Dec schedule

Fri 7 Dec - No CG
Fri 14 Dec - Girls' outing @ Jo's house
Fri 21 Dec - Social Night @ Settlers' Cafe
Fri 28 Dec - Thanksgiving session

Sat 15 Dec - Alvin & Yanlin's wedding
Tue 25 Dec - Christmas Day service

Dec services will all be evangelistic. Messages can be downloaded at www.bartley.org.sg.

From Chris: Bartley News Network (Ep 1)

Excerpts:

LOCAL NEWS:

1. Standing Room only for Christmas Service!@Bartley Christian Church

It was almost a miracle to see the main worship hall packed full of worshippers before service began at 10 am. Latecomers had to stand at theback of the room throughout the entire service. If you consider the fact that the church had to open up 2 overflow rooms to cater for the largecrowd. Wow! The Lord must be very pleased to see such a good turnout for worship in Bartley Church. Snr Pastor William sure knows how to deliver a powerful Christmas message. ‘Jesus is coming again with to reign with authority and victory’. It is such a timely reminder on the urgency of the Great Commission. 2000 years have passed since Jesus ascended to heaven andit is estimated that more than 3 billion people around the world are still living without the hope of salvation.(http://www.adherents.com/Religions_By_Adherents.html)

2. How the PSI level reached mildly dangerous level at How Sun Walk

On Christmas Day, between 5-7 pm, the Meteorological Department received calls from residents in How Sun Walk complaining about hazy conditions inHow Sun Walk. Officers from NEA were notified and found a cheerful caucasian man happily turning some sausages on a really tiny and smoky BBQ pit at Unit No. 4. ‘Must be a China-made BBQ pit.’ thought the NEA officers and left after completing their air quality tests, as they found only some lightly charred hotdogs and declined the offer to stay for dinner. I was fortunateto be invited to the christmas party hosted by Dave and Heather (ourfriendly couple from NZ). The lightly burned hotdogs were followed by more‘burnt offerings’ (lightly carbonized chicken wings). Obviously, this was a Christian gathering as the ‘burnt offerings’ were promptly finished. There were other delicious home-made food, such as baked vegetables, roast chicken and beef burgers. Heather once again impressed us with her baking skills and made a sweet NZ dessert called ‘Pavalova’ or something. We were also privileged to partake in a 3-year old wedding cake. Yes, it was a cake from their wedding saved for a special occasion. On the whole, it was a pleasant evening of fellowship and good food. Before the night ended, the group gathered for photo-taking and it took 2 fuzzy shots before Dave realized that the lights should be turned on for better effects. Thank God for digital cameras. Kudos again to Dave & Heather for being such excellent hosts.

Alvin and Yan Lin's wedding event pics

Hope you all enjoy some pictures of a truly great evening

Congrats guys

1st Dec 07: "My Journey, His Story" evangelistic dinner

BCC organized the "My Journey His Story" evangelistic dinner on 1st Dec 07 at Qian Xi Restaurant. The cg participated in the event as well with invited friends =)

Here're the milestones of the event (feedback from the working committee):

Largest number of visitors to one staged event.

We rejoice that the LORD prepared the hearts of so many friends to want to join us at this dinner. The number was over 350 visitors.

Prayer was harnessed by all.

The burden for souls led the Church to pray regularly on a daily basis. We recognise that the event was not just about a programme, but about people. Every prayer effort, from praying for names in the prayer jar, to the Intercessory Worship time held at an Elder's home, all led us to seek the LORD for His intervention and mercy for our loved ones. The LORD did not disappoint, as His gospel seed was sown.

Largest number of persons who indicated their desire to receive Jesus as Lord.

A total of 22 people indicated this great desire and 11 rededications. The rest are still being followed up and the numbers who responded to say they are interested to know more about Jesus areto be confirmed. In times like these, we can only look back in wonder and give praise to GOD, for His marvelous work in the hearts of our friends and family. The work of the gospel, I remind you, continues even now, as we may only reap the rest later on. Work has begun already to disciple new believers in the faith. As the staff rings each person to verify their spiritual need, we ask you for your supportand labour of love to grow these new brethren into maturity.

Here're some pictures from the day:

Settlers's Cafe this Friday, 21 Dec 07!

Hello cg mates,

Since Dec is a time of celebration, this Friday cg meeting will be a social event at the following:

Place: Settlers' Cafe, nearest MRT station: Clarke Quay
Time: 7.30-10.30pm (3hrs of fun and laughter!)
Cost: Depends on the value packages that day. Kevin and I are members too, so there'll be some discount. =)












For those who can meet earlier, Kevin is free to meet for dinner first. Please contact him.
We'll meet at Clark Quay MRT at 715pm then walk over together. Those who'd be late just go straight. Settlers serve food so you can eat there if you don't mind.

Lastly, kindly RSVP with Chris asap!

See ya on Friday!

Cheers,
Li Fen & Heather

Chris: Thanksgiving for a blessed 2007 and blessings in 2008 ahead!

Hi all,

(Luk 1: 34-37, 45)
"How will this be," Mary asked the angel, "Since I am a virgin?"
The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of
the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called
the Son of God. Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her
old age, and she who was said to be barren is in her sixth month. For
nothing is impossible with God.”
“…Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be
accomplished!”
====================================

Amidst all the Christmas festivities and multitude of celebrations (Alvin &
Yanlin’s wedding + Claire’s 1st month celebration + My Journey, His Story
dinner) in the month of Dec, I could not help but look back in wonder at how
the Lord has been faithful in His blessings for each and every one of our
own unique life circumstances over the past 12 months:

God’s Blessings in 2007
(Note: This list is not arranged in any particular chronological order or
importance.)

•Jonathan’s “miracle” birth as well as impressive growth &
development. May I cast the first vote for Jonathan to be our “Young Adults
CG Idol 2007”. He draws attention from young and old, during prayer
meetings, Sunday Services, weddings and even other babies’ 1st month
celebrations. He certainly oozes charm with his cute smile and funny
actions. He is also our “free” entertainment during CG meetings, courtesy of
Heather & Dave.:)
• Timothy & Yewya’s wedding
• Timothy & Yewya’s new flat
• Alvin & Yanlin’s wedding
• Alvin & Yanlin’s new flat
• Hongmei’s new job
• New CG members (hopefully, soon we’ll be a "mini UN" with members from
over the world):
- Fanny (from KL)
- Jo (from UK)
- Heidi (Lifen's friend)
- Jeanie (back from studies in OZ)
- How about Myanmar and Japan?
• Baptism:
- Amilyn
- Calvin
- Lois
• Membership transfer:
- Suyin
• Baby Claire’s birth
• Sin Hong’s commencement of her course in Australia
• Chris Tan’s completion of half-marathon (21 km)

As this is not an exhaustive list, feel free to add your personal
thanksgiving. This is the Season for Rejoicing and Thanksgiving.
Ho...Ho...Ho...

Wishing all a Merry Christmas and blessed New Year ahead.

God bless,

Chris Tan

Gals dinner on 14 Dec 07

For all cg gals!

Please note we are having a western dinner at Jo's place on 14th Dec 07, 7:30pm. Jo's cooking! =)

Who's coming so far: Jo (of course), Heather, Yewya, Heidi, Renzi, Li Fen
For those who haven't replied, please let me know if you can come ok!

Update: Meet at 7:15pm at Aljunied MRT station.

Cya!

Cheers,
Li Fen

CG Social Gathering

Had our Social Gathering tonight (potluck). Great job to Hongmei for organising and co-ordinating all the dishes. We had a great spread, potato gratin (Suyin), toad-in-a-hole (Jo), otah (Chris), roast chicken (Tim), fried noodles/rice (Hongmei), drinks/dessert/finger foods (Heather). Had a nice, relaxing evening of food and fellowship with one another. Celebrated Dave's (and Nov babies) birthday with a chocolate brownie cake that Jeanie baked. A big hello to Jeanie's colleague, Miao Miao from Myanmar!

Nov schedule

Fri 9 Nov - 1 Thes Session 1.1
Fri 16 Nov - 1 Thes Session 1.2
Fri 23 Nov - 1 Thes Session 1.3
Fri 30 Nov - CG Social Gathering

*Sunday messages can be downloaded at www.bartley.org.sg. Nov focus - Financial freedom.

From Chris: Five-Finger Prayer Guide

Dear Friends,

I was experiencing that a dry spell during my Prayer Time until I came across this short little prayer guide:
- When you fold your hands, the thumb is nearest you. So begin by praying for those closest to you—your loved ones (Philippians 1:3-5).
- The index finger is the pointer. Pray for those who teach—Bible teachers and preachers, and those who teach children (1 Thessalonians 5:25).
- The next finger is the tallest. It reminds you to pray for those in authority over you—national and local leaders, and your supervisor at work (1 Timothy 2:1-2).
- The fourth finger is usually the weakest. Pray for those who are in trouble or who are suffering (James 5:13-16).
- Then comes your little finger. It reminds you of your smallness in relation to God's greatness. Ask Him to supply your needs (Philippians 4:6,19).

Text is extracted from: http://www.rbc.org/odb/odb-06-02-05.shtml

Claire Chew Le Xuan is born!

Congrats to Renzi & Zhenghui for the arrival of their baby girl that was born at 10.18am on Sunday 18 Nov, weighing in at 3.2kg @ Mount Alvernia Hospital. A new addition to our CG family! (and a new playmate for little Jonathan)

Oct schedule

Fri 12 Oct - CG Prayer & Praise
Fri 19 Oct - CG Gearing up for Outreach
Fri 26 Oct - CG Surprise Baby Shower (Renzi/Zhenghui)

Wed 3 Oct - Praise & Praise

*Sunday messages can be downloaded at www.bartley.org.sg. October focus - Family.

Surprise Baby shower for Renzi/Zhenghui

We had a surprise baby shower for Renzi/Zhenghui today at CG. Everyone came decked in pink outfits, there were crazy baby-games e.g. changing diapers, baby relays, etc. Everyone had a great time just hanging out and having fun, and appreciating, encouraging and praying for Renzi and Zhenghui and their akan-datang baby. Big thanks and thumbs up for Heather who spearheaded and co-ordinated the whole event.

Sep schedule

Fri 14 Sep - Phil Session 5 - Heather/Lois
Fri 21 Sep - Phil Session 6 - Zhenghui/Renzi
Fri 28 Sep - Phil Session 7 - Kevin/Suyin

Sun 2 Sep - CG lunch
Sun 9 Sep - YA Captain's Ball tournament @ PHS
Sat 29 Sep - Baptism service

*Sunday sermons can be downloaded at www.bartley.org.sg.

Baptism service @ Calvary Baptist

We rejoice with Amilyn, Calvin and Lois who got baptised today, and Suyin who transferred membership too! Really encouraged to hear Amilyn share her touching heart-felt testimony, indeed God's grace abounds! Wishing them God's blessings and grace as they continue on this journey of faith.

Sin Hong - Harlow from down under

Dear friends,

Sorry for not writing for so long. Spent the first 2 months of my time in Australia having prolonged and restful holiday praying, fasting and spending time with friends and parents (who were here on holidays).

Have started uni at UWA for about 1 month now (2/3 way more to go) and it's been really busy with full-day lessons and clinicals every day. Had quite a bit of a culture shock initially when I was back in university as I am the one and only true Asian in my class consisting of Irish, Dutch, British and Australians. Thank God that there were opportunities for me to show kindness to them and vice versa and as such my relationship with the class got better gradually.

Churchwise, am currently worshipping at All Nations presbyterian church (which I worshipped in during my undergrad days). Am thankful for this group of brothers and sisters who is a constant reminder of the fact that God has reserved a remnant of His people in this place where many seem to lead such a godless life.

Please do continue to pray for appropriate work opportunities upon completion of studies and spiritual support. Really missed the times of sharing and prayer during cell, at work and with friends when I was in Singapore. Hopefully I can start to build up such relationships in time to come.

Spring is finally here. Am enjoying the beauty of wild flowers at the national parks.

Take care and keep in touch. :)

Regards
Sin Hong

YA Captain's Ball - for honour and glory!

We came in 4th! Close fight, we had a win-lose record of 4-1 after the first round. Then the top 2 teams from each grouping competed in a round-robin. Played from 1.30-6pm, totally exhausted by the end of the day, weather was great, but really hot, like a sauna/baking oven, especially at the quadrangle. Hey, not bad for a CG with an average age of 28, almost 10 years older than all the other YA teams taking part. We didn't play for the prize, we played for ... honour and glory! :) Proud of everyone for all their effort and enthusiasm. Welcome to friends who came, Andy and Hanqiang.

August schedule

Fri 10 Aug - Phil Session 3
Fri 17 Aug - Peiyun & YFC sharing
Fri 24 Aug - Phil Session 4
Fri 31 Aug - Social Gathering @ Craving Thoughts Cafe

Wed 1 Aug - Dedication Service (P&P)

Sun 5 Aug - Becoming what you are
Sun 12 Aug - Becoming prayerful
Sun 17 Aug - Becoming long-suffering
Sun 26 Aug - Becoming one

*Messages can be downloaded at http://www.bartley.org.sg/.

CG Social Gathering @ Craving Tots

Had a great time tonight @ our Social Gathering. Good set meal (soup, main course (Western/Italian), drink & yummy dessert (brownie with NZ Ice-cream). Went on with 2 games, Citadel & Taboo (S'porean style). Celebrated our August babes too, Hongmei, Heather and Yewya. Thank God for the new friends who came down to join us - Jo and Jiayun.
http://tmotp.multiply.com/photos/album/56/

Note: Social Gathering

The time has come for our Social Gathering again. Come join us for a fun time of food, games and movies. Details as follows.
Date: Fri 31 Aug 2007
Time: 7-10pm
Venue: Craving Thoughts Cafe (200 Upp Thomson Rd #01-04, opp LongHouse)
Cost: S$18 per person (incl. set meal - soup, main, dessert, drink + use of board games and viewing of movies)
Mark your calendars, hope to see you there! :)

CG meeting feedback (10 Aug)

Hi all,

Just wana say I am really encouraged by the turnout and fellowship tonight. Really enjoyed myself today with the mingling, sharing, jokes and supper time. Realised 1 thing i really enjoyed in cg in the past was when we go for supper after cg at Serangoon. Tonight was really reliving of the good old days! We should keep this going (if time permits i guess haha)

Was reading through the cg blog from the beginning just now, just realised how far we have come since 2004 .. maybe we should start celebrating the anniversary of our cg!

Thanks to all for tonight. Remember every single one of you counts! Keep it up!

Cheers,
Lifen

July schedule

Fri 13 Jul - YA Camp (13-15 Jul)
Fri 20 Jul - Philippians Session 1
Fri 27 Jul - Philippians Session 2

Wed 4 Jul - Prayer & Praise

Sun 08 Jul - Missions Month: Mark
Sun 15 Jul - Missions Month: Paul
Sun 22 Jul - Missions Month: Luke
Sun 29 Jul - Missions Month: Jesus

*Messages can be downloaded at www.bartley.org.sg.

Publicity flyer - YA Captain's Ball

July birthdays

Celebrated July birthdays today (Chris, Kevin, Lifen) at CG. Chris has been with us for more than half a year already. Time sure flies. Prayed a blessing over both him and Kevin (as they shared about different situations in work and family).

Email update from Xinhong

Hi,
My comp still the same...cannot connect. Think my dad has set some firewall somewhere with his network (my comp was his old laptop). So using my sis one now. In any case, am slowly settling down back in the quiet and slightly slower pace Perth. Am enjoying my break of just studying and no work!! Hope things are good at cell in Singapore. Take care and will keep all of u in prayer. :)
Regards, Sin hong

YA Camp "Triumphant"

A couple of our CG members had a good time of learning and interacting with the TF young adults in our first ever YA Camp @ BB Campsite Sembawang. See if you can spot them!

*Hint: Look for Dave, Heather, Zhenghui, Renzi, Hongmei, Joy.

CG Lunch @ Central (Last Sunday for Xinhong)

Had a good time over lunch chatting and praying for Xinhong as she prepares to leave tomorrow afternoon for Perth, Australia - to finish up her Masters, fulfill her PR requirements and look for a job there eventually. All the best to you, Xinhong!

Young Adults Camp "The Triumphant" flyer

June schedule

Fri 08 Jun - CG Discipleship 1 (Habits)
Fri 15 Jun - No CG (Church Camp)
Fri 22 Jun - CG Discipleship 2 (Marks)
Fri 29 Jun - CG Discipleship 3 (Commitment)

15-19 Jun - Church Camp @ Pulai Springs, JB
23 Jun - S21 Creative Hands Workshop
30 Jun - New Wine Retreat (for core team)

Creative Hands Workshop @ S21

Praise God for a great turn-out, about 80+ kids came down to have their go at a variety of different arts and crafts such as glass beads, glass painting, kite-making, hen's nest, etc. Thanks to those who came to help out too, Hongmei, Jeanie, Yewya.

CG Discipleship 2 - Marks

Today we studied 2 Tim 2:2 and the marks of a disciple. Spent time to pray for those who are sick among us, Joy, Lois, Yewya, Dave. Prayed for Creative Hands outreach tomorrow as well as upcoming YA events.
http://www.freewebtown.com/bccyacg/ya_cg_discipleship_2.doc

Church Camp @ Pulai Springs, JB

Most of the CG had the opportunity to go for Church Camp this year, about 14 out of 18 of us. It was a great time of learning God's Word from Rev Edmund Chan on Discipleship, vibrant times of worship, good times of fellowship, fun and food, and meaningful times of bonding, sharing, praying and committing to the Lord anew. The last night was "BartleyCorp Superstar" Gala Night, and most of us went in fancy dress. Try to make out who is dressed at who/what. :)

Farewell gathering for Xinhong

Had a surprise farewell gathering for Xinhong last Sunday. She will be leaving for Perth, Australia in July to complete her Masters and to find a job there thereafter. We spent some time to share what we were thankful about her, and for her to share with us some prayer needs and upcoming plans, before we took turns to commit her to God in prayer. We wish you all the best, Xinhong! You will be dearly missed.

Calvin & Amilyn's wedding

We rejoice with Calvin and Amilyn who tied the knot on 9th June 2007! Wishing God's richest blessings poured out on their marriage as they walk through this life hand in hand.

http://edify001.multiply.com/photos/album/91/Calvin_Amilyns_Wedding

CG Discipleship 1 - Habits

Had a session on Habits of a Disciple, going back to the basics of Prayer, Word, Fellowship and Tithing. Spent some time to pray for one another as well, and for preparation of hearts as we look forward to Church Camp next week. Prayed for Hongmei and her family too in the midst of the loss of their grandfather.
http://www.freewebtown.com/bccyacg/ya_cg_discipleship_1.doc

Dinner with Zhen Yuan @ Brisbane

Drove to Brisbane from Gold Coast during our honeymoon to have dinner with Zhen Yuan, celebrating his birthday. He treated us to a yummy Indian dinner (butter chicken, chicken briyani, chicken tika, etc) along with 2 of his friends studying and working there. He brought us to Mt Coottah, a panoramic lookout of point of the whole Brisbane city, where we spent some time sharing and praying for him.

Prayer points
- balance studies, ministry and personal life;
- maintain a close relationship with the Lord;
- focus on deepening prayer life;
- assignment on Tue and performance exam coming up;
- strength, discipline and focus.

May schedule

Fri 4 May - Prayer & Praise
Fri 11 May - Practical Living (Fruit of the Spirit) 4
Fri 18 May - CG
Fri 25 May - No CG (Preparations for wedding)

Sat 26 May - Tim & Yewya's wedding
Sun 27 May - Global Day of Prayer @ National Stadium

Sun 6 May - Building God's House (Ps Cheng)
Sun 13 May - The Best is Yet to Come (Ps William)
Sun 20 May
Sun 27 May - Last Service at Bartley / GDOP

*Messages can be downloaded at www.bartley.org.sg

Timothy & Yewya's Wedding

Thanks to everyone for all their hard work and tireless efforts in making this day possible! Really thankful and amazed by our God who held back the rains, and blessed us in the company of friends and relatives, and smooth program, and great support e.g. AV, decor, logistics, ushering, carpark, worship team, sisters/brothers, reception, etc. Hope that you were blessed. All glory to God!

http://timothyyewya.multiply.com/photos/album/14/

http://timothyyewya.multiply.com/photos/album/15/

April schedule

Fri 6 Apr - Good Friday
Fri 13 Apr - Prayer and Preparation for YA Bowling
Fri 20 Apr - Practical Living 3
Fri 27 Apr - Sharing by missionaries

Sat 14 Apr - YA Bowling event

Sun 8 Apr - Easter: Christians Gone Wild - The Resurrection Madness
Sun 15 Apr - Spiritual Gifts (Part 1)
Sun 22 Apr - Spiritual Gifts (Part 2)
Sun 29 Apr - The Gift of Healing

*Messages can be downloaded at http://www.bartley.org.sg/.

CG Sharing by Charles & Hongyan

Invited Charles and Hongyan, our supported missionaries serving in Chiangmai, Thailand, to come and share with us their work and ministry with WBT in the Mekong region. It was a good time hearing encouraging reports/updates, as well as sharing prayer needs and challenges in the mission field. Our CG is excited too because we are planning our own CG mission trip sometime in Nov this year, to visit and be involved in their work in North Thailand.

CG Practical Living 3

Had our 3rd session on Practical Living, focusing on Patience, Kindness and Goodness. Here's the notes.
http://www.freewebtown.com/bccyacg/yacgpracticalliving3.doc

YA Bowling 2007

Had our YA Bowling friendly competition today at Planet Bowl @ CSC Tessensorn Clubhouse. There were a total of 14 teams, 84 bowlers and 28 new friends (more than 100 people turned up to play or support)! Praise God for a good turnout despite the rain, and it was a fun-filled night, with prizes up for grabs for Top Individual Bowler, the most "Siao-On" team, and 1st, 2nd, 3rd highest team scores.

Welcome home to the Manns!

A big and warm welcome back, Dave, Heather and Jonathan! All joined us for CG tonite, was great hearing from them of God's goodness and miraculous provisions and blessings on their lives in the past few months. Pray for the whole family as they adjust back to S'pore and life as a family. Isn't Jonathan cute? :) He slept through our entire CG session.

Here's the Bible study on Practical Living - Fruit of the Spirit 2
http://www.freewebtown.com/bccyacg/yacgpracticalliving2.doc

CG Practical Living 1 - Bearing Fruit

Started on BS series on "Practical Christian Living." Today we touched on Bearing Fruit. Here's the BS material.
http://www.freewebtown.com/bccyacg/yacgpracticalliving1.doc

New Addition to our CG - Jonathan David Mann!

Jonathan David Mann was born Friday 16th at 2:15am at a hefty 1.83kg. Both mum and baby are doing fine. Praise the Lord!

CG Chinese New Year dinner

Had our CNY dinner @ Lois' place tonight. Thanks to her parents, especially Aunty Irene, for their hospitality and hard work all day preparing food for the scrumptious steamboat dinner. Glad to have some friends joining us tonight as well. Prayed for Zhen Yuan even as he prepares to enter into 3rd year of studies in Brisbane, leaving this Sunday night.

CG Guys outing

Met up for dinner @ Marina Square then adjourned for coffee @ Starbucks. Initially planned to go bowling, but as many were late, and quite a few new friends, we decided to spend more time just catching up. Fook Jiu and Zhen Yuan joined us for the first time.