4/8 Easter Baptism & Membership Transfer Service  If you have already accepted Jesus Christ as your Savior and have decided to be baptized, or you have attended our church for at least three months and would like to transfer your membership to the church, please contact Pastor Keith Cheung.

2011 Official Offering Receipts for Tax Return are ready for pick up in the foyer. Your Offering A/C No. is printed on the right corner, please indicate the number every time when you write an offering envelope to ensure accuracy. If there is any necessary correction, please write on the receipt and return with the envelope to the office. The amended receipts will be redistributed again on 3/11.  We appreciate your contribution to the church ministries.

Staff News: Rev. Xavier Law will switch his day off to Monday (1/20), will attend the On Track Pastoral Lunch meeting with Pastor Eliza Lai at Richmond on 1/21, and attend the MB Pastoral interview with Pastor Teresa Lam on 1/22. Rev. Grace Kim will attend BCMB meeting at Abbotsford on 2/22, and the Marriage & Caring workshop on 2/24 as well. Pastor Lam will attend the Preaching Workshop at Carey Theological College on 2/23. Admin. Secretary Mimi Chu is taking her annual leave visiting her family in Hong Kong till 3/4.

PRAYER & PRAISE

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

Prayer Items: Pray for those who are considering short-term missions this year. May God guide them to the place that is needed.

GOSPEL & MINISTRY

Mandarin Evangelical Outreach  In partnership with Short-term Mission Training Center, Mandarin Dept. will host a “Movie & Lunch” gathering on 3/17 (10:30am-1:30pm) at our church. Rev. Grace Kim will share message in the gathering. You are encouraged to invite your Mandarin speaking friends to join! Call 604-255-6199 Ext. 27 for Lunch register.

MISSIONS & EVANGELISM

Mission Board Pray for God’s guidance to our 2012 Mission Committee: Ida Lam (Chair), Ade Huen (Deaconess), Ivy Fung (Righteousness), Phil Ho (English), Perry Lam (Temperance), Mavis Lee (Temperance), Amy Pun (Truth), and Rev. Xavier Law (Coordinate Pastor).

BIBLE & TEACHING

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

•   Grade 7 to Grade 9 @A8: Prodigal God – The Elder Brother
•   Grade 10 to Grade 12 @A10: Prodigal God – The Elder Brother
•   Adult class @ A13: Prodigal God – The Elder Brother

CARING & COMMUNITY

Welcome Lunch to New Comers There will be a welcome lunch in the end of March (3/25). All the new comers who have attended our church since last November are welcomed to join us. Free to the new comers and $5.00 each for other adult participants ($3.00 for child). Tickets can be purchased on 3/4 in foyer.

Mouse Issue Mice have appeared in our Church building again! The Pest Control Team has put the mouse bait inside the building. Please DO NOT touch the mouse bait. And remember to put all the foods in covered containers.

4/8 Easter Baptism & Membership Transfer Service  If you have already accepted Jesus Christ as your Savior and have decided to be baptized, or you have attended our church for at least three months and would like to transfer your membership to the church, please contact Pastor Keith Cheung.

2011 Official Offering Receipts for Tax Return are ready for pick up in the foyer. Your offering account no. is printed on the right corner, please indicate that each time when you write an offering envelope to ensure accuracy. If there is any necessary correction, please write on the receipt and return with the envelope to us. The amended receipts will be redistributed again on 3/11.  We appreciate your contribution to the church ministries.

Staff News: Rev. Grace Kim and Pastor Teresa Lam are attending the VCEMF on 2/13 morning, while Rev. Xavier Law and Pastor Eliza Lai are going to Beulah Garden House to lead a gathering.  Mimi Chu is taking her annual leave till 3/4.

PRAYER & PRAISE

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

Prayer Items: We will join the BC AWANA Bible Quiz at Ebenezer Baptist Church on 2/18 at 1:30pm. Please pray for our clubbers and coaches.

GOSPEL & MINISTRY

Mandarin Evangelical Outreach  In partnership with Short-term Mission Training Center, Mandarin Dept. will host a “Movie & Lunch” program on 3/17 (10:30am-1:30pm) at our church. Please invite your Mandarin speaking friends to join!

MISSIONS & EVANGELISM

Mission Board Pray for God’s guidance to our 2012 Mission Committee: Ida Lam (Chair), Ade Huen (Deaconess), Ivy Fung (Righteousness), Phil Ho (English), Perry Lam (Temperance), Mavis Lee (Temperance), Amy Pun (Truth), and Rev. Xavier Law (Coordinate Pastor).

Japan Earthquake Relief Info Session: CRASH Japan will be sharing about the current situation in Japan as well as how we in Vancouver can still get involved in the ongoing relief effort through praying, giving and/or going. Please come and invite your friends to attend next Saturday 2/18 @ 2PM in Room B11. For more info on CRASH, please see Pastor Keith or visit www.crashjapan.com.

BIBLE & TEACHING

Sunday School (11:30am-12:30pm):   Prodigal God – The People Around Jesus

Children Sunday School Teachers’ Meeting Will be held TODAY @1pm in room B7.

AWANA Bible Quiz  Is practicing TODAY (1:30-2:30pm) @ the Sanctuary .

CARING & COMMUNITY

Friendly Reminder  It is prohibited to put unauthorized printed matters (i.e. magazines, posters, advertising handouts, etc.) in our church building. All should be approved by pastoral staff and distributed by administration office.

Mouse Issue  Mouse appeared in our Church building again! The Pest Control Team has put the mouse bites inside the building. Please DO NOT touch the mouse bites. And remember to put all the foods in covered container.

Counselor Appointment: Susan Kwan was appointed as counselor of Righteousness Fellowship starting January this year. Please pray for the ministry and her family.

4/8 Easter Baptism & Membership Transfer Service  If you have already accepted Jesus Christ as your Savior and have decided to be baptized, or you have attended our church for at least three months and would like to transfer your membership to the church, please contact Pastor Keith Cheung.

MB Leadership Training Sponsored and presented by Stewardship Ministries MB Canadian Conference, the training is provided to our new & old deacons and pastoral staff on 2/11 (9am-4:30pm) at our church.

Staff News: Rev. Xavier Law is taking “King Jesus Gospel Conference” in Regent College on 2/10 afternoon. Rev. Grace Kim & Pastor Eliza Lai will take a complimentary day off on 2/9. Admin. staff Grace Mau will take an annual leave on 2/8; Mimi Chu will take her annual leave from 2/11 to 3/4.

PRAYER & PRAISE

A New Prayer Team for 2012 Starting from TODAY, there will be a regular prayer meeting led by Pia Ng, Anna Chan, Tiffany Tong and Janice Lau at the main sanctuary from 1-2:30 pm on every First Sunday of each month.  All congregants are invited to participate as a body of Christ!

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

Prayer Items: God has blessed our children’s ministry with more young families with different needs.  Pray for God’s provision of more teachers/helpers especially male workers with passion for children and spiritual wisdom of ministry workers in providing environments for children’s spiritual transformation in children’s worship, Sunday School and Awana ministries.

GOSPEL & MINISTRY

Mandarin Evangelical Outreach  In partnership with Short-term Mission Training Center, Mandarin Dept. will host a “Movie & Lunch” program on 3/17 (10:30am-1:30pm) at our church. Please invite your Mandarin speaking friends to join!

MISSIONS & EVANGELISM

• The Mission Board has recruited a few members. Please pray for the adjustment and ministry.
• Some church members are considering to go on Short-term Mission trip in 2012. Please pray for God’s guidance.

BIBLE & TEACHING

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

• All Classes : Prodigal God – The Parable

2012 KOINOS Seminars  The coming Koinos will be held on 2/18 (9am-4pm) at Burnaby PG. Cost is $30 with lunch included. Details please see next page.

CARING & COMMUNITY

AWANA News : We will join the BC AWANA Bible Quiz team again this year.  We have two teams representing PGMBC:  (1) Truth & Training (TnT56 Girls) - Alvina Leung, Clara Sun, Raeanne Tieu with Coach Benedicta Chan; (2) Trek (Grade 7):  Gabriel Chan, Joshua Huang with Coach Hansel Yu. Also, we are joining Burnaby PG team:  Jessica Sun with Coach Maggie Tsang. The Bible Quiz will be held at Ebenezer Baptist Church (6858 Fraser Street, Vancouver) on 2/18 at 1:30 pm.  Please pray for our clubbers and coaches.

Friendly Reminder  It is prohibited to put unauthorized printed matters (i.e. magazines, posters, advertising handouts, etc.) in our church building. All should be approved by pastoral staff and distributed by administration office.

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.

          by: Mission Dept.

Larry & Bella Mori to Japan (EFCM) – Caring by Family Grace

1. There are 3 Christmas gospel meeting in Sendai Church, please specially remember the ESL youths.
2. 5 Christmas meeting will be in community centre, chances to witness.
3. May God use each of the messages and that the Japanese could understand. Bless our 7 workers who are serving Him.
4. May God grant us long-term or short-term missionaries.
5. Pray that our elder son, Tim, is going to a right University.
6. Please also pray for the health and ministry for Gina Lo, Bella’s sister who is helping out in Japan mission.

Hanna Lee of Power to Change, serving in University Campus BC – Caring by Seasons

Continue to pray for Hanna’s ministries.  She still needs to run around the campus of UBC, SFU and Langara for outreach.

John Karen Loh to South America (GOI Canada) – Caring by Seasons

Please pray for the 3 events:

1. The follow-up of short-term mission team from Toronto during 12.15-22.   They did Christmas gospel meeting to 130 comers with Mandarin and Spanish, and mission education programs to our church members.
2. This is the first time we officiate a wedding ceremony to the 2^nd generation in Mexico Church.  Please pray for the new journey for the new couples that they can stand firm in God.

House of Children, Cambodia (Free Methodist Church in Canada) – Caring by Life

1. Happy to see the 2^nd generation Christians are grown and join to serve.
2. May God help us in taking care of all children in the House, and witness to their families.
3. As the village churches are growing, pray that God also give us helpers.
4. There is serious flooding all over Cambodia, pray for the people.
5. Pray that God would grant the senior high students a prayer partner or buddy so that they could help each other in their Christian life.

Samir of Good News to Arabic World (MBMSI)- Caring by Truth

1. Pray for the political situation.
2. Pray for the broadcasting – the news and the message.
3. Pray for Lewiza serving the women.
4. The leaders of the churches, their serving in pressure.

2011 Offering Record The Individual Offering Total from 1/1 to 12/11 is in next page. 12/25 is the offering deadline for year 2011, receipt for the tax return will be distributed in the coming February. All offering after that Sunday will go to year 2012. For enquiry, please contact Mimi Chu (mimichu@pgmbc.com) at 604-255-6199 ext. 2.

AGM Update: 2011 Annual General Meeting had been held out successfully. Thanks to all the members that attended.

Staff News: Pastor Eliza Lai is visiting her families in Hong Kong till 12/28. Pastor Teresa Lam will take annual leave and day off on12/22-23,27-30. Mimi Chu, Admin. Secretary, will take annual leave on 12/20.

PRAYER & PRAISE

Baby Dedication on 12/25 Christmas Sunday Parents who have baby under 2 years old and desire to dedicate their baby before the Lord and the congregation, please contact our pastors for details.

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

GOSPEL & MINISTRY

Evangelical Opportunity  During the Christmas time, you are encouraged to send the inserted brochure “The 3 Major Holidays In Your Life” to your non-Christian friends. More brochures are available in the foyer.

MISSIONS & EVANGELISM

12/21 Community Christmas Banquet We are encouraged by the Vancouver Urban Ministry to donate gifts or financial support. Contact Janice Lau for details. May God bless the ministry and the people from the community.

BIBLE & TEACHING

Children Sunday School Christmas Play  Children (Gr.1-6) interested in performing in the Christmas play are invited to come to church on 12/19 from 9:30 am-3 pm.  For details and a permission form, please see Grace Li or e-mail childrensundayschool@pgmbc.com.

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

• Grade 7-9: Christmas Celebration !!
• Grade 10-12: Just Like You (Hebrews 2:18)
• Adult Sunday School: Jesus’ Suffering and Death (John 18:1-19:40)

CARING & COMMUNITY

Gift Presentation  Thanks to the 2011 Deacons & Departmental Chairpersons. To show our appreciation to each of them, there will be a gift presentation during the services on 12/25.

30^th Anniversary Celebration & Christmas Banquet Door opens at 6pm, program starts at 6:30. Bring your ticket for a gift draw!

Thanks to the 30^th Anniversary Committee:

Coordination Committee:     Ade Huen(Chair), Rev Law, Louise Ho, Ryan So Magazine Team:            Joseph Kwan (Editor)
DVD Team:                         Eric Chan (Leader)
Graphic Designer:                           Naomi Mak
Sales & Promotion Team:    Joanna Li (Leader)
Dream Tree Production:      Sallen Chan
Theme Song Writer:             Louise Ho
Banquet Decoration:           Maggie Tsang
Banquet Reception Team:    Tiffany Tong
Banquet MC:                       Pia Ng, Cindy Zhang, Hansel Yu

2012 Calendar is available in the foyer. You may take some for caring visitation.

Staff News: Pastor Eliza is visiting her families in Hong Kong till 12/28.

PRAYER & PRAISE

Baby Dedication on 12/25 Christmas Sunday Parents who have baby under 2 years old and desire to dedicate their baby before the Lord and the congregation, please contact our pastors for details.

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

GOSPEL & MINISTRY

AWANA Greatest Gift Mini Concert 12/17(Sat.) at 6:30pm in B11, it’s the “AWANA Christmas Bring A Friend Night!”  Parents are invited to come and join us with live music performance and fun Christmas activities!  Get more tickets from Maggie TODAY@11:15am or 12:50pm in front of B11 in the Gym!

MISSIONS & EVANGELISM

12/21 Community Christmas Banquet There will be a full house with over 210 people from our community. The Vancouver Urban Ministry encourages us to donate gifts or financial support. Contact Janice for details.

BIBLE & TEACHING

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

• Grade 7-9: The Next Transformer
• Grade 10-12: Give In! (Luke 1:26-38)
• Adult Sunday School: Staying Close to Jesus through the Holy Spirit Part 2 (John 16:16-17:26)

CARING & COMMUNITY

30^th Anniversary Magazine & DVD Set are ready for pick up after worship in the foyer. Unit cost $12. One free set for each family. Donation is welcome!

Volunteer Needed for IT Dept. If you have knowledge of computer, networking, and MSSBS server and can help during office hour, please contact Simon Ng at: it@pgmbc.com.

I’ve often wondered how Christmas got monopolized by a chubby elf dressed in a red suit (an ugly suit at that).  Granted, that said elf can cover the entire globe in one evening delivering presents to good, well-behaved children from all nations is quite an amazing feat in and of itself. Most importantly however, is what this elf represents to the average everyday person like you and I – PRESENTS!  You see, it is around this time of year that a hope emerges in the hearts of boys and girls, men and women.  A hope that makes us feel good about ourselves even if our year went badly. A hope that finds its fulfillment on Christmas morning when that age-old question “what are you getting me this year?” is finally answered…

It’s no secret that Christmas has become all about the presents and because of this, we are all driven into a mad consumerist frenzy where shopping replaces family time.  Instead of worrying about caring for people, we worry if they’ll like the present we bought them.  And sometimes, we feel obligated to buy gifts for certain people because we’re afraid of upsetting them if we don’t. So fear, obligation and our own reputations become the main motivations to give gifts rather than simply love and generosity.  Perhaps a re-evaluation of how and why we give gifts is in order?

Galatians 4:4-6 tells us that God sent his Son to redeem us so that we can be adopted as his sons and daughters.  God knows that the greatest gift he can give to us is Himself.  Think about this for a moment: the Creator of everything wants to give Himself to you. Let me repeat: the Creator of EVERYTHING wants to GIVE HIMSELF TO YOU.  God wants to adopt us as his own sons so that we can experience the perfect love and relationship the Father and Son share with one another.  There is no bond greater, nothing more satisfying than sharing in this.  He wants us to experience joy and delight like we’ve never experienced before.

You see, for God, relationships are about giving. In the relationship between the Father and the Son, it’s about giving. In the Son’s relationship with us, it’s about giving.  Even Creation itself is about God giving of himself so that all created things (ie. You and me) can enjoy his love and presence.

This Christmas, let us make it about giving by remembering how the Father gave his Son to us so that we can all be his sons and daughters.  The more we understand our own adoption into God’s family, the freer we will be to give.  On a practical level, in our gift-giving, let us GIVE MORE and SPEND LESS.  Spend more time with family and friends than at the mall or supermarket. Make gifts for people rather than going into debt buying them.

Consider taking up this challenge:  Take your total Christmas gift budget, spend 75% of it and give 25% away to your favorite cause (…or better yet, how about 50/50?)

Let’s combat the rampant consumerism that plagues this beautiful holiday. Giving gifts is great, but do we really want to keep perpetuating the idea that Christmas is simply about giving and receiving presents – where materialism is idolized, but spirituality is forgotten? Do we really want that chubby imaginary elf taking over a holiday that is really meant to celebrate the Father giving his Son to us?

God bless,

Pastor Keith

Annual General Meeting: TODAY at 2:30pm. Agenda please see below.

2011 Ministry Report All written ministry reports received are posted on the bulletin board. Some copies in the foyer for pick up.

30^th Anniversary Magazine & DVD Set One free set per family. Donation is welcome!

2012 Calendar With the compliments of the church, 2012 calendar is available in the foyer. One copy per family. You may take more for caring visitation.

Staff News: Pastor Eliza is visiting her families in Hong Kong till 12/28.

PRAYER & PRAISE

Baby Dedication on 12/25 Christmas Sunday Parents who have baby under 2 years old and desire to dedicate their baby before the Lord and the congregation, please contact our pastors.

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

• Pastor Eliza Lai is visiting her elder sister Amy who had recently confirmed with lung cancer. May God prepare her heart to accept Jesus as her Savior.

GOSPEL & MINISTRY

12/21 Community Christmas Banquet It is already full house! We have successfully recruited volunteers for this event too. The Vancouver Urban Ministry would like to encourage us to make some gift donation or financial support. Details please contact Janice Lau.

MISSIONS & EVANGELISM

Operation Christmas Child Shoebox We had collected 2489 shoeboxes from Greater Vancouver till 12/2 before delivery. We have doubled our collection from last year of 931 boxes! May God bless the kids and families who receive the shoeboxes.

BIBLE & TEACHING

English Discipleship Training: 1:30pm Today at A11

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

• Grade 7-11: Tasty (Psalm 34:8)
• Grade 10-12: Staying Close to Jesus through the Holy Spirit Part 1 (John 15:1 – 16:33)

CARING & COMMUNITY

30^th Anniversary Celebration & Christmas Banquet The ticket sale was concluded last Sunday. For extended grace, this is the final chance for you to attend the banquet.  Please contact Ade Huen, the coordinator latest by TODAY for your tickets.

Volunteer Needed for IT Dept. If you have knowledge of computer, networking, and MSSBS server and can help during office hour, contact Simon Ng at: it@pgmbc.com.

12/4 Annual General Meeting at 2:30pm See agenda in next page. Reserve your time to attend the meeting!

2011 Ministry Report All written ministry reports received are post on the bulletin board. Some copies in the foyer for pick up.

30^th Anniversary Magazine & DVD Set are ready for pick up after worship in the foyer. Unit cost $12. One free set for each family. Donation is welcome!

2012 Calendar With the compliments of the church, 2012 calendar is available in the foyer. One copy per family. You may take more for caring visitation.

Cantonese Departmental Chairperson Meeting At B7 TODAY from 1pm to 2:30pm.

Staff News: Rev. Grace Kim will attend the BCMB meeting at Abbotsford on 11/30. Pastor Eliza is visiting her families in Hong Kong till 12/28. Pastor Keith Cheung will take a complimentary day off on 12/2.

PRAYER & PRAISE

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

• Pastor Eliza Lai is visiting her elder sister Amy who had recently confirmed with lung cancer. May God prepare her heart to accept Jesus as her Savior.

GOSPEL & MINISTRY

12/21 Community Christmas Banquet Jointly hosted with Vancouver Urban Ministry, the banquet is for about 200 people from our community. Starting at 4:30pm, Pastor Keith will share the gospel with the guests, dinner to be served at 6pm. Volunteers are needed, please contact Janice Lau.

MISSIONS & EVANGELISM

Ian’s Commissioning Service Our brother Ian will be commissioned to the mission field. Please come to witness this glorious moment TODAY at 2:30pm!

Mission Pledge Till 11/20, 48 Mission Pledge card were received. 22 are willing to pray for mission ministry; 14 are considering to attend short-term mission; 6 are going for Seminary; 2 are willing to dedicate for full-time service. Total mission pledge is $39,530. You are still encouraged to fill in your pledge and put into the suggestion box in the foyer!

BIBLE & TEACHING

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

• Grade 7-11: Why can’t I do that?
• Grade 10-12: What Time is It?

CARING & COMMUNITY

30^th Anniversary Celebration & Christmas Banquet at Fraser Court Seafood Restaurant on 12/11 (Sun) evening (6-9:30pm). TODAY is the last day to purchase the tickets in the foyer after worships!

12/2 No Parking Around Gym Exits A big truck will come to pick up all the shoe boxes on 12/2 Friday night between 7-8pm. Please keep the area clear.

Volunteer Needed for IT Dept. If you have knowledge of computer, networking, and MSSBS server and can help during office hour, please contact it@pgmbc.com.

Soo to Asia(OMF) -- Caring: Alt-Tab/Mandarin group

Soo had a very fruitful trip to Bali Indonesia for a conference and had great opportunity to learn from others about the Asian mission movement. She had a very busy October and November involving in planning and reviewing meetings with different councils and committee. She also went with a small group to a remote village in Asia.  Pray for Soo’s father’s cancer monitoring and her mother’s kidney function. Soo would be back to spend an early Christmas with them.

Hannah Lee to univesity campus (Power to Change Canada) – Caring: Seasons
Power to Change at Langara was launched in late October. Please pray for the 6 student strong leaders and 4 new Christians can multiply themselves, protection for the Christian students excited about sharing their faith , wisdom and discernment for our team to know the speed and direction to help the students trust God for great things.

Jon Lim in Asian Students on Kampus (IVCF Canada) – Caring : Quench

We have 6 fellowships that covers 64,000 students. Pray that God would give us sustainable long term vision for ministry in Calgary; a fully vibrant staff team that loves Jesus. Pray for our family protection over relationships (marriage, parenting, siblings).

Chinese International Missions (Canada)

Togo update.  Leadership training mobilizing the Eglise de la Grace en Christ church; micro-financing 13 ladies to help their livelihood.  Three church plantings in different regions seeking financial commitment in supporting effecting cross cultural outreach in Africa.

ACM (Canada)

We have just come back from a fruitful Panama mission trip! We visited 6 cities and reached 2,208 people, among those there were 234 new converts and 15 people committed to serve God full time. Since these numbers were beyond expectations, please pray for wisdom and strength for the local churches to take care of these fruits. We have confirmed to serve the Greater Vancouver Area in March 2012 (March 22 – April 2).  Please pray for the confirmation of the details with different churches.

CHURCH NEWS

• 12/4 Annual General Meeting at 2:30pm. See agenda in next page. Please mark your calendar to attend the meeting.
• Old & New Deacons and Departmental Chairpersons Meeting With lunch provided at Gym at 1pm, the meeting starts at 2pm in B11 TODAY.
• 30^th Anniversary Magazine & DVD Set are ready for distribution after worship in the foyer. Unit cost $12. One free set for each family. Donation is welcome!
• Staff News: Rev. Law & Pastor Teresa will attend the Preachers Workshop on 11/22. Pastor Keith & Pastor Teresa will attend the “Maintaining Spiritual Vitality in Ministry” seminar at ACTS on 11/25. Pastor Eliza will visit her non-believing sister who got lung cancer recently in Hong Kong from 11/25 to 12/28.

PRAYER & PRAISE

• Tuesday Prayer Meeting: Tony & Pat Schmidt, missionary in Japan, will come to share their missionary experience with us on 11/22. Please come join us at 7:30pm at church.
• Leighanne & Boaz Chan’s grandpa Chu Kuen Cheung has been back to HK after Thanksgiving Baptism. Please pray for his spiritual growth in Christ.

GOSPEL & MINISTRY

• Cantonese Gospel Sunday (11/27) Mr. & Mrs. Stephen Au, TV stars from Hong Kong, are going to share their ups and downs in their marriage journey with us. Please invite your non-Christian Cantonese speaking friends to come join us!

MISSIONS & EVANGELISM

• Operation Christmas Child Shoebox Gifts   Please bring the shoeboxes back between 11/21-27 (Except 11/26 Sat.) with $7/box for shipping costs.
• Ian’s Commissioning Service on 11/27 @2:30pm: Our brother Ian will be commissioned to the mission field. Please come to witness this glorious moment!

BIBLE & TEACHING

• English Sunday School (11:30am-12:30pm):   All classes: Prayer

CARING & COMMUNITY

• 30^th Anniversary Celebration & Christmas Banquet at Fraser Court Seafood Restaurant on 12/11 Sun. night. Tickets are available in the FOYER after worship till 11/27. $30/Adult, $15/Senior or child (age 4-12), Free for kids (age 0-3).
• 12/21 Community Christmas Banquet  Jointly hosted by our church and Vancouver Urban Ministry, the banquet is for about 200 people from our community. Starting at 4:30pm, Pastor Keith will share the gospel with the guests, the dinner will be served at 6pm. Volunteers are needed, please contact Janice.
• Mouse Issues: As winter is here, mice tend to look for ways to enter into warm buildings. Please help keep our church clean and free of mice by putting all garbage into covered garbage bins and cleaning up church facilities after use.
• Volunteers Ministries Survey Form are available in the Foyer, please fill in and put it into the Suggestion Box.
• 12/2 No Parking Around Gym Exits A big truck will come to pick up all the shoe boxes on 12/2 Friday night between 7-8pm. Please keep the area clear.
• Volunteer Needed for IT Dept. If you have knowledge of computer, networking, and MSSBS server and can help during office hour, please contact it@pgmbc.com.

11/20 Old & New Deacons and Departmental Chairpersons Meeting With lunch provided  Gym at 1pm, the meeting starts at 2pm in B11. All reports, budget and plans are required to be sent to the deacon George Cheung by TODAY.

12/4 Annual Congregational Meeting Agenda will be post next week, church members please mark your calendar and attend the meeting at 2:30pm.

Staff News: All pastoral staff will attend the VCEMF on 11/14 and the MB Church Planting Meeting on 11/17. Pastor Teresa will take her annual leave on 11/15.

PRAYER & PRAISE

• Sallen Chan, mother of Benedicta, Chrisanna & Gabriel, is joining the Lifestyle Ministries I.S. team to serve in Sichuan and Guangdong from 11/19-12/2 supporting spiritual care and counseling.
• Mrs. Wing Yu Leung, Hazel Wong & Celine Ho’s grandma, has been discharged from Burnaby General Hospital.

Children’s Worship – JAM Celebration on 11/19 (Sat) from 2-6pm @B11 & Gym. Grade 1-7 children and parents are welcome. For more details, please contact Tiffany Tong or Pastor Teresa.

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

GOSPEL & MINISTRY

Cantonese Gospel Sunday (11/27) Mr. & Mrs. Stephen Au, TV stars from Hong Kong, are going to share their ups and downs in the journey of marriage with us. Please invite your non-Christian Cantonese speaking friends to come join us!

MISSIONS & EVANGELISM

Operation Christmas Child Shoebox Gifts  Pack gifts using a shoebox to a boy or a girl; ages 2-4, 5-9, or 10-14; with $7/box for shipping costs. Bring back between 11/21-27 (Except 11/26 Sat). Last Sunday, there were over 80 shoeboxes packed in the family packing event by our families and the Journey fellowship.

Ian’s Commissioning Service on 11/27 @2:30pm: Our brother Ian will be commissioned to the mission field. Please come to witness this glorious moment!

BIBLE & TEACHING

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

• Grade 7 to 9: Procrastinate      • Grade 10 to 12: Half or Wholehearted

CARING & COMMUNITY

30^th Anniversary Celebration & Christmas Banquet at Fraser Court Seafood Restaurant on 12/11 Sun. night. Tickets available at FOYER from 10/16 till 11/27 after worship. $30/Adult, $15/Senior or child (age 4-12), Free for kids (age 0-3).

12/21 Community Christmas Banquet  Jointly hosted by our church and Vancouver Urban Ministry, the banquet is for about 200 people from our community. Starting at 4:30pm, Pastor Keith will share the gospel with the guests, the dinner will be served at 6pm. Volunteers needed, please contact Janice.

Mouse Issues: As winter is fast approaching, mice tend to look for ways to enter into warm buildings. Please help keep our church clean and free of mice by putting all garbage into covered garbage bins in Gyn and cleaning up church facilities after you use them.

Old & New Deacons and Departmental Chairpersons Meeting It is on 11/20 at 1pm at B11 with lunch provided at Gym. All reports, budget and plans are required to be sent to the deacon George Cheung in advance. 11/6 is the deadline for 2011 Department reports; and 11/13 is the deadline for 2012 Department budget and planning.

Staff News:  Office will be closed on the Remembrance Day (11/11). Rev. Xavier Law will take his complimentary leave on 11/7-10 for further study. Pastor Teresa Lam will take her annual leaves on 11/7, 8, 10.

PRAYER & PRAISE

• 86 children attended the Amazing Grace Carnival on 10/31 with 45 new friends from the community. There were over 70 volunteers helped out in the event. Pray that God prepare their hearts for salvation.
• There were 8 tables in the Welcome Lunch last Sunday. Pray for the follow-up.
• Please pray for the new Counselors of LIFE: Cecelia Cheung, Bernard Tong, Marina Chan. Pastor Keith Cheung is the Advisor.
• Eddie Fung’s mom passed away on 10/30. Memorial service will be on 11/12 at 11am at Richmond funeral home (8420 Cambie Road), and the burial service  at 1pm in Oceanview Burial Park (4000 Imperial Street, Burnaby).
• Mrs. Wing Yu Leung, Hazel Wong’s grandma, is still in Burnaby General Hospital. Please pray for the whole family.
• Tuesday Prayer Meeting: Please come join us at 7:30pm at church.

GOSPEL & MINISTRY

Cantonese Gospel Sunday Mr. & Mrs. Stephen Au, TV stars from Hong Kong, are going to share their ups and downs in the journey of marriage with us. Please invite your non-Christian Cantonese speaking friends to come join us!

MISSIONS & EVANGELISM

Mission Conference “10/40 Window” 11/11 (Fri) 7:30pm Joint Game; 11/12 (Sat) 7:30pm @ B11 Sharing by Esther van Wijk, and, Children program @A8; 11/13: Mission Sunday. Mission Budget for 2011 will be $88,000 (Budget proposal is attached), Please pray for the pledge on Mission Sunday.

Family Shoebox Packing Event All families are welcome to join the shoebox packing event TODAY from 2-4pm in the Gym. Materials will be sponsored by PG.

Operation Christmas Child Shoebox Gifts  Pack gifts using a shoes box to a boy or a girl; ages 2-4, 5-9, or 10-14; with $7/box for shipping costs. Bring back between 11/21-27 (Except 11/26 Sat.). For details contact Tiffany Tong for details or: http://samaritanspurse.ca/occ.

Ian’s Commissioning Service on 11/27 @2:30pm: Our brother Ian will be commissioned to the mission field. Please come to witness this glorious moment!

BIBLE & TEACHING

English Discipleship Training There will be training today at A11 from 1-2:30pm.

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

• Grade 7 to 9: I know You

• Grade 10 to 12: Incarnation

CARING & COMMUNITY

30^th Anniversary Celebration & Christmas Banquet at Fraser Court Seafood Restaurant on 12/11 Sun. night. Tickets available at Gym from 10/16 till 11/27 after worship. $30/Adult, $15/Senior or child (age 4-12), Free for kids (age 0-3).

12/21 Community Christmas Banquet  Jointly hosted by our church and Vancouver Urban Ministry, the banquet is for about 200 people from our community. Starting at 4:30pm, Pastor Keith will share the gospel with the guests, the dinner will be served at 6pm. Volunteers needed, please contact Janice.

• 30^th Anniversary Thermal flasks are ready to pick up & pay TODAY at Gym.
• Back to Standard Time staring 11/6, next Sunday. Don’t forget to turn your clock 1 hour backward on Sat. night before sleep.
• Staff News:  Rev. Grace Kim will take annual leave on Thur. & Fri. Pastor Teresa Lam will take her leave on Mon. & Tue. Mornings, Fir. And be working on Wed. afternoon & Thu. evening.

PRAYER & PRAISE

• Pastor Teresa and 5 church members will finish the Special Needs Children “Louis Program” training by Wed.
• Tuesday Prayer Meeting: Please come join us at 7:30pm at church.

GOSPEL & MINISTRY

• Amazing Grace Carnival on 10/31 (6-8pm), providing fun games & food for kids of our church and the community.  Volunteers needed for the game booths.  Please contact Pastor Teresa, Rachel Vong or Jeffrey Ng for details.

MISSIONS & EVANGELISM

• 26^th Mission Conference “10/40 Window” 11/11 (Fri) 7:30pm Joint Game; 11/12 (Sat) 7:30pm @ B11 Sharing by Esther van Wijk, and, Children program @A8; 11/13: Mission Sunday. Please schedule your fellowship meetings to join us!
• Family Shoebox Packing Event All families are welcome to join the shoebox packing event on 11/6 (2-4pm) in the Gym. Please register with Maggie Tsang: mtsang@live.ca by 10/31. Materials will be sponsored by PG (one box per family).
• Operation Christmas Child Shoebox Gifts  Pack gifts using a shoes box to a boy or a girl; ages 2-4, 5-9, or 10-14; with $7/box for shipping costs. Bring back between 11/21-27 (Except 11/26 Sat.). For details contact Tiffany Tong for details or: http://samaritanspurse.ca/occ.
• Ian Lau’s Commissioning Service on 11/27 @2:30pm: Our brother Ian will be commissioned to the mission field. Please come to witness this big moment!

BIBLE & TEACHING

• Canada Chinese Christian Winter Conference Registration: www.cccwc.ca/2011.
• English Sunday School (11:30am-12:30pm)   • Grade 7 to 9: I know You (Jer 1:4-5; • Grade 10 to 12: Prayer• Adult: Book of John

CARING & COMMUNITY

• Louis Program Sharing Church leaders are encouraged to come on 11/3at 7:30pm. All 5 seats for attending Louis Program with half price subsidized are full.
• Welcome Lunch for New Comers TODAY at 1:00  Free to the new comers! Please go to the GYM and enjoy.
• 30^th Anniversary Celebration & Christmas Banquet at Fraser Court Seafood Restaurant on 12/11 Sun. night. Tickets available at Gym from 10/16 till 11/27 after worship. $30/Adult, $15/Senior or child (age 4-12), Free for kids (age 0-3).
• 12/21 Community Christmas Banquet  joint hosted by our church and Vancouver Urban Ministry for about 200 people. Starting at 4:30pm with gospel sharing by Pastor Keith and dinner at 6pm.  Now recruiting volunteers, please contact Janice Lau (janilau@gmail.com)
• Friendly Reminder: All carpets were washed. Please do not eat in rooms with carpet, and help to put back all tables and chairs after use, thanks.

• 30^th Anniversary Souvenir Thermal flasks are ready to pick up & pay TODAY at Gym. Also there is limited supply for direct purchase on first come first Service basis.
• Children Sunday School Teacher’s Meeting The luncheon meeting is at 1pm in B7.
• Staff News:  This afternoon, all pastoral staff are going to the Chinese MB Pastoral Retreat in Camp Stillwood until tomorrow; Rev. Grace Kim changes her day-off to Friday. Grace Mau takes her annual vacation leave till 10/28.

PRAYER & PRAISE

• Pray for our current and new deacons, appointment of departmental chairpersons, and the pastoral team for their ministries.
• Tuesday Prayer Meeting: Please come join us at 7:30pm at church.

GOSPEL & MINISTRY

• Amazing Grace Carnival on 10/31 (6-8pm), providing fun games & food for the  kids of our church and the community.  Volunteers needed for the game booths.  Please contact Pastor Teresa, Rachel Vong or Jeffrey Ng for details.

MISSIONS & EVANGELISM

• 26^th Mission Conference “10/40 Window” 11/11 (Fri) 7:30pm Joint Game; 11/12 (Sat) 7:30pm @ B11 Sharing by Esther van Wijk, and, Children program @A8; 11/13: Mission Sunday. Please schedule your fellowship meetings to join us!
• Family Shoebox Packing Event All families are welcome to join the shoebox packing event on 11/6 (2-4pm) in the Gym. Please register with Maggie Tsang by 10/31. Materials will be sponsored by PG (one box per family).
• Operation Christmas Child Shoebox Gifts  Pack gifts in a shoes box for a boy or a girl(ages 2-4, 5-9, or 10-14).  shipping costs are $7/box. Bring back between 11/21-27 (Except 11/26 Sat.). For details contact Tiffany Tong for details or http://samaritanspurse.ca/occ.
• Ian Lau’s Commissioning Service on 11/27 @2:30pm: Our brother Ian will be commissioned to the mission field. Please come to witness this big moment!

BIBLE & TEACHING

• Canada Chinese Christian Winter Conference Registration: www.cccwc.ca/2011.
• English Sunday School (11:30am-12:30pm)   • Grade 7 to 9: I know You (Jer 1:4-5; • Grade 10 to 12: Prayer• Adult: Book of John

CARING & COMMUNITY

• Louis Program Sharing Church leaders are encouraged to come on 11/3 at 7:30pm. All 5 seats for attending Louis Program with half price subsidized are sold.
• 10/30 Welcome Lunch for New Comers  Free to new comers and $5.00 each for other adult participants ($3.00 for child). Purchase tickets TODAY in foyer!
• 30^th Anniversary Celebration & Christmas Banquet at Fraser Court Seafood Restaurant on 12/11 Sun. night. Tickets available at Gym from 10/16 till 11/27 after worship. $30/Adult, $15/Senior or child (age 4-12), Free for kids (age 0-3).
• 12/21 Community Christmas Banquet  joint hosted by our church and Vancouver Urban Ministry for about 200 people for our neighborhood. Starting at 4:30pm with gospel sharing by Pastor Keith, dinner at 6pm.  Now recruiting volunteers for food preparation, hospitality, and cleaning. Contact Janice Lau.
• Friendly Reminder: All carpets in church were washed last week. Please do not eat in rooms with carpet and put back all tables and chairs after use, thanks.

This past summer has been a busy one for Shirly. She took a summer course which examined the influence of family on personal development. This course provided much insight to Shirly as she could then apply it to the people she was working with. She also attended the Staff Conference in Saskatchewan and learned about the importance of spiritual gifts to a community of believers. The Frist Nations Fellowship also had Family camp where members of a Native fellowship from Vancouver also participated.

Please keep Shirly in Your prayers as she continues with her classes as well as volunteering as a reading tutor at a local elementary school.

Larry and Bella Mori to Japan (EFCM) (Caring Fellowship: Family Grace)

Larry and his family had an opportunity to go to Hong Kong, where they were given opportunities to share their experiences related to the March 11^th earthquake. The two children, Tim and Tiffany, also served in a children’s camp for reaching out to low-income children with southeast Asian backgrounds, during their stay in Hong Kong. This personal trip also gave their own family members and Hong Kong relatives a chance to hear more about the Gospel and Tiffany was even able to lead her 12-year-old cousin to Christ, despite the language difference! Praise the Lord! Larry and Bella have been actively and faithfully serving in Japan. Through visitations and volunteering, more people have gotten to know the love of Christ. Once a week, Larry volunteers for various clean-up projects in Sendai. The family also recently started volunteering in a temporary public housing community in Sendai, specifically helping the students with their homework and studying. With Christmas coming soon, please keep this family in your prayers as they have been invited to hold 6 Christmas meetings at nearby public community centers.

Please pray that they may share the joy, hope and love of Christmas with approximately 350-400 people.

Rev. & Mrs. Samir (MB Mission) (Caring Fellowship: Truth)

This year’s Women’s Conference was encouraging to many of the women that attended. The conference theme was “Let us be Thankful”. As part of the conference committee, Mrs. Samir  saw God bringing the 154 women and 30 children to know Him better, despite the difficult political situation in Egypt. It was the first time that a large number of young, newly married women attended the conference. Many of the attendees experienced breakthroughs in their lives and marriages, after participating in the conference.

Please keep on praying for the transformation of the people. Please also pray for them as they work and serve the people there.

Saji & Bindu (MB Mission) (Caring Fellowship: Righteousness)

Having moved recently to a new location, the family have been adjusting to their new environment and schedules, especially for the three children. They are continuing to learn the language via technology (Google Translate). Pray that God’s grace and guidance will continue to help the family with this new adjustment.

The family has much to be thankful for, including the unified affirmation that they as a team gave to continue to period of waiting. Also, on a personal note, the family has gained much help from family members and friends as they transition to the new culture and environment.Please keep this family in your prayers as they serve. Pray for protection and increased understanding as Saji takes a trip to Egypt, Jordan and Israel for a class on the history of the church in the Middle East. And, as he’s attending this class, please pray for Bindu as she’ll be with the children on her own for about two weeks.

Joel & Grace  (FMC) (Caring Fellowship: Life)

Praise God for the success of Joel’s operation! It was discovered that Joel had a tumor in his stomach that required immediate attention. Both he and Grace struggled with the decision whether or not to go ahead with the operation, especially when thinking in terms of finances. Yet with much faith, the surgery was undergone. Throughout the procedure, the family really saw and experienced God’s love and power, from the five doctors who tirelessly spent 8 hours to finish the operation to the family and friends praying for them. And, considering that this was quite a major operation, Joel was able to be discharged from the hospital after only a week! Praise the Lord!

Please continue to pray for Joel’s recuperation and recovery, as well as for God’s guidance in this couple’s mission work for the Lord.

New Deacons The newly elected deacons are:  Ade Huen, Geraldine Lai and Paul Shum. Old & New Deacons’ meeting will be held TODAY at 2:30 at A9.

30th Anniversary Souvenir Thermal flasks are ready for pick up. Pay for your souvenir orders on 10/23 at Gym after worships. Limited supply for direct purchase on “First Come First Service”basis.

Children Sunday School Teacher’s Meeting There will be a luncheon meeting on 10/23 at 1pm in B7. RSVP: childrensundayschool@pgmbc.com.

Staff News:  Rev. Xavier Law will attend BCMB’s conference (National Church Administration Day) on Oct 20th. Rev. Grace Kim will attend BCMB meeting on 10/19 at Abbotsford. Grace Mau, Assistant Admin. Secretary, will take her annual vacation leave from 10/20 to 10/28

PRAYER & PRAISE

Tuesday Prayer Meeting: There will be a Cantonese/English joint prayer meeting on 10/18 evening. Our missionaries Jim & Francine Hamp will come share among us.

• There were 438 people attended our joint services last Sunday. May God lift us up. Please remember pastoral staff, deacons, and new members in your prayers.

GOSPEL & MINISTRY

Drama Night Sacrificium Society of Production (SSOP) will be performing the drama “Missing Angel” on 10/22 at 7PM in the Gym. Please invite your friends to enjoy an evening of drama, coffee & snacks, and conversation. All fellowships are invited to attend.

Pacific Grace Carnival Children’s Ministry & Cantonese Evangelistic Dept. will again jointly organize an “Amazing Grace Carnival” on 10/31(6-8pm), providing fun games & food for kids of our church and the community.  Volunteers needed for the game booths.  Please contact Pastor Teresa, Rachel Vong or Jeffrey Ng for details.

MISSIONS & EVANGELISM

26^th Mission Conference “10/40 Window” (11/11-13) 11/11 Friday night 7:30pm: Joint Game (No children program), 11/12 Saturday night 7:30pm @ B11: Sharing by Missionary Esther van Wijk. 11/13: Mission Sunday. Fellowships are encouraged to schedule your meetings to join us!

Operation Christmas Child Shoebox Gifts We again are the shoe box collecting center this year. Please use a shoes box or plastic container; determine whether your gift will be for a boy or a girl; and the child’s age category: 2-4, 5-9, or 10-14; donate a minimum of $7/box to cover shipping costs by making donation online or putting cash or cheque (Samaritan’s Purse Canada) inside your box.  Collection date is 11/21-27 (Except 11/26 Sat.). Please contact Tiffany Tong for details. Website: http://www.samaritanspurse.ca/occ/PackaBox.aspx . There will also be a shoebox packing event on 11/6 (2-4pm) in the Gym. Families who are interested to join are encouraged to register with Maggie Tsang by 10/31. Materials will be sponsored by PG (one box per family).

Ian’s Commissioning Service on 11/27 @2:30pm: Our brother Ian will be commissioned to the mission field. Please come to witness this big moment!

BIBLE & TEACHING

Canada Chinese Christian Winter Conference Registration: www.cccwc.ca/2011.

Trek Fellowship Has been re-scheduled to the 1^st ,3^rd ,5^th Sunday at 1:45pm.

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

©       Grade 7 to 9: Memory

©       Grade 10 to 12: What’s this about Baptism?

©       Adult: Healing the official’s son (John 4:43-54) and Jesus as fulfillment of Sabbath and Passover (John 5:1 – 6:71)

CARING & COMMUNITY

Louis Program Sharing Church leaders are encouraged to come on 11/3 at 7:30pm.All 5 seats for attending Louis Program with half price subsidized are full.

Welcome Lunch for New Comers Will be held on 10/30 for the new comers since August. Free to the new comers and $5.00 each for other adult participants ($3.00 for child). Tickets can be purchased TODAY in foyer.

30^th Anniversary Celebration & Christmas Banquet Dinner will be held at Fraser Court Seafood Restaurant (3489 Fraser St. Van.) on 12/11 Sunday Night. Tickets can be purchased at Gym from 10/16 till 11/27 after worship (9:45am, 11:00am, 12:50pm). Prices: $30/Adult, $15/Senior/Child (age 4-12), Free for kids (age 0-3).

Friendly Reminder: All carpets in church were washed and cleaned last week. Please do not eat in rooms with carpet. Your co-operation are most appreciated.

New Deacons The new elected deacons are:  Ade Huen, Geraldine Lai and Paul Shum. Thanks to Kester Lai, Alex Yan, Ruby Leung, and Dan Tieu for counting the ballots. The Old & New Deacon Board meeting will be held on 10/16 at 2:30pm.

Joint Thanksgiving Baptismal & Membership Transferral Service : Group picture for all new members will be taken at 10:30am TODAY.

• Baptismal- (Cantonese): Chu Kuen Cheung, Tina Chow, Josephine Leung, Tony Li; (Mandarin): Xiao Wang, Charlie Zha; (English): Boaz Chan, Shanae Chiu, Andrea Fei, Lily Lee, Rachel Pang
• Membership Transferal- (Cantonese): David Lam; (English): Pastor Keith & Cecelia Cheung

Staff News:  Office closes on 10/10 Thanksgiving Day.

PRAYER & PRAISE

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

• There were 87 people attended our English service last Sunday. May God lift us up. Please also remember Pastor Keith and his wife Cecelia in your prayers.
• Pastor Eliza’s sister Amy in Hong Kong has been starting chemotherapy to her lung cancer. Please pray for her as she is still a non-believer.

GOSPEL & MINISTRY

2011 Pacific Grace Carnival Children’s Ministry and Cantonese Evangelistic Department will again jointly organize an “Amazing Grace Carnival” on 10/31 from 6-8 pm, providing fun games and food for kids of our church and the community.  We are recruiting volunteers for the game booths.  For details please contact Pastor Teresa, Rachel Vong or Jeffrey Ng.

MISSIONS & EVANGELISM

Ian’s Commissioning Service on 11/27 @2:30pm: Our brother Ian will be commissioned to the mission field. Please come to witness this big moment!

BIBLE & TEACHING

English Sunday School (11:00am-12:00pm)   

• Grade 7 to Grade 9: Superhero-Superpower – Living in the power of Christ (Ephesians 3:14 - 21, Colossians 1:29, Hebrews 1:1-3, James 5:16)
• Grade 10 to Grade 12: What’s this about Baptism?
• Adult class: The Samartian Woman and Healing an Official’s Son (John 4)

51^st Canada Chinese Christian Winter Conference “YET HIS LOVE GOES FURTHER STILL” will be held at Delta from 12/27-31. Please registration online at: www.cccwc.ca/2011. Early bird registration deadline: TODAY!

CARING & COMMUNITY

3^rd Welcome Lunch for New Comers Will be held on 10/30 for the new comers who attend our church since August. Free to the new comers and $5.00 each for other adult participants ($3.00 for child). Tickets can be purchased TODAY in foyer.

30^th Anniversary Celebration & Christmas Banquet Dinner will be held at Fraser Court Seafood Restaurant (3489 Fraser St. Van.) on 12/11 Sunday Night. Tickets can be purchased at the Gym from 10/16 till 11/27 after Sunday services (9:45am, 11:00am, 12:50pm). Prices: $30/Adult, $15/Senior/Child (age 4-12), Free for kids (age 0-3). Please contact fellowship chairpersons for group purchase.

Volunteers Needed 2:30pm@Church: Helping to move furniture for carpet cleaning.

Final Deacon Nominees Four final deacon nominees are: Ade Huen, C.C. Lai, Geraldine Lai and Paul Shum. Ballots have been distributed and the deadline to vote: TODAY at 1pm. At least 3 new deacons will be elected. The Deacon Board has appointed Kester Lai, Alex Yan, Ruby Leung, and Dan Tieu to count the ballots today, & Rev. Law to be the scrutineer. Name list will be announced on next Sunday.

10/9 Joint Thanksgiving Baptismal & Membership Transferral Service :

9:00am – 10:30am:   Morning Service – Cantonese/English

11:00am – 12:30pm: Noon Service – Cantonese/Mandarin

10:30am:                 Group pictures for all new members

• Baptismal- Cantonese Congregation: Tina Chow, Josephine Leung, Tony Li; Mandarin Congregation: Xiao Wang, Charlie Zha; English Congregation: Boaz Chan, Shanae Chiu, Andrea Fei, Lily Lee, Rachel Pang
• Membership Transferal- Cantonese Congregation: David Lam; English Congregation: Pastor Keith & Cecelia Cheung

Staff News:  Rev. Xavier Law & Pastor Teresa Lam will attend the Vancouver Chinese Evangelical Ministerial Fellowship on 10/3 morning.

PRAYER & PRAISE

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

• Kathy & Tom Wong is visiting Kathy’s father in Australia till 10/16. He suffered from a fall and had half of his hip replaced recently. Pray for the full recovery and God’s blessings upon their time together!
• Pastor Eliza’s sister Amy in Hong Kong has been confirmed with lung cancer. Please pray for her as she is still a non-believer.

GOSPEL & MINISTRY

2011 Pacific Grace Carnival Children’s Ministry and Cantonese Evangelistic Department will again jointly organize an “Amazing Grace Carnival” on 10/31 from 6-8 pm, providing fun games and food for kids of our church and the community.  We are recruiting volunteers for the game booths.  For details please contact Pastor Teresa, Rachel Vong or Jeffrey Ng.

MISSIONS & EVANGELISM

Operation Christmas Child Our church is supporting Samaritan’s Purse again by being the collecting center of Vancouver area. Collection dates 11/21-27 (11/26 excluded). For details email Tiffany Tong or visit http://www.samaritanspurse.ca/occ/PackaBox.aspx.

BIBLE & TEACHING

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

- Adult S.S.:  Nicodemus and More Testimonies from John the Baptist (John 3:1 – 36).

- Grade 7 – Grade 12 Topic:

• Grade 7 to Grade 9: Wishing Well
• Grade 10 to Grade 12: Jesus – The Last WORD on God

51^st Canada Chinese Christian Winter Conference “YET HIS LOVE GOES FURTHER STILL” will be held in the Delta Grand Okanagan Resort from 12/27-31. English Speakers: Rev. Mike Palompo, Pastor Mark Palompo. Children’s Program: Mrs. Joy Kelly. For registration and details please check online at: www.cccwc.ca/2011. Early bird registration deadline: October 9, 2011.

KOINOS 201-Certificate in Christian Theology The location for this course is at Burnaby Pacific Grace MB Church (3883 Triumph St., Burnaby). You don’t need to have completed the 101 series to participate in the 201 seminars. Only $30 per seminar or $250 for the series. Please register online: www.bcmb.org.

• Final Deacon Nominees
  The final four deacon nominees are: Ade Huen, C.C. Lai, Geraldine Lai and Paul Shum. Ballots have been distributed and will be tallied on 10/2. At least 3 new deacons will be elected.
• 10/9 Joint Thanksgiving Baptismal & Membership Transferal Service
  • 9:00am – 10:30am: Morning Cantonese & English Service
  • 10:30am: Group pictures for all new members
  • 11:00am – 12:30pm: Noon Cantonese & Mandarin Service
• Baptismal Candidates
  • Cantonese Congregation: Tina Chow, Josephine Leung, Tony Li
  • Mandarin Congregation: Xiao Wang, Charlie Zha
  • English Congregation: Boaz Chan, Shanae Chiu, Andrea Fei, Lily Lee, Rachel Pang
• Membership Transferal
  • Cantonese Congregation: David Lam
  • English Congregation: Pastor Keith & Cecelia Cheung
• Staff News
  9/26 Rev. Law, Pastor Teresa & Pastor Eliza will attend the VCEMF on 9/26. Rev. Grace Kim will attend the BCMB meeting in Abbotsford on 9/28. Pastor Teresa will attend the Children Pastoral Luncheon on 9/29.

PRAYER & PRAISE

• Prayer Meeting
  Come and join us every Tuesday night at 7:30pm at church.
• Kathy & Tom Wong will be in Australia from 9/27–10/16 to visit Kathy’s 91-year-old father who suffered a fall and had half of his hip replaced recently. Pray for his full recovery and God’s blessing of their time together.

GOSPEL & MINISTRY

• 2011 Pacific Grace Carnival
  Children’s Ministry and Cantonese Evangelistic Department will once again collaborate in organizing the “Amazing Grace Carnival” on 10/31 from 6pm–8 pm, providing fun games and food for kids from both our church and the community. We are recruiting volunteers for the game booths. For details please contact Pastor Teresa, Rachel Vong or Jeffrey Ng.

MISSIONS & EVANGELISM

• Operation Christmas Child Shoe Box Kick-off Party
  Our church is supporting Samaritan’s Purse again and will be Vancouver’s collecting centre. The Kick-off Party is on 10/1 (Saturday) from 10:00am to 11:30am. Collection dates are 11/21–27 (11/26 excluded). For details, email Tiffany Tong.

BIBLE & TEACHING

• English Sunday School (11:30am–12:30pm)
  • Adult Sunday School: Book of John
  • Grade 7 – 12 Topics:
    • Grade 7 – 9: Peel Off and Chunk It (Proverb 25:4, Hebrews 12:1)
    • Grade 10 – 12: Gimme Five (John 15:12–15)
• 51^st Canada Chinese Christian Winter Conference “Yet His Love Goes Further Still”will be held at the Delta Grand Okanagan Resort from 12/27–31. Register and find details at CCCWC.
  • English Speakers: Rev. Mike Palompo, Pastor Mark Palompo.
  • Children’s Program: Mrs. Joy Kelly.

CARING & COMMUNITY

• 30^th Anniversary Thermal Flask
  To purchase one, please place completed forms into the collecting box in the foyer.
• 30^th Anniversary Celebration & Christmas Banquet on 12/11 Sunday Night
  Dinner tickets can be purchased in the Gym from 10/2–11/27 at 9:45am, 11:00am or 12:50pm, except on 10/9(Sun), or contact your Fellowship’s Chairperson for group purchase. Ticket Prices:
  • $30/Adult
  • $15/Senior
  • $15/Child (age 4–12)
  • Free for kids (age 0–3)

Oommens to Asia (MBMSI) (Caring Fellowship: Righteousness)

Our children, Isaiah, Karis, and Zander will be starting T.rkish school. Zander began today and the older two will begin next week.  We are excited and tense at the same time – excited for our kids to continue learning the language and make new friends, but tense at how they will be received and how the language barrier will affect relationship building.  The name of the school is very long and incorporates three of the families who built the school, but the name of the first person starts with the T.rkish word “mutlu” which means “happy.”  So we hope that it is a prophetic symbol for our children as they study in that school, that they experience happiness!  We are happy because for the first time they will all be attending the same school. And we can pick them up and drop them off at the same time!!

Danny & Sau Wan Cheung to South Africa (Caring Fellowship: Family Grace)

Thanks to the Lord that He listens to our prayer! We rented a house for Sunday Service, revived the brothers and sisters to pray, to thank and to dedicate themselves to God. They pledged at least US$1,000/month for the rent, and they also dedicated furniture, utensils…to the church. Other then the Sunday Services, we have regular Wednesday Bible study. Danny educates the members about Mission.

Chinese International Missions (Canada)

Togo is a small country but a big field for spiritual harvest. Our past two years’ involvement in the country has proved that STM teams, whether French speaking or English speaking, can generate long term results in the local community. We have started working with the local church groups to plant three new churches in different nearby towns through financial support and visitation of STM teams. We were told that the entire church body is ready to be mobilized behind their church planters.

Joel & Grace Margin to Cambodia (Free Methodist Church in Canada)

(Caring /Life fellowship)

Joel and Grace have returned to Philippine last December. Joel had surgery done recently for removing his 6” tumor from tummy. After biopsy the tumor was not malignant. Please pray for his recovery and his family.

Ian’s News Update: Fundraising Needs & Progress.

Currently, Ian has attained 68 per cent of what he needs each month. He will be ready to go if he has 15 more supporters, each contributing $50 a month towards his monthly budget, which was set by Wycliffe. He also needs to have around $1,300 in his account to pay for school registration and tuition by the end of next week, so please start sending in your donations now (Click here <http://www.wycliffe.ca/involved/index.html> for instructions under “Give”).

Jon Lim Ministry Update: 

Jon has returned from California to Alberta. He has started to work since the beginning of September. Connie is looking for a job in the HR field. Please pray for his ministry at the university, as well as his family.

• Final Deacon Nominees
  The final four deacon nominees are: Ade Huen, C.C. Lai, Geraldine Lai and Paul Shum. Their profiles are posted on the bulletin board. Ballots have been distributed and will be tallied on 10/2. At least 3 new deacons will be elected.
• Membership Candidates Luncheon with Deacons TODAY at 1pm in Room B7. Applicants for 10/9 Thanksgiving Baptism & Membership Transferral are welcome.
• Deacon Board Meeting
  There will be a meeting TODAY at 2:30pm in Room A9.
• Staff News
  Pastor Eliza Lai and Pastor Grace Kim will take their complimentary day off on Monday and Wednesday, respectively. Pastor Keith will take his complimentary day off on Monday and Tuesday.

PRAYER & PRAISE

• Prayer Meeting
  Come and join us every Tuesday night at 7:30pm.
• Vanessa & Vanus Li’s grandpa passed away in Hong Kong. Please pray for their family.

GOSPEL & MINISTRY

• 2011 Pacific Grace Carnival
  Children’s Ministry and Cantonese Evangelistic Department will once again collaborate in organizing the “Amazing Grace Carnival” on 10/31 6pm–8pm, providing fun games and food for kids from both our church and the community. We are recruiting volunteers for the game booths. For details, contact Pastor Teresa, Rachel Vong or Jeffrey Ng.

MISSIONS & EVANGELISM

• Operation Christmas Child Shoe Box Kick-off Party
  Our church will continue to support this Samaritan’s Purse project and will be Vancouver’s collecting centre. The Kick-off Party is on 10/1 (Sat.) from 10:00am to 11:30am. Collection dates are 11/21–27 (11/26 excluded). Email Tiffany Tong for details.

BIBLE & TEACHING

• English Discipleship Training
  Today’s training will be in Room A11 (Reception room) at 1pm.
• English Sunday School (11:30am-12:30pm)
  • Adult Sunday School: Book of John
  • Grade 7 to 12 – Registration and information session

CARING & COMMUNITY

• First Aid Training
  Our APSCommittee is organizing a First Aid Certified Training Course at St. John’s Ambulance (2058 Alpha Ave., Burnaby) on Sat. 10/29 from 8:30am to 5:30pm.
  • Training objectives: First aid & CPR level B.
  • Fee is $80/person (lunch is not included; $40 of the cost will be subsidized to APS Volunteers and children/youth counselors). Please fill in the registration form (provided in the foyer) and return it to Kathy’s mail slot by 9/30.

  Participants are encouraged to serve as the First Aid Attendants in Church after training.

• AWANA News
  Class begins for Journey AWANA Club Today at 1:45pm. Parents are invited to join us at 2:30pm for an overview of the upcoming year program in Room A8.
• Fire Drill
  APS will have Fire Drill during Worship & Sunday school today. Siren will sound at 9:45am, 11:15am and 12:50pm. Reminder to parents: For the 11:15am fire drill, you need not pick up your children at Children’s Worship. Our leaders and Pastor Teresa will accompany them out of the building and back to PGMBC. From 2012 onward, the fire drill will be set on the 3^rd Sunday of each September.
• 30^th Anniversary Thermal Flask
  If you would like to order one, please place completed forms in the foyer collecting box.

Final Deacon Nominees Four final deacon nominees nominated by the Nominating Committee are (in alphabetical order): Ade Huen, C.C. Lai, Geraldine Lai and Paul Shum. Their information could be found on administration bulletin board. Ballots will be distributed TODAY and tallied on 10/2.  At least 3 new deacons will be elected.

10/9 Thanksgiving Baptism & Membership Transfer Service  If you have accepted Jesus Christ as your Savior and have decided to be baptized, or you would like to transfer your membership to the church, please contact Pastor Keith Cheung for details.

• 9/17(Saturday) 10am-12pm: Baptism Class at A13
• 9/18(Sunday) 1pm: Luncheon Meeting with Deacons at Gym

Staff News & Holiday All pastors and administration staff are going to Cedar Springs, Sumas USA, for the annual retreat from 9/12-13.

PRAYER & PRAISE

Prayer Meeting: Please come and join us every Tuesday night at 7:30pm.

• Pray for the Operation Christmas Child program in our church. We will be the collection center again this year.

GOSPEL & MINISTRY

Cantonese Gospel Sunday Dr. Samuel Yiu, professor of Johns Hopkin University, will be our speaker on 9/25. He will share his testimony as an Eye Specialist. You are encouraged to invite your non-Christian Cantonese speaking friends to come join us!

BIBLE & TEACHING

English Sunday School (11:30am-12:30pm) We have a joint Sunday school event (BBQ) today! Both children and adult Sunday school will meet at B11 (Chapel) at 11:30am. Hazel will share with us her mission experience in Thailand. Don’t miss it!

CARING & COMMUNITY

First Aid Training APS is organizing a First Aid Certified Training Course at St. John Ambulance (2058 Alpha Ave. Burnaby) on 10/29 (Sat.) from 8:30am to 5:30pm. Training objectives: First aid +CPR level B. Fee is $80/person (lunch is not included and another $40 of the cost will be subsidized by APS. 2 Certificates (First Aid + CPR level B) will be issued after completion of the training with validation for 3 years. Volunteers and children/youth counselors who are interested in taking this special course, please contact Kathy Wong  for the registration form before 9/30. Participants are encouraged to serve as the First Aid Attendants in Church after training.

AWANA News:

-          9/11 (TODAY): AWANA Leaders’ appreciation & meeting at B7 (1-4:30pm)

-          9/17 (Saturday) @ 6:30pm: AWANA Clubs (Puggles to T&T) begin.  Parents are invited to join us for the opening ceremony at B11 (small chapel), stay for AWANA presentation “Why AWANA?” @ 7:00 pm, and meet the club Directors & Leaders’ at 8:00 pm.  Clubbers:  see you all on opening night in your EXISTING AWANA Uniform!

-          9/18 (Sunday) @ 1:45 pm: AWANA Club Journey class begins. Parents are invited to join us @ 2:30 pm for an overview of the upcoming year program in room A8.

Fire Drill:  APS will have Fire Drill during Worship & Sunday school on 9/18 (next Sunday).  Siren will be on at 9:45am, 11:15am & 12: 50pm. Children will be led by their instructors during fire drill and will meet with parents at Clinton Park.

Car Parking Reminder Please DO NOT park in front of 2761 Graveley St.

Caution! Help To Keep Our Church Clean! Pest Control company has applied mouse traps and mouse killer bait in the church. Please remind the children DO NOT touch those traps or bait. Garbage should keep inside the garbage bin in the Gym or the large garbage bin in the parking lot. Please help provide a safe environment for everyone.

Final Deacon Nominees: Four final deacon nominees nominated by the Nominating Committee are (in alphabetical order): Ade Huen, C.C. Lai, Geraldine Lai and Paul Shum. Their info is on the administration bulletin board. Ballots will be distributed on 9/11 and tallied on 10/2. At least 3 new deacons will be elected.

10/9 Thanksgiving Baptism & Membership Transfer Service: If you have accepted Jesus Christ as your Savior and have decided to be baptized, or you would like to transfer your membership to the church, please contact Pastor Keith Cheung for details.

Staff News & Holiday: Rev. Xavier Law and Pastor Eliza Lai will change their regular day off to Wednesday starting September. Rev. Grace Kim will take a complimentary day off on 9/6, she will attend the MBCCA pastoral meeting on 9/8. Pastor Keith is leading 15 youth to the MB Joint Youth Camp. Office closes on 9/5 Labour Day.

PRAYER & PRAISE

Children’s Worship Graduation: Nine preteens will graduate from children’s worship and join the English Service effective on 9/11. They are Gabriel Chan, Joshua Huang, Daniel Lam, Janice Lan, Lincoln Lo, Sharon Siu, Amanda Tsang, Peter Vong and Tiffany Wong.

Prayer Meeting: Please come and join us every Tuesday night at 7:30pm.

• Mianca & James Cheung of Righteousness Fellowship gave birth to a 6lbs 4oz healthy baby girl on 9/1.
• Benedicta, Chrisanna & Gabriel Chan’s grandpa who was living in Toronto passed away on 9/1. Funeral Service will be on 9/6.
• The Bake Sale last Sunday raised $522.25 for the youth camp.

GOSPEL & MINISTRY

ESL Teachers Needed: We need volunteer teachers who are qualified to teach ESL. Please contact Anna Chan at achanyy[at]gmail[dot]com with your resume before 9/5.

BIBLE & TEACHING

Life Fellowship Parents’ Meeting: We invite all youth in grades 7–9 and their parents for an informational meeting on 9/9 (Friday) 7pm–8pm in room A10. We will be sharing our plans for Life Fellowship for the upcoming school year. All are invited. Please notify Pastor Keith at keithcheung[at]pgmbc[dot]com if possible.

English Discipleship Training: There will be training today in room B6 1pm–2:30pm.

English Sunday School (11:30am–12:30pm): Adult Sunday School: Blessings

• Giving the Gift of Unconditional Love and Acceptance
• How to build positive loving relationships with others and with a loving God?

CARING & COMMUNITY

First Aid Training: APS Committee is organizing a First Aid Certified Training Course at St. John Ambulance (2058 Alpha Avenue, Burnaby) on 10/29 (Sat) from 8:30am to 5:30pm. Fee is $80/person, lunch not included ($40 of the cost will be subsidized by APS). 2 Certificates (First Aid + CPR level B) will be issued after completion with 3-year validation. Volunteers and children/youth counselors who are interested, please contact Kathy Wong (ksmwong[at]telus[dot]net) for the registration form before 9/30. Participants are encouraged to stand-by as the First Aid Attendants in church.

Fire Drill: APS will have a Fire Drill during Worship & Sunday school on 9/18. Alarm will sound at 9:45am, 11:15am & 12:50pm. Please be prepared.

Car Parking Reminder: As per the request from our neighbor, please DO NOT park in front of 2761 Graveley Street. Thanks for respecting our neighbor.

Keep Your Church Clean! Our Pest Control company has set mouse traps and poison in the church. Please remind the children to NOT touch them. Garbage should be kept inside the garbage bin in the Gym or the large garbage bin in the parking lot. Please help provide a safe environment for everyone.

I have seen my Lord Jesus in all the AIA coaches and assistant coaches of our church. In the morning, they gathered together an hour early for the camp, doing devotion and praying for God’s wisdom and guidance. Every day after camp, they spent an hour debriefing to assess and plan for further improvement. They put the needs of the children first. Besides training soccer skills, they also used biblical principles to teach them how to face the challenges of life. On the last day, one of the campers’ mother was touched to the point of tears and said to me, “Ever since I moved to Canada, the soccer coaches are the only people who have shown love to my daughter…”

We have young people who used one of their two remaining summer weeks to serve in this camp. We have a couple serving faithfully together in various capacities. Furthermore, they did not just sacrifice their week long annual vacation to serve but also provided daily transportation for three non-church kids to the camp. There were mature male adults who endured physical pain and played soccer with the kids for five consecutive days. There was a sister who worked overtime in order to get a day off to serve in the camp. There are people who came back and forth four times each day to assist in the check-in and -out of campers. We had sisters who prepared snacks for campers and lunch for over 20 volunteer workers. We also had families who provided accommodation and hospitality to the coaches. I had a real encounter with my Lord Jesus through these brothers and sisters and experienced what John 4:12 says, “No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.”

I recall the recent riot in Vancouver due to the Canucks losing in the Stanley Cup finals. I am disappointed that Vancouver Canucks fans could not face failure. Why can’t the Canucks fans celebrate their team getting second place? In North American sports culture, much importance is placed upon being the “number one champion”, driven by potential tickets sales northward of $200,000. God showed me hope through the Soccer Camp. We can still impart a positive influence to our next generation if we do not just be a backseat driver but actively participate in displaying real sportsmanship to the younger generation.

There were a total of 59 campers, with over 20 of them from our community; 20 were invited by friends, and 18 were from our church. Please pray that the message of God that the kids received in the camp will benefit them eternally. I hope that you will consider joining us to serve next year and encounter our Lord Jesus together!

- Rachel Vong

Cared for by Family Grace Fellowship
Since the big 3/11 earthquake, Japan has been facing a lot of challenges. May the Lord’s mercy rain upon this “spiritually-hardened soil” of Japan. Please pray that God will open doors for them to reach out to the people through their relief work in and around the city of Sendai. In December of this year, they are invited to lead six Christmas gatherings in nearby community centers. Please pray for their preparation to share the birth of Jesus to 400 non-Christians. Pray for long-term relationships with the leaders in the community centers. Also pray that the Lord will bless the “Mother and Child” class, children, high school and the adult outreach English classes, including the chapel time.

A&P in Asia (MB Mission)

Cared for by Goodness Fellowship
Praise the Lord for providing them a new place to stay. Pray for all their adjustments. The first medical service team will be at the newly built hospital in August. Pray that the patients and medical people will see God’s love through the team. Pray that there will be longer-term workers to join them. Pray for their health (liver, back, shoulder and knee joint pain). Pray that God will grant their wish that they can serve Him in the field until they retire.

Rev. Samir & Lewiza in Arabic Broadcasting (MB Mission)

Cared for by Truth Fellowship
The Oasis team is hosting the 7^th annual Abused Women’s Conference on 8/1–4. Pray that God will protect the women and let them gain new perspectives on their husbands, children and in-laws.

Trever & Joan Godard in Mexico (MBMSI)

Cared for by Righteousness Fellowship
Trever & Joan are travelling to Panama to work with Jamie Munday from MB Mission to assess some clean water projects in the Darien province. Please pray for God’s protection and wisdom. When they are back, they will help three churches run VBS, sport camps and English camp. Matthew Training Center is obtaining not-for-profit status. Pray that God will continue to use MTC to train a new generation in His kingdom.

Hannah Lee in University Campus (Power to Change Canada)

Cared for by Seasons Fellowship
Hannah is looking to expand her ministry team. She is looking for those willing to invest prayer and finances into helping university students discover Jesus. Please pray for God’s guidance and providence.

• Preliminary Deacon Nominees: The 3 preliminary deacon nominees nominated by the Nominating Committee, consisting of Rev. Xavier Law, Kathy Wong, Raymond Chan, Vicki Chiu and Yue Ming Tang, for the year 2012-2013 are (in alphabetical order): Ade Huen, C.C. Lai, and Paul Shum.
• Nominating further Deacons for 2012-2013: Members of our church may submit the written nomination to Rev. Xavier Law by 9/1 signed by 2 members in accordance with the Guidelines for Nominating Deacons which is posted on the bulletin board outside the office. Nominations must first be accepted by the Nominating Committee and the nominated. The final list will be announced on 9/4. Ballots will then be distributed on 9/11 and tallied on 10/2. At least 3 new deacons will be elected this time.
• 10/9 Thanksgiving Baptism & Membership Transfer Service: If you have accepted Jesus Christ as your Savior and have decided to be baptized, or you have attended our church for at least three months and would like to transfer your membership to the church, please contact Pastor Keith Cheung for details.
• Staff News: 9/2-5 Pastor Keith will lead 14 youths to Joint English Youth Camp.

PRAYER & PRAISE

• Children’s Worship Graduation: Nine preteens will graduate from children’s worship to join the English Service effective on 9/11 after Pastor Keith returns from the youth camp. They are: Gabriel Chan, Joshua Huang, Daniel Lam, Janice Lan, Lincoln Lo, Sharon Siu, Amanda Tsang, Peter Vong and Tiffany Wong.
• Prayer Meeting @ Church:Please come and join us every Tuesday night at 7:30pm.
  • Pray for the non-believers and new friends, and the follow-up work of the soccer camp that just ended.
  • Pastor Keith and his wife are moving to Yaletown on 9/1. Their container from Calgary will arrive on the same day.

GOSPEL & MINISTRY

Joint English Youth Camp (9/2-5) Pastor Keith is leading 14 youths. There will be a bake sale for fundraising TODAY in the Gym, please come and support them!

BIBLE & TEACHING

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

• Giving the Gift of Unconditional Love and Acceptance
• How to build positive loving relationships with others and with a loving God?

CARING & COMMUNITY

• Fire Drill Fire Drill: APS Committee will have Fire Drill during Worship & Sunday School on 9/18. The siren will sound at 9:45am, 11:15am & 12:50pm. Please be prepared.
• ESL Teachers Needed: We need volunteer teachers who have qualification to teach ESL. Please email Anna Chan, the chairperson of Cantonese Evangelism Dept. with your resume before 9/5.
• First Aid Training: APS is organizing a First Aid Certified Training Course at St. John Ambulance (2058 Alpha Ave., Burnaby) on 10/29 (Saturday) from 8:30am to 5:30pm. Training objectives: First aid +CPR level B. Cost is $80/person (lunch is not included) and another $40 will be subsidized by APS budget. 2 Certificates (First Aid + CPR level B) will be issued after course completion valid for 3 years. Volunteers and children/youth counselors who are interested in taking this special course, please email Kathy Wong before 9/30.
• Car Parking Reminder: As per the request from our neighbor, please DO NOT park in front of 2761 Graveley Street. Thanks for respecting our neighbor.
• Keep Your Church Clean! More mice have been found in the church offices, Gym and classrooms and the problem is getting worse. Our pest control company will apply mouse traps and mouse killer bait in the church. Please remind children not to touch those traps or bait. No more garbage bins in classrooms. Garbage should only be kept inside the garbage bin in the Gym or the large garbage bin in the parking lot. Please provide a safe environment for everyone.

Preliminary Deacon Nominees 3 preliminary deacon nominees nominated by the Nominating Committee which consists of Raymond Chan, Vicki Chiu, Rev. Xavier Law, Yue Ming Tang and Kathy Wong for the year 2012-2013. They are (in alphabetical order): Ade Huen, C.C. Lai, and Paul Shum.

Nominating further Deacons for 2012-2013 Members of our church may submit the written nomination to Rev. Xavier Law by 9/1 signed by 2 members in accordance with the Guidelines for Nominating Deacons which is posted on the news board outside the office. They must first be accepted by the Nominating Committee and the nominated. The final list will be announced on 9/4. Ballots will then be distributed on 9/11 and tallied on 10/2.  At least 3 new deacons will be elected this time. Please remember the nominees and their commitment in your prayers.

10/9 Thanksgiving Baptism & Membership Transfer Service  If you have accepted Jesus Christ as your Savior and have decided to be baptized, or you have attended our church for at least three months and would like to transfer your membership to the church, please contact Pastor Keith Cheung for details.

Staff News: Rev. Xavier Law is preaching in South Vancouver PG today. He will take a complimentary day off on Wednesday.

PRAYER & PRAISE

Prayer Meeting @ Church: Please come and join us every Tuesday night at 7:30pm.

• Praise the LORD! The Soccer Camp was held successfully last week. There were 59 kids who joined the camp, about half of them are non-believers. Please remember them and their family in your prayers.
• Calvin & Miranda Chan from Temperance Fellowship welcomed their second daughter Christelle Chan on 8/16. Christelle was born 6lbs 15oz. Praise the Lord!
• Jack & Natalia Chan from Righteousness Fellowship had their first baby boy Joshua (7lbs 2oz) on 8/18! May God bless the family!
• Mimi Ng from Goodness Fellowship and Mr. Sung Yang are getting married today at Burnaby Village Museum Chapel. Congratulations!
• Patrick Ko from Righteousness Fellowship and Monica Zhai are getting married on 8/28 at Sheraton Hotel. May God bless the new couple!

GOSPEL & MINISTRY

Joint English Youth Camp (9/2-5) Pastor Keith is the leader with 14 team members. There will be a bake sale fund raising on 8/28 at Gym, please come and support us!

MISSIONS & EVANGELISM

Way to Mission Brother Ian Lau has joined Wycliffe Bible Translators and will be sent to the field at the end of this year. Please continue to pray for his ministry.

BIBLE & TEACHING

English Discipleship Training: It is cancelled this week. Next training will be on 9/4.

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

   – Giving the Gift of Unconditional Love and Acceptance

   – How to build positive loving relationships with others and with a loving God?

CARING & COMMUNITY

Fire Drill There will be a fire drill during the worship service on 9/18.

ESL Teachers Needed We need volunteer teachers who have qualification to teach ESL. Please contact Anna Chan, the chairperson of Cantonese Evangelism Dept., to her email: achangg@gmail.com with your resume before 9/5.

Blockage in Back Lane In order to maintain a good relationship with our neighbors, please keep in mind that you may not double park or park outside the yellow lines in the back lane area.

Deacon Board Meeting There will be a meeting on 8/21 at 2:30pm.

Fire Drill There will be a fire drill during the worship service on 9/18.

Staff News: Due to the Kid’s Soccer Camp, Rev. Xavier Law, Pastor Teresa Lam, Pastor Eliza Lai will postpone their day off this week. Pastor Keith Cheung started his service in our church last Tue. His office is A13, phone extension: 28, email: keithcheung[at]pgmbc[dot]com . Admin. secretary Mimi Chu will take her annual leave and regular day off from Tue. to Thur. this week.

PRAYER & PRAISE

Prayer Meeting @ Church: Please come and join us every Tuesday night at 7:30pm.

• Rev. To Wong Hui went to be with the Lord last Sunday. His memorial service was held on 8/13 at our church. May God comfort his family with His mercy hand.
• Our brother Oliver had gone to Toronto as his father’s situation has turned worse. May God’s peace be with their family.
• Pray for the volunteers in the coming Soccer Camp: Jason Chau, Jason Lam, Andrea Fei, Rachel Pang, Tom Tsang, Wilbert Law, Jeffrey Ng, Pia Ng, Lisa Shum, Heather Tieu and Rachel Vong. Raymond & Marina Chan, Donald & Amy Sun will provide accommodations to the four AIA coaches.
• Pray for the unity of every congregation. Pray that we will serve our LORD God lovingly, willingly with one heart, one faith & one vision.
• Praise the Lord for the faithful service of AWANA leaders. The AWANA Award Night was held last Saturday. The AWANA new year will be starting on 9/17.

GOSPEL & MINISTRY

Joint English Youth Camp (9/2-5) This will be the first time that we partner with 3 other sister churches in organizing this summer camp. You won’t want to miss! Please register online: http://pgmbc-reg.vcmbc.org ASAP!

When is the camp? September 2-5, 2011 (Friday – Monday)

Where? Camp Sunrise (on Sunshine Coast)

Fee: $225 (by cash or cheque – payable to PGMBC; fundraising: TBA)

Theme: “Call & Respond!”

Contact our church-representative (Leighanne Chan & Timmi Yu) for details.

Mandarin BBQ Gathering You are encouraged to invite your non-Christian Mandarin speaking friends to come and join us in the back yard on 8/20 at 6:30pm.

MISSIONS & EVANGELISM

Way to Mission Ian Lau has joined Wycliffe Bible Translators and will be sent at the end of this year. He is sharing his vision in different churches. Please pray for his ministry.

BIBLE & TEACHING

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

Adult Sunday School: Blessings

- Giving the Gift of Unconditional Love and Acceptance

- How to build positive loving relationships with others and with a loving God?

CARING & COMMUNITY

“Caring for Critical Disease” Held by CCM and our Caring Dept., the course will run 9/10–10/29 (every Saturday from 10am to 4pm) in our church. This course is in Cantonese, with notes in English. Please contact Terries Chow:(604-877-8606) or tchow@ccmcanada.org for details. Deadline for registration: 8/15.

• Noon – To-Wang’s ashes will be laid to rest at Ocean View Burial Park (4000 Imperial Street, Burnaby). Attendees can gather at the Ocean View front office by 11:45am.
• 2:30pm – Memorial Service will be held at Pacific Grace MB Church (2855 East 1^st Avenue, Vancouver).

- Sending flower wreaths is not necessary.
- For more info, please contact Ms. Pauline Wu 604-983-8498.

Blockage in Back Lane Our neighbors strongly complained of our blockage of their driveway and back lane. Please keep in mind that there is no double-parking and parking outside yellow lines at the back lane area.

Staff News: Rev. Grace Kim will take a complimentary day off on Tuesday. Pastor Keith Cheung will report on duty starting this week, his office is A13, phone extension: 28, email: keithcheung[at]pgmbc[dot]com. Admin. Secretary Mimi Chu will take her annual leave on Monday and a complimentary day off on Tuesday.

PRAYER & PRAISE

• Rev. To Wong Hui was admitted into hospice palliative care of the Lions Gate Hospital on 8/4. Please pray for his critical situation and the family.
• Rev. Grace Kim’s 85-year-old mother was admitted into hospital due to spinal injury. Mrs. Kim prefers no surgery but to stay in bed for 3 months and take pain killer. Please pray for her recovery.
• Oliver Chan’s father is waiting to be admitted into hospice due to the cancer illness.
• Pray for the volunteers in the coming Soccer Camp: Jason Chau, Jason Lam, Andrea Fei, Rachel Pang, Tom Tsang, Wilbert Law, Jeffrey Ng, Lisa Shum, Heather Tieu and Rachel Vong. Raymond & Marina Chan, Donald & Amy Sun will provide accommodations to the four AIA coaches.
• Pray for the unity of every congregation. Pray that we will serve our LORD God lovingly, willingly with one heart, one faith & one vision.

GOSPEL & MINISTRY

Joint English Youth Camp (9/2-5) It is the first time that we partner with 3 other sister churches to organize this summer camp. Don’t miss it!

• Theme: “Call & Respond!”
• When? Sept 2–5, 2011 (Fri–Mon)
• Where? Camp Sunrise (on Sunshine Coast)
• Fee: $225 (by cash, or cheque payable to “PGMBC”; Fundraising TBA)

Register ASAP at http://pgmbc-reg.vcmbc.org/ ! Contact our church-representatives (Leighanne Chan & Timmi Yu) for details.

Mandarin BBQ Gathering You are encouraged to invite your non-Christian Mandarin speaking friends to come and join us in the back yard on 8/20 at 6:30pm.

MISSIONS & EVANGELISM

Way to Mission: Ian Lau has joined Wycliffe Bible Translators and to be sent at the end of this year. He is sharing his vision in different churches. Please pray for his ministry.

BIBLE & TEACHING

English Sunday School (11:30am-12:30pm)
Adult Sunday School: Blessings
- Giving the Gift of Unconditional Love and Acceptance
- How to build positive loving relationships with others and with a loving God?

CARING & COMMUNITY

“Caring for Critical Disease” Held by CCM and our Caring Dept., the course will run from 9/10-10/29 (every Saturday from 10am to 4pm) in our church. This course is in Cantonese with notes in English. Please contact Terries Chow for details: 604-877-8606 or tchow@ccmcanada.org . Deadline for registration: 8/15.

8/13 AWANA Award Night: All parents and siblings are invited to join us for our year end AWANA Award night in the main sanctuary. Our Award ceremony will start promptly at 6:30 pm and end with refreshment in the gym at 8:45 pm. Clubbers and leaders, please remember to wear your uniform!

Blockage in Back Lane: During the past Flea Market and Sunday meetings time, our neighbors strongly complained of our blockage of their drive way and black lane. Our pastoral staff will express an apology to the neighbors by visitation and gift this week. Please keep in mind that no double parking and no outside yellow lines parking at back lane area.

Staff News: Rev. Grace Kim preaches in Port Moody PG for Gospel Sunday today. Rev. Xavier Law will take his annual leave and a regular day off from 8/2-8. Rev. Isaac Chang takes his annual leave till 7/31 before his resignation. To show our appreciation to Rev. Chang for his faithful service in the past eight years, the church will present him our Appreciation Letter, Group Photo of the 30^th Anniversary of PGMBC, eight years service plaque and severance pay. May God bless Rev. Chang’s ministry and family.

Holiday: Office will be closed on 8/1 BC Day.

PRAYER & PRAISE

Henry Law & Iris Chan From Righteousness Are Getting Married! The wedding ceremony will be held on 8/6 (Sat.) at 12:30pm at Shanghnessy Height United Church (1550 W.33^th Ave., Van. BC). May God bless the new couple!

• Rev. Grace Kim’s 85-year-old mother was admitted into hospital due to spinal injury.
• Oliver Chan’s father is admitting into the hospice due to cancer illness.
• Our new English Pastor Keith Cheung will serve our church starting August. Please pray for the relocation from Calgary with his wife and their ministry at our church.

GOSPEL & MINISTRY

8/12-19 Kids’ Soccer Camp (age 6-12) The 5-day-camp’s regular price is $90. Please return completed forms with full payment to Heather Tieu or Rachel Vong ASAP due to limited space (less than 5 spots left).

Volunteers Needed for Soccer Camp: We need 1 host family for 2 male AIA coaches and more volunteers to help in the soccer camp! Please contact Pastor Lam for details.

Joint English Youth Camp (9/2-5) It is the first time that we partner with 3 other sister churches in organizing this summer camp. You won’t want to miss! Please register online ASAP: http://pgmbc-reg.vcmbc.org/

When is the camp? September 2-5, 2011 (Friday – Monday)
Where? Camp Sunrise (on Sunshine Coast)
Fee: $225 (cash, or cheque payable to “PGMBC”; fundraising: TBA)
Theme: “Call & Respond!”

Contact our church-representative (Leighanne Chan & Timmi Yu) for details.

MISSIONS & EVANGELISM

STM Mission Sharing: Luana So will share her short-term mission experience in the University of Washington on the coming Sunday (8/7) during the Worship!

BIBLE & TEACHING

Children Sunday School: We need more teachers/helpers in the new term starting in September 2011. Please contact Grace Li childrensundayschool[at]pgmbc[dot]com for details.

English Sunday School (11:30am-12:30pm)Please come and equip together!

CARING & COMMUNITY

“Newcomers” Welcome Lunch TODAY there will be a Welcome Lunch at the Gym at 1:00pm to welcome our new comers who attended our church since April. All who purchased tickets please come and join with our new friends at Gym.

“Caring for Critical Disease” Held by CCM and our Caring Dept., the course will be starting from 9/10-10/29 (every Saturday from 10am to 4pm) in our church. This course is in Cantonese with notes in English. Please contact Mrs. Terries Chow for details: tchow[at]ccmcanada[dot]org or 604-877-8606. Deadline for registration: 8/15.

Supporting fellowship–Temperance Fellowship

Hamp’s family has returned back into Canada (Abbotsford). They are very glad to be home. Jim and Francine will be debriefing with the MB Mission and visit some friends during their stay in Canada. Before they left Asia, their children Ty and Clay had some good playtime with their local friends.  There were some tears shed, as Jim’s family has to leave.

Please continue to pray for the local new believers Abu. It is so encouraged to see them grow spiritually. A week ago, Abu invited about 30 friends to witness his baptism. One of his close friends is an unbelieving T-tribe friend. July is the month dedicated to special prayer for the T-tribe people. May the stronghold of Buddhism would be loosed in their lives and they would be free to embrace Jesus.

Trevor &Joan Godard in Mexico (MBMSI)

Supporting fellowship–Righteousness Fellowship

We have been training our interns and spend most time on studying Bible, praying, receiving teaching, practicing and dialoguing on how to share our faith. June 4^th is their 2^nd Annual Mission Festival in Guadalajara.  They have prepared materials and focus praying for many MB churches that is around the world.  New comers will be invited to attend this Mission Festival. Pray that people would catch God’s vision for mission and be obedient in the commission to make disciples among the nations.

Tony & Pat Schmidt (OMF)

Supporting fellowship-Goodness Fellowship

After serving in Japan for years as OMF missionaries, Tony & Pat have retired and are back to B.C. now. They would like to go to different churches to say thanks & share their experience & mission. Pray for their retirement life. May God continue to use them to be blessings to churches in Canada.

Samir in Arabic Broadcasting (MBMSI)

Supporting fellowship–Truth Fellowship

The Oasis Team recently finished filming 54 episodes of evangelistic satellite program “Time of Miracles”. Samir reported that in his previous 15 years of media ministry, he has never experienced the anointing of the Holy Spirit as he did during this recent block of filming. The first programs will air in about 2-3 months. Please pray that God would prepare the hearts of those who will hear the message through these programs. Pray that many would give their lives to Jesus and that our follow up team will be able to lead them and help people enter into house church communities. Also pray for our team as we will be moving to a 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to follow up system starting in July. The responses have been increasing in spite of (or perhaps BECAUSE of) the instability in this entire region.  We plan to have our follow-up team working in shifts so that there is always someone available to respond to emails, chats, phone calls, letters, or text messages.

Deacon Board Meeting: TODAY at 2:30pm at A9.

Special Family Chat: There will be a special meeting at B11 this afternoon at 1:30pm regarding to the resignation of Rev. Isaac Chang. All church members interested in this matter are welcome.

Joint English Youth Camp (9/2-5) It is the first time that we partner with 3 other sister churches in organizing this summer camp. You won’t want to miss! Please register online ASAP: http://pgmbc-reg.vcmbc.org/

When? September 2-5, 2011 (Friday – Monday)
Where? Camp Sunrise (on Sunshine Coast)
Fee: $225 (by cash or cheque – payable to PGMBC; fundraising: TBA)
Theme: “Call & Respond!”

Contact our church-representative (Leighanne Chan & Timmi Yu) for details.

Joint Family Worship Children’s Worship kids (pre-school to Grade 6) and families will join the Singspiration with English congregation on 7/31.

Staff News: Rev. Grace Kim will switch her regular day off to Thursday, and take a complimentary day off on Friday. Rev. Isaac Chang will take his annual leave from 7/20-31 before his resignation. On 7/31, there will be a presentation during the Cantonese Noon Service to show our appreciation to Rev. Chang for his faithful service in the past eight years. The presentation includes our Appreciation Letter, Group Photo of the 30^th Anniversary of PGMBC, eight years service plaque and severance pay. Please come and join us.

PRAYER & PRAISE

7/23-30 AWANA Scholarship Camp 18 clubbers (Grades 5-12) from our AWANA Club are attending the AWANA Scholarship camp at Tulahead Camp, Princeton. Please pray for their safety and spiritual growth in the camp.

Tim Li (of Truth Fellowship) & Miss Heidi Liao are getting married! The wedding ceremony will be held at the Trinity Lutheran Church (7100 Granville Avenue, Richmond, BC) on 7/30 (Saturday) at 2pm. May God bless the new couple always!

GOSPEL & MINISTRY

7/30 Mandarin Pot-Luck & Movie Night Please invite your non-Christian Mandarin speaking friends to come. Awana Children’s program runs from 6:30 to 8:30pm.

8/12-19 Kids’ Soccer Camp (age 6-12) The 5-day-camp’s regular price is $90. Please return completed forms with full payment to Heather Tieu or Rachel Vong ASAP due to limited space (less than 10 spaces left).

MISSIONS & EVANGELISM

STM Mission Sharing: Hazel Wong will share her short-term mission experience in Thailand in the coming Tuesday (7/26) evening. Please come and join us at 7:30pm for the prayer meeting.

BIBLE & TEACHING

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

Adult Class: The Blessing – Giving the Gift of Unconditional Love and Acceptance – How to build positive loving relationships with others and with a loving God?

CARING & COMMUNITY

7/31 “Newcomers” Welcome Lunch will be held at the Gym by Caring Dept. at 1:00pm to welcome the new comers attended our church since April. Free to the new comers and $5.00 each for other participants. Purchase tickets in the foyer latest TODAY!

“Caring for Critical Disease” Held by CCM and our Caring Dept., the course will be starting from 9/10-10/29 (every Saturday from 10am to 4pm) in our church. This course is in Cantonese with notes in English. Please contact Mrs. Terries Chow for details: tchow@ccmcanada.org or 604-877-8606. Deadline for registration: 8/15.

Joint English Youth Camp (9/2-5) It is the first time that we partner with 3 other sister churches in organizing this summer camp. You won’t want to miss! TODAY is the deadline of registration! Please register online ASAP: http://pgmbc-reg.vcmbc.org/

When is the camp? September 2-5, 2011 (Friday – Monday)
Where? Camp Sunrise (on Sunshine Coast)
Fee: $225 (by cash or cheque – payable to PGMBC; fundraising: TBA)
Theme: “Call & Respond!”

Contact our church-representative (Leighanne Chan & Timmi Yu) for details.

Soccer Camp Meeting There is a preparation meeting today at 1pm at B7.

Deacon Board Meeting will be held on 7/24 at 2:30pm.

Staff News: Rev. Xavier Law is taking his annual leave till 7/17. Rev. Isaac Chang will take his annual leave from 7/20-31 before his resignation. We highly appreciate his faithful service in the past years. May God bless Rev. Chang’s ministry and family indeed.

PRAYER & PRAISE

7/23-30 AWANA Scholarship Camp 18 clubbers (Grades 5-12) from our AWANA Club will be attending the AWANA Scholarship camp at Tulahead Camp, Princeton.

Please pray for their safety and spiritual growth in the camp.

7/26 Prayer Meeting Hazel Wong will share her short-term mission experience in Thailand. Please come and join us at 7:30pm.

Andrew Cao & Michelle Xu are getting married! The wedding ceremony will be held at the Redeemer Lutheran Church (1499 Laurier Ave., Van.) on 7/30 (Saturday) at 1pm. May God bless the new couple always!

GOSPEL & MINISTRY

7/23 Pacific Grace Flea Market All the 22 tables are registered! Please come and outreach with people in our neighborhood at 12:00-4:30pm.

7/24 English Gospel Sunday Mr. Peter Wong, chairman of Rainbow Missions, will be our speaker. Please invite your friends to come!

7/30 Mandarin Pot-Luck and Movie Night You are encouraged to invite your non-Christian Mandarin speaking friends to come. Starting at 6:30pm, children can join our Awana Children’s program.

8/12-19 Kids’ Soccer Camp (age 6-12) The 5-day-camp’s regular price is $90. Please return completed forms with full payment to Heather Tieu or Rachel Vong ASAP due to limited space. By now we have 48 registered.

BIBLE & TEACHING

English Sunday School 11:30am-12:30pm:Please come and equip together!

English Discipleship Training (1^st & 3^rd Sundays): From 1:30pm to 3pm @ A13.

CARING & COMMUNITY

7/31 “Newcomers” Welcome Lunch will be held at the Gym by Caring Dept. at 1:00pm to welcome the new comers attended our church since April. Free to the new comers and $5.00 each for other participants. Purchase tickets in the foyer.

“Caring for Critical Disease” Held by CCM and our Caring Dept., the course will be starting from 9/10-10/29 (every Saturday from 10am to 4pm) in our church. This course is in Cantonese with notes in English. Please contact Mrs. Terries Chow for details: tchow@ccmcanada.org or 604-877-8606. Deadline for registration: 8/15.

Thanks To Our Speaker, Mr. John Skelton, our BC AWANA Missionary. May God bless the family and their ministry.

Staff News: Rev. Xavier Law is taking his annual leave till 4/17. Rev. Grace Kim preaches in NSPG today. Rev. Isaac Chang will shift his day off from Wednesday to Thursday this week.

PRAYER & PRAISE

Development Fund Pledge (2011.7-2.12.6) Till now we received 73 pledges with total amount of $38,410 (Our target is $84,000). If you still want to pledge, you may either put the pledge into the offering bag or the Suggestion Box in the foyer.

Prayer Support to Rev. Hui To-Wang Please pray for Rev. Hui as the cancer cells have spread into his lung. The scheduled brain operation in HK has been cancelled. They came back to Vancouver on 7/7 for rest. For more details, please check his blog http://frozenman.net/ .

GOSPEL & MINISTRY

AWANA Sunday Registration for next year AWANA will begin after the NOON service. AWANA clubbers in uniform AND register TODAY will earn an AWANA share. Register a new friend will get another share! AWANA clubs are good for children from ages 2 to 17! Grab an AWANA brochure in the foyer for details.

7/23 Pacific Grace Flea Market There are 18 tables registered by now. Please come and make friends with people in our neighborhood at 12:00-4:30pm.

7/24 English Gospel Sunday Mr. Peter Wong, chairman of Rainbow Missions, will be our speaker. Please invite your friends to come!

8/12-19 Kids’ Soccer Camp (age 6-12) The 5-day-camp’s regular price is $90. Please return completed forms with full payment to Heather Tieu (AWANA Commander) or Rachel Vong (Soccer Camp Administration Coordinator) ASAP due to limited space. By now we have 45 registered (29 are new comers). Please contact Pastor Teresa @ teresalam[at]pgmbc[dot]com for details.

MISSIONS & EVANGELISM

Way to Mission Ian Lau is going to the mission field at the end of this year. He will share his testimony in different churches. May God bless him and guide him always.

BIBLE & TEACHING

English Sunday School 11:30am-12:30pm: Please come and equip together!

Children Sunday School: We need more teachers/helpers in the new term starting in September 2011. Please contact Grace Li childrensundayschool[at]pgmbc[dot]com for details.

CARING & COMMUNITY

“Newcomers” Welcome Lunch will be held at the Gym by Caring Dept. on 7/31 at 1:00pm to welcome new comers attended our church since April. Free to the new comers and $5.00 each for other participants. Please purchase tickets in the foyer after worship starting TODAY.

Yes, I got tired of repeating again and again the same verses, but unconsciously AWANA snuck these key verses to my heart and they are always with me, always reminding me that God is there, that he WANTS me, and I am not alone. Although I am only at the young age of 17, these years growing up have definitely had its downfalls. I have felt heart break, disappointment, fear, loneliness and loss. This program not only helped me by encouraging me through verses but by the close friendships I developed with the clubbers and leaders.

In my early teens, I recognized the utter importance of my AWANA friends, as they too snuck themselves deep into my heart, and they made me who I am. Their strong support, love, and reminder of what we BELIEVE have made all the difference in the world to me, and I thank God everyday for them.

As I cried, laughed, played, learned and fellowshipped with my friends and leaders, God found a way into my heart as well, and through these years, I have surely grown. From accepting Christ as my saviour at 5 in Cubbies to now has been a difficult but amazing journey. God has helped me so much, more then I can ever comprehend, and because of the inspiring faith of my leaders, the support of my friends, and the drilled in verses I KNOW God is here. HE is here in the world among us, weeping for our foolishness, and changing hearts all over the world.

At 17-years-old I finish AWANA as a clubber, and now as a young adult, I love AWANA for the people who support me in prayer and faith, the verses that aid when I need it most, and the ONE and ONLY merciful, loving, forgiving God our Father.

Thanks to Dr. David Chan, our former Senior Pastor, Vice Principal of Hong Kong Alliance Bible Seminary. May God bless Dr. Chan’s ministry and his family!

Staff News: Rev. Xavier Law will take his annual leave from 7/4-17.

PRAYER & PRAISE

30^th Anniversary Joint Worship Today we will have a group picture after morning service around 10:30-11:00am. Please wait in the glass in front of the church.

Development Fund Pledge (2011.7-2.12.6) Last Sunday we received 60 pledges with total amount of $32,910(Our target is $84,000). Today you can still put your pledges into the offering bag.

GOSPEL & MINISTRY

7/10 AWANA Sunday Special AWANA Services and promotion for Morning, English, Mandarin (promotion only) and Noon Sunday services! Registration for next year AWANA will begin after the NOON service. All AWANA clubbers and leaders please wear AWANA uniform. Clubbers in uniform AND register on July 10 will earn an AWANA share. Spread the word! Bring a friend to hear God’s word from our AWANA Missionary John Skelton! Register a new friend to get another share! AWANA clubs available for children from ages 2 to 17! Grab an AWANA brochure in the foyer for more details.

7/23 Pacific Grace Flea Market It will be lots of fun! Please come and make friends with people in our neighborhood in the flea market (12:00 – 4:30pm).

7/24 English Gospel Sunday Mr. Peter Wong will be our speaker. Please invite your friends to come!

8/12-19 Kids’ Soccer Camp (age 6-12) The 5-day-camp’s regular price is $90. Please return completed forms with full payment to Heather Tieu (AWANA Commander) or Rachel Vong (Soccer Camp Administration Coordinator) ASAP due to limited space. First Come First Served! Details please contact Pastor Teresa @ teresalam@pgmbc.com.

MISSIONS & EVANGELISM

Way to Mission Ian Lau is going to the mission field and will share his testimony in difference churches. May God bless him and guide him always.

Summer Missionary Jason Lam from Quench fellowship has been accepted as Summer Missionary of Child Evangelism Fellowship for this summer. This Sunday afternoon he will be going to Abbotsford to receive one week training and serve on the weekend of July 8-10. He will then involve in ministry work in Surrey July 11-22. Thereafter, he will serve 3 weeks in Kelowna from Jul 24-Aug 13, 2011. As per CEF request, Jason needs at least 12 people to commit to pray for his ministry. CEF will send out a prayer reminder to these people early in the summer. Please support him by prayers!

BIBLE & TEACHING

English Discipleship Training (1^st & 3^rd Sundays): From 1:30pm to 3pm @ A13.

English Sunday School 11:30am-12:30pm: Prayer Meeting

CARING & COMMUNITY

“Newcomers” 2^nd Welcome Lunch will be held by Caring Dept. on 7/31 at Gym at 1:00pm to welcome new comers attended our church since April. Free to the new comers and $5.00 each for other participants. Please purchase tickets in the foyer after worship starting 7/10.

A super joint summer camp is happening Labour Day Weekend 2011! For the first time, four sister churches are joining together, making this a summer camp you won’t want to miss. This is a formal invitation to invite you and your friends to sign up for a unique camp experience, and an opportunity to laugh, learn, play, and fellowship under God’s name for four days!

This is a camp for English youth only, which means there will be no parents around! (But we will have camp counsellors who are members of the career fellowships, as well as the pastors from the respective churches as overseers.)

• Theme: “Call & Respond!”
• When? Sept 2–5, 2011 (Fri–Mon)
• Where? Camp Sunrise (on Sunshine Coast)
• Fee: $225 (by cash, or cheque payable to “PGMBC”; Fundraising TBA)

Sign-up at http://pgmbc-reg.vcmbc.org/ by July 17^th because spots are limited! Contact our church-representatives (Leighanne Chan & Timmi Yu) for more info.

Hope to meet you all there!

6/26APS Annual Training for Children & Youth Volunteers Session A (2:30-3:30 pm): Introduction to Risk Management; Session B (3:30-4:30pm): Reviewing “Plan to Protect”. Volunteers who have never attended either June or August 2010 or Feb 2011 APS training have to attend A&B sessions. Other volunteers who didn’t attend training on Feb must take B session. Church leaders are urged to attend the training.

Development Fund Pledge Sunday Today we are going to renew our pledges for the year 2011.7-2012.6. Our target is $84,000, as we will pay $7,000 each month for our church’s mortgages since this July. Please write down your pledge and put the half part into the offering bag.

Staff News: Rev. Grace Kim will attend a pastoral staff meeting of BCMB on 6/28. Pastor Eliza Lai & Mimi Chu will attend a seminar in Carey Institute from 6/27-30. Office will be closed on 7/1 Canada Day.

PRAYER & PRAISE

7/3 30^th Anniversary (1991-2000) Joint Worship Dr. David Chan will be our speaker. Morning service(9-10:30am): Cantonese/English; Noon Service(11-12:30pm): Cantonese /Mandarin. We will have a group picture after morning service around 10:30-11:00am.

Anita Yu & T.J. Lau are getting married! They will have their wedding ceremony in our church on July 1 at 1pm. May God bless the new couple indeed!

Monthly Children’s Worship Breakfast Gathering will be suspended for the months of June and July. The next gathering will be on August 28, 2011.

GOSPEL & MINISTRY

7/23 Pacific Grace Flea Market: Today is the last day for booth registration. Fee for Booth tables: $5 for each table + $10 deposit .

7/24 English Gospel Sunday Mr. Peter Wong will be our speaker, please invite your friends to come!

8/12-19 Kids’ Soccer Camp (age 6-12) Early bird $70 before June 30, full price $90. Please return completed form with payment to Heather Tieu or Rachel Vong.

Volunteers Needed for Soccer Camp: We need 1 host family for 2 male AIA coaches and more volunteers to help in the soccer camp. Details please contact Pastor Lam.

MISSIONS & EVANGELISM

Way to Mission Ian Lau is going to the mission field and will share his testimony in difference churches. May God bless him and guide him always.

6/28 Prayer Meeting Maggie Tsang, Ian Lau, and Daniel Tong will come to share their African short term mission experience with us, please come to join us.

10/26-11/2 Louis Program: The training is for Parents of Autistic Children & Volunteers of Children’s Ministry. Church will subsidize 50% of course fee ($300) for 5 members who have passion and commitment to serve children with special needs. 3 have been registered and there are 2 more seats for registration. This training will be conducted in Cantonese with Mandarin interpretation. Please contact Pastor Teresa Lam ASAP if you commit to the Special Needs Children’s Ministry.

BIBLE & TEACHING

Children Sunday School:We need more teachers/helpers in the new term starting in September 2011. Please contact Grace Li childrensundayschool[at]pgmbc[dot]com for details.

CARING & COMMUNITY

6/26 Mid-year Family Chat: The meeting will be held TODAY during Sunday school time by Rev. Law, Pastor Teresa, and Lorraine Chan at B11.

Church Pews For Sale Want to own a piece of the original Pacific Grace MB Church as a reminder of God’s Blessings during the last 30 years? The New Beginnings Baptist Church at Frances St. has reassembled the old pews for fundraising: 36″ for $100, 48″ for150, 72″ for $200. To order, please contact Pastor Byron Grant at 604-626-1950.

6/26 APS Annual Training for Children & Youth Volunteers Session A (2:30-3:30 pm): Introduction to Risk Management; Session B (3:30-4:30pm): Reviewing Plan to Protect. Volunteers who have never attended either June or August 2010 or Feb 2011 APS training have to attend A&B sessions. Other volunteers who didn’t attend training on Feb must take B session. Church leaders are urged to attend the training.

6/26 Development Fund Pledge Sunday It is time to renew our pledges for the year 2011.7-2012.6. Our target is $84,000, as we will pay $7,000 each month for our church’s mortgages since July. As to 6/12, the total fund for the pledges is $53,358. The target was $75,600 for last year. Details please see the attachment.

Staff News: Starting this week, Rev. Xavier Law will take his regular day off on Monday. Pastor Teresa Lam will take vacation leave from 6/20-24, 6/27 as a make-up day off. Pastor Eliza Lai switches her regular day off from Wednesday to Monday this week.

PRAYER & PRAISE

30^th Anniversary “Heart Dedication” Today we can still write down our dreams for the church in the coming 10 years in the heart shaped sticker and put into the “Dreams Collection Box” in front of the foyer. Let’s build our “Tree of Dreams” together!

7/3 30^th Anniversary (1991-2000) Joint Worship Dr. David Chan will be our speaker. Morning service(9-10:30am): Cantonese/English; Noon Service(11-12:30pm): Cantonese /Mandarin. We will have a group picture after morning service around 10:30-11:00am.

GOSPEL & MINISTRY

7/23 Pacific Grace Flea Market: Booth tables ($5 each table + $10 deposit) can be registered on every Sunday morning till 6/30.

7/24 English Gospel Sunday Mr. Peter Wong will be our speaker.

8/12-19 Kids’ Soccer Camp (age 6-12) Early bird $70 before June 30, full price $90. Please return completed form with payment to Heather Tieu or Rachel Vong.

Volunteers Needed for Soccer Camp: We need 1 host family for 2 male AIA coaches and more volunteers to help in the soccer camp. Details please contact Pastor Lam.

MISSIONS & EVANGELISM

10/26-11/2 Louis Program: It is a training for Parents of Autistic Children and Children’s Ministry Volunteers. We have 3 church members who have passion and commitment to serve children with special needs have registered with subsidize of half of the course fee ($300), there are 2 seats more can be subsidized by church. This program will be conducted in Cantonese with Mandarin interpretation. Please contact Pastor Teresa Lam ASAP if you commit to the Special Needs Children’s Ministry.

BIBLE & TEACHING

Children Sunday School: We need more teachers/helpers in the new term starting in September 2011. Please contact Grace Li for details.

English Discipleship Training (1^st & 3^rd Sundays): From 1:30pm to 3pm @ A13.

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

• Grade 7 to Grade 12: Different types of “SHIP” ;
• Adult class: Boundaries

CARING & COMMUNITY

Church Pews For Sale Want to own a piece of the original Pacific Grace MB Church as a reminder of God’s Blessings during the last 30 years? The New Beginnings Baptist Church at Frances St. has reassembled the old pews for fundraising: 36″ for $100, 48″ for150, 72″ for $200. To order, please contact Pastor Byron Grant (604-626-1950).

Summer Camp Evaluation Meeting will be held on 6/21Tuesday night at B7. All committee and helpers are welcome to share your thoughts!

Mid-year Family Chat: The meeting will be held on 6/26 during Sunday school time by Rev. Law, Pastor Teresa, and Lorriane Chan.

Monthly Children’s Worship Breakfast Gathering will be suspended for the months of June and July. The next gathering will be on August 28, 2011.

6/26 APS annual training Session A (2:30-3:30pm): Introduction to Risk Management & Session B (3:30-4:30pm): Reviewing Plan to Protect. New volunteers must take A & B sessions and current volunteers must take B sessions if you did not attend the training on Feb 12/2011.  Church leaders are urged to attend the training.

Time to Renew Our Pledges! “Development Fund Pledge Sunday” for the year 2011-2012 is scheduled to be on 6/26. Our target goal is $84,000, as we will pay $7,000 each month for our church’s mortgages since July.

Staff News: Rev. Grace switches her day off to Thursday. Pastor Eliza Lai’s phone number: 604-255-6199 ext. 29; email add.: elizalai[at]pgmbc[dot]com.

Resignation of Rev. Chang: Rev. Isaac Chang tendered his resignation to the Deacon Board from the position of Cantonese pastor of Pacific Grace MB Church on May 1st, 2011. Upon enquiry, understanding and appreciation of his desire, prayer and discussions, all deacons/deaconess unanimously accepted Rev. Chang’s resignation.  His resignation was officially accepted during the deacon board’s meeting on May 29th, 2011.  Rev. Chang will continue his service until July 31st, 2011.  May our Lord continue to bless and use him in his future ministry!

PRAYER & PRAISE

30^th Anniversary Joint Worship TODAY we have “Heart Dedication” for “Dreams in the Coming 10 Years” in the church and Summer Camp. Please write down your dreams in the heart shape stickers and put into the “Dreams Collection Box” in front of the foyer. Together we will build a “Tree Of Dreams”! All Sunday Schools are cancelled today.

7/3 30^th Anniversary (1991-2000) Joint Worship Dr. David Chan will be back and preach to us. Group picture will be taken after the services on that day.

• Ø Nicky & Iris Fung will get married on 6/18 at 2:30pm at Trinity Lutheran Church (7100 Granville Ave., Richmond). May God bless the new couple indeed!

GOSPEL & MINISTRY

7/23 Pacific Grace Flea Market: Booth tables ($5 each table + $10 deposit) can be registered on every Sunday morning till 6/30.

7/24  English Gospel Sunday Mr. Peter Wong will be our speaker.

8/12-19 Kids’ Soccer Camp (age 6-12) Early bird $70 before June 30, full price $90. Please return completed form with payment to Heather Tieu or Rachel Vong.

Volunteers Needed for Soccer Camp: We need 1 host family for 2 male AIA coaches and 10 volunteers. Details please contact Pastor Teresa Lam at 604-255-6199 ext. 3.

MISSIONS & EVANGELISM

10/26-11/2 Louis Program: It is a training for Parents of Autistic Children and Children’s Ministry Volunteers. 5 of our church members who have the passion and commitment to serve children with special needs will be subsidized half of the course fee ($300).  This program will be conducted in Cantonese with Mandarin interpretation. Please contact Pastor Teresa Lam ASAP if you commit to the Special Needs Children’s Ministry.

BIBLE & TEACHING

Children Sunday School: We need more teachers/helpers in the new term starting in September 2011. Please contact Grace Li childrensundayschool[at]pgmbc[dot]com for details.

CARING & COMMUNITY

Mid-year Family Chat: There will be family chat meetings in June at church. For English congregation, the meeting will be held on 6/26 (Sun.) by Rev. Law, Pastor Teresa, and Lorriane Chan. Please mark your calendar, and come to share your thoughts.

The church is like a large family with many members; everyone is different in age, language, background, lifestyle, preferences, temperaments, and so on. With so many different brothers and sisters gathering together to serve, how can we work together in harmony and get things done? If we can’t do both, then should we get things done first, or put our relationship with our partners first?

As time goes by, I’ve come to see more than just harmony in the church, and hear more than just singing in chorus. Often because of the relationship between members, some have shied away from serving, the fire in their hearts no longer fervent, or they would just passively wait for others to care about them.

Since the church is also a part of our society, it seems normal to see Christians affected by the world and embrace such thoughts and deeds in the church. But as we open the Bible and ponder over the Word of God, let it remind us the teachings of Jesus our Lord.

With His incomparable love, God came to us who were sinners but are now blessed with His forgiveness. He does not want us to spread His gospel with only our mouths; rather, He wants us to love the world out of His love for us, and our love should first be expressed among us Christians. Through whose who believe in Him, God shows the world that, by faith and because of love, these sinners who are no different from them get to know one another, become friends with one another, and even love one another. They are united in love, serving each other and working together for the sake of the gospel.

As we serve the Lord with gladness this way, He will surely be pleased!

May the Spirit of God guide us all to receive abundantly in the camp and bear fruits of blessing. Amen!

In Christ,

Steven Li

2011 Summer Camp Chairperson

When my resignation was accepted by the Deacon Board, they asked me to write an article to express my feelings to the congregation. At that time, Colossians 3:14-15  ”And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.” came to mind with a strong feeling.

Giving Thanks To PGMBC’s “Bonds of Perfectness”

In Biblical times, clothes were big and loose. After putting on these clothes, a sash would be tied around the waist. Only then would one be considered fully dressed. Without the sash, the loose clothes would be a distraction, impeding movement and work.

Paul used this as a metaphor for the church of Colosse. He advised them to use the “sash of love” to bind and promote all virtues, to give them meaning, and create harmonious

interpersonal relationships. During my time serving at PGMBC, I observed this “sash of love” at work. In 1994, when I was studying for my Master degree at Regent College, I was involved in the church plant of Burnaby PGMBC. In 1999 I was appointed as the Adjunct Missionary for a one year to Venezuela, and Pacific Grace supported me financially and administratively. Afterwards, in 2000, I became the Ministry Director of CCHC Herald Monthly CanWest, and PGMBC supported as mission ministry financially, and with love and prayer. Later I returned to PGMBC as a member, to serve and for fellowship. I became the counsellor for Righteousness Fellowship (Career Youth Fellowship). I joined the pastoral team in 2003 and worked as  the Mission Pastor. Due to the departure of our Senior Pastor, Rev. David Chan, there was a change in the teamwork and I was made the Cantonese Pastor. When I worked with Rev. Chan, he created the “bonds of perfectness” with love, a broad mind, and thorough, comprehensive thinking. I am thankful for the example he set, that I can look up to and so I can improve. I served eight years in PGMBC but my wife, Eda, has been with the Church even longer. Apart from the four years she studied theology and her involvement in the Burnaby PGMBC church plant, she was with PGMBC. In the last 12 years, our two daughters grew up in this church, built friendships, and learned to serve God. Thank you for the love and friendship that the brothers and sisters have shown us. Our family feels that serving alongside our PGMBC brothers and sisters have been a blessing from The Lord. Thank you for your love and patience. As a shepherd of the church, I have literally learned a lot from your loving reminders.

My Resignation to “Let the Peace of Christ Rule in my Heart”

Paul advised to “let the peace of Christ ruling in your hearts”, meaning that in everything we do, let the peace of Christ act as our master and judge, and maintain this peace as the guide for our relationships. “Peace of Christ” refers to the calm, serene state of mind that is only found in Christ.  Though the decision of resignation is not a hasty one after considering, praying and reflecting on different factors from February to April this year, it is not one made without a lot of struggle. I feel quite fulfilled in the church and from the missions, purchasing and selling the church buildings, PG Urban Center and other ministries I have had the privilege to involve in.  It also provide the stability of my family.  However, it seems to me that The Lord might be giving me a greater challenge and calling me out from my comfort zone to move on.  John Ortberg’s book “If You Want To Walk On Water, You Have To Get Out Of The Boat”, Peter only took a small step upon the water and he sank because of his lack of faith. However, of the 12 disciples, Peter was the only one who experienced walking on water. After three months of prayer and consideration, I made the decision to resign. At that time, the familiar calm and serene mind from the “peace of Christ” was within me. Looking back, from moving, to choosing a service post, to leaving for another ministry, it has been the same peace. My heart was immediately at ease, confirming that I had “let the peace of Christ rule my heart.”

Once I have made a decision, I don’t change my mind easily because I believe I reached the decision through guidance and direction from God after waiting, and I believe that “all things work together.” Our Heavenly Father is in control, and he leads me. After communicating with the Deacon Board, I thank the deacons for recognizing and accepting my “peaceful” decision. Brothers and sisters may be concerned with my future serving post and pastoral setting. Currently, I do not have arrangements. It is my principle not to get a new serving post before resigning. I choose to resign first and then look for another post. It is not that the former is not good; this is just my personal preference and choice. Of course, I will not rule out working for an evangelical organization, in the mission field, or in a local church. All decisions I will “let the peace of Christ rule in my heart” and wait for my calling. My dearest brothers and sisters, please pray for my future direction.

My Prayer: May God greatly use the current pastoral team, with the brothers and sisters “Over all these virtues put on love, which binds them together in perfect unity” to make PGMBC the shining light of East 1st Ave, and to reflect the glory and light of our Lord.

Resignation of Rev. Chang: Rev. Isaac Chang tendered his resignation to the Deacon Board from the position of Cantonese pastor of Pacific Grace MB Church on May 1st, 2011. Upon enquiry, understanding and appreciation of his desire, prayer and discussions, all deacons/deaconess unanimously accepted Rev. Chang’s resignation. His resignation was officially accepted during the deacon board’s meeting on May 29th, 2011. Rev. Chang will continue his service until July 31st, 2011. May our Lord continue to bless and use him in his future ministry!

Staff News: Rev. Xavier, Rev. Grace, Pastor Teresa & Pastor Eliza will attend the VCEMF meeting on 6/6, and will be at the office in the afternoon. Pastor Eliza Lai’s phone number: 604-255-6199 ext. 29; email add.: elizalai[at]pgmbc[dot]com.

PRAYER & PRAISE

6/7 Prayer Meeting: Our sister Soo Loh will share her mission experience with us, please come join us at 7:30pm in church!

6/12 Day of 30^th Anniversary Joint Worship “Heart Dedication” for “Dreams in the Coming 10 Years” will be held in all Services in the church and Summer Camp. You are encouraged to pray and prepare your dream to be written on a heart sticker on that day. All hearts will be collected to build our “Tree of our Dreams”. At church we willhave Morning Service (9:00-10:45am) in Cantonese/English and Noon Service (11:00-12:45pm) in Cantonese/Mandarin. All adults, youth, children Sunday School and children’s worship are cancelled. All children will worship together with adults.

GOSPEL & MINISTRY

7/23 Pacific Grace Flea Market: There will be face painting, children games, hot dog selling… Booth tables ($5 each table + $10 deposit) can be registered on every Sunday morning in June.

8/12-19 Kids’ Soccer Camp (age 6-12) Registration forms are now available at the foyer. Early bird $70 before June 30, full price $90. Please return completed form with payment to Heather Tieu (AWANA Commander) or Rachel Vong (Soccer Camp Admin. Coordinator). First come first served. Questions? Contact Pastor Teresa.

Volunteers Needed for Soccer Camp: We need 1 host family for 2 male AIA coaches and10 volunteers to help in the kitchen, first Aid & hospitality service. Details please contact Pastor Teresa Lam at teresalam[at]pgmbc[dot]com or 604-255-6199 ext. 3.

MISSIONS & EVANGELISM

10/26-11/2 Louis Program: It is a training of Parents of Autistic Children and Children’s Ministry Volunteers. FIVE (5) of our church members who have the passion and commitment to serve children with special needs will be subsidized half of the course fee ($300). This program will be provided in Cantonese with Mandarin interpretation. Please contact Pastor Teresa Lam ASAP if you are interested in the training and commit to involve in the development of the Special Needs Children’s Ministry.

BIBLE & TEACHING

Children Sunday School: We need more teachers/helpers in the new term starting in September 2011. Please contact Grace Li onlybygrace@gmail.com for details.

English Discipleship Training (1^st & 3^rd Sundays): From 1:30pm to 3pm @ A13.

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

• Grade 7 to Grade 12: Different types of “SHIP”;
• Adult class: Boundaries

CARING & COMMUNITY

Trek & Journey: Will be on term break from June to August. And will start again on 9/4.

Summer Camp: There are 172 people registered (Day Camp included). Please prepare well as per the Important Notice. Bus will leave the church at 6pm sharp on 6/10. If you change your plan and need to take the bus, please fill in the form in the bulletin board by TODAY. Raymond Chan will be the coordinator for Bus Transportation. You are encouraged to help to prepare the camp if you drive there early. Any question please contact chairperson Steven Li (604-783-919).

Summer Camp Committee/Helpers: Please meet at 2pm TODAY at A10.

The ChildRun Team: Pacific Grace MB Church – AWANA & J.A.M. is out running / walking today! Please pray for safety and sunshine! Together we have raised over $6,319 for the BC Children’s Hospital. Praise the Lord! Thank you very much for your generous support. We will be back to church by 11:45 am this morning!

Family Chat: There will be family chat meetings in June at church. For English congregation, the meeting will be held on 6/26 (Sun.) by Rev. Law, Pastor Teresa, and Lorriane Chan. Please mark your calendar, and come to share your thoughts.

Thanks To The Speaker Thanks to Dr. Randall Mah from Wycliffe Bible Translators. May God bless Dr. Mah’s family and ministry.

Deacon Board: Meeting today at 2:30pm at A9. Agenda on the bulletin board.

6/12 Day of 30^th Anniversary “Heart Dedication” for “Dreams in the Coming 10 Years” will be held in all Services in the church and Summer Camp. You are encouraged to pray and prepare your dream to be written on a heart sticker on that day. All hearts will be collected to build our “Tree of our Dreams”.

Staff News Rev. Isaac Chang is preaching at Lord’s Love Church today, and Rev. Grace Kim is preaching at Port Moody Pacific Grace MB church as well.

PRAYER & PRAISE

6/5 Children’s Worship will be cancelled due to ChildRun Event. Children who won’t go to the event are encouraged to join their parents to worship.

6/12 Joint Worshipdue to the Summer Camp (now over 160 registered). At this church we have Morning Service (9:00-10:45am) in Cantonese/English and Noon Service (11:00-12:45pm) in Cantonese/Mandarin. No Children’s program and all children will worship together with adults.

GOSPEL & MINISTRY

7/23 Pacific Grace Flea Market: There will be face painting, children games, hot dog selling… Booth tables ($5 each table + $10 deposit) can be registered on every Sunday morning in June. Volunteers are needed for the flyer distribution to our neighborhood, please join us TODAY in the foyer at 1pm.

8/12-19 Kids’ Soccer Camp (age 6-12) Registration forms are now available at the foyer. Early bird $70 before June 30, full price $90. Please return completed form with payment to Heather Tieu (AWANA Commander) or Rachel Vong (Soccer Camp Admin. Coordinator). First come first served. Questions?, contact Pastor Teresa.

Volunteers Needed for Soccer Camp: We need 1 host family for 2 male AIA coaches and10 volunteers to help in the kitchen, first Aid & hospitality service.

MISSIONS & EVANGELISM

Who are Wycliffe Bible Translators? Visit the info tables downstairs. The Canada Institute of Linguistics (CanIL) trains students for Bible Translation and Literacy work; and the Wycliffe Bible Translators sends trained Bible Translators to the mission field.

BIBLE & TEACHING

Children Sunday School: We need more teachers/helpers in the new term starting in September 2011. Please contact Grace Li onlybygrace@gmail.com for details.

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

• Grade 7 to Grade 12: Different types of “SHIP” ; Adult class: Boundaries

CARING & COMMUNITY

Trek & Journey: Will be on term break from June to August. And will start again on 9/4.

Attention: Pacific Grace MB Church-AWANA & JAM Childrun team: BCCHF Childrun is next Sunday, June 5! T-shirts hand out and briefing dates: June 3 evening for JAM leaders with Tiffany; June 4 evening @6:50 pm for AWANA leaders and parents with Heather in the gym. On Sunday morning June 5, all of those who are taking the bus please be at PGMBC at 7:50 am. Please be prompt. Bus leaves at 8:00am sharp.

Estimated arrival time to church is 11:45am. Those who are not taking the bus, please be at Childrun site at 8:30 am at the latest. Please be sure to wear your t-shirts.

• 2011 Directory: The general version has been printed out. One for each family that has been registered in the directory. Please be reminded that it is confidential and not for commercial use.
• Staff News Rev. Xavier Law is preaching in the summer camp of Richmond Chinese MB Church during 5/21-23. Rev. Grace Kim will attend the MB Pastoral Committee meeting at Abbotsford on 5/25. Pastor Teresa Lam will take complimentary day off on 5/26. Eliza Lai will graduate from Carey Institute on 5/29, the ceremony will be held in the First Baptist Church (969 Burrard St. Van.) at 3pm and the reception to follow, and all our congregations are welcome. 5/23 Victoria Day the office will be closed.

PRAYER & PRAISE

Stephanie Lee & Jeff Lam are getting Married! Wedding will be held at Bethany Baptist Church (22680 Westminister Hwy, Richmond) on 5/28 Saturday at 2:00pm. May God bless the new couple indeed!

• Pray for CC Lai’s recovery. He has gone through a small surgery last week.
• Praise the Lord! The ChildRun has raised $5,654, over the target of $5,000!

MISSIONS & EVANGELISM

7/23 Pacific Grace Flea Market: There will be face painting, children games, hot dog selling… Registration for booth tables ($5 each table) every Sunday in June. Volunteers are needed for the flyer distribution to our neighborhood, please join us TODAY in the foyer at 1pm.

2011 Kids’ Soccer Camp We need 2 host families for the AIA coaches, and 10 more volunteers to help in the kitchen, first Aid and hospitality service. Please contact Pastor Teresa for details.
MISSIONS & EVANGELISM

Praise the Lord! The Ghana STM Team has been back safely on 5/20. Continue to pray for Bernard Tong’s Malaria recovery, and the good rest of other members. Also pray for the spiritual life of the believers in Ghana.

BIBLE & TEACHING

Summer Camp Registration: Deadline for registration is 1:00pm TODAY. If you have registered but forgot to check to take bus to camp, please tell the booth in the foyer or contact Grace Mau (gracemau[at]pgmbc[dot]com). If you drive to camp, please contact Steven Li for the details (i.e. names for car pool, your cell phone number, estimated time of arrival).

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

* Grade 7 to Grade 12: Different types of “SHIP”
* Adult class: Boundaries

CARING & COMMUNITY

“Autistic and Common Kids” Sharing (1:15 – 3:00pm) at B7: TODAY Ms. Wylie Cheung from Louis Program in Hong Kong will share in our church. Parents, Sunday school teachers and church leaders are invited

5/28 “Bridging Faith & Life, Raising Kids in a Permissive World” Workshop: Given by Dr. Esther Su, the parent’s workshop will be held on 5/28 (7:00-9:00pm) in our church at A8. Children’s program for age 5-12 is provided at B4 & B7, please register with Pastor Teresa.

I’m writing to share with you a traumatic and yet quite dramatic accident that happened to Celeste and me last Thursday evening (May 5) at around 7 pm at Lansdowne Mall in Richmond.

It all began with a robber who deliberately held a knife against the throat of the driver of an SUV at the mall parking, but I wasn’t sure if it’s carjacking or what really had happened…But then the SUV went out of control and crashed INTO Lansdowne Mall at the time when Celeste and I were exiting the mall. While I was making a split-second decision of where should be a safe spot for us, Celeste and I had to run like crazy back inside the mall as the vehicle was heading toward us. Unfortunately, the car just couldn’t come to a stop until it had knocked both of us down and pushed us forward for several feet because my left leg was caught under the front wheel. Miraculously, Celeste, who was wrapped around by my body, didn’t have any visible injury. The car literally stopped when the front wheel landed on a corner of Celeste’s jacket…Some ten people immediately pushed the car away from us and we were timely helped by a cardiologist who happened to be in the mall for his coffee break. The terrified driver and his wife (?) even came up and apologized to me…However, what really comforted me was God had kept Celeste exceptionally calm, and she was able to communicate with paramedics as well as phone her daddy who was at that time on his way to attend the Joint Bible-Study Conference. All along, she just kept on asking to check if I was okay. It was not until she saw Gordon in the hospital when she finally bursted into tears. Honestly, what more could I ask for under such circumstances…”Oh dear Lord, thank you, thank you for saving Celeste and me!!” I was so pleased to see Celeste act so “maturely” the day before she turned 7. (May 6 was Celeste’s birthday, and the accident happened just after we had bought some pastries for her mini-party at school the following day.)

I was discharged from Richmond General Hospital later that night because amazingly enough, not only God did spare my life, He even protected me from getting bone fractures. I’m so thankful that I wasn’t as hurt as I could have been. I was told to bedrest and elevate my left leg at all times for a few days. Although there’s pain and soreness all over my body, the stiffness, swelling and bruising in my left leg are recovering well.

To me, this is quite a story to tell and it’s truly an extraordinary experience in a lifetime. However, as says in John 20:30-31, “Jesus did many other miraculous signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not recorded in this book. But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in His Name.” Keep me safe, O God, for in you I take refuge. I said to the Lord, “You are my Lord; apart from you I have no good thing.” (Psalm 16:1-2)

Praise the Lord for His marvelous deeds! And thank you for remembering us in your prayers.

Proclaiming His Love and Grace with a THANKFUL heart,
Louise Ho

• Hiring English Intern Update: Pastor Keith Cheung has accepted our invitation and will begin a one-year internship as English pastor in August 2011. The Deacon Board will perform a review in 6 months.
• 2011 Directory The general version has been printed out, 1 for each family that has been registered in the directory. Please be reminded that it is confidential and not for commercial use.
• Staff News Rev. Xavier Law leads STM team to Ghana till 5/20, he will preach in the summer camp of Richmond Chinese MB Church during 5/21-23. Rev. Grace Kim will lead the Mandarin Committee retreat (5/18-19) in Sumas, USA. Rev. Kim and Pastor Teresa Lam will take complementary day off on 5/20 & 5/16 respectively.

PRAYER & PRAISE

• Ghana STM Team Update: The team had visited 3 high schools, a witch camp, door to door visit in villages in Gushegu. They also experienced exorcising for a lady who was demon-possessed and prayed for the sick children.
  • Pray for those who have heard about Jesus and those who committed to Him.
  • Pray for Bernard Tong who has found to have contracted malaria with diarrhea and fever. After they arrived at Kpandai on 5/13, Bernard received medical attention from a Christian clinic. Pray that he can have a good rest for recovery.

GOSPEL & MINISTRY

• 2011 Kids’ Soccer Camp (8/15-19) Assistant Soccer Coach Training will be held on 6/4 (10am-5:30pm) at AIA Headquarters, Langley. Seeking 2 host families for the AIA coaches. 10 more volunteers are needed to help in the kitchen, first Aid and hospitality service. Please contact Pastor Teresa for details.

MISSIONS & EVANGELISM

• 6/4 Musical Outreach Event in PG Vancouver Children’s Choir will run a bi-lingual (Mandarin & Cantonese) event in our church on 6/4 from 7pm to 8:30pm. Please invite your non-believing families and friends to the event.

BIBLE & TEACHING

• 6/10-12 Summer Camp Update: There are around 140 people registered for the summer camp by now. 5/22 is the deadline for regular and day camp registration. Regular price: $131/adult, $80/child (age 4-12). Day Camper (6/11) price is $16/adult, $4/child, meals cost extra.

• English Discipleship Training (1^st & 3^rd Sundays): From 1pm – 3pm @ A13.

• English Sunday School 11:30am-12:30pm:
  • Grade 7 to Grade 12: Different types of “SHIP”
  • Adult class: Laws of Boundaries

CARING & COMMUNITY

• 5/22 “Autistic and Common Kids” Sharing (1:15 – 3:00pm) at B7: Ms. Wylie Cheung from Louis Program in Hong Kong will come to share in our church. Parents, Sunday school teachers and church leaders are invited
• 5/28 Parenting Workshop Given by Dr. Esther Su, the parent’s workshop will be held on 5/28 (7:00-9:00pm) in our church.  Please come to discover they ways to meet the challenge of “Bridging Faith & Life, Raising Kids in a Permissive World”.

• Baby Dedication on 5/8 Mother’s Day: Parents who want to dedicate their under-2-years-old baby before the Lord and the congregation, please contact our pastors.
• Staff News: Rev. Xavier Law leads our STM team to Ghana till 5/20. Rev. Grace Kim will attend Greater Vancouver Pastoral Workshop on 5/6 morning. Pastor Teresa Lam will shift her day off from Wednesday to Monday.

PRAYER & PRAISE

• JAM Jr.‘s room has changed from TODAY onwards to the Nursery Room (B4) in the basement, after their singspiration time with JAM in B7.
• A special donation of $10,000 was received from the late Mrs. Clara Klassen in memory of her brother-in-law, Rev. Henry G Classen, the founder of Pacific Grace Mission Chapel, who worked diligently with the less fortunate street people in the early days. May the Lord bless the Klassen family and their donation to touch and bless other people’s lives.

GOSPEL & MINISTRY

• 5/28 “Bridging Faith & Life: Raising Kids in a Permissive World” Parenting Workshop by Dr. Esther Su will be held on 5/28 (7:00pm–9:00pm) in our church. The second hour will be a Q & A session. Children’s program (age 5–12) will be provided, please register with Pastor Teresa Lam (604-255-6199 ext. 3)
• Kids’ Summer Soccer Day Camp, Aug 15–19 (Mon–Fri): Volunteers are needed. Please contact Pastor Teresa Lam for details.

MISSIONS & EVANGELISM

• Praise the Lord! Total donations from last Sunday’s Fundraiser Bake Sale for the Ghana STM Team was CA$7749.02 and US$20. Pray for the members Daniel Chan, Elaine Chan, Vincent Chan, Ian Lau, Rev. Xavier Law, Bernard Tong, Jeffrey Tong, Maggie Tsang. May the grace of God be with them throughout the trip.
• 6/4 Musical Outreach Event by Vancouver Children’s Choir will be held in our church on 6/4 7pm–8:30pm, in Mandarin and Cantonese. Please invite your non-Christian family and friends.

BIBLE & TEACHING

• Summer Camp (6/10–12) Early Bird registration has started. Please submit forms and fees to your fellowship chairperson, to Grace Mau or Steven Li of the Summer Camp Dept. who will collect in the foyer before and after Sunday services , or to Amy Pun on 4/29, 5/6 (Friday) between 7:15pm–7:45pm in the Gym. Early Bird deadline is May 8.
• English Discipleship Training (1^st & 3^rd Sundays, 1pm–3pm @ A13).
• English Sunday School 11:30am–12:30pm:
  • Grade 7–12: Different types of “SHIP”
  • Adult class: Laws of Boundaries

CARING & COMMUNITY

26^th Annual ChildRun: AWANA and J.A.M. children will participate in the BC Children’s Hospital Foundation ChildRun on 6/5 to fund-raise for childhood cancer research and programs at BC Children’s Hospital. Our team’s name is “Pacific MB Church – AWANA & J.A.M.” Support our team by donating online. Let’s walk, run and shine for Jesus!

Departure at Vancouver Airport was on March 18, 2011 morning with Rev. Isaac Chang, sister Helen Lai, sister Lillian Lee, and myself. In the afternoon we reached Toronto for transit, and arrived in Caracas at night. Different time zone, different location, different weather, but the same God.

After breakfast the next day, Rev. Isaac led devotions. Very enjoyable! Then we started our tight daily schedule of visitations and spreading the Gospel. Our main targets were the Chinese owners and employees of restaurants, general stores, auto parts stores, and shops in malls. Because of bad public security, kidnapping, robbery, and snatching are common occurrences. Whenever the STM team goes out, apart from spreading the Gospel full-time, I’m also the part-time bodyguard and guest photographer.

Usually after 7pm the population of cars and people in the streets decrease. With the need to save electricity, street lamps are very dim and everyone avoids going out. Fortunately, the brothers and sisters, as well as non-believers, enthusiastically attended Rev. Isaac’s 8pm Bible study. It must have been God’s work that so many people came. They knew the importance of listening and studying the Bible, and that prayer is a daily must. From their devotion, we can see how desperately they want to come closer to God. Their own safety isn’t as important.

After a week in Caracas, on the 26th, the group took a bus to a small town north-east of Caracas with a population of 350,000 – Puerto La Cruz, to continue with our mission. The brothers and sisters in this town, and some non-believers, all showed us their passionate hospitality. For five consecutive nights, during Rev. Isaac’s Bible study starting at 9pm, the number of attendees, and degree of enthusiastic participation, were beyond Caracas’. Praise to the Lord!

In conclusion, we visited 30 families in the two places. My two sisters from the STM have already described the people and their experiences in detail. I personally also had an unforgettable experience spreading the Gospel to a young man working in a general store. It was a 45-minute man-to-man talk. He listened to me attentively, asking genuine questions. As a first-time missionary, it was an enormous encouragement. I also met the lady who’d been kidnapped for days and released, who’d during her confinement, spread the Gospel to her captors.

Although we got up at 7am every day and went to bed after 11pm, we never felt tired because spreading the Gospel and the visitations were the work God gave us. Occasionally, in the afternoon, we might have time for one cup of coffee, and maybe even enjoy it. It already was our self-given reward. I’m sure God wouldn’t mind, right?

I am grateful to Pacific Grace MB Church for accepting the inexperienced me, who is also a newcomer. I’m also thankful to my sister in Hong Kong who recognized the significance of this short-term mission, gave me her full support, and sponsored my entire expense. My daughter also gave me her blessings for this trip. I felt this mission is for me to return the grace that God has granted me.

As I’m writing this article, it is exactly two weeks from Mother’s Day. May God bless all the world’s mothers and I hope they will become God’s daughters. Heavenly Father, let me dedicate this short-term mission to my mother who had already become your daughter and is with you in heaven.

I hope in the near future, I will walk with God again for another short-term mission.

On this short-term mission (STM), we visited about thirty Chinese families, each with their own bitter stories (kidnapping, extortion, robbery, parent-child separation, near drowning, cancer, and speech difficulties). People who live in North America, may not realize how fortunate they are. We often complain that God doesn’t love us, or doesn’t love us enough. What we experience pales in comparison to what these South American Chinese have gone through. Therefore we should be more thankful, more giving, and praise our one true God!

After our visitations, we realized that money isn’t everything. In order to earn more, many Chinese sent their young children to their hometown of Enping City to be cared for by the grandparents. Husband and wife would then both run their small grocery stores or food shops. When they are able to bring their children back, the relationship has already become distant like strangers. It may take many years to repair. Is this worth it? The Bible says, “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Matthew 6:33, NIV)

During this STM, I experienced the issues in the South American political situation, economy, public security, price fluctuations, etc and felt that there is an urgent need to spread the Gospel. I understood the importance of having more local pastors because only people from the area are able to fit in with the community and culture. They will be able to better understand the needs of the locals. In the last twenty years, the MB conference has planted two churches in Venezuela. The focus of our prayers is how to nurture another couple like Rev. and Mrs. Nip to shepherd to the Puerto La Cruz church and any others.

Apart from Rev. Isaac Chang who’d been to Venezuela several times, it was the first time for the three of us to step foot in this land. It is by the grace of God that we who differ by background, time as Christians, and time with PGMBC, that we could come together as a harmonious team. In all of the nineteen days, we didn’t have any quarrels or major disagreements. Every day, from morning devotions to visitations, to evening theology classes, and sharing our thoughts of the day, we felt God’s abundant love surrounding us, and the prayers of our church brothers and sisters. After we returned, it was impossible not to praise God’s work. Halleluiah!

• Hiring of (Full-Time) English Pastoral Intern: The potential candidate couple will meet the English Pastoral Search Task Force and deacons this afternoon. The candidate will also share his testimony in English Sunday School at 11:15am.
• Baby Dedication on Mother’s Day (5/8): Parents, with a child under 2 years old, who desire to dedicate their baby before the Lord and the congregation, please contact our pastors for details.
• Staff News: Rev. Grace Kim will take her day off on 4/26, and attend the 2011 BCMB Convention and PMC meeting in Kelowna from 4/28 to 4/30. Rev. Xavier Law will lead the STM team to Ghana, West Africa 4/29–5/20. Pastor Eliza Lai is visiting family in Hong Kong 4/11–5/26, and will be our pastoral intern for a year starting 6/1, supported by BCMB Conference.
• Easter Monday, the office closes for holiday.

PRAYER & PRAISE

• Pray for the new brothers and sisters in our church that their spiritual life will grow stronger and stronger with God’s guidance.
• Praise the Lord! Kevin & Anges Wong had a baby boy on 4/14 evening, named Ethan Jacob Wong. We thank them again for their faithful service in Quench Fellowship as counselors. May God bless their family indeed!

GOSPEL & MINISTRY

• “Bridging Faith & Life: Raising Kids in a Permissive World” parenting workshop will be held at our church on 5/28.
• PGMBC 2011 Kids’ Summer Soccer Day Camp, Aug 15–19 (Mon–Fri): Volunteers are needed. Please contact Pastor Teresa Lam for details.

MISSIONS & EVANGELISM

• Ghana Short-Term Mission: The team of 8 (Daniel Chan, Elaine Chan, Vincent Chan, Ian Lau, Rev. Xavier Law, Bernard Tong, Jeffrey Tong, Maggie Tsang) has a tough trip to a newly developed area in Ghana, Africa, on 4/29–5/20. Kindly support their Fundraiser Bake Sale today. May the grace of God be with them throughout the trip, keep them safe and healthy, and bless them physically and spiritually.
• English Members on Short-Term Mission Trips: Please remember Hazel Wong to Thailand and Luana So to Washington University in your prayers.
• PG Urban Centre ESL Course: Pray for Lorraine Chan and Grace Li for their service as ESL teachers. There are 4 students from our neighborhood.

BIBLE & TEACHING

6/10–12 Summer Camp Early Bird registration starts 4/24 ending 5/8. Please submit forms and fees to your fellowship chairperson, Grace Mau or Steven Li of the Summer Camp Committee who will collect them in the foyer before and after Sunday services, or Amy Pun on Fridays, 4/29 and 5/6, at 7:15pm–7:45pm in the Gym. You may also submit to the church office during business hours.

CARING & COMMUNITY

26^th Annual ChildRun: AWANA and J.A.M. children will participate in the BC Children’s Hospital Foundation ChildRun on 6/5 to fund-raise for childhood cancer research and programs at BC Children’s Hospital. Our team’s name is “Pacific MB Church – AWANA & J.A.M.” Support our team by donating online. Let’s walk, run and shine for Jesus!

Venezuela was neither a country that I knew about, nor a place I would have chosen for a holiday. When the church announced about the short term mission, one of the brothers from Love Fellowship and Rev. Isaac suggested that I consider going. I thought about the countless times I’d received God’s grace in my life, I couldn’t find an excuse to refuse. My family also gave me their full encouragement and support. After being accepted as a member of the STM, some people warned me about the public security issues due to the country’s political instability. I was not afraid. I deeply believed that we would have God’s blessing and protection. “I haven’t been a believer for very long, I’m not a good talker, and I’m sometimes uncomfortable around strangers. Why did God choose me?” I kept asking myself this. I really didn’t understand. So I constantly bothered Rev. Isaac with these questions.

We arrived in Caracas at 11pm Friday evening. The next day, we started visiting church brothers and sisters, as well as their non-believer friends. We were received warmly and beginning to feel the Latin American, passionate hospitality.

Sunday afternoon, we dressed up to attend church service. As the congregation filled the sanctuary, I became uncomfortable and stiffened up. All I could do was sit quietly and wait for worship to begin. The choir’s uplifting and joyful singing, not just with their voices but with their whole body, arose with the melodious music. They were singing not only to praise God, but also pouring out their love and faith in Him. At this moment, I felt the presence of God. His love filled the sanctuary and overflowed my heart. At that exact second, my heart was at ease. I said to God, “I won’t ask why anymore! It’s not what I can do for You, but what You want me to learn from this short term mission to prepare me to serve you in the future.”

During our time in Caracas and Puerto La Cruz, we visited many families, believers and non-believers:

• A senior, whose first wife died of cancer, and his second wife had been diagnosed with cancer. He was angry and frustrated at God for letting this happen, and would not go to church again.
• A young, diligent couple had been happily awaiting the birth of their first child, a son. Unfortunately, the umbilical cord was wrapped around his neck. At birth, he had brain damage because of lack of oxygen. Due to the couple’s work, the child had to be sent back to China to be cared for by his grandparents. The young mother blames herself, and was ashamed to mention about this baby to other people.
• A hardworking, old woman felt helpless about her daughter with developmental disability. She asked Rev. Isaac to explain the Bible story about the man who was born blind. Was it the parents’ fault or the child?
• A healthy, young man was blinded after being shot in the eye by a robber. He still had to wipe discharge from his injured eye. His wife is solely responsible for looking after the shop, their three daughters, as well as the house.
• A 90-year-old lady had to care for her adopted grandson. Her daughter-in-law does not recognize the boy as her son and does not live with them because the adoption was made without her consent after her baby daughter died. The boy has reached a rebellious age, his grandmother is always concerned about his whereabouts.
• A widow told us her helpless and heartbreaking story. While chasing a robber on their roof, her husband was caught on an overhanging electric cable. With no response to her cries for help, her husband died of electrocution.
• A once beautiful and lively 10-year-old girl nearly drowned in a swimming pool. Since she wasn’t rescued in time, her left brain was damaged. When we visited her in the simple and crude hospital, she laid on the bed, unable to move or speak, and looked up at us with her big, innocent eyes. Unable to use the toilet herself, the girl had a tube inserted. The tube caused infection and she needed injections to ease the pain. Her mother was always in tears as she attentively took care of her daughter. Being a mother myself, I felt her pain. My heart broke to pieces!

Of those we visited, some depended on God, some blamed God, some didn’t know God, and some wouldn’t accept God. However all of them appreciated that we’d come from a distant country to visit to bring comfort and caring. We prayed together to our loving and gracious God to cure, comfort, bless, and guide them to walk on His path to eternal life.

In my eyes, they were all honest people who worked very hard for their families. In order to be able to earn more money, they sent their children to their families back in China to be taken care of. This caused a distance between parent and child. One sister said she’d spent seven years to close the gap between them. One shop-owning couple were not able to take care of their children properly. Some people had to work seven days a week and were unable to spare time to go to church to worship God and have distanced themselves from Him. With all these sacrifices, I can’t help but wonder, “Is this all worth it?”

I was touched by the care and love the brothers and sisters in the two churches gave each other. Rev. Nip was like a patriarch, looking after the members’ spiritual needs, guiding them to walk along God’s path. They were as close as a family.

In the two churches we visited, the deacons worked together closely to handle all church affairs, including leading their church’s fellowships and Bible studies. The church in Puerto La Cruz did not have a pastor so the deacons even alternately preach the Sunday sermon. I could see that they were faithfully serving and trusting in the Lord, and demonstrating love for their brothers and sisters. If anyone had trouble, the deacons will do whatever they could to help. I asked one of the deacons, if there was a problem and the deacons were unable to come to a consensus, what would they do? She told me that they pray together to seek God’s guidance. They would not go ahead independently or force the others to agree. Praise to the Lord! They truly love and serve God with all their hearts, all their soul, all their minds, and all their strength! Although they do not have a pastor, they are blessed by God. Halleluiah!

Before leaving each of these places, those who had been strangers had now become close brothers and sisters. I would forever treasure them in my heart and memory.

Through this STM in Venezuela, God let me realize that happiness isn’t necessarily a given. I need to value everything that He has given me: my life, my family, my daughter, a politically stable country, and a safe society. The most important is the church. I must learn to give more care and love to serve. I have to put down my ego and humble myself in God’s temple to serve Him, not for my own glory and recognition. May God bless us and our church that we may continue to do His work and spread the Gospel to the neighborhood, and never forget the mission that led us to this new church site! Amen!

Venezuela is no longer a country that I know nothing about. Should the opportunity arise, I am willing to go again for another short term mission.

• Hiring of English Pastoral Intern: A candidate will share his testimony in the English Sunday School at 11:15am on 4/24 (Easter Sunday). He and his spouse will meet with our English Pastor Research Task Force and deacons that afternoon.
• 2011 Church Directory is ready for proofreading. Please check for errors, and amend on the draft. This draft is the Administrative Version. The General Version will NOT show addresses nor cell/business numbers.
• Staff News: This morning Rev. Xavier Law preaches at Burnaby Christ Church of China, and Rev. Grace Kim at North Shore Pacific Grace MB Church. Rev. Isaac Chang will take annual leave and his day off on 4/18–20. Pastor Eliza Lai will visit family in Hong Kong during 4/11–5/26, and starting 6/1 she will be our pastoral intern for a year, supported by MB Conference.
• Good Friday: The church office will be closed for holiday.

PRAYER & PRAISE

• Children’s Ministry: TODAY there will be a Leadership Team Lunch Meeting at 1:00pm–2:00pm in B7, and Children’s Good Friday Service Music Practice at 2:00pm–3:00pm in B6. Monthly Children’s Worship Fellowship Breakfast on 4/24 will be canceled due to the Joint Service.
• Joint MB Good Friday Service “The Crucified King” will be held at Peace Mennonite Church (11571 Daniels Road, Richmond) on 4/22 at 7:30pm. Children’s program will be provided.
• 4/24 Joint Easter Baptismal & Membership Transferral Service
  • 9:00am–10:45am:
    • Morning Service in Cantonese & English
    • Children’s Worship
  • 10:45am–11:00am:
    • Group Photos for New Members
    • Children Sunday School
  • 11:00am–12:45pm: Noon Service in Cantonese & Mandarin
  • 11:15am: English Sunday School
• New Members by Baptism
  1. Morning Service: Sam Ho, Mee Yin Kwan, Candy Ng, Hon Leung Ng.
  2. Noon Service: Steve Wang, Chun Yan Zhao, Christine Zhong, Hui Yan Zhong.
• New Members by Membership Transfer
  1. Morning Service: (English) Philip & Christine Ho.
  2. Noon Service: (Mandarin) Robin & Christine Da.
• Praise the Lord! Kevin & Agnes Wong had a baby boy on 4/14 (Thurs) evening.

GOSPEL & MINISTRY

PGMBC 2011 Kids’ Summer Soccer Day Camp, Aug 15–19 (Mon–Fri): Volunteers are needed. Please contact Pastor Teresa Lam or see the notice board for details.

MISSIONS & EVANGELISM

• PG Urban Centre ESL Course: Pray for Lorraine Chan and Grace Li for their service as ESL teachers. There are 4 students from our neighborhood.
• English Members on Short Term Mission Trips: Please remember Hazel Wong to Thailand and Luana So to Washington University in your prayers.
• Ghana Short Term Mission: The team of 8 has a tough trip to a newly developed area in Ghana, Africa, on 4/29–5/20. Kindly support their Cookie Fundraiser Sale next (Easter) Sunday.

BIBLE & TEACHING

• English Sunday School 11:30am–12:30pm:
  • Grade 7–12: Different Types of “SHIP” (Part 3)
  • Adult class: Laws of Boundaries (Part 4)
• English Discipleship Training (1^st & 3^rd Sundays) will be held TODAY at 1:00pm–3:00pm in A13.
• A seminar “Servant & Leader” will be held at our church, in Cantonese with Mandarin interpretation, on 4/23 (Sat) at 9:30am–12:30pm. Lunch will be provided ($5/person).
• 6/10–12 Summer Camp Early Bird registration starts on 4/24 ending 5/8. Please submit forms and fees to your fellowship chairperson, Grace Mau or Steven Li of the Summer Camp Committee who will collect them in the foyer before and after Sunday services, or Amy Pun on Fridays, 4/29 and 5/6, at 7:15pm–7:45pm in the Gym. You may also submit to the church office during business hours.

CARING & COMMUNITY

26^th Annual ChildRun: AWANA and J.A.M. children will participate in the BC Children’s Hospital Foundation ChildRun on 6/5 to raise funds for childhood cancer. Our team’s name is “Pacific MB Church – AWANA & J.A.M.” Parents can register at that webpage. Support our team by donating online. Together, we’ll walk, run and shine for Jesus!

Team Member Prayer Requests

• Bernard Tong
  1. Expectations: I hope after this trip, I will become a humble servant, learn to be a good listener, carefully evaluate other’s needs, and serve with great attitude.
  2. Pray for the safety of our trip.
  3. Pray for my dear wife and daughter, while we are out of town.
  4. Pray that our Lord will be exalted in all the places that we are going to visit.
• Daniel Chan
  1. Expectations: It will be more about planting Christianity’s seeds. As we’re staying only a few weeks over there, if we can increase the number of local people who believe in Jesus Christ, they will enlarge and expand the kingdom of God more quickly and efficiently from inside, than just missionaries coming from the outside. And lastly, I’m really looking forward to understand more about what God wants me to do in his way.
  2. Increase my patience – As I know high temperature will cause me to become subconsciously impatience.
  3. Wisdom – As I really hope to bring the good message to more people so that they know Jesus is the only one who loves us so much.
  4. Health – I’ve heard a bite from a little creature (bug) can be critical, as well as using unclean water for drinking or cooking.
• Elaine Chan
  1. The safety of the trip
  2. My spiritual growth and experiencing God in the trip ministry
  3. My learning & flexibility in cross-cultural ministry
• Ian Lau
  1. Expectations: The STM Ghana trip is an excellent opportunity for me to take it a step further as I prepare myself for missions in foreign places and cultures (very possibly Muslim ones). I expect the trip to be exciting, challenging, and fulfilling. We’ll stretch ourselves beyond our comfort zones and across cultural boundaries. We’ll learn a lot about God and his great work in Ghana. We’ll play a part in his plan for the people of Ghana. How exciting! I look forward to serving with other brothers and sisters in Christ.
  2. Myself to be spiritually and physically prepared
  3. More people to know and pray for God’s work among Ghanaians
  4. Our team to be fully equipped and supported (training, teamwork, finances, prayers, etc.) for the work ahead that God has planned for us
• Jeffrey Tong
  1. Pray for a safety during the Short-Term Mission and also the travel to and from Ghana.
  2. Pray for God to provide the wisdom, strength and physical health to the Mission’s Team.
  3. Pray for the villages that we will be visiting, and that God will prepare their hearts for our arrival.
• Maggie Tsang: Our God is great and awesome. For the past two months, God equipped me and provided me very good training before this STM. He gave me an opportunity to serve Him in Children’s Worship. I have learned a lot from my teammates, Pastor Teresa and even the children. I experienced God through His mentorship.
  1. Expectations: I expect my pure time with God. I also expect growth. Growth in me, my teammates, and the communities we will visit. I expect there will be times I will cry out to God in emotion (sadness, hurt, fear, hope and joy). Last, but not least, I will definitely expect the UnExPeCted. I am looking forward to this trip and learn about the struggles of a people so deprived yet so happy and free. Hopefully, I will come back filled with joy and inspiration to make a difference in my life and the people around me.
  2. Pray for my health in Africa
  3. Utilizing with what I’ve learnt in Children’s Worship in the past 2 months
  4. Discover my spiritual gifts in the trip so that I may continue serving God in His way
• Vincent Chan
  1. Expectations: Better understanding of what STM is all about, learn to listen and obey God, self discovery of both strengths and weaknesses, set a good example for others to follow and to challenge their boundaries in serving our Lord.
  2. My health, as I am diabetic
  3. My family, as this is my first time leaving behind my family for a long period of time; my daughter Samantha, as she might not understand why I am doing this, hoping this event would strengthen her faith; my beloved wife, Gloria, as she has to look after everything while I am gone and her 200% believing in me and our All Mighty Lord!
• Rev. Xavier Law
  1. Expectation: Experience the power of prayer!
  2. Teamwork and my leadership as team leader and pastor
  3. Have the spiritual power and wisdom to preach and teach
  4. Be creative in sharing the gospel and personal evangelism
  5. Family: my two young children and wife

• 4/24 Joint Easter Baptismal & Membership Transferral Service:
  • Morning Service in Cantonese & English (9:00am–10:45am)
  • 10:45am–11:00am: Group Photos for New Members
  • Noon Service in Cantonese & Mandarin (11:00am–12:45pm)
• TODAY, all the membership applicants will have lunch together with deacon board at 1pm at B7.
• 2011 Church Directory is ready to be proofread. Please check and amend on the draft any typos. This draft is the administrative version. No address, cell or business number will be in the general version.
• Staff News: 4/11 Rev. Xavier Law, Rev. Grace Kim, and Pastor Teresa Lam will attend the VCEMF, Pastor Lam will take the afternoon off. Rev. Kim will switch her day off to Thursday.

PRAYER & PRAISE

• Praise the Lord! Last Sunday we had a successful ESS seminar in our church. 119 people attended including 30 not from our church.
• 4/22 Joint MB Good Friday Service “The Crucified King” at Peace Mennonite Church (11571 Daniels Road, Richmond) at 7:30pm. Children’s program will be provided.

GOSPEL & MINISTRY

• PGMBC 2011 Kids’ Summer Soccer Day Camp, Aug 15–19 (Mon–Fri)
  We are now recruiting volunteers. Please contact Pastor Lam at 604-255-6199 ext. 3 or email teresalam[at]pgmbc[dot]com. See notice board for details.

MISSIONS & EVANGELISM

• Praise God for the fruitful return of Venezuela STM team.
• Pray for the Ghana STM team (4/29–5/19) for their physical and spiritual preparation.

BIBLE & TEACHING

• English Discipleship Training will be held TODAY 1:00pm–2:30pm in A13.
• English Sunday School 11:30am–12:30pm:
  • Grade 7–12: Different types of “SHIP” (Part 2)
  • Adult class: Laws of Boundaries (Part 3)
• 4/15–16 “More Than Tiger Parenting” Seminar: There will be 2 nights of discussion on “How to Bring Up a Godly Second Generation?” (in English on 4/15, Mandarin on 4/16; Cantonese interpretation provided in both). Children’s program is provided for 4–12-year-olds.

CARING & COMMUNITY

• 26^th Annual ChildRun: AWANA and J.A.M. children will participate in the BC Children’s Hospital Foundation ChildRun on 6/5 to raise money for childhood cancer. Our team’s name is “Pacific MB Church – AWANA & J.A.M.” Parents’ consent forms are due TODAY. Parents can register their children online. For forms or more info, please see Tiffany or Heather. Support our team by donating online. Together, we’ll walk, run and shine for Jesus!
• 2011 Church Summer Camp will be held at Stillwood Camp & Conference Centre from 6/10–12. The theme is “One Heart. One Purpose.” The speaker is Rev. Dr. Ted Ng, with Miss Angela Yeung as children’s speaker. Activities include worship, workshops, games, etc. Includes accommodation, 5 meals, campsite–church–campsite shuttle bus; campers may arrange their own transportation. The bus will depart the church on 6/10 at 6pm, and leave the campsite on 6/12 at 2:30pm with about one hour transit time. Register 4/24 – 5/8 for the Early Bird price of $95/adult, $40/child (age 4–12); register 5/9 – 5/22 for regular price of $131/adult, $80/child (age 4–12). Saturday-only (6/11) Day Camper price is $16/adult, $4/child, meals cost extra. The church will subsidize any in financial need.

• 4/24 Joint Easter Baptismal & Membership Transferral Service:
  • Morning Service in Cantonese & English (9:00am–10:45am)
  • Noon Service in Cantonese & Mandarin (11:00am–12:45pm)
• 4/10 All the membership applicants will have lunch with deacon board at 1pm at B7.
• Staff News: 4/4–7 Rev. Law and his wife will attend a pastoral intensive course. Rev. Chang is with STM in Venezuela till 4/4.

PRAYER & PRAISE

• 4/22 Joint MB Good Friday Service “The Crucified King” at Peace Mennonite Church (11571 Daniels Road, Richmond) 7:30pm. Children’s program will be provided.
• Keep praying for the people under threat of Japan nuclear crisis after earthquake & tsunami.
• Pray for the Venezuela STM, may God keep them healthy and safe.
• Praise the Lord! We collected $10,680.98 for Japan Relief last week.

GOSPEL & MINISTRY

• PGMBC 2011 Kids’ Summer Soccer Day Camp, Aug 15–19 (Mon–Fri)
  We are now recruiting volunteers. Please contact Pastor Lam or see notice board.

MISSIONS & EVANGELISM

Larry & Bella Mori came back to Sendai with joy, hope and love, believing our God reigns. 3/29 Larry and his son went with a team to a disaster area to distribute food until midnight; 300 people lined up for food. 12 people slept at their small church. A neighbor was impressed and brought things to the church for needy people, too. English classes re-opened by 4/2. May the message bring the hope in Jesus Christ to the people.

BIBLE & TEACHING

• English Discipleship Training will be held TODAY 1pm–2:30pm in A13.
• English Sunday School 11:30am–12:30pm: Prayer Meeting
• 4/15–16 “More Than Tiger Parenting” Seminar: There will be 2 nights of discussion on “How to Bring Up a Godly Second Generation?” (in English on 4/15, Mandarin on 4/16; Cantonese interpretation provided in both). Children’s program is provided for 4–12-year-olds.

CARING & COMMUNITY

• Special Need Training for Volunteers to be held TODAY at 1pm in B7.
• 4/3 Emergency Social Service (ESS) Cantonese Seminar: APS will provide this “Be Prepared For Emergency” seminar to equip us for emergency response to protect our families and neighbors when disasters occur. It will be held TODAY 2:30pm–4:00pm in the sanctuary.
• 2011 Church Summer Camp will be held at Stillwood Camp & Conference Centre from 6/10–12. The theme is “One Heart. One Purpose.” The speaker is Rev. Dr. Ted Ng, with Miss Angela Yeung as children’s speaker. Activities include worship, workshops, games, etc. Includes accommodation, 5 meals, campsite–church–campsite shuttle bus; campers may arrange their own transportation. The bus will depart the church on 6/10 at 6pm, and leave the campsite on 6/12 at 2:30pm with about one hour transit time. Register 4/24 – 5/8 for the Early Bird price of $95/adult, $40/child (age 4–12); register 5/9 – 5/22 for regular price of $131/adult, $80/child (age 4–12). Saturday-only (6/11) Day Camper price is $16/adult, $4/child, meals cost extra. The church will subsidize any in financial need.

• Supporting the People in Japan: Our church will collect a special offering for Japan disaster TODAY. All the money collected will be donated to OMF’s Sendai Earthquake Relief Fund to support the aid need in Japan. May God bless you as you consider responding to the need in Japan.
• Staff News: Rev. Grace Kim will attend the Pastoral Ministry Committee at BCMB on 3/30. Rev. Isaac Chang is on the STM trip to Venezuela until 4/5.

PRAYER & PRAISE

• Pray for Japan; may God give wisdom to those in authority to keep the disaster in control and manage delivery of supplies.
• Pray that the Japanese have soft hearts towards the Good News of our Lord Christ.
• Pray for our Venezuela STM; may God keep them safe and healthy.

GOSPEL & MINISTRY

• 4/15–16 “More Than Tiger Parenting” Seminar: There will be 2 nights of discussion on “How to Bring Up a Godly Second Generation?” (in English on 4/15, Mandarin on 4/16; Cantonese interpretation provided in both). Children’s program is provided for 4–12-year-olds.
• The Crucified King: In remembrance of our Lord, there will be a MBCCA English Joint Good Friday Service on 4/22 at 7:30pm at Peace Mennonite Church (11571 Daniels Road, Richmond). Please plan ahead to attend the joint service.

MISSIONS & EVANGELISM

3/29 Prayer Meeting: Missionaries Scott & Kyoko Nelson from TEAM Japan will share with us their experience in Japan. Please join us Tuesday night.

BIBLE & TEACHING

• Meeting for Children’s Sunday School Teachers & Helpers: A meeting is going to be held TODAY 1pm–2:30pm in B7.
• English Sunday School 11:30am–12:30pm:
  • Grade 7–12: Different Types of “SHIP” @ A8
  • Adult class: Laws of Boundaries (Part 2) @ A10

CARING & COMMUNITY

• Newcomers Welcome Lunch will be held by Caring Dept. TODAY in the gym at 1:00pm to get to know newcomers who have attended our church since last October.
• 4/3 Emergency Social Service (ESS) Cantonese Seminar: APS will provide this “Be Prepared For Emergency” seminar to equip us for emergency response to protect our families and neighbors when disasters occur. It will be held on 4/3 2:30pm–4:00pm in the sanctuary.
• 2011 Church Summer Camp will be held at Stillwood Camp & Conference Centre from 6/10–12. The theme is “One Heart. One Purpose.” The speaker is Rev. Dr. Ted Ng, with Miss Angela Yeung as children’s speaker. Activities include worship, workshops, games, etc. Includes accommodation, 5 meals, campsite–church–campsite shuttle bus; campers may arrange their own transportation. The bus will depart the church on 6/10 at 6pm, and leave the campsite on 6/12 at 2:30pm with about one hour transit time. Register 4/24 – 5/8 for the Early Bird price of $95/adult, $40/child (age 4–12); register 5/9 – 5/22 for regular price of $131/adult, $80/child (age 4–12). Saturday-only (6/11) Day Camper price is $16/adult, $4/child, meals cost extra. The church will subsidize any in financial need.

After 10 years of ministry in Edmonton, Jon and his family have moved to Calgary at the beginning of this month. Jon will be taking some time off – a Restorative Sabbatical – to adjust to the move as well as possibly shadowing an experienced Multi-ethnic minister in California. Continue to pray for Jon and Connie as they raise their 2 sons, Christopher and David. Also pray that the family will be able to build new relationships and connect with a church family in Calgary.

Larry & Bella Mori to Japan (EFCM)

With the devastation of the earthquake and tsunami that has happened in Japan, please keep on praying and showing support to the Japanese people as they deal with the difficult time of loss and suffering, as well as the rescue and relief efforts.

As missionaries to Japan, Larry and Bella and their family are dealing with the after-effects of the natural disaster. The whole family is doing okay but they are being evacuated from Sendai to Hokkaido. Even though there are long waiting lines to get gas, food and water, there is a heart of thankfulness as this can be an opportunity for people to open their hearts to Jesus. Please continue to pray for those hopeful opportunities in the midst of tragedy.

Saji & Bindu Oommen to Asia (MB Mission)

Saji and Bindu are expecting a new addition to their family – a baby is coming with due date of March 25^th! Please continue to pray for them. Also, keep the whole MB Mission team in your prayers as they continue to wait and seek God’s guidance in the next step(s) of their ministry.

Sabrina Bach to Cambodia (OMF International)

As a “new” missionary to Cambodia, Sabrina is still finding new ways and opportunities to use her part-time English teaching and language studies, rely on God’s guidance and bring people to a better understanding and knowledge of who He is. Keep praying for her health and wisdom in finding the right words to say as she shares the Gospel.

Shirley Chow to First Nations (NAIM)

As Shirley continues her studies in Merritt, BC, she is learning new perspectives on how to serve her community better. She is also attending a small group Bible Study and fellowship. Her prayer requests include: to be aware of the devil’s traps by learning to rely on God’s guidance; candidates to apply for the pastoral vacancy.

Short-term Mission Team to Venezuela (PGMBC)

Pastor Isaac and his team (Lillian Lee, Helen Lai, and David Lam) are in Venezuela from Mar 18 to Apr 4. During these 2 weeks, they continue their training as well as connect with the local church and people. Pray for their safety, team unity and sharing opportunities as they travel.

• Children’s Worship Monthly Breakfast Fellowship: There will be a breakfast gathering on 3/27 (the 4th Sunday). Please RSVP Tiffany Tong or Pastor Teresa.
• Meeting for Children’s Sunday School Teachers & Helpers: A meeting is going to be held on 3/27 (Sunday) at B7 from 1pm–2:30pm. Lunch will be provided. Please RSVP Grace Li.
• Supporting the People in the Japan Disaster: Our church will collect a special offering for Japan disaster next Sunday (3/27). All the money collected will be donated to OMF’s Sendai Earthquake Relief Fund (our supporting missionaries Soo Loh, Tony & Pat Schmidt serve in OMF) to support the aid need in Japan. May God bless you as you consider how to respond to the people in need.
• Staff News: Rev. Xavier Law, Rev. Grace Kim and Pastor Teresa Lam will attend the Asian Mission in Canada Inaugural Conference at Anglican Network Church of Good Shepherd on 3/21–22; the church office will be open as usual. 3/26 Rev. Kim will attend MBCCA in the morning. Mimi Chu is on her annual leave until 3/24. Rev. Isaac Chang is on the short-term mission trip to Venezuela from 3/18–4/5.

PRAYER & PRAISE

• Please pray for the people who are under the threat of Japan’s nuclear crisis. May God give them wisdom and ability to keep the situation under control, and restore their hope.
• Please pray for the Venezuela short-term mission team; may God keep them healthy and safe.

GOSPEL & MINISTRY

• Life & Quench fellowships will participate 30 Hour Famine on 3/25–26 in our church. We’ll be inspired, be involved, be hungry! It will start 1pm on 3/25, sleepover from 9pm to 8:30pm on 3/26.
• 4/15–16 “More Than Tiger Parenting” Seminar: There will be 2 nights of discussion on “How do we raise up a godly second generation?” (in English on 4/15, Mandarin on 4/16; Cantonese interpretation provided in both). Children’s program is provided for 4–12-year-olds.

MISSIONS & EVANGELISM

• 3/21–22 “Discerning Contemporary Culture: Challenges & Ministry in a Permissive Age” Conference: Youth leaders are encouraged to attend this upcoming conference at Regent College. Register and find more info at the sponsor Asian Mission in Canada.
• 3/29 (Tues) Prayer Meeting: Missionaries Scott & Kyoko Nelson from TEAM will share with us their experience in Japan. Please mark your calendar and join us that night.

BIBLE & TEACHING

English Sunday School 11:45am–12:45pm:

• Grade 7–12: What is True Love? @ A8
• Adult class: Laws of Boundaries @ A10

CARING & COMMUNITY

• 2011′s first Newcomers Lunch Gathering will be held by Caring Dept. on 3/27 at 1pm in the gym to welcome newcomers who have attended our church since last October. Free for newcomers, and $5 each for other participants. Please purchase tickets in the foyer after worship TODAY.
• 4/3 Emergency Social Service (ESS) Cantonese Seminar: APS will provide this “Be Prepared For Emergency” seminar to equip us for emergency response to protect our families and neighbors when disasters occur. It will be held on 4/3 2:30pm–4:00pm in the sanctuary.
• 4/24 Easter Baptism & Membership Transfer Service: please contact Rev. Xavier Law for details.
• 2011 Church Summer Camp will be held at Stillwood Camp & Conference Centre from 6/10–12. The theme is “One Heart. One Purpose.” The speaker is Rev. Dr. Ted Ng, with Miss Angela Yeung as children’s speaker. Activities include worship, workshops, games, etc. Includes accommodation, 5 meals, campsite–church–campsite shuttle bus; campers may arrange their own transportation. The bus will depart the church on 6/10 at 6pm, and leave the campsite on 6/12 at 2:30pm with about one hour transit time. Register 4/24 – 5/8 for the Early Bird price of $95/adult, $40/child (age 4–12); register 5/9 – 5/22 for regular price of $131/adult, $80/child (age 4–12). Saturday-only (6/11) Day Camper price is $16/adult, $4/child, meals cost extra. The church will subsidize any in financial need.

• Children’s Worship Parent & Leader Fellowship Meeting will be held TODAY 1pm–3pm in B7.
• 30^th Anniversary Celebration Memories: The Committee invites you to contribute memorable photos/videos for use in the Anniversary Magazine and DVD. Please email materials before 3/27 (Sun) to Ade Huen, Committee Chairperson, or placing in her mail slot.
• Deacon Board Meeting will be held TODAY 3pm–6pm in A9.
• Staff News: Rev. Xavier Law preaches at Burnaby Pacific Grace Church. Rev. Grace Kim takes a complimentary day off on 3/15. Administrative secretary, Mimi Chu, takes her annual leave until 3/24.

PRAYER & PRAISE

• Please pray for the people in Japan who are suffering from the catastrophic effect of the 8.9-magnitude earthquake and tsunami.
• Please pray for the Venezuela Short-Term Mission team. They will leave for Venezuela this Friday. May God bless the team physically and spiritually.
• Please pray for God’s provision of new counselors for Quench Fellowship.

GOSPEL & MINISTRY

• 4/15–16 “More Than Tiger Parenting” Seminar: Hosted by Christian Communications (Canada) host 2 nights of discussion (in English with Cantonese interpretation) on “How do we raise up a godly second generation?” Children’s program will be provided for 4–12-year-old’s. Mark your calendar and invite your family and friends to join us!

MISSIONS & EVANGELISM

• 3/21–22 “Discerning Contemporary Culture: Challenges & Ministry in a Permissive Age” Conference: Youth leaders are encouraged to attend this upcoming conference at Regent College. Register and find more info at the sponsor Asian Mission in Canada.
• 3/29 (Tues) Prayer Meeting: Missionaries Scott & Kyoko Nelson from TEAM will share with us their experience in Japan. Please mark your calendar and join us that night.

BIBLE & TEACHING

• English Sunday School 11:45am–12:45pm:
  • Grade 7–12: Love (Part 2) @ A8
  • Adult class: Understanding Boundaries (Part 2) @ A10
• 3/19 MBCCA KOINOS Seminar on “Christian Spirituality 101” at our church 9am–4pm.

CARING & COMMUNITY

• 2011′s first Newcomers Lunch Gathering will be held by Caring Dept. on 3/27 at 1:00pm in the Gym to welcome newcomers attending our church since last October. Free to the newcomers, and $5 each for other participants. Please purchase tickets in the foyer after worship before 3/20.
• 4/3 Emergency Social Service (ESS) Seminar: APS has invited Chinese Christian Emergency Social Service Ministry to present “Be Prepared For Emergency” seminar to raise our awareness and equip us for emergencies in order to protect our families and neighbors. The seminar will be held on 4/3 2:30pm–4:00pm in the sanctuary. For inquiries, please contact Ade Huen.
• 4/24 Easter Baptism & Membership Transfer Service: If you have already accepted Jesus Christ as your Savior and have decided to be baptized, or you have attended our church for at least 3 months and would like to transfer your membership to this church, please contact Rev. Xavier Law.

3/13 Daylight Saving Time

Spring is just around the corner! DST starts on March 13 at 2am. Don’t forget to adjust your clock one hour forward before going to bed on 3/12 Saturday night!

2011 Church Directory

will be processed by the end of March. Please fill in a Directory Data Form (available in foyer) if you are new or your information has been changed during last year. You don’t need to fill in the form if your data remains unchanged. Please put all the forms in the offering bag.

Children’s Worship Parents Meeting

will be held on 3/13 at B7 from 1pm–3pm. Please RSVP to Tiffany Tong or Pastor Teresa as light lunch will be provided.

Materials For the 30^th Anniversary

The 30^th Anniversary Celebration Committee invites you to contribute memorable photos / videos for use in the Anniversary Magazine & DVD. Please forward materials to the Committee Chairperson, Ade Huen before 3/27 (Sunday). You may email ade.ying.huen[at]gmail[dot]com or put the materials in her mail slot.

Deacon Board Meeting

will be held on 3/13 at A9 from 3pm–6pm.

Staff News

All the pastors will attend the Vancouver Chinese Evangelical Ministerial Fellowship (VCEMF) meeting in the morning on 3/7, and will be in the office in the afternoon. Rev. Grace Kim will switch her day off to 3/15. Administrative secretary, Mimi Chu, takes her annual leave till 3/24.

Prayer & Praise

• Please pray for the training and preparation of two STM teams to Venezuela (3/18–4/4) & Ghana (4/29–5/20).
• Please pray for God’s provision of new counselors for Quench Fellowship.
• Thanks to those who came back to church in the early morning last Sunday to help shovel snow for the convenience of others.

Gospel & Ministry

3/12 GSF Cantonese Outreach & Children’s Program

The Cantonese Gospel Sharing Night will be held in the sanctuary and a children’s program and snack will be provided in B7, B11, & Gym at 6:30pm. Your Cantonese speaking families and friends are invited to join us!

Missions & Evangelism

3/29 Prayer Meeting

The missionary Scott from TEAM will come to share with us his experience in Japan. Please mark down your calendar and join us on that night.

3/21–22 “Challenges & Ministry in a Permissive Age” @ Regent College

Youth leaders are encouraged to attend the upcoming conference sponsored by the Asian Mission in Canada (a partnership of Regent, Carey, Tyndale, and the Vancouver Chinese Evangelical Ministerial Fellowship, and the Anglican Network in Canada). For more info and/or to Register for the conference: http://asianmission.ca/?itemid=169&catid=53

Bible & Teaching

English Sunday School 11:45am–12:45pm:

• Grade 7–12 @ A8: Love
• Adult class @ A13: Understanding Boundaries

MBCCA KOINOS Seminars

There will be “Christian Spirituality 101” that host in our church on 3/19 from 9:00am–4:00pm. Please register at http://mbccakoinos.vcmbc.org/ .

Caring & Community

2011 “NewComers” 1^st Lunch Gathering

will be held by Caring Dept. on 3/27 at Gym at 1:00pm to welcome newcomers attended our church since January. Free to the new comers and $5.00 each for other participants. Please purchase tickets in the foyer after worship before 3/20.

4/24 Easter Baptism & Membership Transfer Service

If you have already accepted Jesus Christ as your Savior and have decided to be baptized, or you have attended our church for at least 3 months and would like to transfer your membership to the church, please contact Rev. Xavier Law.

The Special General Meeting on April 26, 2009 saw the approval to purchase the former Renfrew United Church on East 1^st Avenue, as well as to sell our current church property to repay part of our mortgage; to another church of evangelical Christian faith tradition for the ministry of spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ and service in the Grandview-Woodland community.

Since Pacific Grace Mission Chapel started the very first worship service at our current site in March 1964, God has not stopped blessing and using this church building to bear fruit, bringing glory to Himself and benefiting His people. As such, the Deacon Board faced tremendous stress on the issue of selling our church property: first, the board did not want to put money first and set profitability as our priority; second, the board hoped to pass the baton to another church that proclaimed the gospel of Jesus Christ.

The deacon board unanimously set two equally important and indispensable criteria for evaluating and choosing the buyers: 1) the ministry plan and development of the church; 2) the price of the offer.

By the deadline on September 4, there were two churches that officially submitted their offer and ministry plan to our sales representative. One was Reality Church of Metro Vancouver, a fellow MB church that started several months ago; the other one was New Beginnings Baptist Church. After much prayer, in-depth discussion and comparison, the deacon board finally chose the latter to be our buyer.

New Beginnings Baptist Church is an English-speaking church that has been around for twenty years. They are part of the Fellowship Baptist Churches of Canada, sound in doctrine and passionate in evangelism. For the last seven years, they have rented church space at Commercial Drive and 1^st Avenue to serve the very broken, hurting people of Vancouver’s inner city as their mission (75% of their ministry is to First Nations people). Their ministries include:

1. free gospel breakfasts with lunches to go 3–5 days a week for about 50–80 people each day (with at least half an hour of gospel sharing);
2. delivering free furniture and household goods to all the poor families and fellows who need them, and moving homes for single mother families at the end of the month;
3. huge youth group with about 30 volunteer youth workers ministering to at-risk youth in the inner city;
4. family ministry, helping families in whichever way they need a hand, including counseling, babysitting, drug/alcohol rehabilitation, and so on;
5. children’s Bible clubs in native housing and B.C. housing complexes;
6. summer camp for children and youth (100 participants), and family gospel camp for children and moms;
7. Bible studies for youth, young adults, and adults all through the week;
8. Christian leadership development for senior high youth and young adults;
9. using the park outside our current church site for big community outreaches.

New Beginnings currently has an attendance of 100, with two full-time pastors and five student interns from Trinity Western University. Because they focus on serving the poor in the neighborhood, they do not have much offering from within. For them to use $1.05 million to buy our church property at Frances Street is indeed a step of faith.

May God bless and use them greatly, just as He has done for Pacific Grace through the years!

“Then you will know which way to go, since you have never been this way before.” (Joshua 3:4)

These were Joshua’s words before leading Israelites into the promised land of Canaan. The people were stepping on a path never walked before: through the Jordan River. Think about it: the Israelites should have crossed the river forty years ago; however, since they lacked faith and forgot the power of God’s presence, they ended up wandering in the wilderness for forty years.

The hardships in life are like giants standing in front of us. When we run back, choosing to flee rather than to take the challenge, we miss out on experiencing God’s presence. Joshua instructed the people to follow the ark of the covenant carried by priests, and they would “know which way to go.” It is even a path they had “never been… before” – a new path cutting across the riverbed to the other shore.

At the beginning of the new church property purchase, we seemed to have seen “a path never walked before” in front of us. Forming the development committee in a short time, signing the purchase agreement, passing the purchase proposal at the Special General Meeting, doing structural assessments of the building within a week, the MB Conference approving our mortgage application before subject removal-all these seemed like Jordan’s waters “flowing downstream [to] be cut off and stand up in a heap” before us (Joshua 3:13). The deacons and members involved felt deeply that a rock in front of us was removed by God.

There is still a time of river-crossing ahead of us, such as the monthly repayments to the MB Conference, the renovation of the new church property, the sale of the current church property, and the blueprint for future ministry development. Nonetheless, we believe that since God has taken us through the first step, he will surely be with us on every step that follows. Let us all be of one spirit as we step on this new path.

After crossing the river, the Israelites set up stones to be a memorial of how they crossed the Jordan and entered the promised land (Joshua 4:3). One day, when we meet at the new church location-just like Israelites setting up the stones-we will tell our children, “I played a part in building this church here, which is a witness to the grace of God’s presence.”

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) predicts 2009 to be, similar to the worldwide Great Depression in 1929, a time of three zeros – “zero growth, zero interest rate, and zero vision.” It is expected that recovery will not come until three years later. Facing such an economic downturn, it becomes crucial for both individuals and businesses to figure out how to stay afloat.

Every day we are surrounded by bad news and pessimistic analyzes of the global economy. Are we, as Christians, affected and become pessimistic as well, driven by fear rather than by faith, hope, and love?

At the same time, I was especially thankful for my pastoral staff and deacons. At the pastors and deacons retreat in September 2008 when we shared about our future vision for Pacific Grace, most expressed a wish for larger facilities and more space to develop the church ministries and outreach. I also mentioned it in my sermon in a worship service last October, and offered a direction for thought as well as a challenge:

Imagine: Ten years later, how many people will meet and worship at Pacific Grace?
Imagine: Ten years later, who will be the people gathering and worshipping at Pacific Grace?

Terms like ‘dream,’ ‘vision,’ and ‘faith’ can sound grand – or empty. Either way, when it comes to realizing them, many lack motivation and give up easily. In Don’t Blame Me, It’s Not My Fault, Taiwanese illustrator and author Jimmy Liao asks an insightful question: “Adults always like to tell children never to give up their dreams, but why all who give up their dreams are adults?”

In the last three years, the Deacon Board has seriously looked into a number of locations for a bigger and longer-term development, including the former Renfrew United Church, the former property of Vancouver Chinese Evangelical Free Church, and Raja Cinema near our church office. In particular, the Renfrew United Church was closed three years ago, and our pastors and deacons had already made a visit. Javier Sem, the vice chairperson of the Deacon Board at the time, inquired of its availability for purchase, but the owner had no intention to sell. When Rev. Chang informed the Board that the church is for sale in March, the Board re-formed the Development Committee during the meeting in the same month and immediately followed it up.

If God indeed let us buy the new church location (former Renfrew United Church), we will be serving the Hastings-Sunrise community. The following are its demographics (from Census 2006, Statistics Canada):

From the above figures, we can see that the community of the new location is better for our long-term development of Cantonese, Mandarin, family, and children ministries (there are certainly opportunities for English ministry as well). If our congregation eventually decides to stay in our current location, there are still opportunities for ministry and serving (especially to the English-speaking communities and low income families), but the church may need to more actively consider transitioning from a commuter church to a community church.

This month, the message from Jeremiah 32 keeps coming to my mind. This is a special chapter because it shows vividly Jeremiah’s faith and hope in the future revival of God’s people. In 588–587 B.C., when Babylonians were besieging Jerusalem, God told Jeremiah to buy a field outside Jerusalem. The Babylonians had been besieging the city for a year, and they would capture and pillage the city in a few month’s time. However, Jeremiah bought a field in the enemy-occupied zone! It was a completely unwise investment, not to mention at the time he was imprisoned. Nonetheless, Jeremiah’s action showed his faith. He believed that God would surely bring the exiled people back to their homeland as promised, and rebuild Jerusalem (cf. the Life Application Bible).

At the point of writing, I was reading the April 15 editorial of Ming Pao, titled “Basking in Past Glory Can’t Keep Hong Kong No. 1; Reform Needed to Stay Competitive.” The article quotes from the 2009 Chinese City Competitiveness Blue Book by the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, pointing out that Hong Kong is ranked top in all-round competitiveness in 294 prefecture-level and above cities in China. However, the experts who conducted the study also points out that, compared with cities around the world, the general standing of Hong Kong is falling while Chinese cities as a whole are rising. In light of this see-saw effect, coupled with the loss of some industrial advantages which Hong Kong used to have (e.g., logistics), it will be hard to stay ahead if the city does not pull itself together.

The same principle applies to the church and Christians: we cannot just stay put and bask in our past glory. I hope that for the future of Pacific Grace as well as our spiritual life and ministry, we are not resigned to set “zero growth” and “zero vision” as our goal!

Let us encourage each other with Jeremiah’s prayer:

After I had given the deed of purchase to Baruch son of Neriah, I prayed to the LORD:

“Ah, Sovereign LORD, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you.”

- Jeremiah 32:16–17 (NIV)

In July of 2007, the deacon board had formed a taskforce to examine the possibility of a joint church plant. After much prayer and deliberation, the deacon board in October announced that Pacific Grace MB Church would plant it’s tenth church in a joint effort with Vancouver Mennonite Brethren Church.

A First for Chinese Churches in BC

This is a major achievement for a Chinese church! This is the first time that a Chinese church has planted and/or co-planted a new church with an English church. It is a first, because the new church is a 2^nd Generation English speaking, multi-ethnic church. Pacific Grace MB Church is breaking new ground, and has developed a new model of church planting new to Chinese churches in BC. Perhaps, even Canada?

A Vision Long Seen But Recently Realized

When Pastor Chan approached me over 2 and half years ago (Aug 2005) to come to Pacific Grace MB Church, he shared with me his vision to see a 2^nd generation independent English
speaking church. He and I believed that to help the 2^nd generation that were leaving Chinese churches there needed to be a new approach. We believed that it would take a church that was intentionally multi-ethnic and mono-cultural to do that. The vision was to create a place where an Asian believer could feel comfortable to bring their non-Asian friends, spouse, boyfriend/girlfriend, and eventually children to a church that they could fit into.

When I first came to Pacific Grace MB Church, I had the vision of “Creating a meaningful, functional, relevant, 2+ generation, mono-cultural, multiethnic Christian community.” During 2005–2007, the English Congregation began to take on new challenges, and we began to grow as a congregation and as believers. It was during this time that we believed that God could do a new thing, and the target of the VMC (Vision Mobilization Committee) was close at hand.

Then in February of 2007, I was approached by Pastor Johannes from the Vancouver MB Church. He called to tell me that he heard about the English Congregation and had a vision that perhaps we could grow together. When Pastor Chan and I talked about the possibility we met with an Elder and Pastor Johannes to see if this was truly a possibility.

Over the months of spring and summer the Deacons of PGMBC, and the Elders of VMBC met separately to pray and the idea was presented to both churches in the summer of 2007. It was
during our Mid-Year congregational meeting that the plan was put forward. And shortly after, the joint taskforce was formed (consisting of 3 from VMBC: Paul Fast, Brian Ekk, Marilisa Voth, and 4 from PGMBC: Pastor Mike Nishi, Kathy Wong, Roland Chan, and Darren Chan).

The joint taskforce began meeting on July 16, 2007. Over the next 3 months, the joint taskforce met at least 7 times, and spent nearly 40hrs to discuss and plan the proposal for the two churches (not including times spent in small groups and individual work for the project). The 3rd draft of the proposal was submitted on Sept 16, 2007 to both churches, as well as a detailed plan of the future of the English Congregation in 2008 (submitted by Pastors Mike & Sherman).

On September 30, 2007 the Deacon board of PGMBC and the Elders of VMBC, decided to go ahead with the project. From October, the direction of the Joint Task Force changed to planning for the new church and we began to prepare for the transition of leadership from Pastor Mike to Pastor Sherman. On November 5, 2007, the new joint church plant was named South Hill church.

Multi-ethnic as the answer to the long-standing question: How do we get the 2^nd generation interested in coming back to church and staying?

Mono-ethnic churches are great for attracting people who are of the same ethnicity. These homogeneous ethnic churches minister extremely well to people of the same culture. However, the difficulty of the 2^nd generation of these churches is that they no longer share the same culture, and are aligning themselves with the mainstream culture outside of their parent’s traditions and ways of doing church. The other difficulty for homogeneous churches is that by nature they are unable to host different ethnic groups. It is a matter of incompatible DNA. Both Pacific Grace MB Church, and Vancouver MB Church had this same issue… with Chinese and German 2^nd+ generations leaving and being unable to incorporate different ethnic visitors or believers. There are two ways to solve this: 1) a radical shift in the fundamental practice and culture of the homogeneous church, or 2) create a new church that has built in it the new DNA that has the culture and people they are looking for. We hope and pray that South Hill would do both! South Hill Church is not a Chinese church or a German church, but a church for anyone, based not on ethnicity but on the Gospel’s gracious diversity.

Pacific Grace MB Church & Vancouver MB Church: God’s Pioneers

It’s said that parents will do anything to see their kids succeed. It is the truth here as well. Parents sacrifice so much for the well being of the ones they love. You are the pioneers. South Hill Church needs your blessings. We believe that the success and testimony of South Hill will be because of the blessing you’ve give it.

Why is your blessing as God’s pioneers so important? It is to show to others that God’s people are partners for the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We want to show others that we were not a church split, or an angry bunch of believers that didn’t want to stay, but that we had a vision and we are on mission. We who will start South Hill are proud of our heritage from Pacific Grace MB Church and Vancouver MB Church, and we will remember the voices that taught us and the hands that cared for us. By God’s grace, we hope we will be new hands and new voices that will speak and care for the next generations.

On behalf of South Hill church, thank you for your prayers, your understanding, and your pioneering spirit. I pray that South Hill will be another jewel in an already full crown of the testimony of Pacific Grace MB Church’s church planting legacy.

In Christ,

Pastor Mike Nishi

P.S. Please pray for those who have committed to going.