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