As we embark on the new year in 2021, let us remember to pray for our under-shepherds (Elders, Deacons, Local Pastoral & Operations Staff, Missionaries, Ministry ICs, Cell Group Leaders, Sunday School Teachers and Helpers, Youth Service leaders) serving in different ministries in BFEC. May they be “strong and courageous” as they serve in the strength of our Lord.
After an arduous 40-years’ journey from Egypt and slavery, Israel had just lost Moses – a great and compassionate leader. Joshua who was commissioned to take over Moses’ mantle had very big shoes to fill. But God charges Joshua obedience to His word and to be strong and courageous to lead Israel to conquer the promised land. The one who promised is faithful and will fulfil His word.
Are there areas of our lives, God wants us to conquer by obedience to His word and being courageous for Him? Come and hear our Chairman Elder Alex exhorts us as we ponder our church theme for 2021!
Church Theme Verse for 2021:
“Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
The Christmas Cheer Gift offering is received each year during Sunday services in Dec. May we prayerfully consider setting aside a Cheer Gift even in this unique and challenging year, as the Lord convicts and wills. The Cheer Gift will be apportioned to the needy as well as our full-time staff (pastoral, operations & missionary) and associated missionaries as their year-end 13th-month supplement and, if in any excess, bonus.
Eccl 3:1, 2 – “There is a time for everything and a season for every activity under the heavens…” For most of 2020, we lived in the shadow of COVID-19. Governments and individuals have both been sorely challenged by the pain of disruption. While some may have flourished in the hiddenness of lockdown, most find themselves pining for things to return to the way they were. Like it or not, 2020 has also surfaced pastoral issues that can no longer be ignored. For many, these have already become personal: challenges in emotional and mental health, finances, digital addiction, being neighbourly to the dislocated and disadvantaged. The writer to the Ecclesiastes would be sympathetic. He provokes dialogue and reflection at every turn as he observes the pain and pointlessness of the inequalities or inevitabilities pervading his world. But if asked today, he would probably say even COVID-19 is nothing new “under the sun”. And ultimately, he would firmly point us back to revere God, apart from whom nothing can make sense, let alone be enjoyed. Taking heed, instead of merely wishing 2020 away, why not set our gaze God-ward and seize the opportunity to form Christ-like convictions for lasting change in our walk and witness? Drawing inspiration from Ecclesiastes 3, we picked eight of the 14 contrasting dyads to spark reflection, discern the times and so see Christ clearly in our midst and overcome.
Date
Topic
Speaker
22 Nov
A Time To Heal
Dr Tan Soo-Inn (GraceWorks)
29 Nov
A Time To Uproot
Rev Dr Lewis Wrinkler (EAST)
6 Dec
A Time To Die
Ps David Wong (Zion Bishan BP Church)
13 Dec
A Time To Build
Bro Kenneth Wong (Bethesda Ang Mo Kio)
20 Dec
A Time To Mend
Bro Benny Ho (Faith Community Church in Perth, Australia)
As the global pandemic rages on, many remain fearful and disoriented by the prospect of mounting infections, job losses, social misery and political unrest. We are told these are part of the new normal.
As Christians, how are we coping? What do we trust in and hope for in a time such as this? The book of Psalms teaches God’s people to call and even cry out to Him, for true hope and assurance are found in the Lord alone.
It is thus timely that in this year’s BFEC Churchwide journey, we will explore a selection of psalms that give voice to our hopes and fears, and focus our hearts and minds where they ought – on God and our Saviour Jesus Christ, our only hope in life and death.
So join us on this journey as we pray and sing the Psalms together unto the Lord, for He is good and his steadfast love endures forever! In Christ, indeed, God has given us a new song!
Date
Psalm and Title
Speaker
4 Oct
Psalm 1 (Wisdom Psalm): No Two Ways About It
Deacon Jason Sin
11 Oct
Psalm 2 (Royal/Messianic psalm): Exalted One of God
Elder Jimmy Tan
18 Oct
Psalm 29 (Hymn of Worship): Whom will You Worship?
Elder Jonathan Cho
25 Oct
Psalm 32 (Penitential Psalm): Seeking the Blessedness of God’s Forgiveness
Elder Melville Szto
1 Nov
Psalm 85 (Corporate Lament): O Lord, How Long!
Elder Ernest Chew
8 Nov
Psalm 91 (Wisdom Psalm): Nesting in the Shelter of the Most High
Elder Caleb Chua Soon Boon
15 Nov
Psalm 103 (Hymn of praise/ thanksgiving): Giving Praise to His Unfailing Steadfast Love
Gathering together to worship God is biblically and spiritually significant despite the current restrictions. It shows us what being church is about for we do not follow Christ in isolation but in community – be it gathering online for a season or physically now that we are allowed to do so.
After 6 months, we are reopening our premises for worship services from Sunday 4 October 2020. Even though the government has announced allowance for 100, we will start with one service, in English, for 50 attendees at 9.00 AM. Eventually, we may increase the number or open up more services.
It is the privilege of members to participate in this AGM service not as a formal duty but as a time for celebration and mutual accountability. Our Lord is present even on AGM Sunday. In view of the COVID-19 situation, this AGM will be convened online:
Date: Sunday 16 August 2020 Part 1: 9.00 am – AGM Worship Service via usual platforms (Worship, Message, Lord’s Supper) Part 2: 10.00am – AGM continues on Live Zoom session (e.g. Reports, Accounts etc)
To participate in the AGM is to affirm your membership to the BFEC family, for no church can function healthily without members affirming their regular participation in their local church.
As such, Article 5 of our Articles of Association states: “All members of the church shall at such intervals and in such manner as may be required by the Church Council, affirm their membership failing which such members shall be transferred from the Register of members to a subsidiary register upon which their membership shall ipso facto be suspended, provided that the Church Council shall have the discretion to restore a person where a reasonable ex-planation has been given.”
Let us make it our goal to affirm our membership once again at this AGM service.
This year, the Elders are pleased to inform members of the following:
Appointment of Advisory Elder: Roland Tan
Appointment of new co-opted Elder: Derek Pang
Election of New Deacons: Kelvin Ng and Joseph Oh
Members, with the AGM conducted online, please check your email for:
1. PRE-REGISTRATION: we need you to pre-register your attendance at the link indicated in your email by 8 August 2020.
2. LINK TO THE ZOOM SESSION : this will be provided after you submit your pre-registration.
3. LINK TO ONLINE COPIES: The Notice of Agenda of AGM, 2019 Annual Report & Audited Accounts and Minutes of the last AGM will be made available for viewing online.
Updating Email and Mobile contact: However, if you did not receive the email, do ensure you update your email address and mobile contact with the church office at 96701800 immediately so that we can refurnish the links to you.
Printed Copies: The aforesaid documents will be made available upon request (SMS or WhatsApp to 96701800). These may be collected through prior appointment made at BFEC church office between 27 July – 8 August (Mon – Fri), 3pm to 6pm only.
Questions & Answers: With the time constraints of an online AGM and in the interest of giving opportunities for prayerfully-considered questions and answers, the Council invites members who have questions to submit them in writing to the Church Secretary. Email to seowcheng@bfec.org.sg by 8 Aug 2020. During the AGM, priority will be given to clarifications arising out of answers to these pre-submitted questions.
I am confident the Lord will be pleased and all of us mutually blessed.
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