Merry Christmas everybody! God bless^^

Work Day 20/12/13

  今天一天又是工作日。早上，在灵修前，由我带领了崇拜。由Dorothy，Timothy 和 Justin，帮我伴奏。我们唱了两首歌，Heart of Worship 及 Open the eyes of my heart。接着，由Jonathan 带领我们进行灵修，他跟我们分享了西番雅书 1：2-18。这段章节告诉我们耶和华审判的日子，而在这一天，全地都会被毁灭。我学到如果我们不寻求主，那我们的灵魂不会成长。我们怎么离开神，就要怎样回到神那里去。如果我们因为敬拜偶像而远离神，那我们就要以敬拜的方式回到神的面前。

Jonathan leading devotion

   灵修过后，我们就做自己该做的。有的继续读昨天没读完的How we glorify God？，而有的开始读下一本书。
  午餐过后，我们开始讨论How we glorify God？，关于这本书，我们有许多疑问。而这些疑问由我们每一个人去思考，加上Pr Gideon 的解释，我们慢慢了解这本书并解除我们的疑问。解答这些疑问时，我们有许多激烈的讨论，使到我们大多数人都感到思绪很混乱，也有许多搞笑的时刻，但是最后大家都明白这本书。

Scripture alone; Faith alone; Grace alone; Christ alone; Glory to God alone

   讨论结束之后，我们便开始玩一个叫Mafia的游戏。我们大多数人都在一起去玩，玩得很开心，也猜坏人猜得挺开心。:P 今天虽然是个很平常的一天，但跟昨天一样，我过得很开心。^^

Our super loving brothers-in-Christ ^^

 Happy Advanced Christmas to everyone and Have Fun!!! :)
-Yi Xuan ^^

A normal yet fun day

Today was a rather normal and uneventful day, with a few exceptions of course. We started the day of by worshiping God and devotion shared by Terence. He shared with us the on The Vanity of Wealth and Honour from Ecclesiastes 5:8-20. We learnt that we shouldn't place wealth, honour and power as the priority in our lives but instead we should centre our lives around God, because these things are temporal and will not last forever. We should instead store up for ourselves treasures in heaven, where it will last forever. 

After the devotion, Pr. Gideon asked us many thought-provoking and mind blowing questions (as usual) on Terence's sharing. To cut a long story short, we came to the conclusion that we should be good stewards of God's money and that we should put the money to good use and use them wisely because it is God's gift to us.

Moving on, we started reading the book called "How do we glorify God". It seemed reasonably easy to understand at first. But as I continued to read, I started to get confused and stunned. Hopefully, Pr. Gideon will be able to clarify our doubts and answer the questions we have for him. And hopefully he won't ask us mind blowing questions again. They are really difficult to answer.

After lunch, I was unpleasantly surprised by the handsome Emmanuel. I approached the room and found that it was dark. I though nobody was inside, but as it turns out, the handsome Emmanuel was inside and he said "BOO!" and I got shocked. We decided to scare everyone who came in and Jonathan also got scared. Afterward, everyone was back except Pr. Gideon. We planned and schemed to try and scare him in the best way possible. Elaine had a Saw jacket which could be zipped all the way to cover the face. Emmanuel put it on and sat behind the door in the darkness while we all sat quietly in position waiting for Pr. Gideon. When Pr. Gideon walked in, Emmanuel grabbed his leg and scared the living day lights out of him.  

After we finished, we had a so called "mini-fellowship" in the room next door. We played 3 games, the first one was Chubby Bunny. We had to stuff as many marshmellows into our mouths and after stuffing every one marshmellow we have to say Chubby Bunny. Justin was the winner with 11 marshmellows. I still don't know how he did it.

Pr.Gideon trying Chubby Bunny

#handsomeboi97 #muchswag #coolvery #soduckface

We played Follow the Leader and some hand tapping current game afterward and I guess we had a lot of fun today. We also learnt a lot from Terence's and Pr Gideon's sharing about wealth and honour. Hopefully we will not forget this lesson and we will apply it in our lives.

Sarah Seniors Activity Centre 18/12/13

Today we visited Sarah Seniors Activity Centre, a centre where the elderly are able to go to for day activities. The centre is one of the 23 centres under the Presbyterian Community Services (PCS). Their core mission is Christian but their clients are not all Christians. The elderly in the surrounding blocks of flats are able to go to the centre for activities such as games, exercise and karaoke.

In the beginning when we went to the centre, we didn't know what to talk about with them. It was rather awkward as some of the elderly were shy and did not want to talk to us. Even when we tried to talk to them, we ran out of things to say to them pretty quickly due to lack of common topics. Eventually, when they warmed up to us, we could talk to them for a longer length of time. Then, we helped to run 3 game stations. The first was where the elderly had to throw balls to knock down the soft toys. Next, was where the elderly had to use spoons to carry around a pingpong ball and walk for a certain length before passing the ball to the next person. The last was a memory game where they had to match two cards from a table of many cards which were overturned.

After the games, we had house visits. We visited two houses, Uncle Toh's house and Auntie _. They lived in small one room rental flats alone ): In Uncle Toh's flat, he taught us some 中国香功 which required lots of arm movement and was quite a good form of exercise! In Auntie _'s flat, we learnt about her life story, how she lived with her aunt for many years before her aunt passed on and how she got her extremely pale complexion (she worked in a factory for 15-16 years). Each flat in block 105 and 106 has a remote with a button which is and alert alarm system used for emergencies for which if they are in trouble, they can press it and an alarm would ring, informing the staff at the centre or the rest of the residents (after office hours) who would then send someone to check on them to see if they really are in trouble.

Lunch was provided by Sarah Centre and we had a choice between chicken rice or charsiew with roasted pork rice. After which we had a slides presentation by the in-charge of Sarah Centre and someone from the PCS. He told us about the PCS (its 40 years old this year) and how they have eldercare services (Dorcas Home, Sarah Centre, etc), partnership programmes (Andrew and Grace Home, Grace Orchard School, etc) and children services (infant care, childcare, daycare, integrated childcare services, etc). He also shared with us how each centre had only a small number of staff yet was able to reach out to a large number of people due to volunteers who played an important part. I was quite amazed by how the staff there (Jane, Samuel, Matthew, Timothy(?)) were able to be so passionate about helping the elderly and I know that it is quite hard taking care of the elderly as they can be quite demanding at times. I guess it's time we all started to volunteer and help out at organisations eh?

We had a time of worship led by Xue Ning followed by devotions led by Trudy. The bible passage today was Luke 17:1-10 on sin, faith and duty. It was quite a good one as Trudy kept close to the bible passage and explained it verse by verse.We also shared on times where we found it hard to forgive others (Matthew 18:21-35). The verses from Luke 17 painted a picture for us that no matter the amount of faith that we have, even faith as small as a mustard seed (yes mustard seeds are really small, like a sesame seed), we will still be able to do great things. I think that this ties in with the verse "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" -Philippians 4:13.

-Elainex

AG Home 17/12/13

Today, we visited AG Home, a Christian residential home for teenage girls-at-risk, to learn more about this ministry and interact with the youth there. Although most of us went there with little idea of what to expect (well, maybe I can only say for myself because I didn't know anyone there it's my first day of internship), the day's activities ran quite smoothly.

First, we were briefed by Pastor Adrian and Jolene (hopefully I spelled their names correctly) about the background of the home, their vision, and the programmes implemented to help the youth integrate into the community, pick up practical skills, and find their interests. Then, we were given a tour around the home by Pastor Adrian and Devi, and they explained to us how a day in the home was like. What struck me most was that Pastor Adrian, Jolene, and Devi's hearts for these girls. From how they shared about their insights of serving in this home, I could see that they really cared for and loved these girls. It could not have been an easy time taking care of them because many of them had gone through ordeals that we can only imagine and it will take a lot to get them to open up to others. I was just thinking, what are we doing then, in this privileged place and environment that we have to receive God's love? I guess rather than making grand plans to volunteer, sometimes it's better to just start small and learn to show that same love to people around us.

Later, we played some icebreaker games with the girls after interacting with them for a bit during lunch. I think all of us had a lot of fun :) though it would be great if we had the time to get to know them more after breaking the ice through games.

To end off the day, Justin led us in a time of devotions. I think he did a great job haha. We read Psalm 10 and some of us shared about how circumstances can discourage us and prevent us from seeing God although He is omnipresent. Preacher Gideon also gave us an intense lesson about the theology behind God's will and plan for us, and our own free will.

That's all! Tomorrow we're going to Sarah's Home, hope we will have a good time there too!

Dorothy

Visiting Synod Office 12/12/13

Today , we went to Orchard Road Presbterian Church , as some of us didn't want to be late , we decided to meet at 9am . After we met , we were actually kind of early . as we know each other awhile already , we were fine with each other and we played UNO while waiting . hahaha :p.

We than started to have our devotion and it was taken from Habakkuk Chapter 3 -Habakkuk Prayer.

When I first read it , i was puzzled. Like why is there wrath when Habakkuk prayed. Our life can have alot of setbacks or even some uneventful stuff which we will question God  ," God , why would u do this to us?" .

After discussing with the rest , I have learn that even if there is alot of uneventful things that happen in our life , we can still rejoice as God has a plan for everyone of us! :D

After that , we went to meet the PPC Pastoral Staff for a short moment. They all speak in Chinese and they had a meeting going on. It was interesting as all of them speak chinese very fast.

Soon , we went up to the 3rd floor to have our self study. During this period , we all did do our work and we had some fun and enjoyment . At the start , we played some christian song but we ended up did our work quietly . Some of us was hungry and we were discussing what we should have for lunch when we were drawing nearer to the end. And... we went to Just Acia! 

After our lunch , we make our way to meet Preacher Gideon which he brought us to Synod Office . Where we learn more about about our Presbyterian ways . Which I have saw my church MOU for the first time. We watched a video which explains and I saw my school (Kuo Chuan Presbyterian)  in it. We have 2 presbyteries , the English Presbyteries and the Chinese Presbyteries . We also have 37 Churches under the Presbyterian Churches in Singapore. 

Which we than end our day (: haha. Til the next time I write , 

Emmanuel 

13/12/13

LAUNCH SG DAY 3 11/12/13

It was the last day of Launch SG and we came back to Prinsep Street Presbyterian Church to learn and worship God once again. At the first 2 days it was quite awkward because we didn't know much about the other people that joins the Launch SG, but on that day it was much less awkward since we had known about each other a bit more. After we had activities before the sermon by preacher Steve. He told us that we must fear God and also not to lose our heart in God. He also said that our debts are taken away from us because of God's righteousness. I found out that our purpose in life is to serve God and become the Christ ambassador. Then we went to our own bible study classes to learn other things about Christ. In my bible study I learnt about why Jesus was resurrected and why is it important. The resurrection is important because there will be judgement made by God and we will be united with him. I now also know that he is the living hope for us. By the resurrection we will be changed from the perishable to imperishable. Then, after the bible studies we had workshop about being an effective member. I learnt on how to be an effective member and what to do to contribute o the church. After the Launch SG is over, we interns went to PlayNation to relax and spend time together. We had lots of fun and really enjoyed our time there. I just want to thank God for the opportunity to be able to participate in Launch SG to learn and also to be able to spend time with the other interns.

Otniel Nathanael Setiawan

13/12/13

LAUNCH SG DAY2 10/12/13

今天是十二月十日，我们实习生又在 Prinsep Street Presbyterian Church举办的 Synod Youth Leadership Conference 2013 (LaunchSG) 学习上帝的话语。开始时，我们有领诗带领我们敬拜，然后有破冰游戏。今天的讲道是哥林多后书五章，说到保罗要我们有信心的活在这世界上，不管世上是那么困难，来传扬上帝的福音。然后我们各自分助去查经。学了上帝的话语后，我们继续地学怎样准备传福音。我们学会了要改变自己，来适应那里的生活方式，也要一直的为这传福音而祷告，让主带领我们来传福音。

Jonathan

 

121213 1636

LAUNCH SG DAY 1 09/12/13

Today was the first day of LAUNCH SG and the first official day that I joined the internship. It was held at Princep Street Presbyterian Church this year. When I arrived, it was quite intimidating as I saw many unfamiliar faces as I was the only member from my church. The first activity we did was ice breakers. After ice breakers, I began to feel less intimidated as everyone was nice and friendly. After which we proceeded to worship and sermon by Pastor Steve. The scripture for sermon was taken from 2 Corinthians 4. The gist of the sermon was about spreading the word of God and that we are not the "treasure", but the Gospel is. Then we broke into our respective levels and started the Bible study. From the Bible study, my greatest take away was that God had us all in mind even before the world began. I feel very comforted to know that God chose us all and we are all significant with a purpose in life. After lunch, we continued to have our workshop and the topic was on "Biblical Theology". Biblical Theology explains how the Old Testament is linked to the New Testament. It teaches us how the Bible is fixed together as one story. All the Old Testament stories actually points to Jesus as well. Overall, I learnt many things today and found the Bible study and workshop very beneficial in appreciating more of what God has done for us. I thank God for our mentors, Pastor Evan, Pastor Clement, Brother Yongjie, and Sister Benita, for putting in the effort to prepare and deliver the teachings from God clearly to us.

Xue Ning
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Dec 6-7

Good luck to those who are required to write in Chinese.
And so it began.
On 6 Dec, some 10 youth trooped down to PHS at or around 1pm. Some came alone, some in pairs, some in groups.
Brief walkthrough of the day, we played some icebreakers, got to know some people. Formed up into groups, played some form of running man hosted by AMK Presbyterian and Pastor Clement. Games were good, they were quite fun, lots of effort into the planning and execution. Certainly. In the end, it ramped up in physical intensity to the 3rd stage, had running, jumping and wrestling. A little drama here and there, with diplomacy and whatnot strategy. Winners were declared and everyone was happy.
We then went down to Glory Pres, had dinner, some worship then admin matters, grabbing of appointments then board games. Some a little intellectual, some less so. A couple of rounds of werewolf/murderer/polar bear. Then everyone went to sleep at or around 0030 071213. Notable was the bathing experience, kinda army-like, nothing new for me but perhaps for the others.
Next morning, reveille at 0830, had some short morning devotions. Ephs 2, lead by Pastor Gideon. Covered on the- saved by faith through grace alone and complete 'depravation', something that I believe will become a recurring theme. Was kinda intense for morning devotion. Then we left for breakfast at the food center nearby then homed.
There was clearly a sense of trepidation and apprehension, no one knew much about what to expect, and excitement too, at the unknown potential this program held.
I for one, came alone so there was also a slide issue about knowing people, and fitting in socially and whatnot.
But I must say that the people were nice and sensible. We were able to gel quite quickly, at least on the superficial level to get things done, especially in the games. That was some high-order teamwork.
The setting of expectations and running through of the program was a little dull, and seemed kinda patchy at times, lots of unknowns still. Even though there were highlights such as the visits, homework schedules .etc.
Games at night were fun too. Pity that only 10 of us were there and not the full 17 though.
Even though there was no sermon within this orientation camp, the morning devotion gave some decent spiritual food. We covered differences in versions of the bible, translations that are based on word-by-word e.g KJV, NIV, ESV versus those meaning by meaning such as the message, NLT, Good news .etc. Just as well, those meaning by meaning versions already seem to be providing a mini-commentary. Good information for us all to know. We also touched on the basic tenets of Presbyterian faith. The issue of free will. The discussion was also fruitful, I trust most people took away something.
Even though the program looks packed, I do believe that we will have sufficient time, to ourselves .etc. At least it is not 8-5 like work or stay-in-camp like army. The homework looks doable, I mean, the books look really thin.
Anyway, since we are at the start, lets hope to do well, work well, learn well and subsequently lead well. And, god willing, this internship program will be a great success and we will come out with changed lives and not only just head knowledge.

Nicholas
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Oh look, nice date.