2023_0709 Online Bulletin_Church

Sunday, 9th July 2023 SAINT GEORGE’S CHURCH Every person complete in Christ - Colossians 1: 28 W ELCOME to Saint George’s Anglican Church, a Church for all Nations! We are very glad that you have joined us today. If you are simply visiting, we hope that you will leave us having experienced encouragement and challenge from hearing God’s word, praying to him, singing in your heart to him, meeting with him and with his people. If you would like to join us more regularly at St George’s, then please let us know by contacting the office on [email protected] Our website is also helpful www.stgeorges.org.sg Our desire for everyone who attends St George’s is that we will be more mature in Christ than when we arrived. Yours in Christ, Canon Lewis Lew THE COLLECT FOR FIFTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY Almighty God, without you we are not able to please you. Mercifully grant that your Holy Spirit may in all things direct and rule our hearts; through Jesus Christ our Lord. AMEN. 1

Acts 8:1-25 In Acts 1:8, Jesus commanded His disciples to be His witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. Up to Acts 7, their witnessing had been confined to Jerusalem. Acts 8 provides a turning point, for we see their witness moving to Judea and Samaria. The gospel is preached to non-Jews for the first time. Following Stephen’s martyrdom, Saul led a violent persecution against the church. All the Christians (except the Twelve) were scattered into the surrounding regions of Judea and Samaria. We might have expected these displaced Christians to go into hiding or remain silent in their witness, fearing arrest or death. However, we don’t see that. Instead, “Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went” (8:4). The gospel advanced even in the face of persecution. We thank God for the courageous witness of these ordinary Christians who boldly shared the gospel despite hostility. Philip, one of the seven deacons chosen to oversee the daily food distribution for widows, began to preach the gospel to non-Jews— specifically, Samaritans, whom Jews did not associate with and whom they hated and despised. However, here we learn that the gospel and the gift of the Holy Spirit are meant for everyone who repents and believes in Jesus. The gospel isn’t restricted to the Jews! Jesus Himself crossed racial, religious, and social boundaries in His encounter with the Samaritan woman (John 4). God desires true worshipers who will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth (v. 23), regardless of their background. Jesus declared His identity as 2

the Messiah to the Samaritan people in John 4, and \"because of His words, many more became believers\" (v. 41). Jesus challenged His disciples, saying, “Open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest” (John 4:35). We are to see that the gospel and the gift of the Holy Spirit are for everyone, not just for the Jews. God calls all to repent and believe in Jesus. May we ask God to help us share the gospel with everyone—even those we feel uncomfortable with—even in the face of hostility, rejection, and opposition. Blessings, Sean Tan 3

Psalm 45:10-17 10 Listen, daughter, and pay careful attention: Forget your people and your father’s house. 11 Let the king be enthralled by your beauty; honor him, for he is your lord. 12 The city of Tyre will come with a gift, people of wealth will seek your favor. 13 All glorious is the princess within her chamber; her gown is interwoven with gold. 14 In embroidered garments she is led to the king; her virgin companions follow her— those brought to be with her. 15 Led in with joy and gladness, they enter the palace of the king. 16 Your sons will take the place of your fathers; you will make them princes throughout the land. 17 I will perpetuate your memory through all generations; therefore the nations will praise you for ever and ever. 4

Acts 8:1-25 1And Saul approved of their killing him. On that day a great persecution broke out against the church in Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria. 2 Godly men buried Stephen and mourned deeply for him. 3 But Saul began to destroy the church. Going from house to house, he dragged off both men and women and put them in prison. 4 Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went. 5 Philip went down to a city in Samaria and proclaimed the Messiah there. 6 When the crowds heard Philip and saw the signs he performed, they all paid close attention to what he said. 7 For with shrieks, impure spirits came out of many, and many who were paralyzed or lame were healed. 8 So there was great joy in that city. 9 Now for some time a man named Simon had practiced sorcery in the city and amazed all the people of Samaria. He boasted that he was someone great, 10 and all the people, both high and low, gave him their attention and exclaimed, “This man is rightly called the Great Power of God.” 11 They followed him because he had amazed them for a long time with his sorcery. 5

12 But when they believed Philip as he proclaimed the good news of the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. 13 Simon himself believed and was baptized. And he followed Philip everywhere, astonished by the great signs and miracles he saw. 14 When the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had accepted the word of God, they sent Peter and John to Samaria. 15 When they arrived, they prayed for the new believers there that they might receive the Holy Spirit, 16 because the Holy Spirit had not yet come on any of them; they had simply been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 17 Then Peter and John placed their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit. 18 When Simon saw that the Spirit was given at the laying on of the apostles’ hands, he offered them money 19 and said, “Give me also this ability so that everyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit.” 20 Peter answered: “May your money perish with you, because you thought you could buy the gift of God with money! 21 You have no part or share in this ministry, because your heart is not right before God. 6

22 Repent of this wickedness and pray to the Lord in the hope that he may forgive you for having such a thought in your heart. 23 For I see that you are full of bitterness and captive to sin.” 24 Then Simon answered, “Pray to the Lord for me so that nothing you have said may happen to me.” 25 After they had further proclaimed the word of the Lord and testified about Jesus, Peter and John returned to Jerusalem, preaching the gospel in many Samaritan villages. Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30 16 “To what can I compare this generation? They are like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling out to others: 17 “ ‘We played the pipe for you, and you did not dance; we sang a dirge, and you did not mourn.’ 18 For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, ‘He has a demon.’ 19 The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.’ But wisdom is proved right by her deeds.” 25 At that time Jesus said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the 7

wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. 26 Yes, Father, for this is what you were pleased to do. 27 “All things have been committed to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. 28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” 8

Sermon 8 am 10:15 am 5:30 pm Passage Communion Service Communion Preacher Service Acts 8:1-25 Service Canon Lewis Lew Acts 8:1-25 Service Acts 8:1-25 Canon Lewis Lew Leader Suzana Yeo Marc Wang Canon Lewis Lew Psalm 45:10-17 Kathleen Chia Acts 8:1-25 Revd Paul Tan Sean Tan Acts 8:1-25 Psalm 45:10-17 Peggy Tay Toh Soon Kok Victor Lam Chris McPherson Reading/s Acts 8:1-25 Deepa Edwin Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30 Revd Paul Tan Intercessor Mike Kelly 9

Give Thanks to who God is ● Praise God that He does not show favoritism but accepts from every nation the one who fears him and does what is right. (Acts 10:34-35) The World ● Pray for greater awareness and resolve among all nations to care for the environment and reduce pollution of the sea, land and air. ● Pray for the PM and leaders of Malaysia, as they face the upcoming state elections. Ask the Lord to grant them the grace to continue to lead the nation to peace and harmony, as well as to rid the land of corruption. Singapore ● Pray for Madam Halimah Yacob our President and Mr Lee Hsien Loong our prime minister. Pray for the upcoming election of a new President. ● Pray that the Cyber Security Agency of Singapore will be equipped to perform its critical function of setting up a strong foundation of cybersecurity to fend off the multitude of threats that lurk in cyberspace. Diocese ● Pray for our companion dioceses in the Province of South East Asia - the Diocese of West Malaysia, the Diocese of Sarawak and the Diocese of Sabah. Pray for perseverance in outreach and church planting throughout their lands. ● Pray for the youth and children of Singapore that God may call many to himself and that we churches of the Diocese would help Jesus seek and save the lost in this age group. St. George’s Church ● Pray for our Missions & Outreach Committee: Pray for them as they begin their planning process for 2024. Pray that God grant them discernment and establish the work of their hands. 10

● Praise God for the appointment of Canon Lewis as our Vicar and pray for him, the staff, the Wardens and the PCC. Pray for a smooth ‘settling in’ for Canon Lewis and his wife, Leng Leng. Pray for extra portions of grace for Canon Lewis as he takes on the double Vicarship of St. Andrew’s Cathedral and St George’s Church till December 2023, the Deanships of Nepal and Laos, plus other diocesan duties. ● Pray for the Sick - Anna-Lily, Jayanthi, Joanna, Maryjane, and Tee Dhye. Pray for their medical teams and family and friends who care for them. Colossians 4:2 Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. Psalm 84:8 Hear my prayer, LORD God Almighty; listen to me, God of Jacob 11

The Hadfield's Ian and Narelle’s email contact details: [email protected] Sign up to CMS to pray for the Hadfields: https://www.cms.org.au/missionaries/ian-and-narelle-hadfield Possible next Ministry church – Hanoi International Fellowship https://www.hif.vn If you wish to see the photos from the Friday night’s Farewell Dinner (23rd June), please email Betty: [email protected] For the Praise and Fellowship with the Hadfield's (17th June) video, you can watch it via St George's YouTube Channel @StGeorgesChurchSingapore 12

CREATION CARE MINISTRY MEETING 7:00 pm, Monday 17 July on Zoom Join walks, talks and other activities to reduce climate change. Learn about caring for God's creation, based on Genesis 2:15 Join in fellowship with participants. For more details, please contact Richard Hartung at [email protected] or 9695 8210 Register here: https://rebrand.ly/SGCRegister 13

Self-Care for Mental Wellbeing Youth Bldg Lower Rooms 2.00pm - 4.00pm 22 July Jointly organized by Caregivers' Alliance Limited (CAL) The talk will provide participants to consider the importance of self- care for their mental well-being and to avoid burnout in caring for others affected by mental or chronic illnesses. Participants will learn practical ways to self-care. This talk is intended for people who are already carers or see themselves becoming carers in the near future. Course is Free-of-charge About Caregivers Alliance Limited Caregivers Alliance Limited (CAL) is a non-profit organisation in Singapore dedicated to meeting the needs of caregivers of persons with mental health issues through education, support networks, crisis support, tailored services and self-care enablement. While there are other organisations providing support to the community affected by mental health issues, only CAL focuses exclusively on supporting caregivers. Visit CAL website for more information: About Us | Caregivers Alliance Limited (cal.org.sg) Register here: https://rebrand.ly/SGCRegister 14

Saturday, 5th August 10am - 12nn at the Lower Hall All are welcome. There will be special catering to celebrate National Day. Please register early. Closing Date: 26th July 2023 Register here: https://rebrand.ly/SGCRegister 15

Parish of the Week – Chapel of the Resurrection The Diocese of Singapore is embarking on a 2-year campaign: Parish of the Week, where one parish is featured per week. This week, the Parish of the Week is, Chapel of the Resurrection (COR). Find out more about COR and how you can pray for our sister parish via https://anglican.org.sg/potw/ or by following the Diocesan Facebook or Instagram page @dioceseofsingapore. 16

Studying and Interpreting the Bible by Church of the Good Shepherd We all interpret the Bible when we read it. The question is whether we interpret it accurately. This course will help us look at selected genres of the Bible and provide basic principles of interpretation of each of the genre. We will also look at selected Bible passage of each genre to learn how to apply the principles of interpretation in understanding the Word of God in the different genres. Speaker: Mr Kua Wee Seng Date: 5, 12, 19, 26 August 2023 (Saturday) Time: 10am - 12nn Venue: Church of the Good Shepherd 2 Dundee Road S(149454) Block B, Level 2, Room 1 Interested participants please email: [email protected] Registration closes on 4 August 2023 17

Job Openings within the Diocese of Singapore Church of the Ascension is recruiting for an Associate Chaplain for St Andrew's Nursing Home at Aljunied. Interested applicants may find out more about these recruitment positions at anglican.org.sg/work-with-us/ 18

CHOIR REHEARSALS Saturdays at the Lower Hall Adult 8am Choir: 1.30 to 3.30pm Children's choir: 3.30 to 5.00 pm Interested to join the choir? Contact Joanna Paul at 81021721 19

For Helpers and Toddlers ON BREAK Resumes 22nd August To register for the next term go to https://rebrand.ly/SGCToddlerTime For further enquiries email Hydie at [email protected]. 20

SUMMER BREAK! Please note that TINY TOTS is on Summer Break from 19 June to 31 August 2023. TERM 3 RESUMES 4 September 2023. Please watch this site for more details closer to the date. We need volunteers! Please contact us to find out how you can help [email protected] 21

Mondays, 19 June, 26 June, 21 August, 28 August 10.00am – 11.30am Please drop in at the Lower Hall for some songs, playtime, refreshments and fellowship. No registration or payment required for this programme, but we would welcome a donation to the church. For more information please Email: [email protected] or Tel: 6473-2877 CONTACT US NOW! TELL YOUR FRIENDS ABOUT IT! 22

SUNDAY SCHOOL We are on SUMMER BREAK on 2nd and 9th July JULY SUMMER PROGRAMME (3 weeks) Starts from 16th – 30th July (10.30 am – 11.30am) 3-6yr olds gather @The Lower Hall 7-11yr olds gather @The Youth Building (1st floor) 23

If you're interested or for more info, please get in touch with Shehan - [email protected] 24

Our Friday night Dig Deeper sessions will be on break for the summer holidays and will resume on 11th August 2023 25

Our summer Youth program in July (5 Sundays) begins on 2nd to July 30th July 2023 at 10.15 am in the Youth hall. We will be running the 'Towards Belief' video series by Olive Tree media followed by a brief discussion time. Towards Belief is a video series addressing the top belief blockers of our time - the most frequently cited reasons that many have lost confidence in the Church and its message. Over 30 leading Christian academics, pastors, authors, and apologists discuss questions such as the Church, the existence of suffering, the credibility of the Bible, the compatibility of science and faith, and the Church's teaching on homosexuality, among many other important topics. Towards Belief offers thoughtful responses to the major stumbling blocks to faith. Hosted by Karl Faase. 26

Filipino Fellowship Meets every Sunday at St George’s Church In the Lower Hall – 12 noon Join us and be refreshed as we study His word Please join us for lunch and fellowship. If you prefer online: Sunday nights – 9pm on Zoom: Friday nights Bible study 7pm or 9pm Zoom: For more info, please contact Hydie Valdez at [email protected] 27

Life Groups are doing life together in a supportive small group. You can explore issues of faith. You can ask questions. You can express your opinion. You can care for each other and care for others outside the group. All whilst looking at the bible and practically applying the riches and wisdom of God. Sign up here and we will find you a group: https://rebrand.ly/SGCLIFEGROUP 28

Go Here To Sign Up 29

Wednesdays, 10:30am Service is open to anyone without registration. We have light refreshment afterwards. For more information please WhatsApp message to the Office 96577142 30

Thank you for the generous way that you have been giving to St George's Mission Partners, especially during the difficult times that COVID-19 has brought. Unfortunately, due to changes in the Singapore Charities Commission, Singapore Anglican Churches can no longer send money on behalf of individual Church Members or church groups who donate to specific Mission Partners. Church Members or groups will need to donate directly. St George's Website https://www.stgeorges.org.sg/outreach-partners-list lists the Mission Partners' websites for your easy individual/group donating. 31

St George's Mission Committee will: 1) receive 20% of offertories then distribute to St George's Mission Partners (Local and International) 2) receive donations for general missions (on top of the 20%) and distribute to St George's Mission Partners (Local and International) 3) distribute money donated according to St George's policies to Local and International Partners. 4) tell the church membership about financial needs but are not allowed to specifically ask for financial donations. Despite the above making it more difficult to donate, please continue to be generous as God has been generous to you. 32

For your prayerful consideration PAYNOW Please open your bank app and click the “scan & pay\" and scan the below QR code or click the PayNow icon, you can choose to key in UEN number: T08CC4075KSGC PLANNED GIVING Please go to this section of the website to find out more How To I Give Or download the form here. And send the completed form to Annette: [email protected] 33

Regular Church Service Times: SUNDAY ACTIVITES 8am Communion Service with Choir. 10:15 am Service with Sunday School and H2O Youth. 5:30 pm Service a relaxed contemporary Service: After each Service we have light refreshment afterwards. Sunday School ON SUMMER BREAK 2nd and 9th July H20 Youth WEEKLY ACTIVITIES Dig Deeper Youth: ON BREAK RESUMES 11 AUGUST In Person @St George's 6 pm - 7:30 pm for Junior/Intermediate teens (12 -15 Years Old) 7:30 - 9:30 pm for Senior teens (16 - 18 Years Old) Midweek Wednesday 10:30am Service We have light refreshment afterwards. Tiny Tots – - ON BREAK TERM 3 RESUMES ON 4 SEPTEMBER 2023 (For Parents and children from 0 - 4 years) Mondays and Thursdays 10.00 am - 11.30 am Tiny Tots Summer Programme 34

Will run for four Mondays. Please see above announcement for further details. Toddler Time - ON BREAK RESUMES 22ND AUGUST (For Helpers and Tots) Tuesdays 10.00 am - 11.30 am * St George's church building is open during the week between 9.00am - 4.30pm for private prayer. 35

Contact Us [email protected] [email protected] Vicar: Revd Canon Dr Lewis Lew Seniors: Revd Paul Tan [email protected] Women and Families Lead: [email protected] Priscilla Chua Sunday School Lead: Getsy Daniel [email protected] Youth Ministry: Shehan Thomas [email protected] Life Groups/Courses: Sean Tan [email protected] Filipino Ministry: Hydie Valdez Student Minister: Asher Chua [email protected] Admin Manager: Peter Khoo [email protected] Finance: Annette Ho Membership, Courses & Rosters: [email protected] Betty Wu Property: Cynthia Lamb [email protected] Sunday Services & Website: [email protected] Lesley Limpin Digital Technology: Isaac Johnson [email protected] Verger: Harold McIntyre [email protected] Office Number: 64732877 Office Mobile No. (WhatsApp only) 96577142 Address: St George's Church 44 Minden Rd, Singapore 248816 36