(BWMYF) 7月至9月节目表 July – September Program Schedule

2007 MY Fellowship 青年人联合聚会 3

2007 MY FELLOWSHIP season 3 又来咯。。。。

想知道详情吗？就按以上的图片~~

31/5 - 2/6/2007 - 第二届北海创意青年营

第二届北海创意青年营于2007年5月31日至6月2日圆满结束.营会的第一天早上六时半开始在北赖布道所登记及集合。在七点半准时从北赖布道所出发而在大约十点时到达升旗山脚下。营员被分成了好几批乘坐览车上山顶，再花了大约四十五分钟的行程才到达营会场所-槟城卫里站。而所有的营员到达营会场所已是十一时。在中午十二时，我们进行了第一个活动-破冰游戏。透过这游戏让营员和委员们有机会认识对方。
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~by Liy Ha

more photos> (Link 1) (Link 2)

26/5:美食比赛 Event: cooking competition

在五月二十六日的晚上七时正，本堂会的青年团举办了美食比赛。这比赛由分成两组，组员全都是靠抽签而来的，而分别两位最年轻的当任组长。当晚，很多人都因着各自的活动和工作而迟到，但是还是来得及准备美味的菜肴。每组必须准备一叠炒饭，两种菜肴和一碗汤。我们的每一分，每一秒并没有浪费，直到最后的一分钟我们还在准备。比赛时间结束后，我们就把我们所预备的美食摆在桌上，拍了照片，就等候评判们的给分。我们邀请了王祖兴牧师和陈光益导师担任当晚的美食评判。评判员给完分后，我们就自由地享用美食。当天晚上我们都度过了一个美好的团聚。我们也感谢神让我们有机会再次的回来团契。 ~ by Joshua Chan

At 7.00 pm on 26 May 2007, our Youth Fellowship organized a cooking competition. The competitors were divided into two groups, and the group leaders were both the youngest in the groups. That night many people were late because of various reasons, but they were still in time to prepare delicious dishes. Each group must prepare a plate of fried rice, two kinds of other dishes and a bowl of soup. We did not waste a single second, and was still preparing the dishes up till the very last minute. When time was up, we put our dishes on the table and took photos before letting the judges give out the marks. We invited Rev. Wee and Bro. Tan to be the judges. After the judges gave out the marks, we were free to indulge in the wonderful food. That night we had a lovely time of fellowship. We also thank the Lord for a chance to return here to enjoy this fellowship.

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Drums and Worship - by Chris Tussing

A significant amount of controversy has been prevalent in churches and mainstream denominations over the years concerning the use and/or abuse of drums within the framework of a 'worship service'. Until as recently as the mid 1980's, your traditional church service was not exactly considered the proper environment for drums in the 'combo' sense, and that even the mention of bringing a drum set into the sanctuary of the local church was a shocker for most regular members or attendees, unless you were participating in some sort of "wild and crazy" worship that would leave the average believer out in the cold. Within this traditional environment, there is (and has always been) plenty of opportunity for the Father to work and to be worshipped ... He is still God, and He will always be on the throne no matter what instruments are being used to praise Him.

However, there is a growing movement within the Body of Christ to expand the musical boundaries to more contemporary music in the regular weekly services. This movement has its roots in the Jesus Movement of the early 1970's, and has been gaining momentum particularly in the last 5-10 years. Many churches and fellowships are finding this to be a relevant and effective way to make the "seekers" of our current generation feel more "at home", and to be a very effective tool of outreach. Still, there are many churches that would cringe at the initial thought of bringing drums and /or an electric guitar into the sanctuary. My desire, as a Believer and as a drummer of 20+ years, is to help to dispel some of those fears, to seek first an attitude of love and willingness to look to others interests as more important than my own (Phil. 2-3,4), and to encourage others to find the joy of lifting up our Creator with one of the MANY gifts and tools He provides us with.

Music in Worship in the Bible

When addressing any issue, we need first look at scripture to be the primary source of our foundation. The following scripture references deal specifically with praising the Lord with song and instruments - no actual references to drums (interpreted as a hollow cylinder enclosed on one or both ends with a membrane, and struck in a percussive fashion with either the hand or another implement) - however, cymbals and timbrels play a vital role in the worship services, and the reference is made several times that they praised with "all of their might."
# 2 Sam.6:5, 1 Chron. 13:8, 1 Chron. 15:16,19,28 , 1 Chron. 16:5,42 , 1 Chron. 25:1,6 , 2 Chron. 5:12-13, 2 Chron. 29:25, Ezra 3:10, Neh. 12:27, and my personal favorite - Psalm 150:5

Considering the significant number of individuals playing and singing, their praise must have been pretty loud..

Again, as in any biblical research, we need to keep the context in mind. This is not an excuse or license to be as loud as we want any time that we want, the circumstances were such (the dedication of the temple, etc...) that the times were exciting, the people were exuberant, the Spirit was leading, it was organized and orchestrated, and the Glory of the Lord was lifted up.

It was a special service or event, and the volume and intensity fit the needs of the music being performed, and were true to the intent of the writer of the material. It was not strictly loud improvisation (although it could have contained some) and it was perfectly acceptable to the people attending and participating in the worship service. It was contemporary to them for their day and time. It was an expression of who they were, and how they felt about the God that they serve.

Suitability of 'Contemporary' versus 'Traditional' Worship

In my opinion, there are two sides of the question that need to be looked at openly and honestly when the issue of introducing contemporary praise and worship to a more "traditional" style of church is one the table. They are:

1. Whether or not tradition and/or programs in that body have become more important than being open to one another with styles and preferences in worship, and (on the other hand)...

2. Whether or not the addition of any instrument is going to enhance the overall worship environment and glorify Christ, or become a "victory" at the expense of another individuals' ability to look away from the challenges of the week, the pot-roast in the oven at home, or the 'guy making all that racket up on the platform' , and turn their hearts and minds toward the Living God who wants to speak to them and dwell in their attitude of praise and adoration.

These issues should never turn into a win/lose situation. "Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind let each of you regard the other as more important than himself. Do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others." Phil. 2:3,4.We as drummers, want to play, love to play, live to play. That is the person that He created us to be. However, our responsibility as musicians is to master our instruments - whatever they are- so that our playing is as effective as it can possibly be. Our further responsibility as Believers and worshippers is to be sensitive to the Spirit within the music, and sensitive to the spirit of the believers in the congregation that are partaking in the service. If, at any time, we are distracting or drawing attention away from the focus on the Creator, than we are not fulfilling the role God intended for us as musicians. We must be so in command of our instruments that we can whisper if necessary, or roar when we need to, but never bang away because it just sounds good. We have a much greater obligation than the typical drummer/percussionist, and we need to take it very seriously.

Introducing Drums in Worship

The side that we hesitate to admit quite often is, what if drums are just not going to fit in here? What if the average attendee is 75, the choir director is George Beverly Shea, and the church is all wood pews, walls, rails - concrete floor, and a HIGH wooden arched ceiling? Stop for a moment and think, what is our calling? To find the best ways possible to lift up praise and adoration to our Saviour...., and to do nothing from empty conceit. If it won't work, at least at this time, don't beat a dead horse with a Pro-Mark nylon tip 7a stick...maybe nothing will ever work here that is different. Perhaps hand percussion could add a little spice / shakers, congas, etc... Start easy, and help the others in the congregation see what you are attempting to do. Perhaps take them to a place where they can talk to and listen to some contemporary praise. Maybe they have never experienced anything like that before. Don't alienate them on the first try by bringing your whole rig in and deafening them at the outset. Remember, drums LOOK loud. Go easy, don't try to go from 150 years of choir anthems to jamming rock and roll praise. It will NOT fly.

The good news is, that scripture tells us the even the "rocks will cry out" if we do not praise Him, and He has given us minds and technology to invent any number of instruments (yes, even the dreaded Marshall amp) with which to praise and adore Him. What we need to keep first and foremost in our minds is that our focus is on Him, praising Him, and helping - NOT HINDERING - others in their praise and adoration of Him as well.

HOW TO BE AN EFFECTIVE WORSHIP LEADER

1.) Have the heart of a worshipper
Worship leaders are "lead worshippers," who lead while worshipping, not instead of worshipping. The difficulties and demands of ministry often leave worship leaders with little or no extra time for personal worship and the care of their own souls. Are worship leaders too busy to worship? Our busyness is often the result of allowing others to dictate our agendas. We can often allow others to make for us the essential work of deciding and
directing, establishing values and setting goals; then we find ourselves frantically, at the last minute, trying to satisfy a half dozen different demands on our time, none of which is essential to our vocation, to stave off the disaster of disappointing someone.

So how can we prepare for the long haul of ministry? Here are some basic steps to learning the care of your soul:

· Set aside a regular time for personal worship. Find a place where you can be alone without distractions or interruptions. Listen to worship music and worship along with it. Or take a walk and be silent. Meditate on scripture, such as the Psalms, and let the words and images of the Bible become the content of your praise and prayer.

· Be accountable to someone else for your spiritual growth. We need to be in a small group or have a spiritual mentor. Someone who will keep us accountable and focused as we grow deeper in our life with God. By accountability, I mean, having someone who regularly asks such questions as what are you watching?, what are you thinking when no one is around?, what books or magazines are you reading? who are you associating with?

· Keep your marriage and family ahead of ministry. The simplest test of spiritual growth is to ask your spouse (or your parents) if there is more or less love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23) than last year. Sadly many worship leaders have their success in ministry undercut by failures with their families. God never asks his servants to sacrifice their marriages and families for ministry. Worship ministries are time intensive and put unexpected pressures on the home. Sooner or later, if need be, you may have to make
tough decisions and say no to ministry for the sake of your family. Maintaining proper balances between family and ministry commitments requires hard work and clear thinking. It also requires open, honest communication with your spouse and those to whom you are accountable in ministry.

2.) Musicianship
As a person who uses their voice as much as the singers, worship leaders should practice their instrument. Your voice is as much an instrument as what members of the band are playing. We need to practice singing as much as we can, and take voice lessons if necessary, to avoid any damage to our voices.

Continually practice exercises and songs that will improve your tone, extend your range, improve your breathing, improve your improvisation skills, help you to hear harmonies develop your sense of rhythm and timing etc.
Spend time simply listening to music. Many worship leaders complain that the only music they have time to listen to are the worship CDs they go through as they search for new songs for their congregations. Go to concerts and watch videos; study the masters and learn from their art. By listening to music at a greater level, you will have a higher value for the role of music and the importance of musical excellence. Your enthusiasm will rub off on others.

3.) Become a Man or Woman of the Word
You will not progress in having a prophetic edge to your leading unless you become a person of the Word. It as we read God’s Word that revelation comes and God brings a ‘rhema’ word to our hearts. As you worship in your private times with God, take the Word and begin to sing it, quote it or just meditate upon it.

As we start to get the Word of God into our spirit our worship leading starts to enter in a new dimension of power and authority. Without it our words of exhortation will be shallow and lack maturity.

120507 - Parents Cafe

在五月十二日的晚上，本堂会的青年团举办了 Parents’ Café。这活动的目的是为了筹钱给北海第二届创意青年营。在当天晚上7 点我们正式营业。我们所卖的食物都是由我们青年团的会员所准备的。在他们享受他们的晚餐时，他们还可以点歌听。大约11点左右， 我们就正式停止营业。在当儿所有的工作人员就趁着那时间来享用美食。我们感谢上帝因为让我们的Parents’ Café 能够顺利地进行。


On 12 May, our Youth Fellowship organised a Parent’s Café at night. This activity is to collect money for the 2nd Butterworth Creativity Youth Camp. That night we started business at 7.00pm. All the food we sold were prepared by the members of the Youth Fellowship. As the parents enjoy their dinner, they were able to listen to songs too. Around 11pm, we ended the business, and all the workers enjoyed their dinner instead. We are thankful to the Lord for the success of this Parent’s Café.

>> more photos

by Joshua Chan

08/04/07 - Easter Day Celebration at hutan lipur, BM.

Early morning at Hutan Lipur, Bukit Mertajam, members of Butterworth Chinese Methodist church gathered to celebrate Easter Sunday. We sang a few songs and praised the Lord, for He died for us on the cross. After that, Rev. Wee shared with us that there were much wrong information about Jesus Christ which are widely spread. He advised us to refer to the Holy Bible, for it is the best book to provide knowledge about our Lord, Jesus Christ. After sharing, we had a light breakfast, and of course eggs as they represent new lives. It was a cold morning, as the morning breath urged us to enjoy the nature. After jogging, we had a game section. Everyone was enjoying themselves. We spend the whole morning there. After 10am, members started to go home for the one o’clock service. Easter is not entirely a day of eggs and Easter bunnies. It is the day Christians celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ died for us on the cross so that we may have eternal life.

more photos>> easter photos album

by Joshua Lim