PROJECT C

Planetshakers-Ultraviolet

2006-08-01T20:11:00.000+08:00

Hi bros and sistas in Christ! Yet another opportunity of Praise and Worship to reach out to your Friends and Spread the Good News of Jesus Christ....

The Planet Shakers are coming to Faith Community Baptist Church, on 11 and 12 August (Friday and Saturday) at the Max Pavillion - Singapore Expo Hall 10, 7.30pm.

It'll be an evangelistic concert/party with lots of fun and wacky activities in addition to the concert.

Tickets are $8 for adults, $4 for students/NSF.

Where to get tickets?
1. Chai Chee office (Mon to Fri, 9am – 6pm & Sat 9am – 1pm) 750A Chai Chee Road #04-01 Technopark @ Chai Chee. Singapore 469001 Tel: (65) 6424 9400 Fax: (65) 6424 9500

2. Service Counter - Singapore Expo Hall 9 (Sun 8am – 4pm)

How to get there?

By MRT Expo Station, East West Line. Simei Station - Free shuttle service to The MAX Pavilion, Singapore Expo is available.
By Public Bus Bus 12, 24 and 38 - Beside Carpark G on Upper Changi Road East Bus 35 - Beside Carpark J on Xilin Avenue
By Car Drivers are encouraged to park at the Simei MRT Station and take the FCBC free shuttle bus to MAX Pavilion. There is a multi-storey carpark at Blk 248 and car park lots at Eastpoint Mall located conveniently next to the Station.Drivers who wish to drive to Singapore Expo will have to park at carparks near Halls 1-6 only.We would like to strongly advise members to refrain from parking your vehicles at Sunbird Avenue as it causes obstruction to the residents there. Thank you for your cooperation and the consideration of others.

It's gonna rock!!! Check it out if you're interested, and invite friends!

For more info, visit http://www.fcbc.org.sg/ultraviolet

In His Love,
Jeffrey

Festival Of Praise 2006

2006-08-01T20:04:00.000+08:00

Hi guys, Festival Of Praise this year will be on 4th(7.30pm), 5th(7pm) and 6th(7pm) of August 2006 at the Singapore Indoor Stadium.

FYI, this year FOP will celebrate its 20th year!

Speaker: Ed Silvoso
Praise & Worship: Don Moen and Christian City Church Band (Oxford Falls)

Do invite your unchurched friends for this wonderful events. Spread the news!!!

In His Love,

Jeffrey

Hehehe

2006-07-15T12:49:00.000+08:00

Youth Day Cum Camp Afterglow!

2006-06-28T01:15:00.000+08:00

Pek Ya says..
1130am lunch at level 4 outside music room. George will say Grace for the food.
1230pm opening prayer – pekya
1235pm worship – Michelle and Gabriel
1250pm slideshow – Charles and Debbie providing the commentary
1pm – testimonies
1.15pm reveal of the angel and mortal game - Isaac
1.30pm naming game – Isaac
2pm thanksgiving and closing prayer - George
2.15pm – instructions for the war game – Isaac
4pm end of youth day celebration.

MC of the day – pekya

Bits And Pieces

2006-06-27T00:52:00.000+08:00

HEY, hope you guys have had a good day in school (snigger :D).

1)
Just a reminder to BE A GOOD ANGEL TO YOUR MORTAL! THERE ARE ONLY 6 DAYS LEFT TILL WE REVEAL ALL! Send them chocolates, send them a card, or be the cheapskate that you are and send them an e-card ----> http://www.2000greetings.com/

(Angel. Hahaha.)

Oh, and if youre gonna send them an email, remember that YOUR NAME appears when your mortal receives it (looks in mike's direction hahaha). so, unless you put in a fake name when you signed up for your email account, DON'T EMAIL!

2)
On another note, if you're TECH SAVVY and willing to help with our SuPeR bLoG rEvAmP, please do leave us a tag. To translate what Jeff means in his previous post (no not the obscene one, the one before that hahhaha).....

"As this blog is supposed to be "For the Youths & By the Youths", we will be conferring our powers and authorities gradually to you in a seemless manner for you to have a stake in the Youth Ministries. In trying to achieve this, we are looking for people who can remake this blog to be more suited for viewing by the youths...something more warm, appealing, and rich in content that caters to YOUR Needs."

effectively means

jeffrey, sherwin and i are past our use-by date. :( we are smelly cheese/old foggies and techno-dinos and oh so boring. :( we need young blood to remake the blog and make it cooler in content and in presentation.

Sound like something you can do? drop us a line (:

InHisLove,
Debbie

Remaking of the Blog & other changes

2006-06-27T00:11:00.000+08:00

Dear Youths,
As this blog is supposed to be "For the Youths & By the Youths", we will be conferring our powers and authorities gradually to you in a seemless manner for you to have a stake in the Youth Ministries. In trying to achieve this, we are looking for people who can remake this blog to be more suited for viewing by the youths...something more warm, appealing, and rich in content that caters to YOUR Needs.

As such, coming soon will be Annoucements, Worship, Prayer, Fun and many other Sections and we may even throw in a Forum!

So stay tuned... and tell us what u want to see happening on this blog so that it can be the coolest one in the planet and even beat Mr Brown or Miyagi..

IHS,
Jeffrey

Live Worship Workshop

2006-06-26T22:05:00.000+08:00

Dear All,
TRAC Youth Ministries (TRUTH) is organising a Live Worship Worshop.
It caters to those whose skills are at an intermediate level. If you are aged 11 and above, and are already serving in either worship leading, vocals, keyboards, drums, and guitars, and want to improve your leading or playing skills, this is THE worshop for YOU! You are encouraged to sign up together with your own worship team.
There are 6 workshops:
Worship-leading
Vocals
Keyboards
Guitar
Bass Guitar
Drums
Dates: 12,28 July and 11,25 August (all fridays, 4.30-9.30pm)
Venue: The Hope Centre, 231 Outram Road
Cost: $50 but for LWMC people, its $20
Closing Date: 3 July 2006

Its a really good deal if u can make it :P So i encourage u to Go!

If your interested, u can click on the images above to see the details more clearly. Hopefully me scannings are not too blur for ya.
Anyhow, i will be bringing the forms during the afterglow too.
If you want to sign up, please look for me and i'll pass them to you!

As for the payment, please make the $50 cheque payable to "THE METHODIST CHURCH IN SINGAPORE". The LWMC will then reimburse you the $30 later. Thanks.

IHS,
Jeffrey

YOUTH DAY: Youth Camp Afterglow!

2006-06-26T21:07:00.000+08:00

Dear All,
The Youth Ministry will be having Camp Thanksgiving a.k.a Youth Camp Afterglow this Sunday, 2nd July.

Programme is as Follows:
1130
Free Lunch outside Music Room (level 4, walk up 2 levels from pyramid stairs near CPA)...not bad..by Royal Catering...for all the royalty
1230
Opening Prayer by Pek Ya
1235
Worship-Opening Song: Give Thanks
1240
Down Memory Lane...Slideshow of camp highlights...Exciting siah!
1250
Camp Experiences...Insights, flashbacks, commented...thanksgiving...
1300
Games Galore! Wheeeee.....indoor kind
1340
Angels & Mortals Revealed?? Hmm... i wonder who my angel is...
1350
Closing Prayer & Concluding Words by our dear George of the jungle!
1355
Closing Song: Draw Me Close To You (Camp theme song!)
1400 (optional...Please bring extra change of dark coloured clothes)
Outdoor Programme: Wild Wild Wet Capture the flag Madness!
Non Messy...Cos Ailene's not in Charge... Just clean water bombs!

See You this Sunday!!!!!

IHS,
Jeffrey

I'm Back from a place i can't pronounce (edited)

2006-06-24T13:28:00.000+08:00

For the blur ones, I went on a mission trip to Phayyakapum (I kid you not! It's in Thailand). Haha. To be completely honest I was quite err, reluctant to go. Mainly cos it was only a day after youth camp and i was seriously drained and sleep deprived. But I think it was an incredible experience because it really showed me God's love for the Thai people. Besides teaching English (super fun la!), we did 2 evangelistic outreaches. First we had to invite the villagers over to a Christian lady's house (in my 10 word thai vocabulary nonetheless. amazing how the message got through, it was basically, "hi. come to ____'s house. tomorrow. 7pm.")... we gave out balloons and biscuits and cookies and we did about 5 dances (paul leong is super good at dancing. must be all the mambo nights!) and little skits, then pastor Prasat, this AMAZING thai pastor preached to them. in total 4 people accepted Christ... really thank God for that. I was actually really surprised because the turn-out was only so-so (mostly kids who wanted free balloons hahaha)... but then as one of the leaders said, we shouldn't be discouraged; we are not the ones who actually offer them salvation; that's something only God can do. we are God's tools, God's instruments and so as long as we do our best and let the Holy Spirit work through us, we should leave the rest to God. Sometimes my focus is all wrong... I tend to get caught up with the nitty-gritty (are the balloons ready? what about the biscuits? oh my gosh the dogs ate the biscuits?! but we dont have enough!! ahh! ahh!!) and rely SO MUCH on my own pathetic human efforts that I forget how great our God is. these thoughts reminded me of the passage that leonard shared during devotions the night before. It was on Ezekiel 37:1-14; on how God breathed dry bones into life. now if God can breathe dry bones into life, why was I questioning (subconsciously or otherwise) whether God could work through us, to draw the people who He loves back to Him? I was reminded of the song lyrics "Forever God is faithful. Forever God is strong. Forever God is with us. Forever.". I think God was telling me to TRUST in Him and Him alone. Forget the balloons and the biscuits. Focus on Him. (:

That's my two cents worth. I really do encourage you guys to go on a mission trip though (DEAN missions IC are you reading this! hahaha); there is nothing like experiencing God moving firsthand. All I can say is, wow. (:

in His love,
Debs

PS: AYE WHO HAS CAMP PHOTOS? can you email them to me so i can upload it on the blog ;) star_crossed22@hotmail.com thanks guys ;)

Amid all the reality tv

2006-06-17T09:44:00.000+08:00

Hmm. What do you think? It does put Christianity in a really negative light. But I suppose it's true in some sense?

cos i dont know anything about soccer

2006-06-17T09:25:00.000+08:00

SOOOO CUTEE!!! hahaha

Swim while you're winning! Fans celebrate as England score against Paraguay. Photo: Sean Roberts.

World Cup Fever

2006-06-15T02:38:00.000+08:00

A man had great tickets for the World Cup final. As he sits down, anotherman comes down and asks ifanyone is sitting in the seat next to him."

No," he says. "The seat is empty."

"This is incredible!" said the man. "Who in their right mind would have aseat like this for the world cup final, the biggest sporting event in theworld, and not use it?"

He says, "Well, actually, the seat belongs to me. My wife was supposed tocome with me, but she passed away. This isthe first world Cup Final we haven't been to together since we gotmarried."

"Oh ... I'm sorry to hear that. That's terrible. But couldn't you findsomeone else - a friend or relative, or even a neighbour -to take theseat?

"The man shakes his head... "No. They're all at the funeral."

Hope u liked the above joke :P

It talks about priorities and reflects how we sometimes react to situations. As the Soccer FEVER rages across the world, lets remember who we should really be on fire for...

Jesus took the "cup" of suffering and death for us so that we might have the "cup" of LIFE... and we remember that everytime we participate in Holy Communion.

Shall we see Brazil and England in the Finals? hmmm...

-Jeff

2006-06-12T20:12:00.000+08:00

“Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.”-John 15:13

“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity”-Proverbs 17:17

Some men came carrying a paralytic on a mat and tried to take him into the house to lay him before Jesus.
When they could not find a way to do this because of the crowd, they went up on the roof and lowered him on his mat through the tiles into the middle of the crowd, right in front of Jesus.

When Jesus saw their faith, he said, "Friend, your sins are forgiven." The Pharisees and the teachers of the law began thinking to themselves, "Who is this fellow who speaks blasphemy? Who can forgive sins but God alone?" Jesus knew what they were thinking and asked, "Why are you thinking these things in your hearts? Which is easier: to say, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Get up and walk'?

But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins...." He said to the paralyzed man, "I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home." Immediately he stood up in front of them, took what he had been lying on and went home praising God. Everyone was amazed and gave praise to God. They were filled with awe and said, "We have seen remarkable things today."-Luke 5:18-26

Dear friends, our response, is this-

It’s important to Jesus that you have meaningful Christian friendships. He built us for them. Jesus has put those people already in our lives. Most of us are too busy to take time to build those friendships. He knows we desire them, and he wants to give them to us.

Who could you be better friends with? What kind of a friend are you? Do you play an important role in the lives of others but are you serious about that?

In the passage from Luke, Jesus saw the faith of the men who brought their paralytic friend to him believing that he would be healed. Jesus said that it was their faith that allowed him to be healed. Would people know that you are a Christian by the way you treat and are there for your friends? How can you better serve your friends? I have found that if you need help from your friends, you often need to ask for it. No one is a mind reader. How can your friends better serve YOU? Go ahead, tell them, I’m sure they want to help. Love your friends like Christ loves you.

Better still, if you need help but can't seem to find it, turn to Jesus and He will help you find the answer.

Group Photos

2006-06-06T22:57:00.000+08:00

Alpha

Beta

Gamma

Delta

Just a Thought

2006-06-06T22:48:00.000+08:00

"Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ"

-Phil 1:27a

The Day of Reckoning? A Cause for Concern? Or just a Supersized Superstition?

2006-06-06T14:22:00.000+08:00

So We all know what day it is and the implications it holds. But what are we really thinking about when we hear about this date? Are we cowering in our fears and reservations? Or as Jeffrey has already prompted us; to put on and equip yourself with the armour of God and to brace yourself for what's to come?

If you're just a bit more cautious on a Friday the 13th, wouldn't fly on 9/11 or could never live in a house numbered 666, you are not alone.

Authorities in some cities are worrying prophecy theorists or hate groups might read something ominous into the date and use it as an excuse to stir tension. Some expectant mothers are making birthing appointments to ensure they avoid the date, according to the Sunday Times in London. Whereas a small handful of others have remained strangely nonchalent and casual about the ominous event.

Speaking about omens..I took the privilege to catch the talked-about doomsday flick of the same title just this morning at midnight to be honest. And as curious as I was, I began streaming 'what-if' scenarios.

WHAT IF..06/06/06 would be the start of a series of calamities? WHAT IF..06/06/06 would be the day the Anti-Christ would be revealed? WHAT IF..06/06/06 would let spark the final World War by some funky haired dictator by the name of Kim Jong Il, armed with enough nuclear missiles to give light to one third of space.

As Methodists, we take a relatively conservative stand towards the preaching of the Gospels. One book of holy scripture in particular - The book of Revelations - stands out as the one book whose message is not as readily dispensible as the others by ordained pastors. For those of you who choose NOT to read this book because of fear or other ridiculous reasons such as personal disbelief, take this piece of advice..You SHOULD.

Interestingly enough, here's a small piece of what it says.

"He also forced everyone, small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on his right hand or on his forehead, so that no one could buy or sell unless he had the mark, which is the name of the beast or the number of his name. This calls for wisdom. If anyone has insight, let him calculate the number of the beast, for it is man's number. His number is 666."

Among many coincidences that occur with numbers, life itself is based partly on these three: Carbon atoms, key to life as we know it, have six protons, six neutrons, and six electrons in their most common form.
That there is concern over the date at all is a reflection of how popular it's become to search for the hidden meanings in numbers, experts say.

While some Armageddon believers fear that 6/6/06 will be “a day of satanic power” that may be marked by a comet hitting the Earth, others believe that the world is coming closer to what is widely known as “the rapture” — the moment the Lord calls the Christian faithful home and millions of born-again evangelicals will suddenly disappear from the Earth, leaving non-believers behind.

But I'm not here to create chaos nor am I here to scare anyone. The reality of things is, as Christians, we are empowered by God, to stay strong and firm in His faith. To proclaim His truth. As youths of LWMC, we shouldn't be afraid. Lest we forget the motto of our very own church - To know and proclaim Jesus Christ, the Way the Truth and the Life.

By contrast, another website claimed that the Antichrist had already arrived — he is supposedly George (six letters) Walker (six letters) Bush Jr (six letters), the president whose name adds up to 666. “The violence and destruction that began when Bush first entered office is now certain to culminate in the apocalypse, as predicted in the Bible over 2,000 years ago,” warned Stephen Hanchett at www.isbushantichrist.blogspot.com. (So is Bush really Public Enemy #1?)

Either way, John Moore, the Irish director of The Omen remake — entitled Omen 666 — realised that June 6 was too good a date to miss for a film about a sinister child named Damien who turns out to be the Antichrist. “It’s a fantastic marketing gimmick,” Moore said. “We figured if we could hit this date it would make it all the more interesting.”

So here we have it, straight from the horse's mouth. What we see in the movie, is nothing but false man-made hoodoo and perhaps another form of spiritual warfare which we do not see but should prepare for.

Who's interested in the Da Vinci Code now? With unforseen events looming, it doesn't matter if fear is brought upon by a marketing gimmick. What I want to share and remind us of is that we have a Mission. In fact this mission has a proper name. And it is known as the Great Com-Mission. To spread the word of God to all the ears that have not heard and to all the captives that have not been set free.

We should not fear, dear friends, because each day that we live is a new mercy that God brings onto us. For the steadfast love of the Lord never ceases. His mercies never come to an end. They are new every morning, new every morning. Great is They Faithfulness O Lord, great is They Faithfulness.
Let us unite and praise and call upon his name while casting out all doubts that we have of God and of Christianity.

This was a message brought to you by:
Sherwin.

Camp Photos

2006-06-05T20:00:00.000+08:00

Enjoy the photos of all present on day 3....

Individual Groups coming soon to a screen near you...

IHS,
Charles.

AFTERGLOW

2006-06-04T21:45:00.000+08:00

YOUTH CAMP AFTERGLOW

Dear Friends, Youth Camp is just the beginning of something really more exciting...A Glimpse of the Shooting bud of the magical flora..Merely the penumbra of the Milky Shadow of the Moon...

The start of a wonderful intimate relationship...

In Our Pursuit for Greater intimacy with Christ, we find that it's a great battle everyday! Mr. S.A. TAN will try his utmost to prevent this, of which he is quite experienced and expert at... Thus, i urge you to be vigilent- temptations can strike any time and we can easily be caught off-guard and be led astray, returning once again to our old sinful ways. But let us be encouraged that we have the Armour of God to protect us from any attacks of the evil one. All we have to do is to WEAR IT!

We are also not alone. God has given us His Spirit to guide us through every situation.. and we have all our Christian Friends too to spur us towards love and good deeds. I Sincerely pray that each of us will continue to Love the Lord with all our Hearts, Souls, Minds and Strength as we draw even CLOSER TO GOD!

Remember to have Daily Quiet Time with the One who loves You LOTS and is waiting eagerly to talk and listen to You! As you do so, you'll find that life is So Beautiful despite all the hurdles in our way... Eventually your relationship will truly flourish like the picture above. May you also bear much fruit by sharing this wonderful story of Jesus Christ to your friends who do not yet know Him!

ANGEL-MORTAL GAME

The purpose of this game is to provide an avenue for all of YOU to show genuine care and concern for your friends in Church...and like i mentioned above, to spur one another towards love and good deeds... You have their emails and phone numbers and you see them in church... send SMSs, words of encouragement, well wishes and pass mentos, lollipops, oreos, fold Origami... BE CREATIVE! A picture is worth a thousand words. The picture below explains it all...

In His Love, Jeffrey

(:

2006-06-03T08:36:00.000+08:00

Hey guys,

I just want to say that it's been a huge privilege being camp commandant this year. Thank you for coming to camp, for playing those wacky games (waterbomb fight! night wargames!) and drinking gross concoctions (FYI it was an odd mix of tomato sauce, garlic soya sauce, coffee, chips and a weird chilli thing. You should be thankful we decided against WASABI), for being receptive to God's word as spoken by Miss Judy Foo, for worshipping with all your heart and for including everybody in soccer games/captains ball and whatnot in-between. It was great getting to know you crazy lot (: God truly, TRULY has been good and faithful to us. He has truly blessed the camp and made it what it was. I really felt God's presence at camp and I hope you are seriously as excited as I am in seeing God work in our church's youth ministry!!!

As Sherwin has blogged (he beat me to it!), do pray that this camp will not be a momentary spiritual high, instead the starting point in our journey to be more intimate with our Lord and Saviour. As I wrote in my camp address (dunno how many of you actually read it hahaha), do spur each other on in Christian faith. If you can find a close group of good, Christian friends, people you can relate to and share your struggles with (and of course have fun with), its less likely that you will backslide in your walk with God. We will try as much as possible to facilitate this, with more upcoming youth events and also some follow-up with you guys. I WOULD LIKE TO CHALLENGE YOU GUYS TO COME TO PRAYER MEETINGS, WHICH IS AT 9:15AM EVERY SUNDAY AT ROOM 401! Also, the CAMP AFTERGLOW will be on YOUTH DAY, which is the 2nd of July. Details will be finalized and announced shortly (: oh and remember to be a good ANGEL to your MORTAL okay!

Once again, my sincere thanks goes to the comm members: CHRISTINE KNG (logistics), AILENE CHOU (games), JEFF JIANG (worship/prayer), BRIAN LEE TAN aka BLT (publicity), STEPH SAW (admin), ISAAC YANG (afterglow) thank you for putting up with my slave driver tendencies!), to Judy Foo our camp speaker, to pastor K for the closing service, to george, pekya, dean for their help and expertise and to jeff, isaac and eric for leading worship, and to all the helpers, musicians and group leaders and to Denise our designer hahaha, and to the cool aunties/uncles who got us supper!!!. And also to everyone who has prayed for camp! Don't underestimate the power of prayer. Oh and yes to Sherwin for shaking his err, cute butt.

Do continue to pray for each other okay! Our 10pm synchronized prayer thing still holds! Btw this website will be fully functional even though its after camp. we'll just treat it as a youth ministry blog.

OH! UPLOAD YOUR CAMP PHOTOS on our flickr account www.flickr.com (note that this is not the same as the YM flickr account.. that ones running out of space la, so this is specifically for camp). username: projectctg, pw: yellowgrass. note that the content will be moderated by me so i trust that you all will be responsible in your photo sharing yah!

If you guys have comments, suggestions or feedback about camp or Youth Ministry as a whole, please do email/MSN me at star_crossed22@hotmail.com ;) all this info will be passed on to the next years camp committee and the relevant people.

Thank guys (:

Love,
Debbie

PS: alpha rocks!!!!! ;)

Many Heartfelt Thanks and Wishes for ALL who Made the 2006 Youth Camp..Possible.

2006-06-02T13:39:00.000+08:00

Dear Campers of the Living Waters Methodist Church Youth Camp 2006,

Thank you all for being part of our LWMC youth camp held at the BB/GB campsite in Sembawang this year!

It was quite well understood that not only did the entire camp committee have to slog through so many complications and difficulties, they managed to overcome all adversitites so as to pull through and SHINE!

It is with much appreciation that we thank them for their genuine and dedicated efforts which enabled such a smooth transition from the start right till the very beginning.

However, as with any Tango, it always takes two parties. Just as it takes two hands to clap! For those of you reading this entry right now, the camp would have been NOTHING if not for your charisma; your enthusiasm; your high energy levels; as well as your unending love for discovery, friendship, fun that comes with your youth. But more importantly, it wouldn't have been anything without God.

As we focused on the theme of drawing closer to God, as well as developing a sense of intimacy with him, what happened within you, was the sparking of a new flame in your hearts. A newfound passion.

So let us grow! Let us grow together, as one body, one family, one community and also one church as we live to teach one another, to learn from one another, to bolster and to guide each other, as we sail on this never ending journey, just as we did when we stood in the Seminar Room singing Draw Me Close to You.

Once again, on behalf of the camp committee and all the members involved, we sincerely thank you for ALL YOUR SUPPORT (as well as all the love) and we continue to hope that your devotion will not fizzle out as a temporart spiritual high.
Continue to grow, and we will see you on Sunday!

In His Service,
SHERWIN.

Important Details For the Camp

2006-05-29T21:45:00.000+08:00

Dear Campers,

Living Waters Methodist Church Youth Camp 2006 31st May – 2nd June

Thank you for signing up for LWMC youth camp 2006 at Girls’ Brigade and Boys’ Brigade campsite in Sembawang!

Attached is the map of the campsite and directions to meet for the camp in ACS I.
Please report at the new ACS (I) IB complex at the drop off point on the 31st May at 8am sharp. And the bus will be bringing all of you back from the campsite to ACS (I) on 2 June at 1pm and you will be alighting at the same drop off point at the IB building.

The theme of the camp is ‘closer to God’ and we are focusing on intimacy with God. The camp speaker is Miss Judy Foo, lay ministry staff worker of Bedok Methodist Church. There will be time of games and fun with friends And time to be serious and build our relationship with God through worship and prayer. I pray that all of you would have an encounter with God in this camp!

Below is a to-bring list for the camp for your reference and action. Please do not bring any valuables.

If there is any quiry about the camp, you can contact me at 98488345 or email me at pekya@livingwatersmc.org.sg. I can also be contacted during the camp via my mobile too.

Thank you and we look forward to have you with us on 31st May!

Sincerely,
Poon Pek Ya
Lay Ministry Staff Worker
Living Waters Methodist Church
Adviser to Youth Camp 2006

YOUTH CHURCH CAMP ’06 @ THE BB CAMPSITE.

Boys' Brigade And Girls' Brigade Campsite
1200 Sembawang Road (S)758526

To obtain driving directions to the BB campsite, go to http://www.streetdirectory.com/routing/index.php?pid2=911&aid2=125216
Fill your starting address as well as your travel preference in, and click ENTER.

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TO-BRING LIST:
1) At least 4 sets of clothes, with at least 1 dark coloured t-shirt for games and 1 set of smart- casual attire for service (no slippers, shorts, spaghetti straps for service).
2) Towel
3) Toiletries: toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, etc
4) Bible
5) Writing materials: pen and paper
6) Slippers/Flip-flops
7) EZ link card with at $10 inside
8) Water Bottle
9) Any medication if needed

Optional
1) Snacks!
2) Sunblock or cap
3) Handphone

What not to bring:
1) PS2, Xbox
2) Ipod
3) Alcohol (we are Methodists!)
4) Drugs

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CAMP RULES

1. Blessed are those who are punctual and present for all activities LEST they receive unwarranted punishment and are “blur” during the activity.
2. Blessed are those who are dressed appropriately for each programme LEST they have to spend unnecessary time to return to change.
3. Blessed are those who conform to their groups LEST they be left out of an activity.
4. Blessed are those who do not enter the dorms of the opposite sex LEST they see things they should not see.
5. Blessed are those who sleep at lights out LEST they be stone during activities the next day.
6. Blessed are those who wake up on time LEST Debbie gives them an early bath.
7. Blessed are those who participate actively in the activities LEST their groups are not complete and sabo their groups.
8. Blessed are those who seek permission from the Camp Adviser, Pek Ya and the Camp Commandant (Debbie Looi) when they need to leave the camp LEST they warrant a search party and then sabo their group.
9. Blessed are those who inform the Camp Adviser, Pek Ya and Commandant (Debbie Looi) or any of the other committee members if they are not feeling well LEST there be serious consequences.

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CAMP PROGRAMME

Day 1: 31 MAY, Wednesday
0800 Registration in church
0830 EMORE ARG
1200 Lunch @ Fort Canning
1315 Leave for campsite
1345 Briefing and check in
1445 Games
1545 Wash up and tea
1630 Worship service 1 –what is intimacy
1900 Dinner
1930 Night games
2100 Wash up2200Supper and vesper
2300 Lights out

Day 2: 1 JUNE, Thursday
0630 Wash up
0700 Prayer walk + QT
0800 Breakfast
0830 Worship service 2 – things that hinder our intimacy with God
1200 Lunch
1345 Games
1545 Wash up and tea
1800 Dinner
1900 Worship service 3 – seeking intimacy
2200 Supper and vesper
2300 Pack, lights out

Day 3: 2 JUNE, Friday
0700Wash up
0800 Breakfast
0830 Clean up and check out
0930 Closing service
1200 Bus leaving campsite for church

Youth Camp Pre-game: Emor Loyalty Test

2006-05-28T22:21:00.000+08:00

Members of Emor's Elite Task Force, It has recently come to our attention that there have been leaks in the intelligence coming from this department. It appears there is a mole. As a result, all members of the Elite Task Force will have to take a loyalty test to ensure that they remain loyal and faithful to the kingdom.

Test Your Loyalty to the Kingdom of Emor.

Take Your Loyalty Test Now!

http://ignis.myvnc.com/puzzle/start.aspx

then email your answer to elitetaskforce@gmail.com

We will be watching you.

Youth Camp Pre-Game Clues

2006-05-22T22:45:00.000+08:00

For your perusal: Evidence from Kline’s workstation
Looks Greek to You?
Hint: More Useful when viewed from : http://www.viva-emor.com/Evidence.htm

Life's Like That

2006-05-22T22:34:00.000+08:00

Youth Camp 2006 Pre-Game

2006-05-14T17:04:00.000+08:00

WE WANT

www.viva-emor.com

Life's Like That

2006-05-14T16:42:00.000+08:00

HAPPY MOTHERS' DAY!!!

AND THE BABY IS...

2006-05-12T20:03:00.000+08:00

KENNETH from YG5 :)
I thought it was OBVIOUS!!!!!
haha. better luck next time ;)
hah i get the chocolate for myself hahaha

Mike's Weekly Comics

2006-05-10T17:36:00.000+08:00

COMING SOON!!! Mike's Weekly Digest of Comic Fun!

Baby Photo!

2006-05-08T12:15:00.000+08:00

AHHH! NO ONE SEEMS TO BE GUESSING THE BABY!!! here is a clue to keep you going:

He (yes, it is a guyyy!) is in Dean's YG (:

Church Camp Tees

2006-05-07T16:30:00.000+08:00

Hey all, these are the tees we are using for church camp. We're sending them off to the printers soon, so we need your t-shirt sizes! Here are the colours:

Guys: red, light blue, brown
Girls: pink, aqua, white

Done in traditional SMU STYLE... WhEeEEEee!

Becky looks a bit mad here hahaha. baby i was born to flyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy

ALL smile for the camera! cept isaac hahahhaa

Becky: I heart youuuu
Bryan saw with his eyes closed hahhaa
and the ladies looking gooood! :)

GUESS THE BABY!!!!!!!!!!!

2006-05-04T23:35:00.000+08:00

A brand new addition to our website, our GUESS THE BABY segment!!

hehehe so cutte ;)
Obviously, the baby is one of our youths!

TAG US YOUR GUESS!!! ALL CORRECT GUESSES WILL GET A CHOCOLATE BAR FROM DEBBIE (: YOU HAVE A WEEK TO GUESS SO GET CRACKING!!!

Prayer

2006-05-02T09:16:00.000+08:00

Dean's YG was discussing about prayer. A huge talking/thinking point was whether prayer changes God. For example, if you pray that you pass your Chinese ting xie will praying increase your chances of passing? If not, then what is the point of praying?

Ali pointed out that maybe the purpose of praying is not so much to change God as opposed to change yourself. To change your attitude, to humble yourself before the Lord.

What do you think?

PRAYER CHANGES THINGS!

2006-05-02T03:07:00.000+08:00

Hi All,
This is a prayer request regarding lwmc youth camp (31st may - 2nd june).

We ask that you pray:
1) for us and the committee to trust more in the Lord's Strength and Guidance as we struggle with discouragement when we do not see things happening the way we want them to.

2) That lwmc youth will be more enthusiastic about camp and truly see it as an opportunity to draw nearer to the heart of Christ.

3) That more people will step forward to help out especially in the areas of logistics and publicity.

4) That the camp will not be a one-off event, rather will spark the initiation of a spiritual journey with the Lord to a deeper, more intimate relationship, so that the youths will eventually be able to reach out as God's family.

We really, really, really don't want this camp to merely be a half-hearted attempt at uniting the youths. We pray that, God willing, this camp will be the turning point of the youth ministry; a platform from which new youth leaders will be nurtured. Thank you for praying alongside us.

WE WILL BE PRAYING FOR YOUTH CAMP EVERYDAY AT 10PM. PLEASE JOIN US! (although other times are fine too!)

In His Love and Service,
Debbie and Jeffrey

2006-05-01T00:16:00.000+08:00

SHAKEN OR STIRRED?

S.O.S

(Sherwin On Sundays)

So which one are you? Fret not, this latest section of project-c.blogspot.com isn't meant to literally shake or stir anyone out of their wits or up the wall but is instead, just a showcase (or exposé)of members of our church whom you 1)Never really got to know or 2)Just didn't know anything about.

Done in good-fashioned interview style, this addition aims to provide that little nook of info that could just very well bridge the gap between the youths in our ministry.

This week, we decide to take a look into the life of Mervyn Ong, an ACS(I) scholar, as well as an active member of the LWMC Youth Ministry and we find out more about what makes him tick.. and even tock.

SC: Hi Merv!It's great to have you as the first guy on interview! Why don't we get started on who you are, shall we? To begin, why don't you tell us when you were born, your hobbies and interests and also your current level of education?

MO: Well, I was born in 1990 in KL, Malaysia and I'm currently a scholar in Sec. 4. I enjoy playing soccer, basketball, badminton,swimming and table-tennis.

SC: Just to add on to that, give us a rough percerption of how you see yourself.

MO: For me, I find myself to be one who is friendly and cheerful most of the time. I would also consider myself to be quite a confident person as well as a good leader as I do hold several leadership positions in school.

SC: If I ever need someone to run my company, I'll give you a call. So how do you think people in general or even our church members see you?

MO: I think they see me to be a lively and cheerful person at most times as well as one who is easy to get along well with. Oh, and I guess they also see me as a person who likes to tell lame jokes..haha (canned laughter)

SC: Well, I'm sure Jesus will heal the lame. From what you've described, are you very sure?

MO: YUP!! :)

SC: Referring back to people's perception of you. Do you ever get shy when people look at you this way?

MO: Sometimes? I'm really not too sure about this!!

SC: Let’s move more into your personal areas and also your views on the Church and on God and Christianity...What is your current role in LWMC?

MO: To me, I see the Church to be the one place where I can get to spend more time with God after a long week as well as a place for fellowship too. I feel that I can always rely on God to strengthen me in everything I do as long as I have faith in Him too! Christianity: Its simply a relationship between all of us and our Creator. Yup.

Currently,in LWMC, I’m part of YG5, I’ve been in the Easter Choir for the past 2 years and oh, I’m in the Church Soccer Team too!

SC: I see. How then,do you contribute to your youth group or to the ministry?

MO: To contribute to my YG, what I usually try to do is to try to get the ball rolling when we’re having discussions as my YG is quite quiet during bible studies. Just try to round up the YG as well for YG sessions.

SC: Right, moving on. Where do you see yourself in 10 years' time?

MO:In 10 years, I see myself either continuing my studies here in Singapore or overseas, or even starting to work by then? Then again, I probably will have to work anyway!

SC: So with this, what is your current state of mind?

MO: Currently, I just hope to work hard and do well in my studies to reach my ambition.

SC: And what do you actually want to be once you grow up?

MO: (Gives it some thought) Either a doctor or a scientist in research.

SC: When you look back in your life, (and give it a bit of thought) what do you think your greatest achievement in life was?

MO: For me, I think my greatest achievement in life up till now was to get the scholarship to study here in Singapore.

SC: Tell us more about it and how you feel to till this day.

MO: To this day, I feel glad that I’ve been brought up in a great family, a Christian family, always being there to encourage me, and also to be able to concentrate in what I hope to achieve.

SC: Wow...you're pretty much a nerd, aren't you! But of course, it's all in good fun. Why don't you tell us what actually inspires you?

MO: God, my family and friends, as well as my thirst to do well.

SC: When you make a new friend, or choose to make a new friend, what personal traits do you appreciate or do you look for in the other person?

MO: I’m usually ok with most people, I would say one easy to get along with, and cheerful as well. -Laughs-

SC: Have you ever allowed this to ruin a potential friendship?

MO: Nope. For me, I don’t really think what I choose to look for is really important as everyone one of us would have different characteristics and there’ll definitely be things people don’t really like about me as well, thus, I would not allow this to ruin a potential friendship.

SC: Come to think of it, why would any friendship be ruined because someone was too cheerful?? How do your normally spend your Saturday evenings?

MO: Studying, reading the bible, Playing sports, watching soccer, doing a duty, hanging out with friends.

SC: What are your current plans for the present and before we part, do you mind telling us 1) Who your best friends are in your life, or in church and 2) Do you plan to get a uni education after NS?

MO: To study hard for my coming exams!

1.My best friends in my life are, one of my primary school friend from the school I was in back in Malaysia and one of my current classmate who’s been with me in the same class for 4 years already.
2.Yup. Actually for me, I won’t be going for NS as I’m studying overseas now, so I don’t have to go for Malaysia NS even if I’m selected, which in Malaysia, they choose a random couple of thousand people from the batch.

By: Sherwin Chia

2006-04-27T00:03:00.000+08:00

BY POPULAR DEMAND!!

Sherwin Chia’s
THE FIVE PEOPLE YOU MEET IN ORCHARD ROAD.

Not even Mitch Albom is safe from my blog...

How many of you have read the book, 'The Five People You Meet in Heaven'? Pretty interesting wasn't it? But I've decided to take it a step further. I've decided to make it a step MORE REALISTIC. Thus I bring you, the 5 people (idiots) you are likely to meet in town.

Person #1: The Busker.

Many of you may walk down the underpass linking Orchard MRT station to Tangs and pass by our favourite and famous local blind busker- Leo.

Armed with his trusty keyboard, digital MIDI sound files and amplifier, Leo tugs at the heartstrings (as well as his own guitar strings) of many commuters each day as they make their journey to work or to home; earning a hefty sum each day he performs.

As you've noticed, I'm neither blind nor musically inclined but surely you must have noticed OTHER buskers within the vacinity such as the dude who dresses up as Carlos Santana parked at the underpass linking Wheelock place and Lido, strapped with his electric guitar in hand?

Person #2: The 'Needy Childrens' Association' Gift Pack Salesperson

EASILY one of the MOST annoying and irritating buggers around, these guys are amongst the most obvious to spot from a mile away. They R-E-E-K of "IWANYOHMANEE"

Some may dress extremely formally (which makes them stick out like a sore thumb), but the more common ones tend to hold a folder with many clear pockets documenting their 'identification' and the 'organisation' they are 'collecting donations' for (as such in the above picture).

(See what I mean? Do you feel like walking away? Hold on! Hold on! Wait! I need your moneyyyy!)

Often beginning their sales monologue- NOTE, M-O-N-O-L-O-G-U-E- with, "Hi Sir/Ma'am!", the chances of these sods landing a sale with me are close to ZERO. More often than not, their MONOLOGUE can be divided into three stages whereby if they're lucky, they manage to exchange a few lines with their targets before getting rejected.

Here are the 3 scenarios:

"Hi Sir/Ma'am!" (Person being targeted raises hand and says No and continues to walk away)
"Hi Sir/Ma'am! (Person stops to see what crap their about to listen to) "Hi..I'm from the Rainbow of Hope organisation.." (At this point, the person realises the catch and says, "I'm sorry, I'm in a rush." and walks away.
"Hi Sir/Ma'am! Ok, I'm not here to sell anything to you but I hope I can get your attention for just FIVE minutes. FIVVEEEE. I'm here representing the Rainbow of Hope organisation...five minutes later...and as you know, these kids are VERY under-privileged so if you could be so kind as to donate JUST TEN dollars (for me to keep in my pocket)...Person realises the catch and two things happen- It's too late and the sucker is forced into making the payment or he does what I do- make a really sad face and say, "I'm sorryyyy, but I don't have the cash with me right now as I'm JUST a student." and WALK AWAY!

Person #3: The 'Surveyor'

An even more cunning version of the Gift Pack Salesperson, the 'Surveyor' used to be the only people I could trust on the streets before I found out they were oh-so-annoying TELEMARKETERS in disguise...

Starting out similarly as their less-successful counterparts with the customary "Hi Sir/Ma'am!", these basket cases deceptively follow up by asking a seemingly innocent-enough question- "Would you mind taking part in a short survey for me?"

Having done surveys before, it was only natural for me to empathise with them just to make their lives easier and since it was a "SHORT" survey, I figured I would have the time to help them out. Only to be duped into a scam to obtain my telephone number and personal contacts in a bid to bombard me with various insurance sales policies, promotions and SCHEMES through the wire.

I've learnt my lesson man...Always say 'NO.' to people dressed in ties, polo-tees, polished black leather shoes and armed with notepads and folders.

Person #4: The Student Flag-day Donations Collector.

Not that they want to, but these poor students HAVE the potential to grow up into the turds I just mentioned.

Not that they want to, but they're forced into asking you for your kind donations for organisations that are in need of funding or for the likes of the less-fortunate. In my opinion, these are the ONLY people, apart from homeless old folks and the staff at Kinokuniya, in Orchard Road that you can trust.

Mind you, it takes a sh*t load of guts to go up to strangers and ask them for money. However, I do have to point out the shortcomings of these students. The one thing they DO NOT understand is that sometimes when we really have no money in our pockets, we really have no money in our pockets; So don't smile at us asking for our money and the next thing we know, we find out that you're cursing and swearing behind our backs, calling us "A-holes" or "Cheap B-tards" just because we don't have change to slot into those tin cans in your sad little hands.

Person #5: The Vacation Tourist a.k.a The Victims

Sure, we dress cool and look good but hey, don't ever assume that we pack huge loads of cash neatly tucked away in the corner of our undies because we don't. As tourists, we've always learnt and lived by the way of, "Never carry around cash in excess with you wherever you go"

In other words, we're the LAST people on earth you want to look to for cash, because we simply don't like being walking bank safe deposit boxes.

FUNKY YOUTH CAMP TEES!

2006-04-25T20:22:00.000+08:00

Hey!!!! This is our tentative design for our camp tee! What do you think?? Of course there will be some modifications, but the idea is there.. The cut of the t shirt in the picture is not the one we are using though, we think it looks too much like a sleeping shirt.. Jeff is on a mission to get good quality nice fitting tees so that you people will actually wear it out! He's raiding Giordano, U2, etc tomorrow! Anyone with ideas where else has nicely cut yet reasonably priced tees?

Ladiessss! What kind of cut would you like? Racerback tops? Tank Tops? I find the plain Giordano ladies cut quite nice (: Of course this is all pending Pastor's approval.. don't think spaghetti straps and all will be appropriate for a church tee.

What do you think of the colours? A bit too dull? we could print it on a nice light blue background?

Also, we're not sure of what to do for the back! We were thinking of perhaps putting a Bible verse and the lwmc logo.. or perhaps we could come up with a YM logo and put that?! Or another picture?? Anything more original?

We are also thinking of buying those super good permanent markers which don't fade in the wash so that on the last day everyone can sign each others shirts.

Comments are much appreciated!!! (:

on a different note, THIS is the shirt ailene wanted. -->

She also insisted that the guys will wear it. I talked her out of it. Guys, you owe me big.

Debbie

Watch This Space!

2006-04-25T12:09:00.000+08:00

HEY PEOPLE!

There will be new, exciting weekly installments to this blog so
WATCH THIS SPACE!

Also, we are starting to link to youth blogs! ------->

Don't worry, we won't link you unless you give us permission. We understand that some blogs are very private! However, if you'd like to be linked (mind you it is a brilliant way of keeping people up to date on what you're up to), please tag us and we'll do it ASAP! Oh, and link us back!
Debbie

2006-04-24T00:30:00.000+08:00

"They'll never know what's coming!" -Debs

"Something new and exciting?"
- Jeffrey

"To a Blog near us I hope.."
- Sherwin

"Hmmm..life's like that."
- M. Lau

Quiet Time Poll

2006-04-21T21:01:00.000+08:00

Take the poll

Free Poll by Blog Flux

Since our youth camp theme is on getting closer to our Lord, we want to know your QT concerns.
VOTE! VOTE! VOTE!

Silicone Wristbands

2006-04-21T19:44:00.000+08:00

Hey, just wondering if you guys would wear these kinda wristbands if we customize them for youth camp... Some people (stares in Pek Ya's direction) think they are ugly and not cool! HMPH. What do you think??? Okay, say we don't use the wristbands.. what else could we use?? Leave us a comment on the tagboard okay!! WE WANT TO KNOW WHAT YOU THINK!!!

God Always Answers Prayer!

2006-04-21T14:25:00.000+08:00

If the Lord has you on hold... hold on!
If the Lord has said "NO" to you... thank Him!
If the Lords is molding your heart and mind... go with His change!
If the Lord opens doors that you've been asking Him to open...Praise Him!
Be blessed wherever you are in your life today!
God has His hands on the situation!

YOU SAY/ GOD SAYS/ BIBLE VERSES
You say: "It's impossible" God says: All things are possible (Luke 18:27)
You say: "I'm too tired" God says: I will give you rest (Matthew 11:28-30)
You say: "Nobody really loves me" God says: I love you (John 3:16 & John 3:34 )
You say: "I can't go on" God says: My grace is sufficient (II Corinthians 12:9 & Psalm 91:15)
You say: "I can't figure things out" God says: I will direct your steps (Proverbs 3:5-6)
You say: "I can't do it" God says: You can do all things (Philippians 4:13)
You say: "I'm not able" God says: I am able (II Corinthians 9:8)
You say: "It's not worth it" God says: It will be worth it (Roman 8:28 )
You say: "I can't forgive myself" God says: I Forgive you (I John 1:9 & Romans 8:1)
You say: "I can't manage" God says: I will supply all your needs (Philippians 4:19)
You say: "I'm afraid" God says: I have not given you a spirit of fear (II Timothy 1:7)
You say: "I'm always worried" God says: Cast all your cares on ME (I Peter 5:7)
You say: "I'm not smart enough" God says: I give you wisdom (I Corinthians 1:30)
You say: "I feel all alone" God says: I will never leave you or forsake you (Hebrews 13:5)

The Global Day of Prayer @ Singapore

2006-04-21T13:59:00.000+08:00

When : 4th June 2006, Pentecost Sunday
Where : National Stadium, Singapore
Time : 7.14pm Sharp (Gates will be open at 5pm, come and be seated by 7pm)
Free Admission

WHY 7:14pm Sharp????

"If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and forgive their sin and will heal their land." 2 Chronicles 7:14 (NIV)

Imagine Christians from all walks of life, representing diverse denominations and churches coming together for One Purpose, and that is to PRAY!

To Pray as ONE PEOPLE, to Pray with ONE HEART, in repentance and in yearning for GOD's mighty move in our nation.

Nothing of this magnitude has happened in the history of Singapore.

Will You be part of this Great Awakening?

Let's give our Lord due honour and glory.
It's time!

For more info:
http://www.prayforsingapore.org.sg

Name Cards

2006-04-16T21:46:00.000+08:00

ATTN:

To the select few who have received the name cards earlier today, you aren't reading this by coincidence. IN FACT, you could consider yourselves privileged to be part of an elite team of individuals who have been chosen and will be prepared for life as History Makers under what we've deemed as, "Project C". Nevertheless, this process may prove daunting to the weak-minded and the faint of heart. Ultimately, only those who commit themselves true to the cause will stand victorious, since this is no mean feat.

In order to protect the confidentiality of our organisation, we will only reveal its nature as well as any highly classified information contained within it in due time. However, we are entitled to inform you is that a high-ranking official has suddenly gone missing and no one has been able to find him. As he holds important government details that have the power to mould our country's future, it is imperative that he is found as soon as possible, before the information falls in the wrong hands.

A training mission with codename "PERDU" will commence on 7 May 2006, Sunday, in order to equip YOU with the necessary skills and preparation during Project C.

Till then, vital details of Project C have to be noted:
Dates : 31 May, Wednesday to 2 June, Friday 2006
Location: BB/GB Campsite in Sembawang
Fees : $40 (including full accomodation, food & transport)

Agent PY can be contacted at 98488345 for clarification.

Yours Sincerely,

My Redeemer Lives!

2006-04-16T00:18:00.000+08:00

The Story of

Easter is a time of springtime festivals. In Christian countries Easter is celebrated as the religious holiday commemorating the resurrection of Jesus Christ, the son of God. But the celebrations of Easter have many customs and legends that are pagan in origin and have nothing to do with Christianity.

Scholars, accepting the derivation proposed by the 8th-century English scholar St. Bede, believe the name Easter is thought to come from the Scandinavian "Ostra" and the Teutonic "Ostern" or "Eastre," both Goddesses of mythology signifying spring and fertility whose festival was celebrated on the day of the vernal equinox.

Traditions associated with the festival survive in the Easter rabbit, a symbol of fertility, and in colored easter eggs, originally painted with bright colors to represent the sunlight of spring, and used in Easter-egg rolling contests or given as gifts.

The Christian celebration of Easter embodies a number of converging traditions with emphasis on the relation of Easter to the Jewish festival of Passover, or Pesach, from which is derived Pasch, another name used by Europeans for Easter. Passover is an important feast in the Jewish calendar which is celebrated for 8 days and commemorates the flight and freedom of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt.

The early Christians, many of whom were of Jewish origin, were brought up in the Hebrew tradition and regarded Easter as a new feature of the Passover festival, a commemoration of the advent of the Messiah as foretold by the prophets.

Easter is observed by the churches of the West on the first Sunday following the full moon that occurs on or following the spring equinox (March 2I). So Easter became a "movable" feast which can occur as early as March 22 or as late as April 25.

Christian churches in the East which were closer to the birthplace of the new religion and in which old traditions were strong, observe Easter according to the date of the Passover festival.

Easter is at the end of the Lenten season, which covers a forty-six-day period that begins on Ash Wednesday and ends with Easter. The Lenten season itself comprises forty days, as the six Sundays in Lent are not actually a part of Lent. Sundays are considered a commemoration of Easter Sunday and have always been excluded from the Lenten fast. The Lenten season is a period of penitence in preparation for the highest festival of the church year, Easter.

Holy Week, the last week of Lent, begins its with the observance of Palm Sunday. Palm Sunday takes its name from Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem where the crowds laid palms at his feet. Holy Thursday commemorates the Last Supper, which was held the evening before the Crucifixion. Friday in Holy Week is the anniversary of the Crufixion, the day that Christ was crucified and died on the cross.

Holy week and the Lenten season end with Easter Sunday, the day of resurrection of Jesus Christ.

MATTHEW 28:2-7 NKJ 2

2And behold, there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat on it.

3 His countenance was like lightning, and his clothing as white as snow.

4 And the guards shook for fear of him, and became like dead men.

5 But the angel answered and said to the women, "Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified.

6 "He is not here; for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.

7 "And go quickly and tell His disciples that He is risen from the dead, and indeed He is going before you into Galilee; there you will see Him. Behold, I have told you."

The meaning of Easter is Jesus Christ's victory over death. His resurrection symbolizes the eternal life that is granted to all who believe in Him. The meaning of Easter also symbolizes the complete verification of all that Jesus preached and taught during His three-year ministry. If He had not risen from the dead, if He had merely died and not been resurrected, He would have been considered just another teacher or Rabbi. However, His resurrection changed all that and gave final and irrefutable proof that He was really the Son of God and that He had conquered death once and for all.

Hillsong Australia- My Redeemer Lives

I know he rescued my soul

His blood has covered my sin

I believe, I believe

My shame He's taken away

My pain is healed in his name

I believe, I believe

I'll raise a banner'

Cause my Lord has conquered the grave

My Redeemer Lives! My Redeemer Lives!

My Redeemer Lives! My Redeemer Lives!

You Lift my burdens

I'll rise with You

I'm dancing on this mountain top

To see your kingdom come

GNOSTICISM AND CHRISTIANITY

2006-04-15T12:25:00.000+08:00

Although most Gnostics considered themselves Christians, some sects assimilated only minor Christian elements into a body of non-Christian Gnostic texts. The Christian Gnostics refused to identify the God of the New Testament, the father of Jesus, with the God of the Old Testament, and they developed an unorthodox interpretation of Jesus' ministry. The Gnostics wrote apocryphal Gospels (such as the Gospel of Thomas and the Gospel of Mary) to substantiate their claim that the risen Jesus told his disciples the true, Gnostic interpretation of his teachings: Christ, the divine spirit, inhabited the body of the man Jesus and did not die on the cross but ascended to the divine realm from which he had come. The Gnostics thus rejected the atoning suffering and death of Christ and the resurrection of the body. They also rejected other literal and traditional interpretations of the Gospels.

The reason the Gnostics justify Judas for betraying Jesus is because primarily they believe he was setting Jesus "free" to return to the "divine realm from which He had come". i see that as a painfully ironic deviation from the Biblical truth as we know it.

i think however as Christians it is important to remember that God remained in complete control of everything that was happening, that even if Judas had not even been around, the sacrifice He chose to make would still have been made. God didn't need Judas. the truth is that Judas, like all humans today, needed God.

Personally i find this a perfect reminder, at the perfect time, of Christ's sacrifice, and of just how much i need Him. i genuinely believe that nothing humans could possibly do, especially with a gospel only 85% conserved, will thwart the Lord's plans for salvation.

-Elizabeth, SG11

Music, anyone?

2006-04-11T14:41:00.000+08:00

Hey y'all, just a coupla things ;)
1) WE HAVE NEW LINKS! ------>
hehe. Just a run through of what they are.

Plugged In: online reviews of secular movies, cds, etc from a Christian perspective. I've found it really useful as they also recommend particular Christian artistes who have the same genre and feel as some less wholesome artistes, so you can do a substitute and not have to stop listening to that kind of music altogether.

Christianity Today: articles about Christianity and contemporary issues.

Every Student: very cool website for youth and college students... kinda like Christianity Today but the focus here is on youth. A place to "explore issues about college, life, and what it might be like to know God."

The rest are pretty self-explanatory (: check them out!

2) Pek ya and i have been thinking...... a) whether to put up music on the blog, b) whether putting up music is illegal, c) how we can put it up legally (we are a church ministry afterall!)

So. Anyone know the technicalities? we were thinking of asking if you talented musicians would like to jam and we could record it and put it up hahaha.

The Gospel Of Judas - Heretical or A Message to be Appreciated???

2006-04-10T01:38:00.000+08:00

Just watched "The gospel of Judas" on national geographic channel.The title itself may seem oxy-moronic... how can there be a gospel of Judas when "gospel" means "good news" and judas as we know, is the betrayer of Jesus Christ.

To me it looks like one of those things like the Da Vinci Code where people try to manipulate religion by stirring up controversies and make loads of money with it... Some of my Christian friends whom have read these books have even admitted that at one point or another, the "Facts" and "claims" these people present have even convinced them that it may be true... I pray in the name of Jesus that God will truly open the eyes of all the saints (believers) and grant us the divine wisdom, discretion and discernment when dealing with such issues; that it may by no means shake our faith and stumble our walk with the KING OF KING AND LORD OF LORDS.

At the end of the programme, the impression i got was that it was rather one-sided and the arguements where not balanced very well.

Basically, they showed the history or how they found it, where some guy was trying to rob a tomb and found some paparus documents but couldn't understand the high class language but he knew it would make good money in the market so he sold it and it went one big mary-go-round and people soon discovered that it was the Gospel of Judas and it got stolen, hidden, sold and bought till now where some lady bought it for $300,000 and tried to sell it to the universities...and it got conserved after experts tried to piece together all the pieces of broken up paparus..and now its 85% conserved... then they did some carbon dating to prove its authenticity and it showed that its about 100AD or so around when the gospels were written..
Apparently there were 30 over gospels... like that of Thomas and Judas... but some guy called Irenaeus picked the 4 we know today cos the rest were heretical..

Apparently the bottom words say "The Gospel of Judas"

Many interviews with Bible Scholars in the show present the image of Judas as a Hero rather than a person to be scorned... That he was asked asked to betray Jesus and in doing so, he would make the biggest sacrifice, an utmost act of worship to God. So here, we see Judas as a "Good Guy" rather than a bad... How absurd can people be in thinking this?

I guess we went in the right track today in Small Group when Aunty Penny brought about the discussion whether Judas was predestined to be the betrayer... I remember Debbie promptly stating her view, which i most certainly concur, that, Judas made the Choice (free will of Humans) to do so and he was so consumed in sin and temptation that in the end he did what he did.. and God, being omnipotent, omniscient and omnipresent already knew about this before hand but the choice was still with Judas and he chose to betray Jesus. And he hung himself soon after that probably in remorse?

Here's some of the translated text from the Gospel of Judas prior to the betrayal:

Judas said to Jesus, “Look, what will those who have been baptized in your name do?”
Jesus said, “Truly I say [to you], this baptism [56] […] my name [—about nine lines missing—] to me. Truly [I] say to you, Judas, [those who] offer sacrifices to Saklas […] God [—three lines missing—] everything that is evil.

“But you will exceed all of them. For you will sacrifice the man that clothes me. Already your horn has been raised, your wrath has been kindled, your star has shown brightly, and your heart has […]. [57]

“Truly […] your last […] become [—about two and a half lines missing—], grieve [—about two lines missing—] the ruler, since he will be destroyed. And then the image of the great generation of Adam will be exalted, for prior to heaven, earth, and the angels, that generation, which is from the eternal realms, exists. Look, you have been told everything. Lift up your eyes and look at the cloud and the light within it and the stars surrounding it. The star that leads the way is your star.”

Judas lifted up his eyes and saw the luminous cloud, and he entered it. Those standing on the ground heard a voice coming from the cloud, saying, [58] […] great generation […] … image […] [—about five lines missing—].

Source: http://www.tertullian.org/rpearse/manuscripts/gospel_of_judas/

Hmm... Did Judas really write this? or some heretics writing "on behalf of Judas", planted by satan to shake the faith of believers then and even now....

The show ended with the question "Why we believe what we do?"

Holy Week is here and all the hype about Christianity, whether the holy grail really is true etc...
Does this all matter in the first place???
I remeber the 5 C's Pastor Kenneth talked about:

Creation
Curse
Consequence
Cure
Choice

This really got me thinking a lot but ultimately, it made me see how little i know and how much more i must study and meditate on the Living Word of God, the Double-edeged Sword, and with my trusty shield of faith, and God on my side, i can withstand any darts satan may throw at me to distract me and draw me away... But thanks be to God, By His Grace and Mercy, I WILL NOT BE SHAKEN...I WILL NOT BE MOVED... COS CHRIST IS MY FIRM FOUNDATION and as the song goes, "I PUT MY HOPE IN HIS HOLY WORD!"

May God truly open the eyes of our hearts, that we may see Him more clearly each day even as we enter Holy Week!

God Bless!

In His Service(IHS),
jeffrey

friendster

2006-04-07T21:56:00.000+08:00

Project C has justttt gone friendster!

http://www.friendster.com/profiles/projectc

Email is: prayerequests@gmail.com

Add us as a friend (:

med school exams prayer request

2006-04-03T10:14:00.000+08:00

hi, a prayer request for all those smart med school students as they are having their exams now!

Monday, 3 April: Anatomy
Tuesday, 4 April: Biochemistry
Wednesday, 5 April: Physiology

so please pray specifically
1) for quick recall! so much to know, so little time to complete the paper in.
2) that God will give them a clear, focused mind
3) that God will give them peace (: don't fret!

Kissing Dating Goodbye?

2006-03-27T17:19:00.000+08:00

Since I've been confined to the bed most of the time, I've taken the opportunity to read a couple of interesting books, including "I kissed dating goodbye" by Joshua Harris.

He proposes that dating is borne out of a culture which "celebrates self-centredness and immortality", and therefore the concept of dating is intrinsically flawed. He thinks that it promotes tempation (physical intimacy with your date), and is essentially directionless (if the idea behind it is 'just for fun', what's the point?) and therefore dangerous.

He therefore proposes that Christians reject this worldly concept of dating and instead move from friendship to purposeful courtship to marriage. Interesting, eh.

WHAT DO YOU THINK?

-debbie

Prayer is Power

2006-03-23T22:01:00.000+08:00

Hi all, thanks so much for praying for me. Special thanks to Jeff who has been sending out emails and keeping everyone informed... all this on top of studying for his med school exams. Please keep his exams in your prayers too (: poor kid has to chiong already.. all you poor students.. feel free to put up your exam schedule so we as the youth ministry can pray specifically for all your papers! Remember, prayer is power!

Anyway, I was feeling pretty awful last night cos i had a high fever... very swollen lymph nodes (there is a bump on my neck!), sore throat and felt very dizzy... couldn't get out of bed... but thank God today i feel much, much better! Thank you so much for praying.. see, God always answers prayers (: "Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in Heaven". - Matt 18:19 Thanks guys..

Unfortunately I will be out for a month... got a month's MC...would really like to ask you all to please consider helping us with Youth Camp. With me down and out, jeff having med school exams, and the rest of the comm being the busy people that they are... we are really, really struggling. Poor pekya has been very stressed... We need at least TWO more committee members.

1) We need someone in charge of the pre camp activity and afterglow. This job isn't as heavy as the rest as it doesn't actually require you to be doing stuff at camp, just to help organize the pre and post activity, both of which are small and managable. We pretty much have ideas with what we want to do for both events, just need someone to please help us with organizing it!!! PLEASE!!!

2) We need someone to help with publicity. We need to shoot a publicity video very soon... we need someone to please help with this. This is quite a big job as it requires getting a storyline, getting a few actors, filming a short clip, etc... also need some help with flyers and posters... BLT is supposed to be in charge but as he is very very busy we need someone to fill in.. there should be a main guy in charge of this and a couple of sub-committee members to help out..

Please consider these roles... if you want to help, please step forward... we cannot do this singlehandedly.... honestly, the camp, youth ministry, church... its really what you make of it... i always hear that people think our YM is dead... to a certain extent i agree... but the onus is on US to make it alive... if we want this camp to work, we need to make sure we help out in whatever capacity we can... its OUR camp, not pastor's, not pekya's, not mine. we need to take ownership.

-Debbie

Urgent Urgent Prayer!!!!

2006-03-23T16:51:00.000+08:00

Dear Everyone,
Please PRAY for our dear Camp Commandant DEBBIE LOOI!!!!
She has been diagnosed with Infectious mononucleosis and has swollen lymph nodes and frequent headahces...

According to the American Medical Association:
What is it?
Infectious mononucleosis, often called mono for short, can be caused by either the Epstein-Barr virus or cytomegalovirus. The infection can be transmitted from one person to another through oral contact such as kissing, and can spread to almost any organ. Mononucleosis is more common in teenagers and young adults (especially those who live in dormitories) and often occurs during stressful periods, such as during final examinations.

Symptoms
The early symptoms of infectious mononucleosis appear four to six weeks after exposure to the virus and resemble those of the flu, including fever, headache, sore throat and swollen tonsils, and fatigue. Later symptoms may include painful, swollen glands in the neck, armpits or groin (a condition called lymphadenopathy). Some people may also develop a rash over their entire body. In some cases, mono affects the liver and can cause jaundice (yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes). If you have mono and you have a feeling of fullness in your upper left abdomen, you may have an enlarged spleen (an organ of the immune system that stores red blood cells and platelets). The symptoms of mono usually go away within two to three weeks, but you may continue to feel weak for a couple of weeks to several months.

As such, she will be out of action for a month to rest...
In Luke 18:1 Jesus told his disciples that they "should always pray and not give up." and then Jesus asked "...will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night?" Pray to God from your heart for healing. Don't stop. Don't give up. God wants us to ask him for help. He loves us.

James 5:14-15 we are told: Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. 15) And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven. and in James 5:16 we are asked to "confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed." and then told that "The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective."

PRAY, PRAY, PRAY!!!

Community of Friends...

2006-03-21T13:04:00.000+08:00

Firstly, Let's Welcome the New Sec One's to our Youth Ministry!!!
Gavin (left) and Joel (right), we hope U guys have an enjoyable time!!! :P

This Guy looks like he's stalking someone... i wonder who??

Oh now we know why... He's Jealous that Steph is
SHOWING HER AFFECTION to Issac instead....

Here we See Steph trying to Prove

PYTHAGORAS THEOREM

to Becky....

I wonder who Sarah is Dreaming of......????

How Are Theses Two people Related????

Clarence And Colin

CHILLING AROUND>>>>

Eric and Reiner....

These 2 Botaks are
LOVING their new HAIR DO....

Our Youth LEADERS!!! Neil and DEAN!
Notice the HUGE PECTORALIS MAJOR!!!!

Important People to Recognise....

2006-03-21T12:48:00.000+08:00

This is Pastor Kenneth... The Boss of Bosses...

This is PEK YA... youth worker...
The Slave Driver of our Youth Ministry...
giving the "i can't help it!" look... hmm

This is GEORGE...
of the Jungle... Head of YM...

This is DEBBIE, our beloved Youth Camp Commandant...

The Party Gurl...
who was "drunk" and flushed red on New Years Day...

haha... this means the Camp Will be really
FUN!!! but sorry NO ALCOHOL!!!

Chilling Out!

2006-03-21T12:22:00.000+08:00

ONE THING WE ARE ALL GOOD AT: "FELLOWSHIP"

Bryan, Showing off her FEMININE SIDE

But apparently, she's quite pro when it comes to handling balls...

before they crash into someone's windscreen :P

Random Shots

2006-03-21T12:12:00.000+08:00

I Love to SMELL MY SHOE... its therapeutic!!! :P

The QUEEN OF CUBA... get it? "Cube?" No? nvm....

GiRL HUDDLE!!!!!...
This is how Aileen gets her inspiration to plan for the Games in the Youth Camp...

Project C

2006-03-21T10:29:00.000+08:00

hey everyone (:
YES we've changed the blog add to Project C, the name of our up and coming youth camp
(for the blur ones, camp is may31 - june2 KEEP THESE DATES FREE!)

WHY PROJECT C?
C stands for Closer 2 Christ. Our theme is intimacy with God... so it ties in perfectly (:
Also, Project C sounds quite cool la (:

Meet The People Session

2006-03-21T00:55:00.000+08:00

Meet Pek Ya, Our New Youth Worker. Just started her job only a few weeks ago, but so stressed out already... cos of all the Youth Camp Matters!

Meet our Pleuripotent, Multifaceted Youths, who are perpetually virtually good at EVERYTHING!!!.......

Here we have the latest craze, hunks from

the new Boy Band called 180 degrees!

And now for some EYE CANDY... the "Mei Nui's" with their Pretty Painted Toe Nails...

The young DEFENDERS OF OUR COUNTRY!!!!

Protecting this little red dot WITH THEIR LIVES!!!

Blog Poll

2006-03-19T23:07:00.000+08:00

Prayer Requests

2006-03-19T22:43:00.000+08:00

Hi
I know some people will not feel very comfortable sharing prayer items on the chatbox over there ----> for the whole world to see, so you have the option of just emailing us.
prayerequests@gmail.com
(note there's only 1 "r")
(:
debs

Hmm

2006-03-19T22:00:00.000+08:00

Went to the esplanade last night with Wayne and Denise. Free outdoor latin american concert. Very cool... there were a group of people salsa dancing in the corner... we went over to kaypo and realised one of the couples was Colin and Wendy hahahahha. After the concert I started feeling very dizzy and cold (?!)... felt even worse in the morning so I didn't go to church. Am feeling quite bad about not going cos I was supposed to meet Pek ya for a meeting... and talk to Dean's yg about youth camp. Sigh. Anyways lately I've been thinking about my dad... I really miss him. This round of chemo has hit him hard. He's been feeling nauseus and can't eat. :( Really need to pray for him... pray that God will heal him completely.

debs

Facing Failure- Christian Approach

2006-03-18T02:17:00.000+08:00

Here's a Very Passionate and Inspiring Article. Then again, Compare it with the previous post and Think if this is the way Christians should cope with Failure.... is it a "people pleasing" article, saying GOOD things we want to hear? How about the previous posts?

"...Destroy this temple and I will raise it up again in three days..." John 2:19

Jesus understood about rising again successfully after something being destroyed.

Do you ?

Many times when we make the decision to create a Holy Success in our life through the Spirit, many well meaning people will come against you. They will destroy your excitment, focus, belief, trust, and actions to succeed.

They will try to put you down, and leave you in the dirt of deception. They will try to firehose your Christian success efforts with the water of won't happen, and it's a waste of time. They will try to bury you in grave of groans and excuses, and leave you staggering on your feet falling in a rut of giving up. They did Christ, but He understood His Success Power to Rise.

Do you understand your Success Power to rise again- through the Holy Spirit?

Jesus has an incomprehensible way to touch you, help you up, dust you off, then tell you that you will rise again in your life, no matter what has happened. It is Supernatural, and can overcome anything the world will throw your way.

God can overcome anything, including:
Bankruptcy.
Divorce.
Business Failure.
Children Failure.
Financial Pressures.
Life Pressures.

And all of these can take you out, and shove you down, and leave you lying in the dirt of doubt, and the mud of misery. A far cry from massive Success in life! Then You hear His Voice: "Be not afraid...for I will help you rise again." He has a history of rising, and He has His Hand out, waiting for you to take It. No matter what has happened in your life, and your Success Journey, you can rise to a level of massive Success again! Rising Again is the Master's Specialty and He will bring that Power to your Success and life. If you are really suffering in Life's Trenches of Torture in any point today, then understand: You WILL rise again in the Success of Life!

RISE stands for: "Realizing It's (the) Spirit's Empowerment"

When you realize it's HIS Power, not your's that will help you back up, and keep you back up, things start to change!

A new dawn has risen in your life.

Ask Him today to touch your circumstances, finances, relationship, or whatever else has been buried in a tomb of destruction. Then make a decision to start moving towards Success again, but NOT in your power, but in the Success Power of the Holy Spirit! Make a goal of what you want restored in your life, and then give it over to the Lord, and then ask yourself these 3 questions:

1) What did I learn from this failure and how is it applicable to my future success?
2) What benefits will I obtain for my life by getting off my rear and start focusing on getting back in the game, but this time in a different and Supernatural Success Power?
3) What is the first thing that I need to do to start moving towards this goal?

Then take that step with God by your side. It will rock your world as a believer, and please God as well as your actions demonstate FAITH. And it will increase His Working in your life too! And also enlarge your Success as a believer and Christian.

Source: http://www.hotlib.com/articles/show.php?t=Christian_Success-_Success_that_Rises_from_the_Ashes_of_Failure

Facing Failure 2- The Secular Perspective

2006-03-18T01:48:00.000+08:00

Read with discernment & discretion:

Questions to Ponder bout to Cope With Failure:
- Did I fail because of another person, because of my situation, or because of myself?
- Did I actually fail, or did I simply fall short of an unrealistically high standard?
- Where did I succeed, as well as fail?
- What lessons have I learned?
- Am I grateful for this experience?
- How can I turn the failure into success?
- Who else has failed in this way before, and how can they help me?
- How can my experience help others someday to keep from failing?
Source: http://www.lifeway.com/lwc/article_main_page/0,1703,A%253D158385%2526M%253D50016,00.html

Keypointers from a Hindu Website:
- Know that you can deal with failure
- Accept failure as a process
- Anticipate failure
- Develop an intelligent and attitude
- Accept responsibility for your failure
- Act with equanimity of mind
- Be persistent
- Seek help from others
- Be creative
- Think positively
- Be systematic
Failure is like a storm in the course of a voyage. It is a situation that is in proportion to your state of awareness and preparedness and is usually reflective of your level of your progress and skill levels. It demands timely and skillful action, planned and concerted approach, positive mental attitude, unyielding courage and conviction in the face of destabilizing environment and an organized thinking that can generate valuable ideas to help your ship stay you afloat and on course. Therefore, take failure as a learning and remedial opportunity. Face it with courage. Deal with it courageously. Give it your best and make it your strength.
Source: http://hinduwebsite.com/selfdevt/coping_with_failure.htm

From a Buddhist Forum:
One Buddhist practice that I find very useful in countering the arising of unskillful mental states (emotions, thoughts, etc) is the cultivation of the Divine Abodes (Brahma Viharas).

1. Instead of ego and selfishness we cultivate lovingkindness (metta), by recognising that all beings, just like us, want to be well and happy."Just as I wish to be happy, so all beings wish to be happy"

2. Instead of depression or hard-heartedness at the suffering of others and ourselves, we cultivate compassion which motivates us to do what we can to alleviate suffering. Suffering becomes a source of energy and inspiration."May all beings be free from pain and suffering"

3. Instead of jealousy at the success and happiness of others, we cultivate sympathetic joy. In this way we are inspired and filled with joy at the happiness and success of others."May all beings be happy and well"

4. Instead of disappointment, depression, stress that things are not the way we wish them to be, we cultivate equanimity. In this way we appreciate that things arise due to conditions and causes. Things in the present arise due to past causes. The future arises due to present causes - including our actions in this present moment."May I accept that things are the way they are"

On this last point, a cautionary note, it is possible to interpret equanimity as fatalism - this is not the case. One of the key parts of this is recognising our ability to affect the present moment, and explore that possibility. The past is gone, and the future uncertain, but in this present moment we can act. Acting skillfully is the challenge.
Source: http://www.lioncity.net/buddhism/lofiversion/index.php/t13414.html

Facing Failure- The Secular Perspective

2006-03-18T01:07:00.000+08:00

A nice article to think and debate about... relates to all of us as Youths... PSLE, O-LEVEL, A-LEVEL, IB, Uni, SATS I & II, other disappointments etc. etc.... Teaches us mainly about *HUMILITY* but i guess, this article is quite "worldly" in it's style and writing, a good G.P. essay though and a good attempt to publicise the University, but We always have to see things as the "Big Guy" does! So, think about it and i'll post the Christian Approach soon after i've found good articles...

Tips & Directions:
- Too Free/Bo Liao: Read ENTIRE Article
- Just want to know main points: Read both parts in RED & YELLOW
- No Time At All/Feeling Lazy: Just read the parts in YELLOW

This article is by an alumni member and a Cavalier Daily columnist of the University of Virginia, Noah Peters. The Source is: http://www.cavalierdaily.com/CVarticle.asp?ID=23662&pid=1308

"While there are many excellent attributes to the University itself, the most important thing I have learned in my two years at the University has implications that reach beyond the college experience. The skill which I have learned here that I have come to value the most is the capacity to cope with setbacks and disappointments. These setbacks can take many forms as one goes through the college experience -- being fired from a job; a bad grade -- and arise almost inevitably. The key is to learn to deal with these setbacks, take positive lessons form them and move on.

Mistakes can have far-reaching consequences when one reaches college age. This is because society expects much more of eighteen year olds than it does of those of younger ages. Eighteen is the age society considers the beginning of adulthood, and with this status comes incredible responsibility. Your actions can have profound consequences for the future. Society is often willing to make allowance for lapses in youths that it refuses to make for adults. However, there is a sort of disjunction that arises here: Students also lack the judgment and maturity of older adults. Hence it is extremely easy to land in serious trouble at this age.

Eighteen is also an age at which many students have great expectations for the future. Yet it is a further unfortunate circumstance that these expectations will often lead to disappointment. Both the job market and the classroom can be unforgiving. You will soon discover that the job market and the classroom at this age serve as mechanisms for society to separate the wheat from the chaff: a process of selection is occurring. This process is inherent in any social system which, like ours, is founded on the concepts of private property and the market. Students will be graded and evaluated, and some will not measure up.

The University, as one of the top colleges in the nation, provides an especially challenging environment for students to get ahead. From the UniversityGuide Service to positions in student government to internships, many valued positions are subject to a competitive selection process. Many students will start interacting in a serious way with the job market, and some incoming students will struggle with college-level work where they thrived on high school-level work. This is because students at the University tend to be much more skilled than the average high school student. The competitive atmosphere fostered at the University is one of its greatest assets, as it creates an environment where achievement is encouraged and celebrated. This can also lead to frustrating moments, however, as students struggle to keep up.

The key to this entire process is being able to accept failure when it comes. We have all heard the inspirational stories centered on this theme -- Einstein failing math class, for instance. But the underlying message of these fables is true: Disappointment is part of the human condition. Despite what you may believe, you cannot be whatever you want. People have different talents and abilities, and you will have to pursue a field of specialization. This process is inherently limiting, but necessary.

Inherent in the process of dealing with failure is an appreciation of the limits of one's own power. Accepting setbacks involves accepting one's own shortcomings and imperfections. It means being able to accept your own capacity to fail -- and inability to fundamentally alter the world. This is a very difficult lesson for most of us to accept, especially idealistic eighteen-year olds. No amount of pleading, however, will change a C to a B. There are some mistakes whose consequences you cannot avoid. The key is to have humility about the situation and recognize that there are some battles you should not fight and cannot win. The power is in your hands to acknowledge setbacks when they occur and build something positive from them.

But more than this, humility is a valuable lesson to learn generally. It is a necessary quality in order to live together peaceably in society. The worst excesses in human history have occurred when we lose sight of the fundamental fact that human beings are imperfect and cannot be molded into whatever form we would like. Just as we must learn to accept our own shortcomings, we must learn to accept them in others.

In the end, not everyone will find what they are looking for. While being able to accept setbacks makes life easier, it will not guarantee a successful future. The cold fact is that not everyone who comes through the University turns into a happy and successful adult. The University does not hold its students' hands, but if you come in with a positive attitude the University provides a tremendous opportunity to build a happy future."

I'm Gonna Be, A History Maker In This Land

2006-03-17T16:36:00.000+08:00

An awesome song by Delirious. GO DL IT!

History Maker

Is it true today that when people pray

Cloudless skies will break

Kings and queens will shake

Yes it's true and I believe it

I'm living for you

Is it true today that when people pray

We'll see dead men rise

And the blind set free

Yes it's true and I believe it

I'm living for you

I'm gonna be a history maker in this land

I'm gonna be a speaker of truth to all mankind

I'm gonna stand, I'm gonna run

Into your arms, into your arms again

Well it's true today that when people stand

With the fire of God, and the truth in hand

We'll see miracles, we'll see angels sing

We'll see broken hearts making history

Yes it's true and I believe it

We're living for you

hehehe

2006-03-17T00:11:00.000+08:00

hello hello, just a coupla things

1) FLICKR: hahahaha we took the liberty of uploading unglam pics!! WE LOVE YOU don't be angry (: hehhehee. if you have unglam pics of your friends, please tell me and we'll upload em (: wahahhaa.

2) guys if you want to help out in the camp in ANY WAY (we need help! help! help!) do tell me! just drop a line on the tagboard and i'll get back to you. we DESPERATELY NEED SOMEONE WHO CAN DESIGN A CAMP LOGO FOR US because i am really crappy at art. we want COOL CAMP TEES this year okay!!!! ones you all will actually wear out of camp haha. so all those creative ones out there, HELP PLEASE!

debs

iBelieve ;)

2006-03-16T23:59:00.000+08:00

URGENT PRAYER REQUEST

2006-03-16T23:18:00.000+08:00

hi all, am writing this on dominic's behalf.

If you don't already know, dominic was charged into detention barracks (solitary confinement to a cell all day) cos he disobeyed general orders. we prayed for him and thank God he was let off. However he still has to be in confinement for 28 days from tomorrow. this means he cannot leave the army base.
please pray
1) that his charge will be reduced. 28 days is the expected charge.
2) that he will feel God's presence with him during this difficult time.

-debbie

Hillsong United: United We Stand

2006-03-16T20:36:00.000+08:00

Hillsong United: United We Stand

The latest recording from Hillsong United, the youth ministry of Hillsong Church! Featuring 13 new songs from writers such as Joel Houston, Marty Sampson and Matt Crocker, this CD with bonus DVD is an expression of the hearts of young people toward their saviour Jesus Christ.

GET YOUR COPY TODAY ...

FROM A CHRISTIAN BOOKSHOP NEAR YOU!

OR can buy it for your friends or classmates as birthday gifts and such... spread the Love!

Cool Stuff!

2006-03-16T18:37:00.000+08:00

Stare at dots in the middle of the picture for 1 minute...

then look at a blank piece of paper and blink a bit...

Wad do u see?

The Prayer

2006-03-16T17:16:00.000+08:00

I pray you’ll be our eyes
And watch us where we go
And help us to be wise
In times when we don’t know
Let this be our prayer
As we go our way
Lead us to a place
Guide us with your grace
To a place where we’ll be safe

La luce che to dai
I pray we’ll find your light
Nel cuore restero
And hold it in our hearts
A ricordarchi che
When stars go out each night
L’eterna stella sei

Nella mia preghiera
Let this be our prayer
Quanta fede c’e
When shadows fill our day
Lead us to a place
Guide us with your grace
Give us faith so we’ll be safe.

Sognamo un mondo senza piu violenza
Un mondo di giustizia e di speranza
Ognuno dia la mano al suo vicino
Simbolo di pace e di fraternita

La forza che ci dai
We ask that life be kind
E’il desiderio che
And watch us from above
Ognuno trovi amore
We hope each soul will find
Intorno e dentro a se
Another soul to love

Let this be our prayer
Let this be our prayer
Just like every child
Just like every child
Needs to find a place,
Guide us with your grace
Give us faith so we’ll be safe

E la fede che
Hai acceso in noi
Sento che ci salvera

...nice song sung by famous people like celine dion & Andre Bocelli; Josh Groban and Charlotte Church... i guess it sums up most of the prayer request in general:

1. That we will see things from God's eyes and perspective
2. Walk in His Light, following in His Lead
3. Be guided by His Grace
4. That we will love our neighbours
5. That He will keep us Safe
6. For Life to be Kind
7. To have the Child-like Faith

Now for the Specifics:
1. For the Committee to be Focused and for Renewed Vision.
2. That the Youths will be diligent in doing their QT daily.
3. That the Youths will Trust in the Lord with All their Heart, Soul, Mind and Strength... not just in one aspect.
4. For Unity- NO conflicts and disputes. For Peace! especially the Com
5. For safety throughout the year especially during the camp.
6. For a Smooth and Successful Camp...Salvation of Lost Souls!
7. To Believe that God is always in Control when things don't seem right or go the way we plan.

Pray... Cos Prayer Changes Things!

hmm.. now for worship, there's about 5 worship Sessions so we need 5 Worship Leaders... Good opportunity for the young budding youths to gain experience to level up... but must make sure the last night power pack worship is good... need mature ones for that... hmm must take note not to make it just a great emotional experience but a Great Spiritual one... must Pray for God's Annointing... alter call only as the spirit leads.

i guess i'll take that one... that leaves 4 slots left... hmm Sarah says she can so 3.. Michelle expresses interest..so 2... AH Issac and Michael... but Michael's taking A levels that time so theatre studies so hmm... have to ask around....

Instruments:
Drum set a big No No..

1. Keyboard with Amp
2. Acoustic Guit with Amp
3. Djim Baey-dunnoe if sherwin can make it?
4. Percussion stuff... tambourine, shaker
5. Electric Guitar..can bring mine... or just bring effects box for acoustic guit (dual role)

Musicians... those who can play the above.. must get a time table and delegate...
by this sunday got to start asking around and get advice from Paul Yeo!

I remember there are OHPs there so must remember to bring transparencies so must get the songs from the Worhsip Leaders... hmm or are we bringing the projector? Use Power Point? can bring me lap top...

Lets see what else?
Sigh... i think i need to really rally people and get them excited.. have to psyc myself up too.... toopid exams and stuff to think about.. so much to study too... dun wan to go for Vivas and supplementary papers cos they'll spoil all my holiday plans.... argh... i'm really scared cos it may mean getting retained and making my parents paying extra $18,000 more out of so much their already spending on me and then can kiss good bye to the Holy Land Tour and driving license...but this is where i must learn to trust...and Mug hard. ouch! my medulla oblongata hurts.. or maybe its my middle meningeal artery rupturing to give me a epidural haematoma! :P

Back to work...

The Beautiful Letdown

2006-03-16T10:36:00.000+08:00

Wow organizing Youth Camp is about 10 times harder than I thought it would be. Had a good catch up session with Jeff though, I think we pretty much share the same sentiments regarding the camp. We really, really REALLY want this camp to be the starting point of something bigger. We want to see youths (ourselves included, as old as we are) start to really want to walk closer with Christ… not in a pretentious, Sunday-schoolish way but a real earnest desire to serve Him. I’m not sure about everyone else, but for myself, I think one of the inherent problems is that I am so used to going to church that it becomes more of a tradition as opposed to an act of earnestness to praise God as a community. As Jeff said, I think the starting point HAS to be the committee. If we are not united, how can we expect the rest of the youth to be? If we are not diligently doing our QT, how can we possibly think that the camp we organize can bring people closer to Christ?

I think, ultimately, we really need to put in the hard yards. I feel a bit discouraged because it is so hard to get the committee to meet… not anyone’s fault, just in the midst of CCA, school, etc, it’s becoming very difficult. Please pray for the camp. We need our focus to be on Jesus.

I digress. I really like the lyrics of this song by switchfoot:

It was a beautiful letdown

When I crashed and burned

When I found myself alone, unknown and hurt

It was a beautiful letdown

The day I knew,

That all the riches

This world had to offer me will never do.

In a world full of bitter pain,

and bitter doubts,

I was trying so hard to fit in,

Fit in, until I found out

I don't belong here

I will carry a cross and a song

Where I don't belong

Debbie

Perplexed

2006-03-15T20:22:00.000+08:00

Met with Debs on monday.. did some pretty good catching up... hehe thanks for dinner debs... such a sweet gurl... had Din Tai Feng at Wisma.. and at the end they gave some toopid survey and guess wat! it was in chinese! couldn't understand a darn thing so i just any how circled and wrote some rubbish stuff haha..

Then we walked around orchard and finally ended up at coffee bean at Paragon... and waited for Pek ya to arrive... she arrived late so she treated us drinks!
Anyways before i forget, let me pen down some of the stuff we discussed for our dear youth camp....

main theme: intimacy with God... need to think of a good name... how bout "Climax??"

Main focus: Jesus!

cos i'm in charge of worship and prayer, better make sure prayer, woship, meditation all goes back to the audience of One...

Problems i see so far...
people in the main com pretty inexperienced in terms of running a camp...
also, big problem is we're NOT UNITED!!!
debs and i were thinkin how to deal with this... so since its the school holidays now,
we thought of doin something to get everybody to meet and get to noe each other better.
1. Do a dry run of some activities... so we can have a rough idea how things will go in the camp and the feasibility
2. we really need to encourage the younger ones....
3.we have to seek advice from the young adults whom are quite experienced with these kind of things :
- Dean
- Pastors
- Pek Ya
- Paul Leong
- Neil Yang
- Calister
- George
but maybe not se feasible cos everyone sure got somethings on here and there.. CCAs argh
So maybe Sunday before church we have some worship thing half an hour before service?

SG11 to play an active role in YM... must seek an understanding with Aunty Penny
People in NS Too... hard to commit time.
Maybe we can enlist the help of the poeple 2-3 years older? Jaqs Group... Alvin, Allan, Terrance.

We need to make people excited bout the camp... not much time left... have to RAHRAH... saRAH! oops where did that come from... but hope she can help out in the worship and help me make this blog look more glam... hate html... thanks dear! hope ur not playing minesweeper 109485584529084 times still...

But Passion has to come from the Com first...then flow from top down!

Bad guy, good guy thing... hmm hope this sneaky plan works.

wee need a progress chart... stuff to do and by when...

Spiritual preparations.... long long way to go man...
But this should take precidence over all... we really need to pray for God's guidance and for His annointing.... or else it may end up super seccular..
- spiritually immature people
-age factor
-commitment factor.. skool, exams, CCA... the usual stuff of life...

Solution Dean thinks may counter all these... use his YG as the main driving force... bout 20 over people... then use YG time... a sacrifice we have to take so that future generations can benifit...
we need to create ownership in our YM.. and identity... hehe sounds like remaking singapore but on a smaller scale... luckily no elections..

YM LOGO and SHIRT!
theme song for camp?
Long term plan for the rest of the year? follow up?... hope Mr Alaistar knows wad he's doin...

monthly YG Leaders meeting

Quarterly Youth Worship

Renewal of Leadership

SG11's project... perplexity thingy..sounds very interesting...alt reality gaming hmmm.....

Acromegaly

2006-03-14T12:58:00.000+08:00

Didn't want to go to skool today...but must have the discipline to study... MUG MUG MUG.. 1st pros coming...sianz
Hmm..met rachel today, studied with her outside the libs cost she felt cold...

sunshine's good... so kidneys can make 1,25-Dihydroxycholecalciferol(Vitamin D3)!!!

endocrine physiology is damn boring...
almost fell asleep while reading guyton... and i almost cloured my book grafitti style with my yellow highlighter...

slacking in the libs now after a good meal of cha kway teow from the enclave... yummy humps...
that didnt sound rite... thinking of black eyed peas...

oh well better get back to studying... must chong thru and finish respi and pelvis and perineum... the fun never ends...

ou yang told me to each panadol cold to keep awake... got some pseudoepinephrine or something and its cheaper than if u buy it on its own... haha... i wonder wat if i take the panadol mentrual? hmmm... dun want to try... oops the libs lady is looking at me now...not supposed to use this com... bye

my utmost for His highest

2006-02-25T13:47:00.000+08:00

testing, testing!