Scripture Memory: Confession to God.
VERSE : 1 John 1:9 "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."

* * *

O Worship the LORD in the Beauty of Holiness

14 January 2007
8.00 am Worship Service:
Rev Colin Wong (An Ascription of Praise to the Triune God), Lord's Supper
10.45 am Worship Service:
Eld Khoo Peng Kiat (Confessing Our Sins)
6:00 pm Rehoboth Evening Service:
Mark Chen (The Secret to Spiritual Viticulture)

21 January 2007
8.00 am Worship Service:
Rev Charles Seet (Gambling: Stimulating The Mind?)
10.45 am Worship Service:
Rev Colin Wong (Heart Searching)
6:00 pm Rehoboth Evening Service:
David Weng (The Son Doesn't Set)

* * *

Dear Reader,

NEW INITIATIVES FOR THE WARM PROGRAMME 

We thank God for two new initiatives to promote Christian fellowship in Life Church that have started since the WARM programme was launched in September last year. One of them was the WARM Fellowship Gathering. The first gathering was held at the home of the Low Family on 15 December 2006 and was attended by about 70 people. The other initiative was a ‘Cooking Fellowship.’ Started by some Lifers last year, it also happens to be an eating fellowship! May you be encouraged to do more to increase the bond of perfectness (Colossians 3:14) in our midst as you read the accounts about these initiatives as given below. 

WARM Fellowship Gathering 

FIRSTLY, we like to thank Sister Siew Kiang and Brother Woh Weng for opening up their house for the first WARM fellowship gathering held since its was launched. It was well organised and thought of, as all the activities planned were held with much success, not forgetting the hospitability of our hosts. We thank the Lord for watching over us and bringing many faces there, both familiar and new, so that together, we might be able to fellowship and make new Christian friends. 

When we first arrived, we saw many unfamiliar faces, but we thank God for giving us the courage and opportunities to strike up conversations with these people, and through this, we could, not only know more people, but also strengthen old friendships forged in the past. It was really much simpler to do than we had expected, and it created a great sense of joy and comfort in our hearts discovering that there are actually many around us who would love to reach out to others.  

Bringing the first ‘M’, which was ‘makan’, into fellowshipping was also a great idea as everyone knows how food brings people together. Gathering around the buffet table and dining area allowed for close contact and interaction, giving us many opportunities to share and update each other on what have been going on in our lives.  

And of course, what better way to give praises unto the Lord and thank Him for His perfect Son than to sing carols. Each one of us had a neatly printed Christmas hymnbook specially prepared for this occasion, and as we caroled together, rejoicing in Christmas Day, we also played a little “game” to help us know each other better. Between carols, some of us would stand up and introduce friends we have at the gathering, so that those who do not know them have a chance to know them better. This really was an effective way of knowing new people, because within just an hour or so, we could know so many new people whom we have not had the opportunity to talk to personally. 

We had an enjoyable time conversing with Elder Khoo Peng Kiat, who was making full use of the WARM cards, giving and receiving them so enthusiastically. We learned so much from him within half an hour, as he was so eager to answer our questions and teach us more of God’s Word. It was a great delight and encouragement to feel that warmth and kindness from someone whom we did not have much of a chance to speak to. Till the end, we could not stop listening to the words of wisdom he was giving to us ‘youngsters’.  

This WARM gathering has certainly brought us much joy. Those few hours of fellowshipping was definitely more blessed than the time we would have, doing our own things at home or at work. For we must remember that we are all fighting a holy war, and it is important that we know that we cannot do it individually, but with the fellowship that God desires us to have. - Lim En and Lim Yuan 

Our Cooking Fellowship

IT ALL STARTED because of a dish – homemade beef lasagna to be precise! Some of us ladies with the Married Couples’ Fellowship found the dish an absolute delight to the senses and persuaded our sister, Wendy Lun, to impart her culinary skills to us. Liuh Chie, Helen and I, then met at Wendy’s place during the September school holidays and we spent an enjoyable afternoon making garlic bread, lasagna and soya bean milk. What’s more, each of us even took home enough lasagna and garlic bread for dinner and breakfast! 

Over at Bukit Panjang, Poh Yok had run out of ideas on what to make for dinner. Always resourceful, she called brother Mark Chen for help. On a weekday evening, Mark and Poh Yok whipped up shepherd’s pie and lasagna. They ate while they cooked and the Tan family was blessed with rich food and wonderful fellowship that evening. 

Then Poh Yok had a brainwave. She suggested having a cooking session under the tutelage of Mark at my place in Sengkang. We invited the ladies from my Bible Study group and brother Quek Keng Khwang. On Children’s Day, Keng Khwang, Huey Ching and kids, Mark, Poh Yok, Julia Koh and kids, Michelle Hoon and little Dorcas arrived at my place in the late morning. We settled down to working together very quickly. While Mark gave instructions, the rest of us cut, peeled, chopped, washed and cooked. 

In a matter of a few hours, Mark dished up eight Korean culinary delights which included two types of kimchi, Bulgogi beef, Taejigogi or Korean barbecued pork, Chap Chae or Korean vermicelli, Doenjang Chigae or tofu and seaweed soup as well as Dukboki or spicy rice cakes. After praying for God’s blessings on the food, we had sweet fellowship over the dining table exchanging comments and tips on cooking. The recipes and photographs were compiled and sent to every family present as well as to those who could not make it for the session.  

Here are some testimonies from those who were present at the first cooking session…. 

Poh Yok

“When we embarked on this cooking fellowship idea, it was just simply to have a time to fellowship and eat! Time in church on Sunday is usually filled with a flurry of activities and supervising of the kids, leaving little time to fellowship. I enjoyed the time together cooking and chatting ... and we had lots of fun and laughter in the midst of our preparations. Not only did we learn to cook new dishes, we also managed to catch up with one another as well as get to know others better too.” 

Julia

“I was apprehensive about whether I would learn much from the cooking session with 3 kids in tow. Thank God, I took courage to go, armed with toys and snacks. The children (8 kids in total) had fellowship over pizza and a couple of good cartoons. With that my kids were sufficiently distracted to allow me hands-on experience in the kitchen. 

Thank God for the experience. Not only did I learn some culinary skills, I also enjoyed my time fellowshipping with the rest while shredding & cutting and washing the ingredients. I got to know everyone better and it is a bridging of relationships to the next level where it would not have been possible with a big group.” 

And here is a testimony from a lady who was not present at the cooking session…. 

Mrs Phoebe Wong

“Although I was not present at the cooking session, I was given the recipes to try out. Through the exchange of ideas, we also caught up on the latest happenings in each other’s lives. And I finally learned how to make kimchi which is pretty costly in the store.” 

Following the success of the first cooking session, Mark suggested Thai cuisine for the next session. Invitations were sent out to those who came for the first session as well as to other church members who had indicated interest in the cooking fellowship.  

The second cooking session was held at Hock Choon and Katherine’s kitchen in Upper Bukit Timah. On 24^th October, Mark, Poh Yok, Deacon Loo and family members as well as I arrived at their residence to have our Thai Cuisine cooking session. Their kitchen was soon filled with bags of groceries. Before long, everyone chipped in to help with the cooking. The gastronomic delights included Tom Yum Goong; Gaeng Kheaw Wan or Thai green curry; Yum Woon Sen or Thai vermicelli salad; Moo Pad Bai Gra Pow or stir fried minced pork with holy basil; Khao Phad Nam Liap or salted black olive fried rice and a banana dessert named Kloei Bodchee. All these dishes were eaten with relish and there was more than enough to “ta pau” home.  

Hock Choon and Katherine have this to say about the cooking session … 

“It was after the 8.00 am service and as usual we gathered outside the FEK room to chat. Kat heard Song Ching & Poh Yok talking about the Korean cooking session they had. Too bad we missed it, she thought. Then they mentioned Thai Cooking. Yes, Sawadee Kha. This is our cup of tea... I mean... more to our taste buds. So when? Somehow, during the conversation, Michelle asked whether we could allow our kitchen to be used for the next session. Well, our kitchen is big but not as well equipped as there are only two of us. So our pots are not meant for cooking up a feast. Anyway Kat said OK! Well, we didn’t expect the session to start so soon.  

The day before the session, Kat had to take out all the bowls and plates and prepare the pots for the cooking session. Some of them were brand new. “Open ceremony!” Well, in the true Christian spirit of fellowship, Poh Yok and Song Ching brought their larger pots and pans and other kitchen utensils. Thanks to them!  

It was indeed a time of warm fellowship especially in the kitchen where there was much frying & stirring and boiling. Thanks to brother Mark Chen who was the chief cook. It was even warmer for him as he was almost drenched in perspiration while he gave instructions. The rest of us were just apprentices, mainly in charge of washing, peeling, chopping & cutting. As we cooked, we chatted, we laughed. The food was hot and spicy but the fellowship hit the scale – it was the warmest of them all!  

Thank God that even though it was a short session of cooking, He provided us with the rare opportunity to know each other a little more. At least we will not be just another face in the crowd on Sunday morning. The cooking session has opened not just doors for future sessions but also opened our hearts to warmer fellowship.” 

Grace Loo

 “Thank God for a good time of fellowship in the kitchen. We certainly learnt a few cooking tips from each other. Jayson is giving the fellowship (and snacks) the thumbs-up! Our newly learnt skills will certainly come in handy when serving others, both at home and in church.” 

Our newly acquired culinary skills were put to the test at the Children’s Camp. Poh Yok was appointed chief kitchen cook and I was her assistant. On the last night of the camp, parents of the children aged 8 to 12 were invited to a get-together at the campsite. On the menu were Bulgogi beef and Taejigogi besides barbecued chicken, hot dogs, marshmallows, squid, sweet potatoes and pumpkin. Liuh Chie helped me to marinate the beef and pork slices for the barbecue.  

The Korean barbecued beef and pork won the hearts of the campers and their parents. Interest was shown in how the pork and beef were marinated and tips were freely given. 

Yes, cooking is a good way to bond with other church members. Not only did I get to know brothers Mark and Keng Khwang better, I also gained new cooking skills. There was much interaction among the church members and the women were able to learn useful household tips from each other.  

Even now, we are still exchanging recipes with each other. Do feel free to approach us if you would like a peek at these recipes.  

Another cooking session? We don’t know yet. There was talk of having a Peranakan cooking session. Do keep your ears open and let us know of your interest. - Song Ching

* * *

1) Membership Roll Update Exercise: If you are a member of Life B-P Church, please fill the form and submit it through the offerings bags or the box at the church entrance.

2) Sunday Lunch Fellowship: Lunch Coupons for the Sunday Lunch on 21 Jan will be on sale today at $2.50 a packet (beef hor fun, mixed vegetable rice and curry chicken rice with potato and finger food).

3) Catechism Class for Easter 2007 baptism with Rev Colin Wong at Chinese Svc Hall, 9.30 am. Those seeking baptism, reaffirmation of faith and transfer of membership must attend the Catechism Class.

4) Scripture Memory Review No. 4: Please submit the written review exercise by today. Review No. 1, 2 and 3 sheets are also available for those who missed them. Obtainable at the front counter.

5) DVD Screening: Sat, 3 Feb in the Church Sanctuary, 7-9 pm. "Exodus Revealed - Search for the Red Sea Crossing." Please invite your friends to come!

6) Scripture Memory Verses 2007 - "O For a Closer Walk with God": Memory verse booklets are available at the front counter. Free Audio CD recordings of the verses will be given upon request.

7) The Library: Lifers are encouraged to visit the Library which is open every Sunday, 12:15 - 12:45 pm. There are about 3,000 Christian books for all ages!

8) Congratulations to Mr & Mrs Ricky Kwok on the gift of a baby boy on 10 Jan 07.

9) "Facing Trials" by Preacher Quek Keng Kwang, 20 Jan 2007 (Sat), 3pm, FEK Rm 4. Suitable for young adults undergoing life challenges. All young adults are encouraged to attend. Pls email paksinglee@yahoo.com for more information.