Bridging Light Updates!

Hey guys,

Wow, last weekend was certainly exciting for the Youth Office and all its ministries! First up, we have had our first Welcome Night for all the young people of the parish, where they got to experience what Cell Group is actually about. Praise and Worship was led by Psalm 100.2FM and ice-breaking games were played.

Charles's session on Community, based on 4/3π r3 = 3.142... (formula of a sphere) spoke about the joys of belonging in a community. The following verses were highlighted: Ephesians 4:3, 1 Timothy 3:14 - 15 and the 3 Rs (Rohi, Rapha and Rabbi). Amazing analogy eh? After the sharing, the young people broke up into small groups to share about the session. It was a chance to get to know one anyone better, have fun and to spiritually recharge.

The following day, the Youth Exhibit officially came up! It was a chance to show the parish what had been going on in the young people scene since 2007 to 2010. It was also a good chance to showcase our ministries and all their various mission statements. We hope that you have a brochure on your hand now! Looking forward to seeing you at some events in the near future!

1) Cell Group Starts. You can still register your interest (Living in God 2010 from ages 14 - 20), here or Little Rock Scripture Studies - Acts of the Apostles for Young Adults (21 years to 30 years old) here!

2) Intercessories - Once every 2 weeks, a group of young adults and youths will come together to pray for the needs of everyone in the parish. If you have any petitions, please send them back to our email and we will pray for you:) This week, we pray for the young people in our parish, that God will continue to shower His intimate love for all.

Peace,

Joachim

Bridging Light Updates!

Hey guys,

Happy Chinese New Year! It's the season of feasting, being merry and growing fat. It also happens to be the season of Lent where we are called to fast from our favourite things and to remember Jesus in the poor. So what's it gonna be, bro and sis? Are you going to continue feasting or are you going to start fasting? For me, I think I will try to be a little bit more patient. What about you?

This weekend is going to be exciting! We are having the Welcome Night this Saturday, 20 Feb 09, Saturday, 8pm. The Welcome Night is a night where everyone from LiG and LRSS CGs come together for Fellowship. It's a night where new friendships are forged, old friends meet, fun and music. Experience small groups sharing and learn more about God. If you are a youth or young adult, you are invited! Our Mission? Searching Self, Seeking God. Sharing Lives, Inspiring All.

On Sunday, 21 Feb 2010, we will be having our Youth Exhibition at the foyer outside the canteen! Find out more about our different ministries and their charisms. It's time to reintroduce our ministries and our new name to the parish!

Isn't it exciting? Do come by and take a look!

1) Living in God 2010. A series of Bible sharings for youth (14 - 20). Starting in March 09. You can register here!

2) Little Rock Scripture Studies. We are starting Little Rock Scripture Studies - Acts of the Apostles for Young Adults (21 years to 30 years old). If you would like to know more about LRSS, please register here!

3) Ministry Leadership Course 2010 - Organised jointly by SMOTA and SFA Youth Offices, it's in the second year of run. For young people (16 - 25) who wants to grow spiritually, personally and inleadership skills. Starting date: 28 February 2010. Registration fee is $70. Registration forms can be collected from the parish office. Further enquiries, please call Joachim @ 92394826 for more details or email mlc.west.2010@gmail.com. Alternatively, please register here! Last week for registration.

4) Intercessories - Once every 2 weeks, a group of young adults and youths will come together to pray for the needs of everyone in the parish. If you have any petitions, please send them back to our email and we will pray for you:) This week, we pray for those suffering from persecution around the world, that God may continue to give them the strength to hold firm to their faith.

Peace,

Joachim

Bridging Light Updates

Mabuhay, Kuya and Ate (Welcome, Big Brothers and Sisters! - in Tagalong)

I've just returned from the Taize's Pilgrimage of Trust which was held in Philippines, Manila. It was a whole new world and culture altogether. The Filipinos are warm, cheerful and patient. Through the care of our foster families and the friendly youths who were acting as our hosts, I'm learning patience, cheerfulness and simply trusting God. It's a very humbling experience, especially when you think you know a lot (like me).

Brother Alois, the Prior of Taize shared a very good point about simplicity. "Living in simplicity allows us to share everything we have and to better change the world."

Beside Brother Alois' talk, there's another memorable talk by the Bishop Tagle on - Listening to the God who speaks, Listening as God listens.

The whole hall was packed with young people and it's a refreshing change from Singapore where the majority will normally be seniors. If you would like to know what God is speaking to you, drop me an email. I will send you the notes and the recording.

1) Welcome Night - The Welcome Night is a night where everyone from LiG and LRSS CGs come together for Fellowship. It's a night where new friendships are forged, old friends meet, fun and music. Experience small groups sharing and learn more about God. If you are a youth or young adult, you are invited! Happening on 20 Feb 09, Saturday, 8pm. Searching Self, Seeking God. Sharing Lives, Inspiring All.

2) Living in God 2010. A series of Bible sharings for youth (14 - 20). Starting in March 09. Register this weekend with our booth or you can register here!

3) Little Rock Scripture Studies. We are starting Little Rock Scripture Studies - Acts of the Apostles for Young Adults (21 years to 30 years old). If you would like to know more about LRSS, please register here!

4) 21 Feb 2010. Youth Exhibition coming up! It's time to reintroduce our ministries and our new name to the parish!

5) Ministry Leadership Course 2010 - Organised jointly by SMOTA and SFA Youth Offices, it's in the second year of run. For young people (16 - 25) who wants to grow spiritually, personally and inleadership skills. Starting date: 28 February 2010. Registration fee is $70. Registration forms can be collected from the parish office. Further enquiries, please call Joachim @ 92394826 for more details or email mlc.west.2010@gmail.com. Alternatively, please register here!

6) 20 March to 26 March 2010. Mission Trip to Philippines, Laguna. In conjunction with Gawad Kalinga (click on the link for more info on Gawad Kalinga), an international NGO for the benefit of the poor in Philippines, we will be going on a mission trip with purposes of interacting with the locals and construction of homes. The location will be at Laguna, southern province of Luzon (2hrs bus ride from Metro Manila) and approximate cost will be $750 (inclusive of air fare and expanses). We will be doing some fund raising and appealing for donations. A group of 10 - 15 is needed to move this project.

Register now with Michael @ mike_tsh@yahoo.com with your name, age, contact, occupation and why you are interested to sign up.

"We have the whole lifetime to work and earn money. We all can afford the time to rest, play, study, enjoy etc etc. It's just 5 days of leave for those working and 7 days away from the comfort of your home.But this 7 days will allow you to transform lives as much as you being transformed through this great experience that I can assure you of."

7) Intercessories - Once every 2 weeks, a group of young adults and youths will come together to pray for the needs of everyone in the parish. If you have any petitions, please send them back to our email and we will pray for you:) This week, we pray for for simple trust to trust in God and the simplicity to live in our ways.

Peace,
Joachim

Bridging Light Updates!

Hey guys!

Wow, we had an overwhelming response for the Drama fund raising! A big thank you to everyone who has helped or donated in some way or another. Your efforts will go a long way to build up the youth confidence into displaying their talents for God and into producing spiritually led young leaders for the present.

Sometimes, youths ask me "Why is it that we can't have Praise and Worship in Mass? I expect Worship to always have drums, guitars, keyboardists.. Worship must be so WOW so that I can feel GOD!" I try explaining to them but sometimes it falls on deaf ears. Rather then talk myself to soreness, I came across this video on YouTube: If Worship is like an NBA game, which might explain a bit.

What if worshipping God is really like a basketball game? You score points for every one shouting Alleluia and get boos for anyone heading for early exit. Are we trying to score points with the congregation with "make-you-feel-high-music" or are we trying to score points with God with heartfelt praise? No doubt, we will sometimes requirePraise and Worship sessions but certainly not in Mass, as Mass itself is the highest form of Worship! Period.

1) Living in God 2010. A series of Bible sharings for youth (14 - 20). Starting in March 09. Register this weekend with our booth or you can register here!

2) Little Rock Scripture Studies. We are starting Little Rock Scripture Studies - Acts of the Apostles for Young Adults (21 years to 30 years old). If you would like to know more about LRSS, please register here! Alternatively, register with us this weekend.

3) Welcome Night - The Welcome Night is a night where everyone from LiG and LRSS CGs come together for Fellowship. It's a night where new friendships are forged, old friends meet, fun and music. Experience small groups sharing and learn more about God. If you are a youth or young adult, you are invited! Happening on 20 Feb 09, Saturday, 8pm in St Mary's Room. Searching Self, Seeking God. Sharing Lives, Inspiring All.

4) 21 Feb 2010. Youth Exhibition coming up! It's time to reintroduce our ministries and our new name to the parish!

5) Ministry Leadership Course 2010 - Organised jointly by SMOTA and SFA Youth Offices, it's in the second year of run. For young people (16 - 25) who wants to grow spiritually, personally and inleadership skills. Starting date: 28 February 2010. Registration fee is $70. Registration forms can be collected from the parish office. Further enquiries, please call Joachim @ 92394826 for more details or email mlc.west.2010@gmail.com. Alternatively, please register here!

6) 20 March to 26 March 2010. Mission Trip to Philippines, Laguna. In conjunction with Gawad Kalinga (click on the link for more info on Gawad Kalinga), an international NGO for the benefit of the poor in Philippines, we will be going on a mission trip with purposes of interacting with the locals and construction of homes. The location will be at Laguna, southern province of Luzon (2hrs bus ride from Metro Manila) and approximate cost will be $750 (inclusive of air fare and expanses). We will be doing some fund raising and appealing for donations. A group of 10 - 15 is needed to move this project.

Register now with Michael @ mike_tsh@yahoo.com with your name, age, contact, occupation and why you are interested to sign up.

"We have the whole lifetime to work and earn money. We all can afford the time to rest, play, study, enjoy etc etc. It's just 5 days of leave for those working and 7 days away from the comfort of your home.But this 7 days will allow you to transform lives as much as you being transformed through this great experience that I can assure you of."

7) Intercessories - Once every 2 weeks, a group of young adults and youths will come together to pray for the needs of everyone in the parish. If you have any petitions, please send them back to our email and we will pray for you:) This week, we pray for youth who are lost and searching for a purpose in their lives.

Peace,

Joachim