First and foremost, I would like to wish one and all a Merry Christmas.
Today, we celebrated Christmas. And this was how I went about celebrating.
I woke up at around 7 and rushed to church in a cab. It was pouring and I was trying not to get the presents that I bought wet. I managed to reach before 7.30 and started by shifting the drums and other sound equipment to the ground floor. Then there was some practice and before long, the 9am service started. We played 4 songs before the sermon but could not stay for it as the sanctuary was filled to the brim. So I ended up talking to Eld Ho in the fellowship hall and discussed about the Campus Ministry. The feedback I got from some mentors suggested that it would be unwise to recruit some of the PLH band members to play for the CM's meetings on Fridays. Hence I suggested that we recruit them for about a month just to get things started and then rope in the ARPC people once we identify those who can play instruments or worship lead. This idea had some positive reception from Eld Ho and Uncle Justin. So I guess that will be the new plan.
Anyway, back to today. Service ended at 10.45 but we still had to stay to play for the 11am service. It was the same procedure as before and we ended at around 12.30. Then it was time for the gift and card exchanges. Mostly received sweets and chocolates and some cards. Once again, thanks for all who gave. Then I had a short lunch-thing with Julian, David, Julia, Lydia and Andrew. Subway it was. I left for home at around 2.30. I caught up on sleep soon after. Next up was the party@onglye. Uncle Justin picked me up and we went down to Candice's house together. The spread was awesome and the company even better. Played Dai-dee (regular and asshole) and Texas Hold 'em. We were almost down to playing Truth or Dare ver 2.0 when I had to leave 'cause my transport was leaving. It was a great party and one that I look forward to every year.
Now to plan my schedule for Boxing Day. Guess I'll do it in my dreams. Nitez~!
Monday, December 26, 2005
Monday, December 19, 2005
Operation Campus Ministry
Now I'm irritated. Today I told Eld Ho Yew Kee about my plan to recuit PLH band members to play for the Campus Ministry (known as CM from here). And his reaction was a simple "No". Why? He says that we do not need a full band initially as there won't be many people attending the meetings initially. This is completely different from my plan to rope in the younger ones so that a full band can be formed and play on Fridays, creating an atmosphere only felt at GIGS and Worship Sundays.
Now, I'm confused. I was tasked to find people to create such an atmosphere and now I've just been told that a simple piano and guitar ensemble will be enough. I don't know if the older folk know this but kids/teens/youth are attracted to music in one way or another. Why do you think City Harvest Church has a youth congregation that can probably over-fill the indoor stadium and we at PSPC, a "backward" and "traditional" church, has a youth congregation that can barely fill the 200-seater multi-purpose hall?
As I sit here typing this blog entry, Planet Shakers is blasting in the background and I recall the reason why PLH seemed so "cool" and "exclusive" when I was in Sunday School. It was all about the music and the instruments they used. Drums, synthesizers, electric guitars and electric basses. Now, that was for the "cool" crowd. No more "music-less", a-capella songs of Sunday School. That was the time to rock. Even a young mind at 12 can feel that a full band makes a difference. What more a mature 20 year-old?
But before I kao peh some more, I must remember to put my fullest of trust in the "core" committee and in God. We will see this ministry take off and take flight
Now, I'm confused. I was tasked to find people to create such an atmosphere and now I've just been told that a simple piano and guitar ensemble will be enough. I don't know if the older folk know this but kids/teens/youth are attracted to music in one way or another. Why do you think City Harvest Church has a youth congregation that can probably over-fill the indoor stadium and we at PSPC, a "backward" and "traditional" church, has a youth congregation that can barely fill the 200-seater multi-purpose hall?
As I sit here typing this blog entry, Planet Shakers is blasting in the background and I recall the reason why PLH seemed so "cool" and "exclusive" when I was in Sunday School. It was all about the music and the instruments they used. Drums, synthesizers, electric guitars and electric basses. Now, that was for the "cool" crowd. No more "music-less", a-capella songs of Sunday School. That was the time to rock. Even a young mind at 12 can feel that a full band makes a difference. What more a mature 20 year-old?
But before I kao peh some more, I must remember to put my fullest of trust in the "core" committee and in God. We will see this ministry take off and take flight
Friday, December 16, 2005
Impact
Yesterday evening after work, I was on my way home when I remembered that the Impact campers were putting up a performance in church. Since I was already in Dhoby Ghaut, I decided to attend and met up with Jason and John at Raffles City where they were shopping for stuff.
We managed to reach church just after 7. Luckily the concert had not started. After a short time of worship, the concert began and the 4 teams of the camp put up 4 seperate skits with the common theme of the end of the world. Apparently the scriptwriters had to stay up the whole night before to get the script out on time. Anyway, the skits were well done and quite entertaining. Kudos to the scriptwriters who did such a good job in such a short time during a period of unholy hours. The actors/actresses were superb as well. Luke Ching was my personal favourite, playing the role of a certain Chris Antti in a skit titled The Chronicles of Prinsep-ville.
After the presentation of the skits, there was a period of intermission and refreshments . This was followed by the awards presentation. I was done rather professionally with performances in between the awards. I enjoyed especially the tambourine dance. Good to hear that they were so good that it may get selected as an item for the 125th Presbyterian Anniversary celebrations next year. But the best was saved for last. The hand mime was by far the highlight of the evening.
Looking back to the past, it was really sad that the "Exodus" of mentors had taken place but I guess that it was all part of God's wonderful and perfect plan. It was probably in all His wisdom that He made the previous batch of mentors step down and let Alex and Nick take the helm. Though the way that they left was unglam and totally unprofessional not to mention that it was done in the full intent of seeing PLH collapse, it had to be done such that people who were unfit to guide and lead the teens at PLH move away and a new batch of more qualified, dignified and responsible mentors take over and ensure the survival of the youth movement in PSPC. Now, with Doc John at the helm, PLH has never looked more 'on fire'. He has ressurected the spirit of PLH that used to flow when Daniel and his team were still aroud. The evidence was all there last night during the concert.
I was flipping through the photos taken of PLH years past. A glimpse at the group shots during camps revealed the shocking. Of the roughly 30 people in the photo, only a handful of them still remain at PSPC. Some have gone overseas while others have moved on with their families to other churches. But a majority of them left with the mentors during the "Exodus". Though it's been 3-4 years already, I still am angry and disappointed with Daniel and his bunch of irresponsible, immature, incompetent and no-backbone-to-stand-up-for-themselves people who called themselves mentors. If Ridge Orr was around at that time, I'm sure that he would have slapped each one of them left, right, centre. They knew that leaving all of a sudden was not the way to go worse still, they left en masse, leaving only Alex and Nick behind. To make matters worse, they did not inform them of their plans as Alex and Nick would surely have stopped them. The entire committee of 2001 was informed of the move except me as I, the whistle blower, am the nephew of Auntie Yueh Tarn. Letting her know would have been an even bigger mistake for them. They would not have an option to be leave. They would have been paraded around church like a bunch of traitors while people stoned them.
Out of fire a strong sword is forged. And how true it is. PLH is now stronger than ever. So to Daniel Chiam and his bunch of baffoons I say this: Your plan to see PLH falter and collapse has failed miserably. I really hope that the memory of you at PLH is erased permanently and your name is never to be heard of again in PSPC. What you did was despicable and you are unworthy to be mentors in PLH and anywhere else. You exiled yourselves from PSPC and I hope it stays that way. You guys make me sick.
We managed to reach church just after 7. Luckily the concert had not started. After a short time of worship, the concert began and the 4 teams of the camp put up 4 seperate skits with the common theme of the end of the world. Apparently the scriptwriters had to stay up the whole night before to get the script out on time. Anyway, the skits were well done and quite entertaining. Kudos to the scriptwriters who did such a good job in such a short time during a period of unholy hours. The actors/actresses were superb as well. Luke Ching was my personal favourite, playing the role of a certain Chris Antti in a skit titled The Chronicles of Prinsep-ville.
After the presentation of the skits, there was a period of intermission and refreshments . This was followed by the awards presentation. I was done rather professionally with performances in between the awards. I enjoyed especially the tambourine dance. Good to hear that they were so good that it may get selected as an item for the 125th Presbyterian Anniversary celebrations next year. But the best was saved for last. The hand mime was by far the highlight of the evening.
Looking back to the past, it was really sad that the "Exodus" of mentors had taken place but I guess that it was all part of God's wonderful and perfect plan. It was probably in all His wisdom that He made the previous batch of mentors step down and let Alex and Nick take the helm. Though the way that they left was unglam and totally unprofessional not to mention that it was done in the full intent of seeing PLH collapse, it had to be done such that people who were unfit to guide and lead the teens at PLH move away and a new batch of more qualified, dignified and responsible mentors take over and ensure the survival of the youth movement in PSPC. Now, with Doc John at the helm, PLH has never looked more 'on fire'. He has ressurected the spirit of PLH that used to flow when Daniel and his team were still aroud. The evidence was all there last night during the concert.
I was flipping through the photos taken of PLH years past. A glimpse at the group shots during camps revealed the shocking. Of the roughly 30 people in the photo, only a handful of them still remain at PSPC. Some have gone overseas while others have moved on with their families to other churches. But a majority of them left with the mentors during the "Exodus". Though it's been 3-4 years already, I still am angry and disappointed with Daniel and his bunch of irresponsible, immature, incompetent and no-backbone-to-stand-up-for-themselves people who called themselves mentors. If Ridge Orr was around at that time, I'm sure that he would have slapped each one of them left, right, centre. They knew that leaving all of a sudden was not the way to go worse still, they left en masse, leaving only Alex and Nick behind. To make matters worse, they did not inform them of their plans as Alex and Nick would surely have stopped them. The entire committee of 2001 was informed of the move except me as I, the whistle blower, am the nephew of Auntie Yueh Tarn. Letting her know would have been an even bigger mistake for them. They would not have an option to be leave. They would have been paraded around church like a bunch of traitors while people stoned them.
Out of fire a strong sword is forged. And how true it is. PLH is now stronger than ever. So to Daniel Chiam and his bunch of baffoons I say this: Your plan to see PLH falter and collapse has failed miserably. I really hope that the memory of you at PLH is erased permanently and your name is never to be heard of again in PSPC. What you did was despicable and you are unworthy to be mentors in PLH and anywhere else. You exiled yourselves from PSPC and I hope it stays that way. You guys make me sick.
Saturday, December 03, 2005
The Wedding
Today was the day I witnessed holy matrimonythe exchanging of rings and the true love between Tommy and Jophia.
The wedding service was supposed to start at 2 so I estimated that I would take 45 mins to drive from my place to Covenant Evangelical Free Church in Bukit Panjang. Not wanting to be late and not get a lot, I left home at 1 and took the TPE/SLE/BKE to BP. A mere 20 mins later, I pulled up and parked in Greenridge Shopping Centre next to the church. 20 mins only. And no, I did not speed. It was just a under-estimation of the speed limits along the express-ways.
I waited outside the church for Jason, Bench and Claire before going in. The sanctuary was more like and auditorium unlike that of PSPC which is traditional with pews and a high ceiling. We took or seats and waited for the proceedings to begin. Shortly after a quarter past 2, the bride walked down the isle with her father. Though, they must have rehearsed it dozens of times over, I could still see the nervousness on the faces of Tommy and Jophia. When she reached the front of the sanctuary, the service began with a short time of praise followed by the sermon by Rev Ridge.
With that concluded, the solemnisation began. Note that what you see on TV is more or less the same as that of a real wedding so I won't go into details. With the usual "I do"s and exchanging of vows and rings, Tommy and Jophia were pronounced husband and wife by Rev Peter Chan. Surprisingly, no one cried as the movies portray.
Then came the speeches and special items. But the highlight was the special singing performance that Tommy put up. Going solo with only a guitar played by one of his friends, he sang a specially written song to his newly wedded wife. I really remember the lyrics but it sure brought tears to the eyes of some people. And rightfully so.
The group photo-shoots were next and the time that everyone was waiting for came... The reception with food. Most of us did not have lunch so it really was a time we all were waiting for. The bunch of us (Jason, Shelby, Ben Smith, Jane and Daniel) sat together and spent most of the time catching up with each other over the food.
We left at around 4. Jason and Shelby hitched a ride with me and we went to Mel's ice-cream place in Sunset wayfor a scoop or 2. The good thing was that Mel was there but there wasn't durian ice-cream, much to the disappointment of the 2 people who just returned from the land of the koalas. We stayed till about 6.30 and i fetched Jason to his place in Holland V and Shelby to her place in Joo Seng. From there it was a short trip back to mine.
Reflecting on the wedding, I realised that true love is a must in a husband-wife relationship in order for it to work. A marriage is to last all the way till death do the parties part. Only a true love can ensure that happens. With the rising trend of couples divorcing, is it an indication that true love is hard to find nowadays? I don't think I'm qualified to discuss this issue.
Now for something more light-hearted. Pink is NOT the colour for a handphone. Handphones can take on any colour excpet pink. It's just downright ugly and defies the laws of phony nature.
It seems that when certain people show up, some others just drop off the radar.
The wedding service was supposed to start at 2 so I estimated that I would take 45 mins to drive from my place to Covenant Evangelical Free Church in Bukit Panjang. Not wanting to be late and not get a lot, I left home at 1 and took the TPE/SLE/BKE to BP. A mere 20 mins later, I pulled up and parked in Greenridge Shopping Centre next to the church. 20 mins only. And no, I did not speed. It was just a under-estimation of the speed limits along the express-ways.
I waited outside the church for Jason, Bench and Claire before going in. The sanctuary was more like and auditorium unlike that of PSPC which is traditional with pews and a high ceiling. We took or seats and waited for the proceedings to begin. Shortly after a quarter past 2, the bride walked down the isle with her father. Though, they must have rehearsed it dozens of times over, I could still see the nervousness on the faces of Tommy and Jophia. When she reached the front of the sanctuary, the service began with a short time of praise followed by the sermon by Rev Ridge.
With that concluded, the solemnisation began. Note that what you see on TV is more or less the same as that of a real wedding so I won't go into details. With the usual "I do"s and exchanging of vows and rings, Tommy and Jophia were pronounced husband and wife by Rev Peter Chan. Surprisingly, no one cried as the movies portray.
Then came the speeches and special items. But the highlight was the special singing performance that Tommy put up. Going solo with only a guitar played by one of his friends, he sang a specially written song to his newly wedded wife. I really remember the lyrics but it sure brought tears to the eyes of some people. And rightfully so.
The group photo-shoots were next and the time that everyone was waiting for came... The reception with food. Most of us did not have lunch so it really was a time we all were waiting for. The bunch of us (Jason, Shelby, Ben Smith, Jane and Daniel) sat together and spent most of the time catching up with each other over the food.
We left at around 4. Jason and Shelby hitched a ride with me and we went to Mel's ice-cream place in Sunset wayfor a scoop or 2. The good thing was that Mel was there but there wasn't durian ice-cream, much to the disappointment of the 2 people who just returned from the land of the koalas. We stayed till about 6.30 and i fetched Jason to his place in Holland V and Shelby to her place in Joo Seng. From there it was a short trip back to mine.
Reflecting on the wedding, I realised that true love is a must in a husband-wife relationship in order for it to work. A marriage is to last all the way till death do the parties part. Only a true love can ensure that happens. With the rising trend of couples divorcing, is it an indication that true love is hard to find nowadays? I don't think I'm qualified to discuss this issue.
Now for something more light-hearted. Pink is NOT the colour for a handphone. Handphones can take on any colour excpet pink. It's just downright ugly and defies the laws of phony nature.
It seems that when certain people show up, some others just drop off the radar.
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