Chinese New Year Gathering 9 Feb 08

We had a wonderful CNY gathering at Alvin & Yanlin's place yesterday with the tradition Yu Sheng tossing, delicious grilled crayfish, salmon, clam chowder soup, fried chicken wings, sotong balls etc, almond longan desert and Viennetta ice cream!

Thanks so much to Alvin and Yanlin for opening up their house and preparing all the food for the gathering. Thanks also to Chris for the Yu Sheng from Sakae Sushi.

Last but not least, thanks to all who came! We are all truly blessed by your presence!

Ps: Let's keep this a yearly tradition!

Happy Chinese New Year!

To all fellow brothers and sisters in Christ, have a blessed 2008!

Book of Philippians: Finding Joy in the Midst of Trials (Ps Benny Ho Seminars)

Ps Benny will start the Year 2008 teaching on "Book of Philippians: Finding JOY in the Midst of Trials". This Seminar is conducted over two months. PART1 will be taught in Feb08 and PART2 will be taught in Mar08. Below are the details for the up coming seminar in Feb08:

Book of PHILIPPIANS: PART 1 -> JOY in the midst of Trials

Happiness depends on happenings; but JOY depends on CHRIST. The word HAPPINESS evokes visions of unwrapping gifts on Christmas morning, strolling hand in hand with the one you love, being surprised on your birthday etc. Everyone wants to be happy; we making chasing this elusive idea a lifelong pursuit; spending money, collecting things, and searching for new experiences.

But if happiness depends on our circumstances, what happens when the toys rust, loved one die, health deteriorates and party is over? Often happiness flees and despair sets in. In contrast to happiness stands JOY. Running deeper and stronger, joy is the quiet, confident assurance of God's love and work in our lives - that He is there for us no matter what!

The Epistle to the Philippians was written to the first church planted in Europe. Although it was written out of a time of trial, it is a book that resonated with the JOY of the LORD... It is an Epistle that inspires us to focus our thoughts and actions on Jesus Christ. When adverse circumstances, disunity, the quest for accomplishments, or anxiety threaten our joy, this letter provides a powerful tool that can help us fix our vision on Jesus. Only by discovering Him first will we discover the peace and contentment that come from God

A study of this book will reveal the secrets of a joy-filled life. An immensely practical study, coverage includes:

*Christian Perspective to Suffering
*Christian Character & Conduct
*Staying Free from Legalism
*Running The Race to Win
*Winning Over Worry and Anxiety
*Walking in The Abundance of God and more....

Dates : 20th (Wed) & 21st (Thurs) February 2008
Time: 7.30pm to 9.30pm
(registration booth opens @ 6.45pm)
Place: Toa Payoh Methodist Church
(Diagonally Opposite Toa Payoh MRT Station)
480 Lor2 Toa Payoh, SE319641
Registration Fees: S$5/- per Participant
(Seminar Materials will be provided)

**************************************************************
HOW TO GET THERE?
Diagonally Opposite TOA PAYOH MRT STATION.

WHERE TO PARK?
Due to construction works that is going on within the church, you are advised to park your car at HDB Carparks beside the Church or at HDB Hub which is across the road.

Ps: Highly recommended!

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.