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.

“Conquerors in God’s Wisdom and Courage”

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.”

Joshua 1:8-9 (NIV)

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.

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!

华文 (go to Chinese translation)

Notice of 46th Annual General Meeting (AGM)

To all Baptised and Transferred-in Members

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. 

Elder Alex Lo, Chairman, BFEC 

第46届常年大会布告

致受洗和转会进来的会员们：

我们不只为了履行教会会员的责任参加常年大会，这也是会员的特权；同时，常年大会也是大家一同欢庆和彼此交账的时刻。主也会在我们大会的主日与我们同在。因为疫情的缘故，我们这次的常年大会将在网上进行。

日期：2020年8月16日星期天
第一部： 上午9点 – 华语主日敬拜（如常通过YouTube频道进行）
第二部：上午 10点- 常年大会（AGM）通过Zoom直播（报告，财政等等）

参加常年大会是要肯定您在BFEC大家庭的会籍，一个教会需要会员们认真规定出席与参与教会的聚会，教会才能健康的运作。

根据我们的教会组织章程第5章：“凡属于福兰克福音堂会员有责任根据长执理事会的规定，如此时按时肯定自己的会员身份。除非有特殊原因，无法履行，否则将移到附属名册，暂停会员的身份。教会理事会可根据合理的解释来决定恢复会员的会籍”

让我们在这个常年大会聚会里再一次肯定我们自己的会籍。

今年，我们的长老团队要宣布： 

• 委任 Roland Tan 为顾问长老
• 委任 Derek Pang 为新任增选长老
• 推选 Kelvin Ng and Joseph Oh为新执事

由于常年大会将通过上网进行，请确认您的邮件：

1. 预先登记注册 ：我们需要您在2020年8月8日或之前预先登记注册您的出席 

2. ZOOM的链接：登记注册过后将会收到一个Zoom会议的链接说明

3. 网站文本的链接：大会议程，2019年度常年大会报告、财政审计和会议记录 （英文）将会提供给会员在网上阅读。

更新Email和手机联络号码：如果您没有收到任何邮件，请即刻通知教会您的更新Email或手机号码，我们就可以马上发出有关的链接给您。请简讯到9670 1800 通知教会。

影印本：如果需要大会有关的报告影印本，可SMS或Whatsapp 到96701800 预约时间到教堂办公室领取。领取文件时间：7月27日- 8月8日（星期一至星期五）下午3-6时。

问题解答:   由于上网的常年大会时间有限，为了提供更多机会可以回复会员所经过深思熟虑并祷告的提问，理事会邀请会员们若有提问，请在8月8日或之前，把提问以电邮方式，发给教会秘书seowcheng@bfec.org.sg

在大会进行中，这些预先呈上的事项将得到优先回复。

我相信主必喜悦，同时我们也必互相得到祝福。

主里,

​​​

Elder Alex Lo, Chairman, BFEC