2022_07 31 Online Bulletin_Church

Sunday 31st July 2022 ST GEORGE’S CHURCH Every person complete in Christ - Colossians 1: 28 WELCOME to St George’s International Anglican Church! We are very glad that you have joined us today. If you are simply visiting St George’s 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, Ian Hadfield THE COLLECT FOR SEVENTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY SUNDAY Lord of all power and might, the author and giver of all good things: graft in our hearts the love of your name, increase in us true religion, nourish us with all goodness, and of your great mercy keep us in the same; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. AMEN. 1

DEVOTION Mark 2:1-17 So far in the Gospel of Mark, we’ve seen how King Jesus displays his authority: Jesus has authority over people’s lives. He calls people to give up their careers and follow Him (Mark 1:14-20). Jesus has authority in his Teaching (Mark 1:21-22). Jesus has authority over Satan and his demons. “He gives orders to evil spirits and they obey Him.” (Mark 1:23-28, 34). Jesus has authority over sickness and disease, even an incurable one such as leprosy (Mark 1:29-34, 40-45). And in Mark 2:1-17, we see an important facet of King Jesus’ authority - his authority to forgive sins. There is a repeated use of the words sins and sinners in this section. In the first section from verses 1-12, some men made a hole in the roof above Jesus and lowered a paralyzed man on a mat. I’m sure it was obvious what the man needed - physical healing from his paralysis. However, Jesus saw the man’s deeper need. Forgiveness of sin and a restoration of his relationship with God. Jesus pronounced the man’s sins to be forgiven, and the teachers of the law there recognized correctly that forgiveness of sins was something reserved for God alone. Thus, they concluded that Jesus was blaspheming - How could this mere man act as God? 2

Jesus then healed the paralyzed man and explained that he wanted everyone to know that He, the Son of Man, has the authority to forgive sins (verse 11). The Teachers of the Law refused to accept that Jesus had such authority to forgive sins - but we see another group that clearly did accept and welcome it. And this group were the tax collectors and “sinners”. They were seen as immoral people - adulterers, robbers, prostitutes, drunkards, gluttons, etc. The religious leaders wouldn’t fraternize with such “unclean” people, lest they be tainted by sin. They couldn’t understand why Jesus would eat with people like them. So Jesus explained, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” (Mark 2:17) One of the things that keep people from being saved is a sense of self- righteousness, which says, “I’m good enough, I’m not a sinner - or as bad as those sinners. I don’t need Jesus to save me. I’m not sick.” We need to recognize that we are all sinners in the eyes of a Perfectly Holy God (Rom 3:23). Without God’s forgiveness of our sins, we are lost. We simply need to admit our need for Someone to heal our incurable sickness of sin and grant us health and salvation. And thanks be to God, that Someone is Jesus Christ, the Messiah, the Son of God. The Good News is that Jesus calls everyone to repent of their sins and believe in Him. Admit your need for Him, turn to Him for salvation, and receive eternal life in Him. Rejoice in His love for sinners like us. Blessings, SeanTan 3

VACANCIES FOR 3 POSITIONS 4

PSALM 107:1-9, 43 1 Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever. 2 Let the redeemed of the LORD tell their story— those he redeemed from the hand of the foe, 3 those he gathered from the lands, from east and west, from north and south. 4 Some wandered in desert wastelands, finding no way to a city where they could settle. 5 They were hungry and thirsty, and their lives ebbed away. 6 Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress. 7 He led them by a straight way to a city where they could settle. 8 Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind, 9 for he satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things. 43 Let the one who is wise heed these things and ponder the loving deeds of the LORD. 5

MARK 2:1-17 1 A few days later, when Jesus again entered Capernaum, the people heard that he had come home. 2 They gathered in such large numbers that there was no room left, not even outside the door, and he preached the word to them. 3 Some men came, bringing to him a paralyzed man, carried by four of them. 4Since they could not get him to Jesus because of the crowd, they made an opening in the roof above Jesus by digging through it and then lowered the mat the man was lying on. 5When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralyzed man, “Son, your sins are forgiven.” 6 Now some teachers of the law were sitting there, thinking to themselves, 7 “Why does this fellow talk like that? He’s blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?” 8 Immediately Jesus knew in his spirit that this was what they were thinking in their hearts, and he said to them, “Why are you thinking these things? 9 Which is easier: to say to this paralyzed man, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up, take your mat and walk’? 6

10 But I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.” So he said to the man, 11 “I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home.” 12 He got up, took his mat and walked out in full view of them all. This amazed everyone and they praised God, saying, “We have never seen anything like this!” 13 Once again Jesus went out beside the lake. A large crowd came to him, and he began to teach them. 14 As he walked along, he saw Levi son of Alphaeus sitting at the tax collector’s booth. “Follow me,” Jesus told him, and Levi got up and followed him. 15 While Jesus was having dinner at Levi’s house, many tax collectors and sinners were eating with him and his disciples, for there were many who followed him. 16 When the teachers of the law who were Pharisees saw him eating with the sinners and tax collectors, they asked his disciples: “Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners?” 17 On hearing this, Jesus said to them, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners 7

8 am 10:15 am 5:30 pm Communion Service Service Service Narelle Hadfield Marc Wang Preacher Narelle Hadfield Suzana Yeo Rev Ian Hadfield Mark 2:1-17 Mark 2:1-17 Service Kenneth Tan Surojit Mundle Shehan Thomas Leader Peggy Tay Asher Chua Sermon Mark 2:1-17 Passage Reader Clarence Tan Reading Psalm 107:1-9, 43 Intercessor Shanthini Arthur 8

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PRAISE GOD FOR WHO HE IS • Thank God that though the wages of sin is death, the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. In Christ, sinners are loved, forgiven, justified, sanctified and glorified. THE WORLD • Pray for Kazakhstan which is a majority Muslim (53%) nation. Thank God that many Uzbeks and Uyghurs in Kazakhstan are turning to Christ - and beginning to take the gospel back to their own people. Pray for the evangelism of unreached minorities and distribution of Bibles. • Pray for countries in Europe and the UK which are experiencing record breaking heat waves and wildfires. Pray that global leaders will take swift and necessary steps to cut greenhouse gas emissions to reduce the impact of climate change. • Pray for countries (e.g. China and Australia) which are experiencing a huge surge in the very transmissible COVID-19 virus sub-variant. Pray for good strategies to help their people prepare for the waves of infection. SINGAPORE • Pray for Singapore. Pray for our government as they continue to remain vigilant in monitoring the COVID-19 situation in Singapore, find new strategies to effectively deal with dengue, increase awareness of mental health issues and accessibility to resources as well as maintain national security. • Pray for students. We pray for those who may be embarking on a new term of studies that they may be able to cope well with wisdom and good time management. Pray for their health, and that they 11

may display love for others, excellence and diligence in all they do, while not losing sight of the eternal value of knowing and being known by God. ST GEORGE’S CHURCH • Pray for St George’s local mission partner: St. Peter’s Hall, Trinity Theological College. Pray for the students who have begun their theological studies at TTC, to receive strength and peace to transition well into a new and unfamiliar season and setting. Pray for the ongoing development and flourishing of the 6 new Schools in St Peter’s Hall: Schools of Anglicanism, Pastoral Ministry, Leadership, Church Growth, Biblical Studies, and Theological Studies. • Pray for our families at St. George’s. Pray for strong bonds and relationships between husband and wife, that the Lord will protect marriages and not allow anything to come between it. Pray for families to be grounded in good and godly values, modelling after other godly families and extended families. Pray for families to be more resilient and able to weather through various changes, challenges, work in office, and the pressure of inflation. • Pray for those who are unwell; Bee Kuan, Clarence, Craig, Dave and David, Jayanthi, Jacqueline, Joanna, Kenny, Kevin, Pearl, Robin, Sheri, Tee Dhye, Teresa, and Yu Ping. Pray for God’s comfort, peace and healing to be upon them through his divine presence and healing touch. Colossians 4:2 2 Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. Psalm 84 8 Hear my prayer, LORD God Almighty; listen to me, God of Jacob. 12

www.anglican.org.sg DIOCESAN DIGEST July 2022 for download DD-July-2022-Version-4.pdf (anglican.org.sg) 13

Monthly Prayer Meeting 4th August 2022, 7.30pm, Online Zoom Come and join us praying for our World, Our City Singapore, and Our Church. Our World needs Jesus and so join us as we ask the Lord to show his glory through his gospel and his church. If you would like a copy of the prayer points please contact Betty at [email protected] Register here: https://rebrand.ly/SGCMonthlyPrayPC Simply join using Zoom Details: Click Here :-> Prayer Meeting On Zoom Meeting ID: 292 505 734 Passcode: 823166 14

INITIAL SAFEGUARDING TRAINING Initial Training is Compulsory for first-time volunteers across all Ministries at St George’s Church. The Zoom link for the training session will be sent to you once you complete the registration. *It is highly recommended that St George’s members who do not volunteer in a ministry, to also attend this Initial Training. Join the training session Online (Zoom): * Wednesday 17th August from 7.30 PM to 8.30 PM on Zoom. Register here: https://rebrand.ly/SGCRegister 15

Ancient Ways in a Modern World 10, 17 & 24 September 2022 (3 Saturdays) 9.00am to 12 noon An invitation to explore different pathways to a deeper life in Christ. This practical workshop on classical spiritual formation disciplines will enhance your devotional life and help you practice the presence of God in this modern world. It will also benefit those who are planning to go on a personal retreat. Cost : $20 (Registration fee is non- refundable) Venue: Youth Building (1st floor) Register here : https://rebrand.ly/SGCRegister 16

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PLANTS BY CHURCH CARPARK ENTRANCE The plants placed by the carpark entrance function as a deterrent for large trucks using our car park as a U-turn point. With the barrier and plants in place, the width of the driveway is suitable for cars to drive through. Please do not move any items arranged by the Church. Thank you for your co-operation. 18

6 KEYS TO MENTAL HEALTH 19

Support Refugees From Ukraine World Vision is a Christian based charity who has been present in Eastern Europe for decades. World Vision is scaling up its operation in response to refugees entering Romania from Ukraine and plans to provide psychological first aid for children who have been traumatized by this conflict, as well as basic relief supplies for refugees. Read more here: https://disaster.worldvision.org.sg/response#ukr Donate here direct to World Vision: 20

Volunteers Needed Help lead us in singing as well as greet and usher people into their seats, help with bible readings and prayers, livestreaming, sound desk, data projector, setting up and distributing communion, and helpers for after church refreshments etc. etc. Please sign up and we will arrange training for you. Go Here TO Sign Up 21

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 22

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 following the sermon series on Mark. If you prefer online: Sunday nights – 9pm on Zoom: Meeting ID: 95184221421 Passcode: 228348 Friday nights Bible study – Decisions 7pm or 9pm Zoom: Meeting ID: 91304904389 Passcode: 267309 For more info, please contact Hydie Valdez at [email protected] 23

Monday Tiny Tots Suspended until further notice 24

St George’s Sunday School 10.15am SUNDAY SCHOOL SUMMER CAMP From 3rd July we begin our HOLIDAY SUMMER CAMP for 5 weeks. Journey through the Bible from Genesis to Revelation We are very happy to announce the return of children at beginning of church to worship together as a church family. You can now CHECK IN for Sunday School as you enter Church with your family at entrance B. For any Sunday School children who are new: Please download the MOBILE PASS by registering here: https://rebrand.ly/SGCSSREG You could keep a screenshot of the QR code on your phone – if easier. ALL children will need to be MASKED regardless of age. Children get a name sticker with a code. Parents will get a matching code on a sticker. Please collect your child/ren at the end of the service from the relevant classrooms and bring your code. 25

After 15 minutes in church, the children will be prayed for and then sent off to Sunday School. After the prayer, parents/care givers, you have the responsibility of taking your child(ren), with their name sticker on your child(ren), to their correct Sunday School classroom. There will be leaders to help direct you to the correct classroom. AFTER WORSHIP and PRAYER in CHURCH: • 3 - 6’s Go to LOWER HALL - at the back of church • 7 - 11’s Go to Lower YOUTH CENTRE – the green building at side of church The Children’s Ministry Team look forward to meeting you all for an exciting time together being the last week of Summer Camp. If you have children in Sunday school and are not receiving emails but would like to, please email [email protected] No need to register for Sunday school – Please do CHECK IN on arrival. Matthew 5: 14-16, Jesus said, “You are the light of the world…. let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven’’. 26

Tuesday Toddler Time at St George's Church SUMMER BREAK Toddler Time is currently on Summer break. We will resume on 16th Aug. For more information, please email Hydie at [email protected]. 27

* 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. Join us. Sunday School: In person Sundays 10:15am Summer Camp H20 Youth: In Person Sundays 10:15 am WEEKLY ACTIVITIES Dig Deeper Youth: In Person @St George's 6 - 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. Join us. Tiny Tots will resume in the 2nd half of the year. Toddler Time (For Helpers and Tots) 10 am Tuesdays: On Holidays. resume on 16th Aug. * St George's church building is open during the week between 9am-4pm for private prayer. - Revd. Ian and the staff team 28

Midweek Communion Wednesdays 10:30am Midweek Wednesday 10:30am Service is open to anyone (vaccinated or not against COVID-19) without registration. We have light refreshment afterwards. Join us. For more information please WhatsApp message to the Office 96577142 29

Church Live Stream Watch the 8 am and the 10:15 am St George's Church Services as they happen from home, the car, with others etc. Go to https://rebrand.ly/SGCLiveStream You will also be able to watch the Service any time after 8 or 10:15 am too by going to the Church Website https://www.stgeorges.org.sg and/or the Church's YouTube channel youtube.com/StGeorgesChurchSingapore 30

If you're interested or would like more info on this, please do get in touch with Shehan ([email protected]) 31

H2O Youth Presents 'Youth Alpha' The start date for the series is September 11th (Sunday @ 9:30am to 11:30 am) on the upper floor of the Youth Building. We are also on the lookout for volunteers to help with the various aspects of the program. Friends, we invite you to join us for Youth Alpha! Happening at St. George's Church on the upper floor of the Green Youth building. Day/Time - Sundays, 09:30am - 11:30am Youth Alpha is a series of 13 sessions exploring the Christian Faith in a friendly and informal environment with honest discussions. Everyone's welcome to join! First up there will be food! (breakfast served at 9:30 am) and then we will head to the Youth Hall to watch a video and have discussions based on the video. Scan for registration or Register here https://rebrand.ly/SGCALPHAYOUTH If interested, please contact Shehan ([email protected]) for more info. 32

This Friday we continue on our new 3-week series, called 'Purpose'. This three-week series helps students answer questions about their purpose in life and shows them that true meaning and purpose ultimately come from a relationship with God. Each week we discuss someone who had a life-changing encounter with Jesus, which helped them see how they fit into God’s plan and purpose for the world. We are in the Youth Hall for Dig Deeper, which runs from 6 - 7:30 pm for Junior/Intermediate teens (12 -15 Year Olds) and 7:30 - 9:30 pm for Senior teens (16 - 18 Year Olds). If you're interested in sending your teen to Dig Deeper and would like more details on the session, please do contact Shehan at ([email protected]). 33

H20 YOUTH SUNDAYS H20 YOUTH SUNDAYS This Sunday we are in the Youth Hall at 10:15 am, as we begin our new 3-week series in Matthew 6 titled, 'Secrets We Should Keep'. In this three-part series looks at Jesus’s teachings on giving, prayer, and fasting in Matthew 6. He tells us to do all these things “in secret,” where our Heavenly Father alone can see and reward us. If you're interested or would like more info, please do get in touch with Shehan ([email protected]). 34

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. 35

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. 36

For your prayerful consideration Whilst the church is not meeting together, we still have financial costs as well has providing assistance to those who need it. So we ask that you prayerfully and carefully consider giving online through PayNow or Planned Giving. FOR PAYNOW 1. Please open your bank app and click the \"scan & pay\" and scan the below QR code Please go to this section of the website to find out more https://www.stgeorges.org.sg/how-do-i-give Or download the form here. And send the completed form to Annette: [email protected] 37

Contact Us [email protected] [email protected] Vicar: Rev. Ian Hadfield Seniors: Rev. Paul Tan [email protected] Women and Families Lead: [email protected] Priscilla Chua Interim Children's Ministry Leader: [email protected] 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 Admin Manager: Nicholas Tan [email protected] Finance: Annette Ho [email protected] Membership & Courses: Betty Wu [email protected] Property: Cynthia Lamb [email protected] Rosters+Website: Lesley Limpin [email protected] Digital Technology: Isaac Johnson [email protected] Office Mobile (WhatsApp only) 96577142 (Mobile No.) Address: St George's Church 44 Minden Rd, Singapore 248816 38