33 2012
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Newsletter
EM “Family” Christmas INSIDE THIS ISSUE//
Along with the birth of Jesus, we have also become the family of God. Jesus says, “No one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again” (John 3:3). And we are “born again” for everyone who is “born of the Spirit” (John 3:8). All throughout the Bible, you may have noticed that the Almighty God is also our loving “Father” (e.g., Psalm 89:2628, Isaiah 9:6, Jeremiah 3:19, Matthew 5:48, Philippians 4:20, 2 Peter 1:17).
P.1/ - Top News: “EM Family Christmas” - Two Year Bible Schedule P.2/ - November Review - Baby Hannah Liao - TKO’12 Photos P.3/ - CareCell Corner “Chosen” - Mission 2013 - December Preview P.4/ - Calendar / TYBS - Pastor’s Desk
LEARN MORE// How is EM celebrating Christmas this year? How can I attend?
Where can I read about Jesus’ birth to get into the Christmas spirit?
What? Another baby at EM? Who?
Who is “Chosen” and why did they move to Thursday night?
Isn’t it too early to talk about 2013 summer mission trip?
What are SLPC activities for Christmas this year? www.slpcenglish.org
DEC
Some time ago in a place far from Taiwan, God sent one of his angels to a young woman and said to her, “You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end.” (Luke 1:31-33). And thus, Mary and Joseph became a family with the birth of baby Jesus.
It is with this reminder of family that we celebrate Christmas this year at EM. We are God’s family for all who believe and receive Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior (John 3:16), and as we have been adopted (Ephesians 1:5), so we ought to reach out to the many “lost” children, who need to be born again. God our Father loves each one of us so much, and we hope to make that love obvious among brothers and sisters in the EM Family. Join us 12/23 for a buffet dinner and great times. Tickets are NT300 each and are available starting 12/9.
TYBS: Proverbs 27-31 & The Christmas Story According to surveys, about 25% of Americans have read through the entire Bible, and only 10% of professing Christians have done so. So if you’re one to complete the Two-Year Bible Schedule, good job! For this final month, we finish Proverbs and review some of key passages from previous readings. Just because you’ve read it before doesn’t mean there’s not more to gain in wisdom, hope and encouragement. As Christmas is here, below are key Scriptures from the four Gospels that relate to the birth or beginning of Jesus. Matthew 1 & 2 tells the genealogy and -1-
birth of Jesus as well as the visit of the Magi (wise men) and Jesus’ family’s escape to Egypt until they returned to Nazareth, where Jesus grew up. Mark 1:1-3 jumps quickly into “The beginning of the gospel about Jesus Christ, the Son of God” and notes the prophesy about Jesus from Isaiah 40:3. Luke 1 & 2 describes both the foretelling and the actual births of John the Baptist and Jesus with the involvement of angels and shepherds. Luke even tells of Jesus’ childhood at the temple. John 1:1-18 reminds us that Jesus, who is eternal God, became flesh to be the true light for the whole world to see.
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NOVEMBER REVIEW Outreach: Over 65 people on 11/18 attended the Thanksgiving Outreach at Linsen Park for this year’s outdoor worship.
if you have not; (iii) CARE team regularly cares through prayers as your Connect Cards give us specific requests and praises.
Worship: (i) EM was away on 11/4 (retreat) and 11/18 (TKO), but our friend Dr. Chris Dippenaar from Taiwan Theological College and Seminary graciously preached on 11/11 (TTCS Sunday) and 11/25; (ii) Thanks to Praise Team and Choir for the beautiful songs and voices.
Discipleship: (i) “Basic Bible Reading in English” has concluded this month, but will reconvene in early 2013—praise the Lord that two women made commitments to get baptized in Teacher Cecilia’s course; (ii) “TYBS” worksheet for Oct readings were due 11/25; (iii) Bible Verses mini-binder and English Bibles are available at Welcome Table.
Fellowship: (i) Carecells combined to celebrate as 20+ met for Thanksgivings over turkey and potluck dinner on 11/27; (ii) More people are enjoying genuine relationships through carecells so join
Above: Our Sunday Lunch Team ladies Lily & Amy. Show your love and appreciation to them by saying “Thank you”, offering to help, and eating! Below: It’s also good to see the men preparing food (Carecell’s Thanksgiving Dinner 11/27).
Service: Jesus came to serve, and not to be served (Mark 10:45). What about you?
Baby “Hannah” Here we go! Another happy announcement of an addition to the young couple, Amy and Michael Liao. Here’s an excerpt from Michael’s Facebook on Nov 17:
Above: Welcome to the family, to EM, and to the world, Hannah (one week old)!
“Please say hi to baby Hannah, born 11:56 am 11/17/2012, at a healthy 3,430g, both mum and baby are doing great. Thanks all for your prayers, now the fun begins.” In case you were not aware, the
Thanksgiving Outreach (11/18) Many thanks to God for another year of peace and joy, safety and protection, comfort and encouragement. And thanks God for growth in EM throughout the year, as we’ve averaged over 90 people for Sunday worship and have begun children’s ministry in October. Thanks, too, as many people shared answered prayers and praises through Connect Cards and testimonies, whether at Sunday worship—like Harrison at the outdoor worship—or carecell meetings. Additionally, a quick thanks to coworkers who made TKO possible— EM has some of the finest people in www.slpcenglish.org
all of Taipei! Thanks Jennifer, Susie, Cecilia, William, Mathilda, Huang-An, Sophy, Ralph, Scott, Peter, Jenny, Belle, Grace, Choir, Elder Su (for the photos) and everyone else who attended.
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name “Hannah” means “grace, favor” and this baby—as is every life—is certainly nothing less than the grace of God. Grace is also commonly defined as “gift” and thus, Amy and Michael have received probably their best Christmas gift ever! Here’s praying that Hannah and the family will be strong and healthy in the Lord and that they will be warmly received in the EM Family.
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Carecell Corner: “Chosen” by Jenny Chen
Above: Cecilia ordered the turkey and Steve served it as carecells met together this week to give thanks (11/27). Thanksgiving—along with the food—is always a good reason to come together.
I really thank God that “Chosen” was born in late 2012 because I’ve been truly blessed through this carecell. Although our numbers were few at the beginning (only 4 in the first meeting), it was cozy. And then, God’s Spirit led more people over time to be “Chosen.” Today, we have regularly 8 people and we praise God for them and for the growth! We hope even more friends will be “Chosen” soon so we can multiply into two carecells. Generally, the “Chosen” ones are
early in our careers and are loving and easy-going. While everyone is usually busy with job and/or studies, we commit to meet together weekly because this kind of close bonding among Christians is so rewarding. For those who are available only Thurs, we recently moved from meeting Weds to Thurs for you. We believe it is part of God’s plan to move and we believe you are part of God’s plan to be “Chosen” on Thursday nights at SLPC 7F library starting 7:30 PM.
Summer Mission 2013 Every summer, EM sends out a mission team to work with English children camps throughout Taiwan. While we hope to eventually send many teams to many areas all throughout Taiwan—perhaps even internationally— with both limited resources and in obedience to God, we are targeting poorer communities to work with. Above: At Cao-Hu Presbyterian Church, where EM sent a mission team in August 2012 to work alongside Rev. Wang and Song.
As we do so, we are seeking local Taiwanese churches to connect with as we prepare for Mission 2013. If you
are part of church leadership, or know people who are, and would like to partner with EM for August 2013 to receive our mission team, please contact us before 2/29/2013. At the same time, if you are interested to partner with EM by joining our mission team, also let us know. In the past, we have even co-worked with American churches’ youths so we’re certainly open to working together as one body in Christ for God’s glory!
DECEMBER PREVIEW Outreach: (i) On 12/9, EM will join SLPC to pass out Christmas fliers as we invite our neighbors to hear the good news about Jesus Christ; (ii) On 12/23, we will celebrate Christmas at XO’12 held at Taipei International Hotel, starting 6:10 PM with a buffet dinner. Our theme is “Family” so make sure you invite them! Worship: (i) On 12/2, we welcome Dr. Chris Dippenaar again to share God’s Word with us; we also have Praise Team leading us in contemporary songs; (ii) On 12/9, we have communion; (iii) On 12/23, EM has the Christmas worship service at 11:00 AM, 7F with EM Choir presenting; SLPC baptism service begins 10 AM, 10F. Fellowship: (i) EM carecells—like Chosen—have loving brothers and sisters in Christ as we grow together in God’s
family. Make sure you check them out and commit to one for more blessings in your routine; (ii) Our CARE team is always ready to pray and assist— please call or email your needs. Discipleship: (i) “TYBS” worksheet for Nov readings are due 12/30; (ii) SLPC’s 100Y Anniversary Bible Verse minibinders are available at Welcome Table; (iii) Free English Bibles also at Welcome Table—make sure you’re reading and hearing God’s Word daily! Service: As 2013 quickly approaches, we are recruiting more people in all Team ministries, including: teachers for Children’s Ministry and Christian Education courses, members for Worship Team (Music, Word, and A/V), Care Team, Lunch Team, Welcome Team, and even EM volunteers, who can do office works on weekdays. Love ‘EM!
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Above: Christmas is a time when many families come together to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. Bring out your Santa hats, reds and greens, Christmas trees, stars and ornaments, and join the EM family for XO’12 on 12/23! Note: Dinner tickets (NT300) are available at Welcome Table on Sundays starting 12/9 or also in SLPC 9F office. As for all EM events, financial aid is available… just let us know!
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DECEMBER 2012 Join us for Sunday worship at 11 AM (7F) and lunch fellowship afterward in the café area.
Sun
Our Vision Evangelistic & Nurturing Church Our Mission Love God & Love Others as Ourselves
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat 1 Pr 27
2
3 Ps 103
11A English Worship 1P Choir Rehearsal 1P Board Meeting
9c
10 Mt 13
11A English Worship 1P Choir Rehearsal
16
17 Ro 6
11A English Worship 1P Choir Rehearsal
4 Isa 40
5 Isa 55
6 Mt 5
7:30P Chrysalis CC 7:30P Agape CC
7:30P 1Way CC 7:30P Music Team
7:30P Chosen CC
11 Jn 10
12 Jn 14
13 Jn 15
7:30P Chrysalis CC 7:30P Agape CC
7:30P 1Way CC 7:30P Music Team
7:30P Chosen CC 7P Baptism Interviews
1:30P SLPC1F Gospel Tea Time
18 Ro 8
19 1Co 12
20 1Co 13
21 1Co 15
22 Pr 30
7:30P Chrysalis CC 7:30P Agape CC
7:30P 1Way CC 7:30P Music Team
7:30P Chosen CC
28 1Pe 4
29 Pr 31
23
24 Gal 5
25 Heb 11
26 Heb 12
27 Jas 3
10A SLPC Baptism 11A English Worship 1P Choir Rehearsal 6:10P XO “Family”
7:30P SLPC10F Christmas Eve
7:30P Chrysalis CC 7:30P Agape CC
7:30P 1Way CC 7:30P Music Team
7:30P Chosen CC
30
31 1Jn 1
11A English Worship 1P Choir Rehearsal
New Years Eve 7P SLPC10F Year-End Gathering
c: Communion BBRE: Basic Bible Reading in English XO’12: Christmas (Xmas) Outreach
TYBS Readings: Isa: Isaiah Mt: Matthew Jn: John Ro: Romans 1Co: 1 Corinthians
7 Mt 6
8 Pr 28 Carecell Leaders Retreat
14 Ro 5
15 Pr 29
Gal: Galatians Heb: Hebrews Jas: Joshua 1 Pe: 1 Peter Pr: Proverbs Ps: Psalm
From the Pastor’s Desk MAIL TO
FROM SLPC English Ministry 雙連教會英文牧區 111 Zhong Shan North Rd, 9F Sec 2, Taipei, Taiwan 台北市中山北路二段 111 號 9 樓
slpcenglish.org
Email: emcaresforyou@gmail.com Tel. 02-2541-5390 Fax. 02-2523-1361 SLPC-EM
Though I wasn’t able to join this year’s combined carecells Thanksgiving potluck dinner on 11/27, I did eat some leftover turkey from the dinner. Growing up I may not have enjoyed eating leftovers, but these days, I’m reminded that these leftovers are one of the best reasons to be thankful to God! The fact that there is something “left over” means we have more than enough. Thanks to our God of abundance who always gives us more than enough! As the year closes, be reminded of the difference between “want” and “need”. In general, we have many more “want’s” than “need’s.” What do we need? Food, clothing, and shelter. What do we want? More food, more clothing, more shelter, and many more things besides food, clothing, and shelter! Be thankful all
your needs are provided for, and extra thankful that you have more than enough! As C h r i st ma s dawns, also be Rev. Peter Chen reminded that our 陳道南牧師 greatest need is to be saved from our sins. That’s why Jesus was born 2,000 years ago. We could not save ourselves, but God can and did as Jesus was born and died on the cross as the sacrifice for our sins. The best gift is usually the one we need most but the hardest to get— certainly, no amount of money or works can buy or earn forgiveness of sins. But God can and God did. Jesus was born, died, and is risen for you. Jesus is the greatest gift of all!
Articles in this edition of EM News reflect the opinions and personalities of the English Ministry at Suang-Lien Presbyterian Church. If you would like to contribute to EM News—opinions, testimonies, photos, etc—please email to emcaresforyou@gmail.com. www.slpcenglish.org -4-