struggle. Workshop Details Trainer: Yap Siew Ling Date: 16 Oct 2021(Saturday) Time: 2pm to 3.30pm with 30 minutes of Q&A (via Zoom) Siew Ling is a counsellor and clinical supervisor with Wesley Methodist Church. Besides seeing cases involving marital issues, stress, anxiety and self-esteem issues, she also supervises a team of 12 lay counsellors. She holds a Master in Counselling (Monash University), a Graduate Diploma in Psychology (Monash University) and a Graduate Certificate in Clinical Supervision (Swinburne University). She made a mid-career switch from the urban planning profession to the counselling after working more than 25 years in a statutory board. She worships at Church of Our Saviour. Her interests lie in personal growth, and self & spirituality.
True Way Resource Library
True Way Resource Library
Famous Christian Classics and Resources on Reading Well (September 2021)
True Way Resource Library
September Memory Verse
But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep. For this we declare to you by a word from the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord.
1 Thessalonians 4:13-17 (ESV)
Sermon Afflicted Together 1 Thessalonians 2:17-3:13 Pr Png Eng Keat
Sermon Do This More And More 1 Thessalonians 4:1-12 Pr Loliro Sani
Worship Leader Eld Peter Goh
Worship Leader Kevin Chua
Pianist Heng Jie En
Pianist Heng Jie En
Holy Communion Servers Eld Lek Siang Hwa (S1/Z1) Pr Loliro Sani (S1/Z1) Eld Florence Chua (S1/Z2) Eld Pearl Tan (S1/Z2) Eld Peter Goh (S1/Z3) Rev Ronnie Ang (S2/Z4) Eld Corinne Liu (S2/Z4) Pr Loliro Sani (S2/Z4) Eld Eddy Teo (S2/Z5)
Holy Communion Servers Eld Lek Siang Hwa (S1/Z2) Pr Png Eng Keat (S1/Z1) Eld Alex Chan (S1/Z1) Eld Chng Say Tiong (S1/Z2) Rev Ronnie Ang (S2/Z4) Eld Chng Chee An (MPH) Eld Chong Yoke Fooi (MPH)
Count Offering Eld Lek Siang Hwa Eld Peter Goh Eld Corinne Liu Eld Eddy Teo
Count Offering Eld Alex Chan Eld Chng Say Tiong Eld Chng Chee An Eld Chong Yoke Fooi
Announcer Rev Edwin Wong Pr Loliro Sani
Announcer Rev Lee Kien Seng Rev Lee Kien Seng
Ushers Phoebe Ng/Kwek Lee Lee (S1) Theresa Ong (S1) Simon Lee/Terry Chia (S2) Desmond Tan/Cynthia Tan (S2)
Ushers Sandra Mok/Belinda Lee (S1) Edmund Chia (S1) Eld Alex Chan/Sally Chan (S2) Wendy Wong/Ho Yoke Chan (S2)
Sound Crew Dn Soh Lay Suan/Lim Swee Sien (S1) Tony Cheung (S2) Tony Cheung/Tan Hock Beng (S2)
Sound Crew Alvin Chia/Jakin Heng (S1) Ang Lay Choo (S2) Eld Lek Siang Hwa/Alvin Chia (MPH)
Computer Amy Tan
Live-Streaming Crew Gaius Lee (audio)/Jeremy Goh
Safe-Entry Screening Yvonne Tan/Ang Mui Kwee (S1) Dn Koh Guat Hua (S2) Chua Ban Hua/Catherine Susha (S2)
Safe-Entry Screening Dn Tan Yi Ling/Chen Li Qun (S1) Dn Koh Guat Hua (S2) Serene Tan/Catherine Susha (S2)
*11am Service
19 Sep 2021 Ordinary 17 8.30am & 11am Service
GATHERING TO WORSHIP Prelude Entry of the Word / Call to Worship Opening Song: O For A Thousand Tongues* Prayer of Praise & Confession* Song of Praise & Adoration: Yet Not I But Through Christ In Me* PROCLAIMING THE WORD Scripture Reading: Matthew 10:16-25 Sermon: Afflicted Together 1 Thessalonians 2:17-3:13 Affirmation of Faith* Sacrament of Holy Communion RESPONDING TO THE WORD Intercessory Prayers Offertory / Doxology* Offertory Prayer* Announcement SENDING FORTH INTO THE WORLD Closing Song: For All the Saints* Benediction & Threefold Amen* Postlude * Please stand as you are able
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Welcome We welcome everyone who is worshipping with us at our 8.30 &11am service as well as those who have tuned into our online service. Are You a Newcomer at True Way? If you are a newcomer who has tuned in to the 8.30am Live Stream/11am Online Service or attended our onsite worship services, we would appreciate if you could scan the QR code or click on the link to fill up the Response Form so that we can get in touch with you. The QR code and Response Form link are as follows: https:// tinyurl.com/Truewayvisitor. Live Services (8.30 & 11am) In accordance with the new measures, we are increasing the capacities of our in-person services:
• The 8.30 am service will now accommodate 235 persons, with 135 in Sanctuary 1 and 100 in Sanctuary 2 as
“overflow” (Holy Communion will be conducted in each sanctuary).
• The 11 am service will now accommodate 100 persons in Sanctuary 2.
Please note that these services are for fully vaccinated persons only, with the exception of children below the age of 12. Children below the age of 12 may still attend the service without vaccination. Do bring along your smart device with the TraceTogether app or your TraceTogether token to be admitted into the church premises.
Tickets are still required for admission to the in-person services. If you are unable to reserve tickets, please join us in the online service at 8.30am or 11am.
Singing is not allowed at the in-person services for now and you are advised to leave the premises as soon as possible after the service. 11.30am service for 50 pax on 26 Sep (next Sun) in MPH Being the 4th Sunday of the month, we will be having a service for 50 pax to accommodate those who are not vaccinated. We are shifting the service from 11am to 11.30am and shifting the venue from S2 to MPH because we want to minimise interaction between us and the Chinese Church. This is the guideline given by MCCY when there are two congregations worshipping around the same time, one for fully vaccinated persons while the other has unvaccinated worshippers attending.
Those who are vaccinated can also attend the 50 pax service.
8.30 am service for next Sun remains the same. It will accommodate 235 persons and those who attend have to be fully vaccinated. Women Ministry - ”My sister’s keeper” - CANCELLED Date: 18 Sep (Sat) Time: 3pm-4.30pm Venue: MPH (Level 2)
Please note that this event is cancelled due to the current Covid-19 situation. . Before You Say I Do (BYSID) Class (via Zoom) Date: 28 Sep; 5, 12, 19, 26 Oct (Tue) Time: 7.45pm - 9.30pm
Couples who intend to get married in the first half of 2022 or later are required to attend the BYSID class. Please register with Alvin Yip at <[email protected]>. ASK Class (via Zoom) Dates: 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 Oct (Sat) Time: 10am - 12pm
Session 1: The Bible – fact or fiction? Session 2: The Claims of Jesus – true or false? Session 3: Jesus Christ – dead or alive? Session 4: Questions? Questions? Questions? Session 5: Faith – fact or feeling?
This is an exploratory class for seekers who are keen to know more about Christianity. Each session begins with a short presentation which examines a certain aspect of the Christian faith. This is followed by Q&A where everyone can ask questions in a safe environment. Session 4 is devoted to answering participants' questions which require a more extensive explanation. This class will be facilitated by Rev Lee Kien Seng and brother Leong Kok Hwa. Please register with Alvin Yip with your full name, contact number and email. Membership Class (via Zoom) Date: 14, 21, 28 Oct; 11, 18, 25 Nov; 2 Dec (Thu) Time: 7.45pm - 9.30pm
Worshippers seeking to be baptised, confirmed or transferred during Christmas Day on 25 Dec are required to attend this class. Please register via email with Mr Alvin Yip. Do indicate whether you are registering for baptism, confirmation or transfer.
Learning to Pray (via Zoom) Dates: 14 Oct & 21 Oct (Thu) Time: 7.45 pm - 9.45 pm
This class will teach the theology behind prayer and the 'ACTS' format of prayer. Christians who wish to pray in small groups but lack the confidence or the know-how will benefit from this course. There will be three follow-up sessions on practicing prayer to be announced in the future. This course will be facilitated by Ps George Ang so do register with him via email. Understanding mental wellness and how we can build resilience to cope with the challenges of life (via Zoom) Date: 16 Oct (Sat) Time: 2 pm to 3.30pm with 30mins of Q&A Trainer: Yap Siew Ling For more information on this workshop, kindly refer to the bulletin insert. Please register with Alvin Yip with your full name, contact number and email. Donation for Chiang Rai Huay Kwang New Church Building Pannee, our missionary from Thai Service, moved to Thailand in 2016 to reach out to her family hometown in Huay Kang, Chiang Rai. Since then, the congregation size has grown and there is an increasing need to have their own physical place of worship so that more can be done in terms of ministry and outreach. Pannee has earlier bought a piece of land (1600sqm) and has donated it to build the new church. There is still a shortage of $55,000 to complete the project which costs $233,000 in total. We therefore encourage all worshippers to donate generously towards this cause. A second offering box will be placed at the entrance to the sanctuary for all the 4 Sundays in September. You can also give via PayNow (launch your mobile banking app and scan the QR code using the app or key in UEN:T12SS0173B), Internet Transfer to DBS 1629002650 or write a cheque payable to TWPC-English Congregation. Remember to indicate CRHK in this donation. Resource Library Resource Library is open for book loans in September 2021. Please scan the QR code or click on the link https://tinyurl.com/twpclib to access our book reservation form. You can view our monthly highlights or search for other titles available in the library catalogue. Select the titles you want and indicate the date you will be attending Sunday Service. Submit the form and you will be notified for collection at Library (Level 2) after the 8.30am service. Everyone is encouraged to read at least 4 Christian books a year! Start again in cultivating good reading habits. Looking for a Discipleship Group (DG) If you have been worshipping at True Way (Online or Onsite services), we would like to encourage you to join a Discipleship Group (DG). If you would like to, please email to Ps George Ang. Bible Reading Plan (BRP) Bible reading is a good spiritual discipline. You are encouraged to embark on this journey of reading the Bible from cover to cover. If you want to know God, you will need to know His Word (the Bible) because He has revealed Himself through His Word. You may choose to read the Bible either within a year or 2 years or 3 years. You will receive a BRP guide to help you. If you are keen to register or have any queries, please email Ps George Ang. Online Outreach Resources If you need online outreach resources, you may check out the materials on our webpage at https://truewaypc.com/ online-outreach-resources/ to aid your personal evangelistic efforts. Church Monthly Prayer Calendar The Church monthly prayer calendar is located at the TWPC-EC website. Please go to this link: https://truewaypc.com/ prayer-calendar/ to access to it. Every month, the prayer calendar will be uploaded there. Digital Giving of Tithes & Offerings There are 3 ways to give our tithes and offerings: 1) PayNow - Launch your mobile banking app
- Scan the QR code using the app or key in UEN: T12SS0173B - Indicate whether it is ‘tithe’ or ‘offering’ in the narrative field “Enter UEN / Bill Reference No.”
2) Internet Transfer to DBS 1629002650. Kindly indicate your name and purpose ‘tithe’ or ‘offering’ while making the transfer.
3) Write a cheque payable to "TWPC - English Congregation". Kindly indicate your name, contact number and purpose ‘tithe’ or ‘offering’ behind the cheque. Mail the cheque to 156B Stirling Road Singapore 148947.
Testing Ourselves Regularly
Due to an increase in number of Covid-19 cases, our government has
recently announced new measures in an attempt to keep the situation
under control and to slow down transmission. This include requiring
workers in more sectors such as public transport front-line staff to undergo
mandatory routine testing more frequently - from once a fortnight to once
weekly.
In addition, companies in sectors not subject to mandatory testing will get
eight Antigen Rapid Test (ART) kits per employee and are expected to
initiate weekly testing for their onsite staff over a two-month period. While
these tests can be administered by the individuals at home or at the work
premises, employers are to ensure that the tests are done properly and
report the results to respective government agencies.
As Singapore transits to endemic Covid-19, every household will also be
receiving six kits to enable self-testing. With access to a convenient and
quick means of testing, the government hopes that pre-emptive self-testing
and a close monitoring of one’s health would help to ensure a safer
community for all. It would also provide any individual a peace of mind if he
or she is worried about possible contact with a positive case.
Based on the recent measures, one would say that there is certainly a
tremendous amount of effort and resources that is being channelled into
detecting Covid-19. This is because over the past 28 days (based on
Channel News Asia’s report on 15 Sept 2021), the percentage of local
cases who were asymptomatic or had mild symptoms is 98.1%. This would
suggest that if not for the regular testing, most of those individuals would
not have known that they even have Covid-19 and would most likely have
gone on with their daily routine.
While more and more in Singapore are required or being encouraged to
self-test for Covid-19 for the sake of their health as well as the physical
well-being of others, one wonders how different a local church community
and society at large would be like if Christians are just as intentional about
examining the condition of our relationship with God. After all, one who is
walking closely with Jesus would inevitably make a positive impact upon
others.
In his second letter to the Corinthians, Apostle Paul urged the believers to
“Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves.
Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—
unless indeed you fail to meet the test!” (2 Corinthians 13:5).
The fact that Paul could give such an instruction indicates that it is possible
to distinguish between a true Christian from those who simply self-identify
as one. After all, a Christian is not one who merely points to some event in
the past to substantiate their claim. More than just putting one’s name on a
church membership list or regular Sunday attendance, Paul helps us
understand that a true follower of Christ is someone in whom Christ dwells.
And those in whom Christ dwells will increasingly display Christ-like
character in their lives.
The word examine comes from the Greek word, peirazo, which means to
“scrutinize and try.” When Paul instructed the Corinthians to examine
themselves, he was not trying to cast doubt over their salvation. Rather, he
was urging them to take an honest and careful look into their current beliefs
and conduct. Instead of becoming presumptuous or merely going with the
flow, the Corinthians are to prayerfully consider what they believe about
Jesus and whether they still believe what they believe since the time they
received the Gospel.
Likewise, whether we are spiritually young or have been a Christian for
decades, there is always room to develop greater confidence and faith in
what we believe with regards to God and his Word. Instead of blindly
following tradition or naively believing what we read or hear, we should take
steps to grow in our understanding and appreciation of the apostolic faith
that has been passed down to us. It will also be of much help to ourselves
and others if we can strengthen our ability to explain our Christian
convictions as well as to discern erroneous teaching and unscriptural
practices.
Apart from examining their beliefs, the Corinthians were also to reflect upon
whether their lives are consistent with God’s will. If Christ is truly in their
lives, their conduct and attitudes towards sin will be different as compared
to when they were pagans. As people who have placed their faith in Jesus,
they are to hate sin and humbly repent of it. They should also be eager to
do what is right before God and demonstrate sincere love for others. If sin
and unrighteousness persistently characterise their lives, there is a
possibility that they are being disobedient Christians but there is a greater
danger that they are not Christians at all.
For Paul, he was hopeful that since Christ is truly in the lives of the
Corinthians, the latter would humbly repent as they examine themselves.
He took heart that when they do so, there would be no need for him to be
severe in exercising his pastoral authority over them (2 Cor 15:10).
Just as we need a test kit and need to know how to use it to properly test
for Covid-19, Christians are mindful that we need God’s help to properly
examine ourselves. Apart from having godly friends who can speak into our
lives, a good place to start would be to set aside regular time for prayer,
bible reading and to echo the Psalmist’s prayer to “Search me, O God and
know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any
grievous way in me and lead me in the way everlasting!” (Psalm 139:23-24).
Like the Psalmist, we can trust that our gracious God has no intention to
crush us through a regular time of self-examination. Because God loves
those whom he has saved, he will direct our paths so that we can continue
walking in the fullness of life and not stray away from him.
Self-testing for Covid-19 is only but a very limited way to indicate physical
well-being since it is not meant to pick up any other health issues. The test
kit is also unable to prevent someone from falling sick or help a person in
his recovery. In contrast, regular self-testing to see if we are in the faith is
God’s means of grace in building Christians up in the faith and enabling us
to continue bearing spiritual fruit to the glory of his name. As much as the
time of self-testing may not always be a pleasant experience, it is certainly
needful for our spiritual well-being. No Christians can do without it, not
unless we are not one to begin with.
Rev Edwin Wong
19 September 2021
can build resilience to cope with the
challenges of life
Elijah the Prophet was a powerful man of God who found himself mentally, physically, and emotionally drained. We all feel this way at times and especially during this pandemic. Elijah’s depletion is an illustration of how our mental well-being is interconnected to our biological, psychological, social and spiritual spheres. How then can we respond to the challenges of life? It is recognised that resilient people are better able to cope with life’s challenges drawing on healthy coping skills. Resilience relies on different skills and draws on various sources of help, including rational thinking skills, physical and emotional health, and our relationships with those around us. This talk will help us understand how the 4 spheres contribute to our mental wellbeing and how we can build resilience to help us cope better with adversity and bounce back after a struggle. Workshop Details Trainer: Yap Siew Ling Date: 16 Oct 2021(Saturday) Time: 2pm to 3.30pm with 30 minutes of Q&A (via Zoom) Siew Ling is a counsellor and clinical supervisor with Wesley Methodist Church. Besides seeing cases involving marital issues, stress, anxiety and self-esteem issues, she also supervises a team of 12 lay counsellors. She holds a Master in Counselling (Monash University), a Graduate Diploma in Psychology (Monash University) and a Graduate Certificate in Clinical Supervision (Swinburne University). She made a mid-career switch from the urban planning profession to the counselling after working more than 25 years in a statutory board. She worships at Church of Our Saviour. Her interests lie in personal growth, and self & spirituality.
True Way Resource Library
True Way Resource Library
Famous Christian Classics and Resources on Reading Well (September 2021)
True Way Resource Library