20210829 English Bulletin

Vision: Building a Church after God's Own Heart SUNDAY 29th August WELCOME TO CAMBERWELL METHODIST CHURCH We are a faith community that is growing in our love for Jesus, who died for our sins, and is raised from the death. We are called to follow Jesus, and to make disciple of all nations. If you would like to know more about God, Jesus, or our church or the bible, please use [email protected] / Minister-in-Charge Rev. James Kong 0413 953 238 / English Pastor (Part Time) Ps. Allan Quah 0402 675 219 to Get in Touch. 58 Cooloongatta Road, Camberwell, VIC 3124 • Tel: (03) 9889 0702 • www.cmca-camberwell.org.au

Silent Prayer ORDER OF WORSHIP Call to Worship Adoration & Praise (29 August 2021) Prayer Responsive Reading <B e Still in the Presence of the Lord> The Lord’s Prayer Welcome/Notices Psalm 34:1-11 Offering Intercessory Prayer 406 <Take My Life and Let It Be> Scripture Reading Acts 15:1-21 Proclamation of the Word Jerusalem Council – Making Significant Decision Chorus of Response Benediction Ministry Roster 29/8/2021 Preacher Rev. James Kong Worship Leader Steven Yek Song Leader Jin Loong Wong Backup - Pianist Jiaxin Wong Keyboardist - Accompaniment - Cajon - Bible Reader - Multimedia Yew Fong Lim Live Stream/PA Gerald Wong Ushers - Floral - HC Prep - Ministry Roster 5/9/2021 Preacher Rev. James Kong Worship Leader Daniel Ha Song Leader Cheryl Chan Backup - Pianist Sarah Ha Keyboardist - Accompaniment - Cajon - Bible Reader - Multimedia Aaron Tiew Live Stream/PA Alister Chew & Jonathan Liew Ushers - Floral - HC Prep - 2

“God looks for those whose hearts are prepared to be intercessors before Him ...Intercessors can be the only ones standing between an individual or a nation and God’s wrath.” Henry Blackaby Weekly Praying for the Church 1. Pray for coming back to church to 2. P ray for LCEC 2021 and English working worship Committee that they may work together to reach out to families, our 2.1 Pray for ongoing streaming work to young people, and our community. be effective, and glorifying God; Please pray for the search of suirtable new pastor for English Congregation. 2.2 Pray for wisdom to discern how to allow congregation to come back to 3. Pray for Annual Conference continue worship with limited seat capacity due to be faithful in leading all churches in to social distancing; Australia, that we may work together to bring the gospel to the those who are 2.3 Pray for the small groups, and lost, and discipled to be fisher of men fellowships continue to connect with and women. each other, and reach out to other; 4. Pray for Ken Hii (able to talk and 2.4 Pray for God’s break through in swallow, in ICU), Clarence Yek (in all that church is doing so that we rehab), Jimmy Kong (scheduled for may experience renewal in the life of therapy treatment), Mdm. Lu (Mrs. community and ministry. Kong’s mum, bed-ridden), Christina (Boon Koh’s sister), Uncle Lu, Flora, Ben (recovering from heart surgery) and Uncle Hii. Thank you all for upholding them in prayer. 3

“God looks for those whose hearts are prepared to be intercessors before Him ...Intercessors can be the only ones standing between an individual or a nation and God’s wrath.” Henry Blackaby Weekly Praying for the Church 5. P ray for our church family continue to 6. P ray for spiritual awakening experience living God in each of these household at Camberwell Methodist 1.1 your plead with the Lord to be Church. We pray for deeper relationship merciful to us and graciously draw us among the family members, deeper back to Himself and His ways. Ask Him to relationship between husband and show us unfailing love and grant us His wife, and deeper relationship between salvation that we may rejoice in Him. parents and children. I cannot stress more than saying this is the time, God 1.2 restore us again, O God our is at work through and in our families. Saviour...Will you not revive us again, Let us not look else where but instead that your people may rejoice in you? look within our daily relationship and Show us your unfailing love, O Lord, and our family. God is right there with us. grant us your salvation (Psalm 85:4,6-7); Seek Him first and His kingdom, all these things shall be added to you. 1.3 Thank God that He is willing to give the Holy Spirit to those who ask. Cry out to Him for an outpouring and mighty working of the Holy Spirit in our day. 1.4 If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him. (Luke 11:13) 4

All that’s going on around Camberwell Methodist Church COMMUNITY WATCH Welcome (student)$140; 9-13 years old $110; 2-8 years old $80; Below 2 years old: Free. Person to contact: Rev. We welcome everyone who join our worship service. James Kong 0413 953 238; Gabriel Ting: 0422 265 545; May the peace of God be with you! If you are a new Frederick Wong: 0423 032 818. (Refer Page 8) friend to the church, please introduce yourself. Restrictions Theological Education Scholarship Fund Restrictions for Melbourne - Major changes (among We attached herewith the letter from the Board others) from 9.00PM, Monday 16 August 2021: on Theological Education Scholarship Fund to - Lockdown extended two weeks from Thursday encourage all of you to contribute to, in support of - Curfew introduced from 9PM to 5AM the CMCA theological students. Account Name: - Permits required for authorised work (applies from Chinese Methodist Church in Australia Inc BSB: 013- 225 Account: 268138975 (Please specify offering 11.59PM Tuesday 17 August 2021) to BoTESF during transaction so the fund will be - Exercise restricted to with just one other person allocated correctly.) (Refer Page 11-12) - All household members cannot exercise together - Face masks to be worn Pastoral Needs - R eligious broadcast limited to the same 5 people If you have any pastoral needs, please do not every time. hesitate to seek Rev. James Kong (0413 953 238), Ps. Due to the extended lockdown for 2 weeks from Allan Quah (0402 675 219) or local preachers: Lina Thursday 19 August 2021 and introduction of curfew Lim, Chris Ting, or Joo Soo Lim. If you need the pastor (9PM-5AM) as well as tightening of the restrictions for to pray for you, do approach Rev. James Kong or Ps. Melbourne, there will not be any physical worship Allan Quah after the service. service at the church for 29/8 (Sunday). All services (9AM Chinese & 11AM English) will be live streamed Family Devotion (YouTube) from the church. All fellowships, small groups, and Sunday Schools will be conducted We encourage families to start a regular family on the online platform until further notice. Please devotion each week. It is our main thing for our observe the restrictions, uphold, and care for our church because we will grow stronger, closer, and brothers & sisters in prayer and in love. Do keep more love for God and one another. Let us not yourselves update-to-date of the latest government’s waste this time of being together…. explore every announcement on the COVID-19 situation in Victoria. opportunity to play, to read, to do something We will keep you informed through Facebook Group together, to pray and to sing together. Camberwell MC Online and WhatsApp groups regularly. CMC Youth Camp 19th – 22nd Sept 2021 Prayer Meeting Thursday (02/9) 7:30PM Theme: “The Simple Gospel”. Speaker: Ps. Stephen Tan. Encourage all youths to register for the Youth Prayer Meeting to be led by Steven Yek through Camp with QR Code. Do contact Oscar Ling/Wesley ZOOM. Let us serve one another through prayer. Chew for further details. Church Camp 2022 2021 Family Discipleship Seminar 10-12 September (English) Dates: 07-10 January 2022 (Friday to Monday). Venue: Philip Island Adventure Resort. Theme: “Growing a gospel-centred Family”. Speaker: Brett Ryan (CEO Theme: God’s Kingdom Blessings: The Gospel and the of Focus on the Family). Please scan the QR Code Family. Speaker: Rev. Dr. Moses Tey (and Cathy Tey). to register. Closing Date for Early Bird Registration: We strongly recommend to you and encourage you 26/9/2021 Official Closing Date for Registration to scan the QR code for registration. (See Page 10) (31/10/2021). Early Bird Registration Fees (13years old and above $180; 13 years old and above 5

All that’s going on around Camberwell Methodist Church COMMUNITY WATCH Holiday Children Character Camp Christian Worship Module Date: 24-25 September 2021 Venue: Camberwell MC. To be taught by Rev. Shirley Ling (13/9 - 18/10 Every A day camp over two days - fun times for year 1 to Monday Night 2.5 each session) offered by the year 9 children of family and friends to learn about Certificate in Christian Leadership & Ministry for young exciting characters from the Bible through story- leaders. We strongly encourage the youths to enrol. telling, sing-a-longs, games, arts and crafts. There will using the online form. (Please refer Page 14) be a special theatrical performance by the children about the adventures they discover on the second Proverb Challenge day of the camp. Registration is open! To register, please use the CHAT box on the page or email to: Due to the inability to access the previous email vchairman.cmcacamberwell@ gmail.com 1. Your address, please resend your submission to chookai@ children’s name and age 2. Return contact number. gmail.com (Please see page 9) Prayer Letter from Board of Christian Social Food Bank Ministry Concerns (Aug-Sept) Christian Social Concerns Committee invites our Please pray for the prayer points listed. brothers and sisters to support the Food Bank Ministry of the Iranian Church for Christ (Previously known as LCEC Meeting Persian Ministry) through donation, please specify it as SC-FB during the bank transfer. The total amount will Date: 4th September 2021 Saturday@9AM (ZOOM be transferred to them after collection. Meeting) Pastoral Team and Stewards to attend. Please send your report to Star Guo before 01/9/2021. Moon Cake Festival High Tea 18th September 2021 Saturday (from 3pm). Location: Home setting. Enjoy a selection of delicious Moon Cakes and a ‘Join from Home’ Good News message - to be watched together with friends and family, as we celebrate the Mid-Autumn (Moon cake) Festival. RSVP with Michael Fung (0481 811 842) by 03/09/2021. Offering detail Description Abbreviations Bank reference Thank you once again for brothers Tithing TIT C9/E11 C9 TIT Paul WONG and sisters who faithfully support the ministry of the church through General GEN C9/E11 C9 GEN Paul WONG finance, prayers, and participation. May God bless you. Here is the Thanksgiving TKS C9/E11 C9 TKS Paul WONG bank detail for your reference: Account name: Chinese Methodist Mission MIS C9/E11 C9 MIS Paul WONG Church in Australia Camberwell; BANK: ANZ; BSB: 013 225; Account Theological student THE C9/E11 C9 THE Paul WONG Number: 4939 79025. Offering $10,989.30 (15/8 - 20/8/2021) Special SPE C9/E11 C9 SPE Paul WONG Others OTH C9/E11 C9 OTH Paul WONG Building fund C9/E11 C9 Camberwell mc Paul WONG, E11 Mercy mc Paul WONG…...... 6

Family Devotion 2021-08-29 Romans 8: 26 ESV – Likewise, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. Loss of words Have you ever been at a loss for words? That happens to all of us at one time or another. Someone gives you an unexpected outrageous compliment in front of other people, and your mind goes into space. What do you say? Or your children have misbehaved all day long, and now you’ve hit the breaking point with them. They look up innocently and lovingly at you during the chaotic episode of the day. Your brain freezes, your mouth sputters, and the choice of words you want to say to correct and control those kids just don’t come out. You’re so upset and exhausted that you’re at a loss for words. Yes, you’ve arrived; welcome to the world of parenting as a family unit. But these aren’t the only places where we’ve been at a loss. It happens when we pray too. We have needs, burdens, requests, and even praise, but somehow, we seem so blocked and bottled up in our thoughts and words. So we try harder, and even though some words come, we wonder, Is this what I should be praying? If you were sharing your heart with one of the closest and most trusted friends, what would the conversation be? It would probably just flow. Think of talking with God in the same way, and it’s a conversation. And most conversations are dialogues (not monologues) between two hearts and two minds. Two friends can also sit in silence and converse. They hear one another in the still sounds of silence. However, there is one difference when you talk with God about your family. Someone else is helping and speaking for you when you’re at a loss for words. The Holy Spirit knows how to express what is bothering you that you can’t say in words. So, don’t fret. Don’t get down on yourself. Just look up to God, praise God for His Holy Spirit, and pray to the Holy Spirit to speak for you and free you to speak. Have a sweet moment with your family together to praise God with this YouTube song. Praise: What A Friend We Have in Jesus https://youtu.be/pi1-5kmbkyQ Prayer: Father God, as we praise and worship your Holy name, you are here dwelling within our praise. Thank you, God, for the power of your love that embraces our family. We belong to you, for we are a child of God. O Lord, you alone are worthy of our praise. You are eternal God, a true living God. As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. Thank you, God, for every blessing, provision, and protection upon us. Grow us to remain in your love to experience an overflowing spirit of joy. Grow in us in confident prayer as your Word and your Holy Spirit work in us and within us. In Jesus’ mighty name, I pray, Amen! Reference: Quiet Times for Parents – A Daily Devotional by H. Norman Wright, founder, and director of Christian Marriage Enrichment. 7

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!\"#$%&'()*+, -\"./01/2343/5/6, 78.9:;, <=., >\"?@AB-'CDEBFGH)EIFGAJKLMNEOP QRSCTUVWCXYZ[\\]^_PQ)A`abJKLcd !\"%&'AefB@ghBijkAlmb, nQopqrb, stuvwxA CHAT box,yz{| [email protected],, s}~., 6JKAÄrÅFÇ,, /ÉAÑÖÜáZz{7à, Holiday Children Character Camp (Chinese) Date: 24-25 September 2021 Venue: Camberwell Methodist Church Introduction: A day camp over two days - fun times for year 1 to year 9 children of family and friends to learn about exciting characters from the Bible through story-telling, sing-a-longs, games, arts and crafts. There will be a special theatrical performance by the children about the adventures they discover on the second day of the camp. Registration is open! To register, please use the CHAT box on the page or email to: [email protected] 1. Your children’s name and age 2. Return contact number 9

2021 Family Discipleship Seminar 13-15 August (Chinese) & 10-12 September (English) What is God’s purpose for marriage? What is God’s purpose for family? Can every individual or family be a gospel-centred, Christ-centred and God-glorifying person for God? And how does that look like? We will try to answer some of these questions … God’s Kingdom Blessings: The Gospel and the Family Theme Talks Speaker: Rev. Dr Moses Tey (and Cathy Tey) Date and Time: Based on Melbourne time (AEST, UTC/GMT +10 hrs) Chinese Seminar Session 1 (Friday 13 August 8:30-10:00 pm) Session 2 (Saturday 14 August 11:00 am-12:30 pm) Session 3 (Saturday 14 August 8:30-10:00 pm) Session 4 (Sunday 15 August 8:30-10:00 pm) English Seminar Session 1 (Friday 10 September, 8:30-10:00 pm) Session 2 (Saturday 11 September, 11:00 am-12:30 pm) Session 3 (Saturday 11 September, 8:30-10:00 pm) Session 4 (Sunday 12 September, 8:30-10:00 pm) *Session 1 Topic 1 – 1 Corinthians 15:1-5 – Gospel of First Importance *Session 2 Topic 2 – Genesis 1 – The Family at the Heart of God’s Kingdom *Session 3 Topic 3 – Luke 2 – A Key for Next Generation’s Faithfulness *Session 4 Topic 4 – Deuteronomy 6 – Family Discipleship at the Heart of God’s Great Commandment -Event Coordinator – Rev. Gloria Ling, Rev. Michael Ting, Board of Christian Education, CMCA -IT, Zoom and YouTube (and registration) etc. – Dennis Wong -For more information and registration etc. – Please scan the QR code for registration, and also contact your local church pastor in-charge for registration and more information Moses’ intensive biblical exploration of how God builds His church spans from Genesis 1 to Revelation 22. At the heart of this comprehensive framework is the family of God. This framework address many challenges churches face, including developing authentic leaders, marriages, children as they become adults, and the explosion of church programs. Moses’ team serves in China (2.5 million live attendance), USA, and part of SE Asia. Upon graduating with an Electrical Engineering degree, Moses pursued a M.Div at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, ThM at Asbury Theological Seminary, PhD of Communications at the University of Kentucky. He and his wife, Cathy, are currently pursuing a Ph.D. at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Church and Family. They have been married 27 years with two adult sons who love the Lord. 1 10

澳洲基督教華人衛理公會 Chinese Methodist Church in Australia 神學教育助學金部 Board on Theological Education Scholarship Fund (BoTESF) Dear Bishop, Reverends, Pastors, Co-workers and Brothers and Sisters in Christ, Re: CMCA Theological Education Sunday Appeal Greetings in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. As per our CMCA calendar 24th July 2021 is the Theological Education Sunday. Theological Education Sunday is the day when church reflects on the contribution and significances of Theological education. And at the same time, we remember those who are directly or indirectly involved in theological education, be it students, teachers, or other supporting roles. CMCA currently has 3 sponsored theological students under BoTESF. They are: a. Johnny Hii, a. Bernie, Tasmania b. Third year student b. Tim Gao a. Melbourne, Victoria b. Second year student c. Richard Leong, a. Perth, Western Australia b. First year student Please continue to keep them in your prayers, and to support them in this wonderful journey of faith. In 2021 the Board has agreed to increase the allowances to each theological students by 25%. Despite the increase, we acknowledge that the Theological fund provided to each Theological students are still inadequate, considering the rising cost of living in Australia. While we would like to provide more support to our Theological students, especially financially, this would not be possible without a strong support from various churches and preaching centres under the umbrella of CMCA. In 2021, we have set our budget of $45,000.00 to support our three theological students. During this coming Theological Education Sunday, the Board would like to appeal to various churches under CMCA to support our Theological Education Scholarship Fund. Traditionally a second offering will be collected during Theological Sunday service for this purpose. With some churches are still under the order of COVID restrictions by the state governments second offering might be hard to be conducted therefore we encourage churches in this case to set aside a nominated percentage of electronic offering collected for this purpose. (For your information our collections for 2019 and 2020 were $16,174.82 and $21392.00 respectively.) 11

We understand offering for one Sunday may be limited, therefore in order not to put too much pressure on individual church and member, we encourage brothers and sisters in Christ to contribute to BoTESF in other occasions directly via bank details below: Account Name: Chinese Methodist Church in Australia Inc BSB: 013-225 Account: 268138975 (Please specify offering to BoTesF during transaction so the fund will be allocated correctly.) We thank you in advance for your continual support to BoTESF. During our first Board meeting we have agreed to carry out study on our pastorals need for the next 10 years. This will enable us to set our vision and target for the next 10 years. Once this target and vision is set this will be shared across CMCA for support and prayers. This is still work in progress. Should you have any suggestion for this matter please contact me directly. Should you have further questions on BoTESF’s ministry please feel free to contact myself. We look forward to a fruitful Theological Sunday this year. In Christ, Dennis Wong BoTESF 12

Board of Christian Social Concern 2021 August - September Prayer Points 14 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:14-16 NIV 1. Pray for CMCA identity to be a beacon of light in our local community and our city: Pray for the church to get to know our local community, be more aware of their needs and reach out to their needs in Christ’s love. Pray for God to use each church to build bridges with the community and grow His kingdom. 2. Pray for breakthrough in evangelism: Pray God help us live out the theme ’Caring for the community to reach the Lost.’ Pray for eyes that look beyond the walls of the church, equip members for evangelism to walk out into the community and see what God wants us to see and do what he wants us to do, pray for boldness to share God’s love and proclaim His name to bring the Lost into His kingdom. 3. Pray for Global Covid Pandemic - for God to have mercy on us and crush this virus - wisdom for world government leaders to make wise decisions not based on politics but united with the goal to fight the virus - protection and extra measure of strength for the frontline workers and families - healing for the sick, comfort for those grieving over the loss of their loved ones - those who lost their jobs, businesses, suffer financial loss - those who are lonely, isolated, depressed, vulnerable, fractured relationships - for orderly vaccine roll-out and people more responsive to take up vaccination 4. Pray to be good stewards of God’s Creations: Pray for God’s mercy on our over- consumption and wasteful use of resources causing increase in air pollution, climate change, massive bushfires and severe floods. Ask God to help us value His creations, to be good stewards of the creations entrusted to us and live our purpose faithfully. Pray for wisdom for world leaders to be united in a determined effort making policies to protect the environment, to conserve and use resources wisely. 5. Pray for The Aborigines: Pray for God to break down our own unconscious prejudice towards other races. Pray God restore the dignity of the indigenous people of this Land, bring them healing and peace for their past hurts and pains. Pray for the government to listen to their needs with compassion, and come up with policies to support and help improve their quality of life, and have a positive impact on their social and emotional well-being. 6. Pray for Afghanistan: Pray for the people of Afghanistan who are frightened and need to know the Prince of Peace; a. Pray for our Christian brothers and sisters, for protection, peace and strength, and that they'll be a light in their community; b. For our Prime Minister Scott Morrison as he considers Australia’s response to the refugees needing a safe harbour; c. For our Australian soldiers as they coordinate Australia’s critical and dangerous evacuation mission; d. For the Taliban, that the Holy Spirit would work to bring about conviction in their hearts and minds; e. For those Australians who have served in Afghanistan over the past 20 years, many of whom returned home with physical and invisible scars and may be wondering why. 13

18/10 COURSE DESCRIPTION: Course: Christian Worship To look at Christian Worship Teacher: Rev Shirley Ling from biblical, theological, and historical point of view. To ASSIGNMENT explore spiritual formation in a. Class presentation. A 15-minutes presentation in worship through the order of class on assigned topics. service and church calendar b. To prepare an order of service with explanation. year. Due date for submission is 22 November 2021. GOALS: REFLECTION To help participants grow in their Write half page reflection or insights on Christian worship life and their worship worship gained through teachings, readings, and class ministry (if applicable) as they gain discussions. To be submitted weekly before class. a better understanding of Christian worship and appreciate spiritual RECOMMENDED TEXTBOOK formation in worship. Worship Like Jesus: A Guide for Every Follower, by Constance Cherry (Amazon $6.44) CLASSES: 6 days of each 2.5 hrs Ancient-Future Time: Forming Spirituality Through the Christian Year, by Robert Webber (Amazon Kindle TIME: 2000 to 2230 (AEDT) $14.23) Sep REGISTRATION 2100 to 2330 (AEDT) Oct https://forms.gle/RgySxgsBihPNsZB78 1800 to 2030 (AWST) DATES: Mon 13 Sep 2021 Mon 20 Sep 2021 Mon 27 Sep 2021 Mon 4 Oct 2021 Mon 11 Oct 2021 Mon 18 Oct 2021 ENQUIRY CONTACT: Rev. Alan Lau Phone: 0448259566 Email: [email protected] 14