MB Leadership Training Sponsored and presented by Stewardship Ministries MB Canadian Conference, the training is provided to our staff, deacons, departmental chairpersons, ministry coordinators, and fellowship leaders on 2/11 (9am-4:30pm) at our church. Please reserve your time to join the training!

Staff News: Rev. Grace Kim is preaching at Port Moody PG today. Rev. Xavier Law is taking his annual leave till 1/30. Pastor Keith Cheung & Pastor Eliza Lai will attend the Sacred Trust Workshop at Abbotsford BCMB on 1/31 afternoon.

PRAYER & PRAISE

A New Prayer Team for 2012 Starting from 2/5, Pia Ng, Anna Chan, Tiffany Tong and Janice Lau will host a special prayer meeting at the Sanctuary every First Sunday of the month from 1pm-2:30pm. It is open to all people in the church, whoever needs a prayer.

Tuesday Prayer Meeting: Come join the prayer meeting at 7:30pm at church!

Prayer Items:

• Rev. Xavier Law, accompanied with Pastor Eliza lai, members from our church, and a Chinese Opera small team, hold a gospel party in Beulah Garden Home Society at Rupert and 5^th Ave. 19 seniors came and 3 of them requested to attend our Sunday service. One of our sisters offered herself for the riding. Please pray for the seniors home ministry.
• Pastor Teresa Lam is on  Godly Play Training in Seattle for Children program. Pray that God will use what she learnt.

GOSPEL & MINISTRY

Chinese Evangelical Opera Praise the Lord! There were 211 people attended the Chinese Evangelical Opera including volunteers. 47 are non-believers, some of them are English or Mandarin speaking. Please pray for the follow-up.

MISSIONS & EVANGELISM

Missions Fest @Vancouver Convention Center TODAY is the last day of the Missions Fest. Lots of free workshops there! You are encouraged to catch the last chance to attend!

BIBLE & TEACHING

English Sunday School (11:30am-12:30pm):   

• Grade 7- 9: TBA
• Grade 10-12: No “I” in “humble” (1 Pet 5:1-11)
• Adult Sunday School: Review of Book of John

CARING & COMMUNITY

PG Offering Report 2011(Jan.-Dec.) The updated offering report is printed on the right page and posted on the bulletin board outside the office. Please contact Mimi Chu if there is any enquiry. The official receipt will be distributed in mid February. For people who use canadahelps.org, official receipt for tax return has been sent to donors right away, therefore the amounts are not included in the church offering report.

Children’s Ministry Leaders’ Meeting Will be held TODAY at B7 from 1-3pm.

Puppeteer Training Children and parents are welcome to join us on 2/4 at B7 from1-5:30pm.

Adrian & Ella Cheuk (Wycliffe Bible Translators Inc.)

Caring:  Temperance Fellowship

Thank God that Ella was recuperating well after a successful operation in September on a severe virus-induced coughing. For two months Adrian managed to look after the kids and run the house all by himself.  Adrian’s right wrist was injured when taking care of Caleb. He has to do everything with his left hand, including typing! Please ask for speedy and full recovery, esp. in light of their upcoming out-of-country branch conference 1/16-2/3.  Adrian has been assigned as the conference feedback co-ordinator. Please ask for wisdom to draft the feedback form, co-ordinate the whole feedback process, and analyse the data. Remember also his fingers and toes as chilblains have started to develop now that cold winter has arrived.  Also pray for Divine healing for Joanne, younger sister of Ella’s sister-in-law, who has been diagnosed with lung cancer;  Protection for Caleb from respiratory tract infections and esp. from middle-ear infection during this cold season;  Stronger immunity for Charissa so that her eyelid wart will vanish without surgical intervention.  Especially pray for the  Divine provision for their deficit of CAD1,500 per month and the large expenses for their conference trip.

Jim & Francine (Ty and Clay) Hamp to Asia(MBMSI)

Caring: Temperance Fellowship

The past six months in Canada have been very full for us, but very encouraging and rich. It is the beginning of a new year, 2012, but we also sense it is the beginning of a new season for us as we return to China.  We go back to Chengdu, with great expectation and hope for the things that He is going to do among the Tibetan people in this next season. Please pray for :

- favor with officials and provision for our visa to live in China.

- their big improvement in speaking the Tibetan language- a good tutors for us

- Ty and Clay to make further steps in their Chinese language ability – good tutors for them.

- Jim and Garrett (our team mate and business partner) to have wisdom and guidance as they take the next steps towards launching the tour company

- business registration would be processed quickly and with favour.

- financial partners/investors in the business

- that we would find a good place to rent as an office for our business

- for open doors and welcome for our family and team out west in the Tibetan regions that are politically sensitive

- that many Tibetan people would be won for Jesus in this new season – the establishment of the Tibetan church!

Larry, Bella, Timothy, Tiffany Mori and Gina Loto Japan (EFCM)

Caring: Family Grace Fellowship

Thank God for the chance to hold various Christmas meetings and celebrations at community center, Temporary Housing in Sendai as well as Sendai Izumi Church. Please pray that the Lord will continue to open a door to share the Good News at the community centers and in the temporary housing areas. We are also thankful that missionaries Dale and Ann Little will come to Sendai in January to help minister to the tsunami victims in the Sendai area during 2012. We hope to support one another in ministry. Please pray that they will be able to find a suitable place to live and have a smooth transition into their ministry. May the Lord open a door of evangelism for them amongst the tsunami victims living in the Sendai area.

Family Joint Worship 1/29 Jam Junior & Jam Kids are joining English Service Singspiration. Parents are encouraged to sit with kids for singspiration worship.

Staff News: Today Rev. Xavier Law is preaching at Burnaby PGMBC, he will take his annual leave from 1/24-30. Pastor Keith Cheung will share a message in Burnaby North Senior High School’s Christian Club on 1/24. Pastoral staff will attend MBCCA meeting in our church on 1/27 morning. 1/27 Pastoral staff will attend the Missions Fest Luncheon at Vancouver Convention Center. Pastor Teresa will take complimentary day off on 1/27.

PRAYER & PRAISE

Tuesday Prayer Meeting: Geraldine will come to share MSI with us. Come join this English/Cantonese joint prayer meeting at 7:30pm at church!

• Remember the brothers and sisters who will attend the Missions Fest from 1/27-30 at Vancouver Convention Centre. Please pray for the speakers, weather, transportation, and their spiritual need!

GOSPEL & MINISTRY

Chinese Evangelical Opera Praise the Lord! There were over 250 people attended the Chinese Evangelical Opera yesterday. Many of them are new comers. Please pray for the follow-up.

MISSIONS & EVANGELISM

Missions Fest @Vancouver Convention Center 1/27-29 Lots of free workshops! All fellowships are encouraged to go to learn more about world missions. For more information, please visit www.missionsfestvancouver.ca/conf2012.cfm.

BIBLE & TEACHING

English Sunday School (11:30am-12:30pm):   

• Grade 7- 9: TBA
• Grade 10-12: Real Living(1 Peter 4:1-11)
• Adult Sunday School: The Epilogue (John 20:30-21:25)

CARING & COMMUNITY

2012 Weekly Attendance Sheets have been posted on the bulletin board facing the A8 entrance. Please remember to fill in the attendance after worship services, fellowship and other gatherings.

New Dept. IDs for Copier have been sent to all deacons, chairs and fellowship leaders. A demo of copier using will be provided for new users TODAY between (9:45-10am) & (11:15-11:30am).

PG Offering Report 2011(Jan.-Dec.) The updated offering report is posted on the bulletin board outside the office. Please contact Mimi Chu if there is any enquiry. The official receipt will be distributed in mid February. Please make sure that the name and address are matched with your tax return. Amounts are non-transferrable, but couples could have joint account. For people who use canadahelps.org for offering, the official receipt for tax return has been sent to you right away, therefore the amount will not be included in the church receipt.

Children’s Ministry Leaders’ Meeting Will be held on 1/29 at B7 from 1-3pm.

Puppeteer Training on 2/4 from1-5:30pm. All are welcome to join us at B7.

Deacon Board Meeting The first meeting will be held TODAY at 2:30pm at A9.

Church Keys: For the key holders whose term of service ended in 2011and the new holders in 2012, please contact Paul Shum for key return and key pick-up.

Staff News: 1/18 Rev. Grace Kim will attend the BCMB meeting at Abbotsford.

PRAYER & PRAISE

Tuesday Prayer Meeting: Please come join us at 7:30pm at church.

GOSPEL & MINISTRY

Chinese Evangelical Opera Co-operated with Vancouver Short-term Mission Center, there will be drama, opera, praising dance and dim sum banquet at our church on 1/21 (Saturday) from 10am-1pm. You are encouraged to invite your Cantonese speaking families and friends to come join us!

MISSIONS & EVANGELISM

1/27-29 Mission Fest (@ Vancouver Convention Center) There are lots of free workshops. All fellowships are encouraged to go by their own to expand the mission view!

BIBLE & TEACHING

Library Volunteers Needed The Library Dept. would like to invite you to join & help, and give your excellent ideas to build a better library together. Please come to join us with the first meeting TODAY at 2pm in the Gym!

English Sunday School (11:30am-12:30pm):   

• Grade 7-9: 1 Samuel
• Grades 10-12: Set Apart  (1 Peter 2:1-12)
• Adult Sunday School: Jesus’ Burial and Resurrection (John 19:19-20:29)

CARING & COMMUNITY

2012 Weekly Attendance Sheets have been posted on the bulletin board facing the A8 entrance. Please remember to fill in the attendance after worship services, fellowship and other gatherings.

2011 Voucher TODAY is the deadline for 2011 voucher claim. After TODAY all vouchers must be approved by 2012 departmental chairs under 2012 budget. 2012 Voucher is yellow with Cost Center printed at the back. One voucher for one department please. All the voucher should be put into the mail slot of Accounting after signed.

Printer New Password will be sent to all deacons, chairs and fellowship leaders this week. A demo of using printer will be provided for new users on next Sunday 1/22 between (9:45-10am) & (11:15-11:30am).

PG Offering Report 2011(Jan.-Dec.) The offering report shows the total amount for each account. Please contact Mimi Chu if there is any enquiry. The official receipt will be distributed in mid February. Please make sure that the name and address are matched with your tax return. Amounts are non-transferrable, but couples could have joint account. For people who use Canadahelp.org for offering, the official receipt for tax return has been sent right away, and the amount will not be included in the church receipt.

Children’s Worship Breakfast Fellowship Will be held on 1/22 at B7 from 9:30-10 am.

Children’s Ministry Leaders’ Meeting Will be held on 1/29 at B7 from 1-3pm.

There is a popular analogy that describes the thought process of men as a waffle and that of women as spaghetti. Generally speaking, men tend to compartmentalize their thinking in such a way that it takes energy to go from one thought process to another (imagine syrup going from one waffle square to the next), whereas women very naturally and very easily go from one topic to another (imagine a plate of intertwined and interconnected spaghetti noodles).

Christian culture in this day and age is waffle-brained. We compartmentalize every aspect of our lives in such a way that it takes energy to climb out of one compartment into the next. Our church lives are disconnected from our home life, while our home life is separated from our work/school life. Furthermore, many of us have social lives and hobbies that are separate from those altogether.  It takes a certain amount of mental, physical, emotional preparation to go from one event to the next. We have church on Saturdays and Sundays, piano on Mondays, Chinese School on Tuesdays, sports on Wednesdays and Fridays, and then the cycle repeats.

Needless to say, this picture of life in our modern-day church culture looks a lot different from the early church as described in the Bible.  The book of Acts describes a community in which the life of the church permeates every aspect of life (Acts 2).  In other words, the church was spaghetti-brained in those early days. Rather than going from one program to the next, the life of the church was played out throughout all 7 days of the week. Everything was connected somehow. Everything they did and every major decision they made in their lives had implications for the church community as a whole (Acts 2:44-45).  Most importantly, they had a deep sense that everything they did was for the gospel of their Lord and Saviour who called their community into being.

This year, our theme at PGMBC is “Unceasing Worship.” When we say this, we do not mean that we are to come to church every day of the week.  What we are saying is that all of life is lived to bring glory to God and that this is to happen in every sphere of life whether it’s in our workplaces, schools, homes, or church. When Paul describes our body as the temple of God, he means that our bodies is where worship takes place, not the physical church building (1 Cor 3:16). Harold Best defines worship as the “continuous outpouring of all that I am, all that I do and all that I can ever become in light of [God].”[1]

All of life is worship.  We need to be less waffle-brained and more spaghetti brained. In the life of the church, worship is what happens when the gospel calls us to be the people of God.  In other words, worship encapsulates everything we do in response to him since we are called together “that [we] may declare the praises of him who called [us] out of darkness into his wonderful light” (1 Peter 2:9).  We are not saying that every single thing we do is an act of worship (since we are sinners), but what we are saying is that everything we do in loving response to the outpouring of God is.  Therefore, everything we do should be worship.  Worship is the only appropriate posture to take before a righteous God who gives up everything so that we could have everything.  

Over the next several weeks, our sermon series is entitled (of course) “Unceasing Worship.” We will be exploring ways in which this idea of living a life of worship is worked out in our lives. In particular, we begin today by looking at our idols and how they affect our worship of God. In the following weeks, we’ll explore worship as it relates to surrender, repentance, discipleship and community, among other things.

My prayer for all us in 2012 is that as we journey together, that we would be less waffle-brained and more spaghetti-brained, that we can learn to become true worshippers in every facet of life, that we’d be able to experience the fullness of life that Jesus came to give, that we would respond to this amazing gift with the exuberant joy, gratitude and praise that only He deserves, and, ultimately, that we would do all of this together.

God bless,

Pastor Keith

Deacon Board Meeting The first meeting will be held on 1/15 at 2:30pm at A9.

Church Keys:  For the key holders whose term of service ended in 2011and the new holders in 2012, please contact Paul Shum for key return and key pick-up.

Staff News: Pastor Teresa Lam and Eliza Lai will attend VCEMF Pastoral Retreat at South Vancouver Pacific Grace MB Church on 1/9.

PRAYER & PRAISE

Tuesday Prayer Meeting: Please come join us at 7:30pm at church.

• Praise the Lord! There were 40 brothers and sisters attended our Fast & Prayer meeting last Sunday. May God strengthen us in our resolve and revive our church.

GOSPEL & MINISTRY

Chinese Evangelical Opera Co-operated with Vancouver Short-term Mission Center, there will be drama, opera, praising dance and dim sum banquet at our church on 1/21 from 10am-1pm. You are encouraged to invite your Cantonese speaking families and friends to come join us!

MISSIONS & EVANGELISM

Theological Education Scholarships are available for those interested in  Theological education at Bible College or seminaries. For details please contact Mission Department.

Volunteers Needed for Mission Fest 2012 (1/27-29) If you are interested in children ministry and available to help as a volunteer worker in the children’s program, please contact Kathy Wong by 1/15.

BIBLE & TEACHING

AWANA News  There will be a Leader & Families’ Christmas & New Year Celebration Party TONIGHT at 6pm in the Gym. Please come and join us!

Library Volunteers Needed The Library Dept. would like to invite you to join & help, and give your excellent ideas to build a better library together. Please come to join us with the first meeting next Sunday 1/15 at 2pm in the Gym!

Koinos Seminar 401 Global Missions series will take place on 1/14 (Sat. 9am -4pm) at Richmond Chinese Alliance Church (Williams & No.1 Road). Cost: $30.00 (lunch included)

English Sunday School (11:30am-12:30pm):   

• Grade 7-9: Aim For 2012

CARING & COMMUNITY

Flower Dedication You are encouraged to sign up in the flower dedication form on the bulletin board for your special day. Each spot is $25.

2012 Weekly Attendance Sheets have been posted on the bulletin board facing the A8 entrance. Please remember to fill in the attendance after worship services, fellowship and other gatherings.

2011 Voucher 1/15 is the deadline for 2011 voucher claim. After 1/15 all vouchers must be approved by 2012 departmental chairs under 2012 budget. 2012 Voucher is yellow with cost center printed at the back. One voucher for one department please.

Friendly Reminder: The mail slots for 2012 new deacons and chairs are ready to use. Please check your slot and pick up document(s) every week.

Happy New Year! Praise the Lord for all the people here to worship Him today!  May God continue to guide us and keep us close to Him in the New Year 2012!

2011 Offering Receipt for 2011 tax return will be distributed in mid February. Your name & address should match with your tax return. For enquiry and amendment, pls contact Mimi Chu.

2011 Voucher 1/15 is the deadline for 2011 voucher claim. After 1/15 all  vouchers must be approved by 2012 departmental chairs under 2012 budget. 2012 Voucher is yellow with cost center printed at the back. One voucher for one department please.

2012 Deacons & Departmental Chairperson Inaugural Ceremony will be held during the services TODAY.

Special Fasting Prayer Meeting will be held this afternoon (1:15-2:15pm) at church. Let’s join in the prayer meeting and fast together!

Staff News:

Office will be closed on 1/2 for New Year holiday. Admin. Secretary Mimi Chu will attend Cantonese retreat on 1/2 and take complimentary day off on1/3.

PRAYER & PRAISE

Tuesday Prayer Meeting: Please come join us at 7:30pm at church.

• Pray for the brothers & sisters who have attended the Winter Conference. May God bless them with prosperous spiritual life and being used by God.

GOSPEL & MINISTRY

Chinese Evangelical Opera Co-operated with Vancouver Short-term Mission Center, there will be drama, opera, praising dance and dim sum banquet at our church on 1/21 from 10am-1pm. You are encouraged to invite your Cantonese speaking families and friends to come join us!

MISSIONS & EVANGELISM

Theological Education Scholarships are available for those interested in  Theological education at Bible College or seminaries. For details please contact Mission Department.

Volunteers Needed for Mission Fest 2012 (1/27-29) If you are interested in children ministry and available to help as a volunteer worker in the children program, please contact Kathy Wong by 1/7.

BIBLE & TEACHING

AWANA News  Our first class in the New Year will be on 1/7 (Sat) at 6:30pm.

English Sunday School (11:30am-12:30pm):   

• All Classes : Prayer & Reflection

CARING & COMMUNITY

Flower Dedication You are encouraged to sign your name in the flower dedication form on the bulletin board for your special day. Each spot is $25.

Friendly Reminder: The mail slots for 2012 new deacons and chairs are ready to use. Please check your slot and pick up document(s) every week.

2011 Offering TODAY is 2011 offering cut off day, for online offering it is 12/31. Offering received on/after 1/1 will be counted as for 2012. Receipt for 2011 tax return will be distributed in February, 2012. Your name and address should match with your tax return. For enquiry and amendment, please contact Mimi Chu.

2011 Voucher 1/15 is the deadline for 2011 voucher claim. After 1/15 all  vouchers must be approved by 2012 departmental chairs under budget 2012. 2012 Voucher is yellow with cost center printed at the back. One voucher for one department please.

2012 Deacons & Departmental Chairperson Inaugural Ceremony will be held during the services on 1/1.

Special Fasting Prayer Meeting will be held on 1/1 during 1:15-2:15pm, let’s join in the prayer meeting and fast together!

Staff News: Rev. Xavier Law & Pastor Teresa will take leave from 12/27-30 to attend the Winter Conference. Rev. Grace will be off from 12/28-30. Pastor Eliza Lai is in HK till 12/28. Office will be closed on 12/26-27 for Christmas.

PRAYER & PRAISE

Tuesday Prayer Meeting: It will be a Cantonese & English joint prayer meeting led by Pastor Keith on 12/27! Please come join us at 7:30pm at church.

• Praise the Lord!  The AWANA Christmas “Greatest Gift Mini Concert” was full of music performance and joy and fun! Thanks to all who came to join us!

GOSPEL & MINISTRY

Community Christmas Banquet Update  Over 40 volunteers served 260 people from the community in the dinner on 12/21. Volunteers also went to downtown to distribute food to the homeless people. Special thanks to all who helped!

MISSIONS & EVANGELISM

Theological Education Scholarships are available for those interested in  Theological education at Bible College or seminaries. For details please contact Mission Department.

Volunteers Needed for Mission Fest 2012 (1/27-29) If you are interested in children ministry and available to help as a volunteer worker in the children program, please contact Kathy Wong by 1/7 .

BIBLE & TEACHING

AWANA News There will be no class on December 31, 2011. Our first class in the new year will be on 1/7 (Saturday) @ 6:30 pm!

English Sunday School (11:30am-12:30pm):   All classes from Grade 7 to Adults, we will be having a time of fellowship and refreshments during our Sunday School time today. Please join us in the Gym following English worship service as we celebrate Jesus’ birth in fellowship and community.

CARING & COMMUNITY

Appreciation  Thanks to the 2011 Deacons & Departmental Chairpersons.

12/27-31 Winter Conference For people who have registered for transportation, please catch the bus at the Vancouver Chinese Evangelical Free Church (3295 East Broadway) on 12/27 at 9:00am.