Hey people,
For this week, I would like to draw your attention to the Catholic News distributed yesterday regarding "The Dignity of a Person". This document highlights a lot of issues regarding stem cell research, gene therapy, cloning... and why it's all so WRONG! Basically summed up, this document highlights the dangers of Man trying to take the place of God. If you are interested to know more, you can refer to this website: http://www.catholic.org.sg/cn/wordpress/?p=3662. I can imagine the horror of people knowing that there's another me!
1) Cell group - Holidays until January!
2) Youth Alpha - Session is on again this week! If interested, you can still contact Celine at 90906469.
3) Our own noticeboard - We have our own Youth Noticeboard at the entrance of the church. You can check out youth happenings in our parish and around the diocese from over there!
4) Youth Mass - Last call! After half a year trial of Youth Mass, we are pausing to reflect. We need your feedback through this online survey: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=QdQFP1uC0d3LnjMkF9wbcA_3d_3d. It will take not more then 5 minutes of your time:)
5) Music Ministry - We are forming a Music Ministry! Can you play instruments (Guitar, piano, organ... etc)? Can you sing? We are having an audition in the basement next Sunday 11 Jan @ 11.45am. If interested to play or make music for God, come join us! Or you can contact Michael @ 94765852.
6) His Vineyard - BSC's Young Adults group is having a weekend retreat from 9th to 11th Jan. If interested, please contact Edmund @ 96498336.
7) School Of Witness - CAYC is holding a 6 week program for tertiary students (18yrs to 25yrs) on holidays in Jan. Interested participants can refer to attached brochure for more details.
8) Up Close and Personal - Who are the Daughters of St Paul? Inviting interested young women (below 30 yrs) discerning for vocation to this encounter on 10 January. Contact Sr Jocelyn at 65608003.
Peace,
Joachim
Monday, December 29, 2008
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Step 4 - The End
You’re almost ready! Before you dive in, let me share several quick tips that may help and enhance your writing.
Pray
This is obvious but we can get so consumed in the task of writing and figuring out our testimony that we forget to do what is essential! Invite others to pray
Don’t do this alone.
Recruit 2 people who will pray for you before and during; try to include at least one adult on this prayer team.
Do a heart check
Are you ready to publicly represent Christ? Be sure your heart is right with God and others. Anyone you need to talk to? Apologize to?
Know your audience
Are you speaking to mostly Christians, non-Christians, or a mix? Be sure to use language that your listeners will understand. Avoid church lingo like “saved,” “re-dedicate,” “invite Jesus in your heart.” What do those words really mean, especially to a non-Christian?
Write it out point form
Writing out in point form will enable you to think through properly before you write out your story. Does this part fits here or will it be better if I put it at the end?
Writing out MY STORY
Finally! Your end product. Write out YOUR STORY with the points that you had noted down previously. Check for spelling, grammar and vocab errors before sending it to us!
Ignore doubts
Expect your mind to be filled with lots of doubts and messages like, “Who do you think you are to share your story? You're such a hypocrite. God can't use you.” This is a strategy of Satan. Fortunately, as a Christian, you don't have to be perfect to share your story (hey, I'm not!). But you do need to know that God is with you and is cheering you on. And so are the people who are praying for you!
Keep your focus on God
Remember, it's God who has given you a story to tell. Be excited about your story, but be sure to give God the credit He deserves.Have fun!
You are loved by God and your friends no matter how you do, so relax and enjoy the privilege of telling others about the incredible relationship you have (and they can have) with Jesus.
The end!
The format for a growth story might look like this . . .
ISSUE + LESSON + RESPONSE = my growth story
What ISSUE or QUESTION have you been struggling with? What’s been going on in your life that God is using to challenge or stretch you? In what ways have you been stumbling in your walk with Christ?What LESSON did you learn from your issue/question? What insight from the Bible did God give you, or what friend encouraged you? What have you learned or in what way have you grown since the issue/question first presented itself? What RESPONSE is God calling for? Or what RESPONSE do you need from your readers? If there was a definite lesson God taught you, how does He want you to live now? If there hasn’t been an answer yet, how do you want others to pray for you? Could your response challenge others to grow? IMPORTANT! When you actually begin to write out either type of testimony, put the bulk of your material in the middle section (“how” or “lesson”). Why? Many people focus too much on what life was like before Christ or on the issue they’re struggling with, and it can overwhelm the audience. The reader needs to se HOW you came to know Christ and/or what LESSON God taught you during this time. Everyone can relate to life outside of Christ, but people need to get a clear picture of the kind of hope Christ offers.
What ISSUE or QUESTION have you been struggling with? What’s been going on in your life that God is using to challenge or stretch you? In what ways have you been stumbling in your walk with Christ?What LESSON did you learn from your issue/question? What insight from the Bible did God give you, or what friend encouraged you? What have you learned or in what way have you grown since the issue/question first presented itself? What RESPONSE is God calling for? Or what RESPONSE do you need from your readers? If there was a definite lesson God taught you, how does He want you to live now? If there hasn’t been an answer yet, how do you want others to pray for you? Could your response challenge others to grow? IMPORTANT! When you actually begin to write out either type of testimony, put the bulk of your material in the middle section (“how” or “lesson”). Why? Many people focus too much on what life was like before Christ or on the issue they’re struggling with, and it can overwhelm the audience. The reader needs to se HOW you came to know Christ and/or what LESSON God taught you during this time. Everyone can relate to life outside of Christ, but people need to get a clear picture of the kind of hope Christ offers.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
4th Advent Cell
4th Advent Cell: The last night of cell for the year, certainly befitting of a year end cell. A little more people then usual - a little more sharing then usual. What comes to your mind when we talk about Advent? Last week focuses on the 'yes' of Mary to God to conceive the child, Jesus.
God in the form of a baby. Weak, powerless and small. Do we see children as hope? Some said yes, some said no. Do we then see Jesus, in the form of a baby as hope for the world? Why did He come as a baby and not as a man immediately? One shared that maybe this enabled God to look at the world through our eyes, our human failings.
How many times did we say yes to God? How many times did we not dare to say yes? A child, shrouded in mystery. No one knows what this child will bring: Peace? War? Love? No matter what, Mary still said yes, expecting nothing, not knowing anything.
Does our expectations sometimes fall beyond what we hope for? One shared yes, many times. So it's best not to aim too high least you fall down too hard. Is it true? Do we not aim high just because we are afraid that we will fall down too hard? I think the impt thing is how we pick ourselves up after we fall down.
God, in a weak baby, said yes by Mary = The yes of Man to once again recieve God into their lives.
Are you ready to recieve God once again into your life by saying yes?
Have a blessed and joyful Christmas.
God in the form of a baby. Weak, powerless and small. Do we see children as hope? Some said yes, some said no. Do we then see Jesus, in the form of a baby as hope for the world? Why did He come as a baby and not as a man immediately? One shared that maybe this enabled God to look at the world through our eyes, our human failings.
How many times did we say yes to God? How many times did we not dare to say yes? A child, shrouded in mystery. No one knows what this child will bring: Peace? War? Love? No matter what, Mary still said yes, expecting nothing, not knowing anything.
Does our expectations sometimes fall beyond what we hope for? One shared yes, many times. So it's best not to aim too high least you fall down too hard. Is it true? Do we not aim high just because we are afraid that we will fall down too hard? I think the impt thing is how we pick ourselves up after we fall down.
God, in a weak baby, said yes by Mary = The yes of Man to once again recieve God into their lives.
Are you ready to recieve God once again into your life by saying yes?
Have a blessed and joyful Christmas.
BLYM Weekly Updates
Hey people!
There was a great turnout for August Rush movie screening on Satuday and we thank those who had attended.. Time flies fast. In just a few more days, we will be celebrating Christmas and a brand new 2009! People are scurrying here and there to get their hands on some last minute Christmas shopping and decorations. In the process of preparing for holidays, that's not forget about the main cause for celebration and that's JESUS! Yup and so from all of us here at Bridging Light Youth Ministry, we wish you a blessed Christmas and a Happy New Year! Looking forward to seeing you at our events in 2009!
1) Cell group - Holidays until January!
2) Youth Alpha - Session is off for next week! If interested, you can contact Celine at 90906469.
3) Our own noticeboard - We have our own Youth Noticeboard at the entrance of the church. You can check out youth happenings in our parish and around the diocese from over there!
4) Youth Mass - We need your help! After half a year trial of Youth Mass, we are pausing to reflect. We need your feedback through this online survey: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=QdQFP1uC0d3LnjMkF9wbcA_3d_3d. It will take not more then 5 minutes of your time:)
5) His Vineyard - BSC's Young Adults group is having a weekend retreat from 9th to 11th Jan. If interested, please contact Edmund @ 96498336.
6) School Of Witness - CAYC is holding a 6 week program for tertiary students (18yrs to 25yrs) on holidays in Jan. Interested participants can refer to attached brochure for more details.
7) Up Close and Personal - Who are the Daughters of St Paul? Inviting interested young women (below 30 yrs) discerning for vocation to this encounter on 10 January. Contact Sr Jocelyn at 65608003.
Peace,
Joachim
There was a great turnout for August Rush movie screening on Satuday and we thank those who had attended.. Time flies fast. In just a few more days, we will be celebrating Christmas and a brand new 2009! People are scurrying here and there to get their hands on some last minute Christmas shopping and decorations. In the process of preparing for holidays, that's not forget about the main cause for celebration and that's JESUS! Yup and so from all of us here at Bridging Light Youth Ministry, we wish you a blessed Christmas and a Happy New Year! Looking forward to seeing you at our events in 2009!
1) Cell group - Holidays until January!
2) Youth Alpha - Session is off for next week! If interested, you can contact Celine at 90906469.
3) Our own noticeboard - We have our own Youth Noticeboard at the entrance of the church. You can check out youth happenings in our parish and around the diocese from over there!
4) Youth Mass - We need your help! After half a year trial of Youth Mass, we are pausing to reflect. We need your feedback through this online survey: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=QdQFP1uC0d3LnjMkF9wbcA_3d_3d. It will take not more then 5 minutes of your time:)
5) His Vineyard - BSC's Young Adults group is having a weekend retreat from 9th to 11th Jan. If interested, please contact Edmund @ 96498336.
6) School Of Witness - CAYC is holding a 6 week program for tertiary students (18yrs to 25yrs) on holidays in Jan. Interested participants can refer to attached brochure for more details.
7) Up Close and Personal - Who are the Daughters of St Paul? Inviting interested young women (below 30 yrs) discerning for vocation to this encounter on 10 January. Contact Sr Jocelyn at 65608003.
Peace,
Joachim
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Are you lonely tonight?....3rd advent cell
harlow! Sorry for the super delayed postings.
Here's our short advent cell summary last friday after the commemoration mass for Fr David.
Yes. Loneliness.
What does it mean to you? what is your own experience of loneliness?
Many a times, even when we're surrounded by friends and families,
we could still feel a certain kind of "loneliness" or emptiness.
Something seemed to be missing.
No matter how hard we try to fill in the emptiness
it'll still eventually come back to us.
Just like how John the Baptist had proclaimed that
he was unable to "satisfy" the hungry hearts of the people
It is Jesus who will give us the ultimate fulfillment and baptise us with the Holy Spirit
BUT, that is provided we allow Him to do that.
To seriously invite God into our lives and
to be able to hear His voice that cries out in the wilderness.
Besides administering to ourselves,
let us also be reminded to bring light of Christ and of hope
to people around us.
Really, to make straight the way of the Lord is not easy
and it comes in many forms and means.
But when we do it, we could curb that "loneliness" that reside
in our hearts.
I had a good confession on Monday.
Short and sweet but right to the core.
And it took great courage and many years!!...
I felt God's immense love and mercy when the priest said,
"I absolved you from your sins!"
I have attempted to make a difference
So can you. =)
lol....so propaganda...
Here's our short advent cell summary last friday after the commemoration mass for Fr David.
Yes. Loneliness.
What does it mean to you? what is your own experience of loneliness?
Many a times, even when we're surrounded by friends and families,
we could still feel a certain kind of "loneliness" or emptiness.
Something seemed to be missing.
No matter how hard we try to fill in the emptiness
it'll still eventually come back to us.
Just like how John the Baptist had proclaimed that
he was unable to "satisfy" the hungry hearts of the people
It is Jesus who will give us the ultimate fulfillment and baptise us with the Holy Spirit
BUT, that is provided we allow Him to do that.
To seriously invite God into our lives and
to be able to hear His voice that cries out in the wilderness.
Besides administering to ourselves,
let us also be reminded to bring light of Christ and of hope
to people around us.
Really, to make straight the way of the Lord is not easy
and it comes in many forms and means.
But when we do it, we could curb that "loneliness" that reside
in our hearts.
I had a good confession on Monday.
Short and sweet but right to the core.
And it took great courage and many years!!...
I felt God's immense love and mercy when the priest said,
"I absolved you from your sins!"
I have attempted to make a difference
So can you. =)
lol....so propaganda...
Monday, December 15, 2008
Hey people,
As we approach the last week of Advent, it's time for us to do our Confession! Many youths had asked me "Why can't I confess my sins directly to God? Why must I confess to a priest?" Let me try to give you an answer: The priest is the direct representative of God to us on Earth. True, he's a mortal with sins but he's also given the power to absolve us from sins. God is giving us the grace to be forgiven! So why not take this chance? Moving on...
1) Advent cell - Last week of Advent sessions! Join us in this last round of preparation for Advent on 19 December Friday, 8pm in the Lighthouse!
2) An Advent movie screening, August Rush - A drama with fairy tale elements, where an orphaned musical prodigy uses his gift as a clue to finding his birth parents through a musical journey. Bring a friend and a packet chips along! Tissue boxes are provided. 20 December, Saturday, 8.15pm in the Lighthouse!
3) Youth Alpha - It's onto the 3rd session this week. Still interested? Celine is the person to contact @ 90906469.
4) Youth Mass - We need your help! After half a year trial of Youth Mass, we are pausing to reflect. We need your feedback through this online survey: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=QdQFP1uC0d3LnjMkF9wbcA_3d_3d. It will take not more then 5 minutes of your time:)
5) His Vineyard - BSC's Young Adults group is having a weekend retreat from 9th to 11th Jan. Check out the brochure attached for more details!
6) School Of Witness - CAYC is holding a 6 week program for tertiary students (18yrs to 25yrs) on holidays in Jan. Interested participants can refer to attached brochure for more details!
7) Up Close and Personal - Who are the Daughters of St Paul? Inviting interested young women (below 30 yrs) discerning for vocation to this encounter on 10 January. Contact Sr Jocelyn at 65608003.
Peace
Joachim
As we approach the last week of Advent, it's time for us to do our Confession! Many youths had asked me "Why can't I confess my sins directly to God? Why must I confess to a priest?" Let me try to give you an answer: The priest is the direct representative of God to us on Earth. True, he's a mortal with sins but he's also given the power to absolve us from sins. God is giving us the grace to be forgiven! So why not take this chance? Moving on...
1) Advent cell - Last week of Advent sessions! Join us in this last round of preparation for Advent on 19 December Friday, 8pm in the Lighthouse!
2) An Advent movie screening, August Rush - A drama with fairy tale elements, where an orphaned musical prodigy uses his gift as a clue to finding his birth parents through a musical journey. Bring a friend and a packet chips along! Tissue boxes are provided. 20 December, Saturday, 8.15pm in the Lighthouse!
3) Youth Alpha - It's onto the 3rd session this week. Still interested? Celine is the person to contact @ 90906469.
4) Youth Mass - We need your help! After half a year trial of Youth Mass, we are pausing to reflect. We need your feedback through this online survey: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=QdQFP1uC0d3LnjMkF9wbcA_3d_3d. It will take not more then 5 minutes of your time:)
5) His Vineyard - BSC's Young Adults group is having a weekend retreat from 9th to 11th Jan. Check out the brochure attached for more details!
6) School Of Witness - CAYC is holding a 6 week program for tertiary students (18yrs to 25yrs) on holidays in Jan. Interested participants can refer to attached brochure for more details!
7) Up Close and Personal - Who are the Daughters of St Paul? Inviting interested young women (below 30 yrs) discerning for vocation to this encounter on 10 January. Contact Sr Jocelyn at 65608003.
Peace
Joachim
Thursday, December 11, 2008
August Rush
August RushA drama with fairy tale elements, where an orphaned musical prodigy uses his gift as a clue to finding his birth parents through a musical journey of hope and waiting. Bring a friend and chips along! Tissue boxes are provided.
When: 20 August 08, Saturday
Where: The Lighthouse, Lvl 4
Time: 8.15pm - 10.15pm.
Joachim@92394826
Sunday, December 7, 2008
BLYM Weekly Updates
Hey guys!
It's a rainy morning as I'm lazing in front of my computer typing this email to you. Rain is such a bliss to Singaporeans that we forget that in many parts of the world that some countries are in drought, especially one neighbour which is close to us: Australia. Some parts have been in drought since 2 or 3 years ago and it has seldom rain. Let us intercede for them as we pray for rain and hope in their country as preparation for Advent, the season of Waiting and Hope.
1) Advent Nights' timing is changed to 9pm this Friday, 13 Dec in the Lighthouse, due to Father David's memorial mass at 8pm. For the last session, Father Michal lead us into discussing free will, God's hope for us and the 'poor' and 'afflicted' in our society or beside us. John 10:10. Micah 6:8.
2) Youth Alpha has just ran its second session. Please continue to pray for these participants. For more details, please contact Celine @ 90906469.
3) The Testimony Project is still on! Check out our blog or add yourself to the our Facebook account at http://www.facebook.com/groups.php?ref=sb#/group.php?gid=14846641385.
4) School of Witness (A youth formation project by CAYC). A six week program helping participants to deepen their relationship with God and discover their call for evangelisation.Check www.cayconline.org or contact Joachim @ 92394826 for registration.
5) Up Close and Personal with Daughters of St Paul. Calling all young women aged below 30 if you are interested to discover your vocation in life. Contact 65608003 or RSVP fspvocation@yahoo.com.
The Sec 1s just completed their retreat last weekend. All thanks to God and the team for making this possible as this is our first parish Sunday School retreat! Hope for more to come next year with other classes!
Peace,
Joachim
It's a rainy morning as I'm lazing in front of my computer typing this email to you. Rain is such a bliss to Singaporeans that we forget that in many parts of the world that some countries are in drought, especially one neighbour which is close to us: Australia. Some parts have been in drought since 2 or 3 years ago and it has seldom rain. Let us intercede for them as we pray for rain and hope in their country as preparation for Advent, the season of Waiting and Hope.
1) Advent Nights' timing is changed to 9pm this Friday, 13 Dec in the Lighthouse, due to Father David's memorial mass at 8pm. For the last session, Father Michal lead us into discussing free will, God's hope for us and the 'poor' and 'afflicted' in our society or beside us. John 10:10. Micah 6:8.
2) Youth Alpha has just ran its second session. Please continue to pray for these participants. For more details, please contact Celine @ 90906469.
3) The Testimony Project is still on! Check out our blog or add yourself to the our Facebook account at http://www.facebook.com/groups.php?ref=sb#/group.php?gid=14846641385.
4) School of Witness (A youth formation project by CAYC). A six week program helping participants to deepen their relationship with God and discover their call for evangelisation.Check www.cayconline.org or contact Joachim @ 92394826 for registration.
5) Up Close and Personal with Daughters of St Paul. Calling all young women aged below 30 if you are interested to discover your vocation in life. Contact 65608003 or RSVP fspvocation@yahoo.com.
The Sec 1s just completed their retreat last weekend. All thanks to God and the team for making this possible as this is our first parish Sunday School retreat! Hope for more to come next year with other classes!
Peace,
Joachim
Friday, December 5, 2008
2nd Advent Cell @ The Lighthouse
Started with a song, "Father We Come to Worship You".
One of my favourites.
And the five of us gathered in a circle on a colourful rug
Candles lit, books ready and wondering where's everyone else?
Hah...well it's the season of Hope anyway.
Be it two, three or ten people, we'll just do our bit to share,
to listen and to prepare.
Somehow, started off talking about what's God's hope for us?
Fr Michal sums it up with John 10:10
"I came so that you may have life."
Certainly, God wants us to live our life to the fullest.
And this fullness of life and knowing what's the Truth will fulfill that.
Nevertheless, He wants us to receive the gift of salvation.
And then we digressed a bit further and talk about God's will.
Well, we often question if we say that God has given us free will,
then why is it that we still talk about God's plans for us?
To make things less complex, this free will given to us,
if it satisfy certain "criterias" of God's will, then we won't go wrong.
Again, Fr Michal interprets God's will as what prophet Micah has said in Micah 6:8.
- Act justly
- Love tenderly
- Walk humbly with our God.
and this reminded me of the song "Companions on the Journey"!...
AND so...moving on to the Gospel reading...
Prepare the way for the Lord's coming...
How to prepare?
Hmm...we were asked to identify the "poor" and "afflicted"
in our societies. Not necessarily physically, materially, but also spiritually and emotionally.
What about ourselves?
Have we felt "poor" and "afflicted" at times?
Has any form of help been offered to me? Any comforting words from people?
Did we see hope?
As we continue with this Advent journey,
let's think how we can offer a certain hope to people around us
People whom we might not know, people we are "poor" and "afflicted",
and maybe ourselves even, to stretch out our arms to receive some kind of hope from others too.
May we pray and ask the Spirit to increase our faith, strengthen our hope, and find joy in fulfilling God's will and yearning for God's hope in us.
~ Mike.
One of my favourites.
And the five of us gathered in a circle on a colourful rug
Candles lit, books ready and wondering where's everyone else?
Hah...well it's the season of Hope anyway.
Be it two, three or ten people, we'll just do our bit to share,
to listen and to prepare.
Somehow, started off talking about what's God's hope for us?
Fr Michal sums it up with John 10:10
"I came so that you may have life."
Certainly, God wants us to live our life to the fullest.
And this fullness of life and knowing what's the Truth will fulfill that.
Nevertheless, He wants us to receive the gift of salvation.
And then we digressed a bit further and talk about God's will.
Well, we often question if we say that God has given us free will,
then why is it that we still talk about God's plans for us?
To make things less complex, this free will given to us,
if it satisfy certain "criterias" of God's will, then we won't go wrong.
Again, Fr Michal interprets God's will as what prophet Micah has said in Micah 6:8.
- Act justly
- Love tenderly
- Walk humbly with our God.
and this reminded me of the song "Companions on the Journey"!...
AND so...moving on to the Gospel reading...
Prepare the way for the Lord's coming...
How to prepare?
Hmm...we were asked to identify the "poor" and "afflicted"
in our societies. Not necessarily physically, materially, but also spiritually and emotionally.
What about ourselves?
Have we felt "poor" and "afflicted" at times?
Has any form of help been offered to me? Any comforting words from people?
Did we see hope?
As we continue with this Advent journey,
let's think how we can offer a certain hope to people around us
People whom we might not know, people we are "poor" and "afflicted",
and maybe ourselves even, to stretch out our arms to receive some kind of hope from others too.
May we pray and ask the Spirit to increase our faith, strengthen our hope, and find joy in fulfilling God's will and yearning for God's hope in us.
~ Mike.
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