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For internal circulation only Vol 30 No 28 15 July, 2018
5th BPCIS Leaders’ Retreat: Developing next generation leaders
The annual retreat was held this past week at a comfortable hotel just a stone’s throw away from the Tuas causeway. Over two days, 52 participants from 11 churches shared meals and fellowshipped under the theme of ‘Developing Next Generation Leaders’. This theme came out of our 2017 retreat, in which collective deliberations resulted in three areas of focus for BPCIS: Developing leaders, building relationships and sharing resources. Thus, the 2018 retreat embarked on addressing the first of these three foci by inviting an engaging speaker in Rev (Dr) Tan Soo Inn. Rev Soo Inn is no stranger to us in Hermon, having spoken a few times at our Men’s Fellowship. He has written a book, ‘Following Jesus in Threes’, which our staff team read through together in our weekly staff meetings this year. From Hermon, Dn Luwin, Dns Lai Kin, Zebedee and I were the participants. Hermon had the privilege of organising the retreat for the second year running. Every segment of the retreat (e.g. worship, opening prayer, saying of grace) is assigned to a leader, who executes it independently according to schedule. From the pre-retreat preparation to the retreat proper, it is a true display of the idea that many responsible hands do make work light and enjoyable. We thank the church for allowing us time to organise and participate in the retreat. From the speaker’s sessions, we learned that young adults termed ‘millennials’ number about 1 million in Singapore and they make up nearly 27 per cent of Singapore’s current resident population. Since they are a significant slice of the population, it is beneficial for the church to be knowledgeable about them. This group spans the ages of 18 to about 30 years old. This is also a critical age group as we know that many come to
faith before 21 and that in young adulthood, their faith is solidified and the foundation laid for their life’s spiritual journey. In Hermon, many of our second generation members belong to this group and in the spirit of Renewal, our next generation of leaders will come from them. I would like to highlight some interesting facts about millennials that were shared. Firstly, they have a longer runway to full adulthood due to the postponement of typical adult markers such as a steady job, marriage, parenting, and independent control over time and money. Secondly, empirical studies have revealed that millennials are a very lonely generation. They may be very connected on social media but there is often a lack of in depth sharing and connecting. The foundations of satisfying and lasting relationships do not seem as strong in their generation even with the increase in connectivity due to technology. Thirdly, they are at home with complexity. They do assume that the world is complex and tend to be suspicious of people and positions that do not accept and understand this. Finally, they are more critical of the institutional church than previous generations. Often, they cannot accept the answer that ‘this is how it’s always been done’. So in this age of rapid technological advances and globalisation, we need to think hard about how we can continue to equip and empower our YA to continue to be faithful disciples of Jesus Christ. Through a short presentation by some of the younger generation leaders at the retreat, what came across was that good quality spiritual fellowship is needed to groom the next generation. And that fit in very well with the speaker’s proposed two key strategies of 1) relevant bible teaching and 2) relational shaping. Both need intentionally dedicated time and are based and centred on God’s Word. Renewal is vital for Hermon to survive into the future. If we are to develop our next generation of leaders, we need to be ready to intentionally set aside time to pace them. One platform that we are developing is the 3-2-1 model advocated by the speaker: Three persons meeting for two hours once a month. The foundation of sharing and accountability in such meetings should be God’s truth, gleaned through reading the Bible or Christian books. Developing the next generation of leaders will require time and effort, but the lasting legacy of faithful service to God will make it all worthwhile.
Ps Daniel Tan
(Editorial Writers: 22 Jul – Dn Sandor Wang; 29 Jul – Dn Lee Pak Choon) 2
PRAYER ITEMS
“As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God
chosen and precious, you yourselves like living stones are being built up as
a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices
acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.” 1 Peter 2:4-5
CHURCH
Hermon Children and Youth Ministry Staff Meeting, 21 July – Pray for the staff team as they meet to review the feedback received during the mid-year retreat and the next 3 months’ programme for the Children and Youth Ministry. Ask the Lord for wisdom, humility and unity of hearts and minds that all may be done for His glory.
Prayer – Prayer is one of believers’ greatest spiritual disciplines and a gift from God. Pray that God will move His people to support the church prayer meetings.
WORLD Floods in Japan – The country has experienced the worst flood in decades with at least 179 dead with many missing and over 8 million residents evacuated. Pray for the health and safety of the rescue workers as they work in challenging conditions. Pray too for the smooth operation of aid relief, that essential supplies may be delivered swiftly to the survivors in temporary shelters.
Thailand cave rescue – Praise God for the successful rescue mission of the 12 boys and their coach out of the cave system. Pray for the continued recovery of the entire team, including the rescue workers and volunteers, that they may have a smooth integration back to their daily lives.
PASTORAL CONCERNS Pray for the unwell/sick - Let us continue to uphold Edward Lee, Paul Koh and Eld Elgin Chan in our prayers for their full recovery. We also want to remember Sim Wee Phong who just had surgery on his left arm fracture. May all experience God’s healing hand and may their families experience God’s strength and encouragement.
Birthdays – We rejoice with our members whose birthdays fall this week (15-21 Jul): Thomas Liow, Audrey Neo-Mok, Ang-Lee Meng Choo, Sora Chua-Noh and Lydia Li.
15 Jul: Deborah Engelsen / 22 Jul: Angela Choo
PRAYER MEETING Wed (25 Jul), 8.00pm @ Peter room Prayer leader: Dn Sandor Wang Focus: Singapore’s 53rd National Day
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A warm WELCOME to all who are here this morning. If this is your first time with us, please fill in a Visitor’s Card and drop it into the offering bag during the Offertory. We invite you for fellowship after Service at the Visitors’ Table on the ground floor.
VISITORS’ CORNER. We are glad to have had Ms Quek Hwee Noi, Isaac Wong, Gillon Jeremy, Jordi Mora and Yagiz Akdag worshipping with us last Sunday.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
30TH CHURCH ANNIVERSARY THANKSGIVING DINNER (Sun 15 Jul) – Venue: NUSS@ Kent Ridge. Yes, it’s this evening! For those of us who have requested for bus transport, please come to church by 5.45pm. If you are going directly, please be at NUSS@Kent Ridge by 6.30pm. Parking is free. Do access the Anniversary blog at https://mthermon30.wixsite.com/hermon30 for other information.
If you have any thanksgiving, words of encouragement or prayer for Mt Hermon, please share them by following this 3 step process on your smart phone or computer - Go to https://www.sli.do, type event code MH30, click Join and type your message.
If you are giving towards our Development Fund as part of our 30th year celebration, you may issue a cheque to Mount Hermon BP Church –
Development Fund.
Looking forward to the warm Christian fellowship this evening!
MEN’S FELLOWSHIP – 18 Jul Wed, 8.00pm at Peter room #04-02. I/C: Dn James and Alvin Yeo. Topic: God’s Omniscience (God’s understanding is limitless). What does this attribute of God has to do with me? How should I apply this truth in my life? We will continue with the book “The Attributes of God” by A.W. Tozer in this discovery. The attributes include God’s self-existence, transcendence, eternalness, omnipotence, immutability, omniscience, wisdom, sovereignty, faithfulness and love. Please come and join us. – Dn James Quek (94558888)
BETHANY NURSING HOME VISITATION (Sat 21 Jul) – All are welcome to join the team to visit the residents of Bethany Nursing Home. Let us meet in the Home Lobby at 2.00pm.
MISSIONS TRIP YANGON, MYANMAR (07-12 Dec) – Registration is still open. Enquiries at Love Fellowship Hall after service today. 4
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ANNOUNCEMENTS
GIRLS’ BRIGADE SINGAPORE Annual GB Fortnight (15 to 29 Jul 18). A donation leaflet is inserted in today’s Herald. The donation is for the training programme geared for developing the TOTAL GIRL – educationally, physically, spiritually and socially. They also inculcate Christian moral values and training in leadership skills. Some of the fund will be used for community and development projects. Donations are tax deductible. Hermon GB volunteers will also be collecting fund for their donation cards. Please donate generously. – Lai Kin
YM SONGS, SHARING & PRAYER NIGHT – Sat 21 Jul, 7.30pm-9.30pm. Come join us in singing praises to our God and in fellowship with each other! – Samuel Chan
NEW CATECHISM CLASS will start on 19 Aug. Time: 1.30pm-2.30pm. The Baptismal Service will be on 16 Dec. If you have been worshipping with us for more than six months and have decided to settle in Mount Hermon as a member by baptism (a public confession of your faith), membership transfer (from another Bible-believing church) or re-affirmation of faith (for children above 12 and have been baptised during childhood), please get a form from the Steward i/c.
NEW BABY. Congratulations to Joshua & Wendy on the safe arrival of their 2nd child, Caleb James Chan, born on 12 Jul. And also to the grandparents, James & Sally Chan.
LOCAL MISSIONS: The Helping Hand is a Christian half-way house for rehabilitation of ex-drug addicts to re-integrate them into society. One activity is the weekly bible study which Zebedee has been involved since last year. If you are interested to join Zebedee to encourage them during the BS on 4 Tuesday nights (8pm-9pm) in August at The Helping Hand (near Kovan MRT), please register at Fellowship Hall after service.
STAFF MOVEMENTS. 1) Wai Lan is on leave 16 Jul. 2) Gillian Lim is on leave 16-17 Jul. 3) Ps Daniel is on leave 18-20 Jul.
MEETINGS
Today
Vocal Team Practice 8.45am–9.30am Paul #04-14
Worship Practice 8.45am–10.30am Ebenezer Chapel
Missions comm mtg 1.30pm–3.30pm Resource #04-1-2
22 Jul VBC Echo 1.00pm–2.30pm Peter #04-02
Pulpit Ministry mtg 1.30pm–3.30pm Resource #04-1-2
29 Jul, 12, 26 Aug DSG Practice 1.30pm–3.00pm Gideon/Samuel
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COVENANT GROUP MEETINGS
CG & Leader Date Venue / Occasion Agape Lester Cheng 28 Jul, Sat, 7.30pm Phelip & Liddy Bay’s home
CCK Open Care 02 Aug, Thu, 7.30pm Samuel/Gideon rooms #04-07/08
de Vine Tan Swee Sin 27 Jul, Fri, 9.00am Eld & Mrs Tan Kim Ping’s home
El Shaddai Sally Chan 11 Aug, Sat, 10.00am Peter room #04-02
Immanuel Karen Sim 11 Aug, Sat, 10.00am Samuel room #04-08
Jehovah Jireh Dns Malar Thomas 21 Jul, Sat, 7.30pm Dean & Ramona Martin’s home
Klema Eld Ho Hian Chye 20 Jul, Fri, 8.00pm Moriah Sanctuary
Koinonia Dn Simon Toh 20 Jul, Fri, 8.00pm Joseph room #01-07
Living Water Daniel Woon 21 Jul, Sat,7.30pm Peter room #04-02
Morning Glory Jeanette Ler-Lee 27 Jul, Fri, 9.00am Peter room #04-02
Oxley Lee Yew Mun 20 Jul, Fri, 8.00pm Noah room #01-08
Paideia Gene Tan 28 Jul, Sat, 7.30pm Love Fellowship Hall
Young Adults Dn Luwin Wong 20 Jul, Fri, 7.30pm Peter room #04-02
YOUTH & CHILDREN
YOUTH BIBLE CLASS Time: 11.30am–1.00pm
ROOM 15 JULY 22 JULY
Senior Youths (Post Sec)
Gideon/ Samuel (#04-07/08)
COMMUNION SUNDAY
No bible classes
Youth Teaching Leader: Tan Jiahan Youth Group Leaders:
Post Sec Girls – Priscilla Chan Post Sec Boys – Tan Jiahan
Junior Youths (P6–S4)
Peter (#04-02)
Youth Teaching Leader: John Chua Youth Group Leaders:
P6-Sec 2 Girls – Teo Mei Yee P6-Sec 2 Boys Grp A – Mark Chia P6-Sec 2 Boys Grp B – Dominic Lim S3-S4 Girls – Lu Yanwen S3-S4 Boys – Samuel Ang
CHILDREN BIBLE CLASS Time: 11.30am–12.30pm
ROOM JULY
Faithfulness (P3-P5) Nehemiah (#02-04) Dns Malar Thomas
Goodness (P1-P2) Abraham (#01-04) Choong Kai Xin
Peace (3’s–K2) Jacob (#01-06) Celestine Liow / Lydia Li
ATTENDANCE
(Last Week) OFFERING AND PLEDGES
Fund Last week Month-to-date Jan-to-date Avg per week
Adults 270 Children 33 Total 303
General Fund $12,063.85 $23,155.60 $289,256.70 $10,713.21
Dev Fund $15,200.00 $16,345.00 $54,369.00 $2,013.67
Budgeted Ministry Commitments for 2018 for General Fund: $703,400.00 (or $13,272 per week). Development Fund Target in 2018: $205,000 (or $3,870 per week).
Please issue cheques to Mount Hermon BP Church (for General Fund),
Mount Hermon BP Church – Development Fund (for Development Fund).
Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. For the ministry of this service is not only supplying the needs of the saints but is also overflowing in many thanksgivings to God. (2 Corinthians 9:7, 12)
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GOD’S MESSAGE
Date: 15 July 2018 Speaker: Dn Luwin Wong Sermon Title: Rejected and Chosen Scripture Text: 1 Peter 2:4-10
1. A Glorious House (v4-5)
2. An Honored People (v6-8)
3. A Priestly Task (v9-10)
Reflection Questions:
1. How does knowing that the people are the house shape your understanding of 'church' means?
2. As a royal priest, how can you exercise your priestly duties at 1)
Home, 2) Work, 3) Church?
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Low
Order of Worship 15 July, 2018, 11.00 am
COMMUNION SUNDAY
Church Theme 2018: "Building & Blessing Our Communities”
Welcome & Announcement
Call to Worship
Opening Song In Christ Alone
Opening Prayer
Worship in Songs In Times Like These For the Cause Holy Spirit Breath of God
Holy Communion It’s Your Blood When I Survey the Wondrous Cross Streets of the City
Offertory/Doxology
Pastoral Prayer
YOUTHS & CHILDREN LEAVE FOR THEIR BIBLE CLASSES
Scripture Reading 1 Peter 2:4-10
Message Rejected and Chosen
Closing Hymn We Are God’s People
Benediction/Three-Fold Amen
Speaker: Dn Luwin Wong Worship Leader/Scripture Reader: Tan Jiahan Pianist: Lenith Cheng Vocalists: Sharon Thomas (ic), Inez Tan, Elsa Tan, Bernice Oh, Trina Oh and Shirlynn Yew Announcer: Lee Kok Eng Pastoral Prayer/ Benediction: Ps Daniel Tan PA: Daniel Woon, Benson Fong and Edward Lim Projectionists: Sheryl Yew and Leong Kam Chew Stewards: Shaji Thomas & Team A Communion Elements: Fong May Yee & Team Thanksgiving Flowers: James & Sally Chan Floral ic: Jennifer Seah Chrysalis: Lee Han Khun (ic), Lilian Wong and Florence Yip Refreshment: Morning Glory CG
NEXT SUNDAY’S SERVICE (22 JUL) Sermon Text: 1 Peter 2:11-25 Speaker: Ps Daniel Tan Worship Leader: Eric Chan Pianist: Rebecca Li Vocalists: Josie Oh (ic), Sharon Thomas, Dawn Tan, Dns Justina Ng, Chua Keng Chay and David Chong Scripture Reader: Ng Oi Fah Announcer: Dns Malar Thomas Pastoral Prayer/Benediction: Eld Choo Yoo Keong PA: Samuel Chan, Joel Mak and Joseph Ho Projectionists: Benjamin Chua and Steven Chua Stewards: Nelson Chong & Team B Thanksgiving Flowers: Alvin & Kortia Yeo Floral ic: Sally Chan Chrysalis: Lee Han Khun (ic), Lilian Wong and Florence Yip Refreshment: Morning Glory CG
Pastoral / Ministry Staff
Rev Daniel Tan (Pastor)
9751 7740/O-Extn 11
Dn Luwin Wong
9230 5363/O-Extn 12
Mr Zebedee Lee
8813 8944/O-Extn 13
Mrs Lee Kok Eng 8838 9030/O-Extn 14
Ms Tang Lai Kin
9842 6551/O-Extn 20
Board of Elders
Eld Peter Seah (Moderator)
Rev Daniel Tan
Eld Elgin Chan
Advisory Pastor
Rev (Dr) David Wong
Session
Dn Mike Fong
Dn Lee Pak Choon
Dns Justina Ng
Dn David Oh
Dn James Quek
Dn Sim Chow Meng
Dns Tang Lai Kin
Dns Malar G. Thomas
Dn Simon Toh
Dn Sandor Wang
Dn Luwin Wong
Dn Richard Yew
Administrator
Ms See Siew Kee
97477726/O-Extn 18
Sunday Service 11.00am
Children & Youth Bible Class
11.30am–12.30pm
Prayer Meeting Every 2nd & 4th Wed
8.00pm–9.30pm
10 Choa Chu Kang St 52
#04-01 CCKBC
Singapore 689284
Tel: 6766 8903