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Sharing from making congee

2022.03.12/13

From the Pastor’s Desk: Pastor Jeanie Auyeung

God has given me the opportunity many times since 1997, to visit some Chinese brothers and sisters in various cities in Sweden, to edify and learn from them. During one of my visits, I was invited to a sister’s home for lunch. She served me a pot of congee made with preserved vegetables. The first thought that popped into my mind was: “What? How can preserved vegetables be used in making congee?” Out of courtesy, I didn’t say anything, but this way of cooking seemed unacceptable to me.

There was a Caucasian co-worker at our church who worked as a youth pastor many years ago. He was very easy-going and willing to merge into the Chinese culture and especially liked Chinese food. He told us one time that he had made a pot of delicious congee the night before. The sister standing beside me asked him what he made the congee with?  He replied: “tomatoes.” That sister and I both said at the same time, “What? Making congee with tomatoes? We would never do that!”

Another time, another English co-worker put some tofu in the pot while cooking congee. I also asked him, “Can tofu be used to cook congee?” He said “yes!”  Yes, why not? As long as others like it and feel that it tastes good, it is their choice. Why do we have to insist on our usual way of cooking?

The different ways and methods of cooking have given me some space to think and learn from others. In fact, I am also trying to copy from them now. I even tried their way of making congee- something I never would have done before – and I think it is quite good.

Upon reflection, I find that we often miss many opportunities to learn new things or new perspectives on doing things, because we have insisted on doing things in our own way and are unwilling to make changes. Many times, we might hurt each other or even break the relationship between people because of insisting that our way is the only “right” way and refuse to give in. The teaching of the Bible is: “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” (Romans 12:18 -NIV)

Rev. Dr. Kiven Choy Siu-ki, President of the Alliance Theological Seminary, quoted an historical saying in the devotional material teaching us to lower ourselves and be humble, to give up our insistence on “self”, and to hold Christ as our example : “In essentials, unity; in doubtful things, liberty; in all things, charity” (to put love first).

During the season of lent, we meditate on Christ’s sacrifice and His love for us. He gave up his rights, and his own life for us: “Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death – even death on a cross!” (Philippians 2:6-8).

從煲粥說起

2022.03.12/13

歐陽鑽玲傳道

自1997年開始,神給我多次往訪瑞典的機會,特別到瑞典南部的幾個城市探訪一些中國弟兄姊妹,與他們分享及彼此造就。在我一次的行程中,我被邀請到一位姊妹家中午膳,她給我煮了一鍋梅菜粥。當時我心中第一個湧出來的意念是:「甚麼?梅菜怎可以用來煲粥?」由於禮貌起見,我沒有說甚麼,但心理上似乎不能接受。

教會之前有一位外籍同工是負責英語部青少年事工的,他很隨和,也很願意投入中國文化,尤其愛吃中國美食。一天,他回來很開心地對我們提起他前天晚上在家煮了一鍋美味的粥。我身旁的姊妹便問他用甚麼材料煮粥?他回答:番茄。那姊妹和我也不約而同地說:「甚麼?番茄也用來煲粥?我們從來不會用番茄煲粥的!」

另一次,一位負責英語部的同工在煮粥時把豆腐放進去,我也問他:「豆腐可用來煮粥嗎?他說可以的!」是的,為什麼不可以?只要別人覺得好,是他的選擇,他感到滿意就好了。

從以上的不同煮食方式,給予我空間去思想並學習其他人的做法。其實,我現在也嘗試學他們的做法,把以前不會用的材料做嘗試,覺得也不錯。自我反省一下,我們往往是因為自己一貫的做法,不願改變,或是因著不想接受其他方式而錯失了不少學習新事物或新觀點的機會。許多時候,我們更會因著堅持自己的做法“才是對的”,不肯讓步而引致彼此間的不悅,甚至破壞了人與人的關係。聖經的教導就是: 「可能的話,總要盡你們的所能與人和睦」 (羅12:18-聖經新譯本),除了真理原則必須堅持之外,做法是可以改變的。

建道神學院院長蔡少琪牧師在“爾道自建”的靈修資料中引用歷史名句:重要的事情,合一。爭議的事情,自由。在所有的事情,愛(以愛為重)。

“In essentials, unity; in doubt matters, liberty; in all things, charity.”

基督來世,就是為我們捨棄,放下祂應有的權利,「他本來有神的形象,卻不堅持自己與神平等的地位,反而倒空自己,取了奴僕的形象,成為人的樣式;既然有人的樣子,就自甘卑微,順服至死,而且死在十字架上。」(腓2:6-8) 。

在這默想記念主為我們捨棄犧牲的預苦期中,讓我們同來思想,並學效主基督的捨棄!

家訊(2022.03.12/13)

家事報告:

  1. 歡迎您與我們一起敬拜神!若閣下第一次參加本堂崇拜,請向司事索取「來賓咭」,填妥後交回司事員,以便本會繼續與您聯絡。
  2. 粵語祈禱會:逢週二8-9pm 在Zoom平台進行。Zoom ID及密碼將電郵給長執及團契再轉發給各會眾,3月15日為英語青少年事工部及兒童事工部祈禱。
  3. 本會已成立一個聘牧委員會與長老合作籌劃聘請下一任主任牧師。委員會成員包括長老及會眾代表:李健明(Terence) (主席);長老代表:鄧卓超(Thomas)、林啟洋(Oscar);會眾代表:羅勇(Peter) (國崇)、吳陸雅潔(Loretta)(週六粵崇)、陳俊霖(Oscar) (青崇)、潘高櫻樺(Evelyn) (英崇)、張國起(Henry) (主日粵崇)。
  4. 415日受苦節實體崇拜分三堂舉行,除英語外,國語及粵語均在禮堂舉行。
  • 國語:下午3:00-4:00時,主題:「成了!」;
  • 英語:下午6:30-7:30時於Des Island Regional Park戶外進行,需要預先登記https://bit.ly/goodfriday415。Theme: “How do we see Jesus?”
  • 粵語:晚上8:00-9:00時,主題:「我們怎樣看耶穌?」。出席實體崇拜需預先登記https://bit.ly/3hVDMxm。崇拜將同步在Zoom網上平台直播;Zoom 登入ID及密碼將稍後發出。
  1. 202246月粵語成人聖經課程繼續在ZOOM網上平台教授,上課時間仍然為上午9:00-10:00時,以方便弟兄姊妹上課後能參加實體崇拜或參與崇拜事奉。報名連結https://bit.ly/3timYpD,報名截止日期為327,請大家踴躍參加。
  2. 本會邀請了「靈根自植國際網絡」創辦人、會長及屬靈導師,蔡貴恆牧師於31926下午2:30-5:30時於教會舉行預苦期退修會。鼓勵大家積極參加,請致電辦公室或電郵Joyce 姊妹報名(joyce.chan@rcac.ca)。316日截止報名
  3. 烏克蘭正面對連連戰火,大批國民逃離到鄰近國家躲避;波蘭宣道會已接收了一部份難民並正計劃設立更多臨時庇護站收容烏克蘭難民;許多波蘭當地教會現正分發日用物資及糧食支援難民。宣道會呼籲大家齊心嚮應支持,奉獻請註明「環球緊急援助基金(GERF) (Global Emergency Response Fund)
  1. 本年度(2021年7月至2022年6月)差傳預算為186,000元,至今收到奉獻金額為139,353元,請大家為差傳事工代禱。如欲經濟上支持事工,請於奉獻封上註明「差傳」。
  2. 本會逐步開放教會設施于會眾安全地返回教會聚會。有關詳細安排,請與各部門負責人及事工牧者商討,並通知教會辦公室作統籌彼此配合。
  3. 週六及主日粵語11:15AM實體崇拜,需要預先報名,報名連結:
  • 週六:https://bit.ly/3JOs5o9(三月份登記)
  • 主日:https://bit.ly/2Ztf5mv

粵語崇拜亦會在網上Zoom平台同步直播,與留在家裡的肢體一起敬拜。崇拜Zoom ID及密碼逢週五透過電郵發送給大家。

  1. AYAYA 週六青崇7PM 實體崇拜,需要預先報名,報名連結

https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/257056050567。歡迎所有弟兄姊妹參加,與我們一同敬拜上帝!本週講題:虛偽的基督徒,經文:馬太福音22:15-46,講員:吳子強弟兄。AYAYA 週六青崇亦同步在Zoom 平台直播,Zoom 登入ID及密碼逢週五透過電郵發送給長執團契再轉發給各會眾,查詢可聯絡辦公室。

  1. 24 期「匯」主題是「45載感恩、再感恩」,慶祝本年列宣四十五週年記念,數算主恩。投稿可直接電郵unity@rcac.ca,426日截稿。鼓勵大家積極投稿。
  2. 每週崇拜週刊,請瀏覽www.rcac.ca查閱有關連結 – 家訊、教牧心聲等。
  3. 2022年實體敬拜的安全措施更新,詳情請參閱本會網頁www.rcac.ca。

肢體及牧者消息與代禱

  1. 二零二二年三月十九日及二十日崇拜講員:王明揚牧師(週六國語)、歐陽鑽玲傳道(週六、主日粵語)、陳榮基傳道(週六青崇AYAYA)、張志成牧師(主日英語)。
  2. 身體不適肢體:李慕慈、鄧陳有、劉黃玉蓮、葉周煥萍、陳見三、余鄧玉瑤、高唐瑞英。每週二粵語祈禱會我們將更具體為他們代禱。
  3. 李耀全牧師於3月14-17休假;
  4. 龔敏光牧師於3月14-18日休假;
  5. 劉展權傳道於3月14-17日休假。

宣教/機構消息:

  1. BC內陸事工隊計劃於4月8-11日前赴Trail 探訪。

週六國語

講員:劉展權傳道

經文:馬太福音22:23-46

講題:撥亂反正

1. 糾正對復活的認知

2. 糾正對最大的誡命的理解

3. 啟示基督獨特的身分

週六、主日粵語

講員:李耀全牧師

經文:馬太福音22:23-46

講題:您終極的問題該是甚麼?

A. 君王基督三次反駁偽君子( 太22: 23-40)

  1. 一個政治性的難題:納稅與否?
  2. 一個神學性的難題:有復活嗎?
  3. 一個倫理性的難題:最大誡命?

B. 君王基督終極的反問( 太22:41-46)

你們對基督的看法怎樣?

講題預告:

20221-4月主題:君王基督:基督是我們的救主(馬太福音16:21-28:20)

  • 3.19/20(預苦期第三週) 十個童女及三個奴僕的比喻          (太25:1-30)
  • 3.26/27(預苦期第) 出賣耶穌的陰謀與最後的晚餐     (太26:1-29)
  • 4.02/03(預苦期第五週) 客西馬尼與基督被出賣                (太26:36-56)
  • 4.09/10(棕枝主日)                    基督受難被釘十架              (太27:32-56)
  • 4.16/17(復活節)                          基督復活                           (太28:1-10)
  • 4.23/24                                        主的大使命           (太28:16-20; 徒1:1-11)

20225-6月主題:君王基督:基督是我們的成聖者(雅各書1-5)

  • 5.07/08(聖餐) 踐道於行 (雅1:19-27)
  • 5.14/16             偏見之危機 (雅2:1-13)

教會行事年曆

  • 3.19 &26        預苦期退修會(蔡貴恆牧師)      (粵語)
  • 4.15                 受苦節崇拜
  • 4.16/17          復活節崇拜暨浸禮
  • 4/30             領袖訓練第二講(英語)
  • 5.01-6.13      啟發課程(粵語)
  • 6.03-05       教會四十五週年記念
  •                       – 6.03培靈會
  •                       – 6.04宣教大會

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Christmas Evangelistic Meeting

2021.12.18/19

From the Pastor’s Desk: Pastor Francis Chan

In the past year, many people have relocated from Hong Kong to Vancouver. Of the 3 fellowships I am overseeing, there have been no less than 30 HK people visiting us during this period. Thanks to the Lord, more than half of the newcomers have decided to stay in our fellowships and to call RCAC their new spiritual home.

Yet most of the people relocating from Hong Kong are not yet Christians and will not take the initiative to attend churches. Many of them left Hong Kong because they chose not to accept the ‘new normal’ of Hong Kong on its political, social, and educational fronts. A considerable number of them have participated in the social movements and have experienced psychological distress, which requires healing.

Coming to Canada, they must cope with numerous challenges and adjustments. For those who have come as a matter of emergency, very few of them are psychologically and financially prepared. As these people would put it, their departure from Hong Kong and arrival in Canada are not about immigration but fleeing from disasters. When I thought of their situation, there is a deep yearning to reach out to them, to help them, and to share the gospel with them. I therefore discussed with our senior pastor about holding an evangelistic meeting on Christmas day with the hope of sharing with them the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. Thanks be to God! Pastor Simon loved and welcomed this idea. So we decided in early November to hold an evangelistic meeting during AYAYA’s worship time on Christmas day.

Since the beginning of our preparation for this meeting, my heart has been trembling and sometimes, I feel worried about the outcome. What will the weather be like that evening? What will the pandemic be like by then? Will there be guests coming to the meeting? Will brothers and sisters sacrifice their family time on Christmas night to accompany their guests to attend the meeting? Although there are many uncertainties, I am at peace when I pray in my heart. I understand that all that the Lord is asking of me is to respond to the Holy Spirit, to place a gospel seed in the hearts of our not-yet-Christian friends. The rest is up to the Lord.

In our preparation, prayer comes first. We set up a group of 10 people to pray for all guests who have been invited. This same group will attend to our guests should the latter choose to respond positively to the altar call that evening. For marketing and promotion, we have made a poster. It was designed by a brother who had only arrived in Vancouver for less than a month. We mainly use social media to send out e-posters and registration links to invite people to come. In addition, we have also printed 25 copies of our poster, all of which have now been posted up in different places in Richmond. For other supportive ministries (eg praise teams, care teams, etc), many brothers and sisters have come forward to serve. Now, I must focus on seeking the will of the Lord when I am preparing a message for the meeting. I humbly ask every single one of you to pray for our evangelistic meeting, to pray for our brothers and sisters serving in the meeting, and to pray for those whom God has chosen and will bring to the meeting. May we all work together faithfully to advance the kingdom of God and may God’s will be done in the RCAC family.

The trumpet has sounded, the harvest is ripe, the order has been issued, where are you?!

聖誕佈道會

2021.12.18/19

作者: 陳榮基傳道

在過去一年,不斷有人從香港移居溫哥華。在我負責的三個團契中,曾經出現過的香港人,最少也有三、四十人。感謝主,其中超過一半的新朋友,都願意留下來,以列宣家作為他們屬靈的家。

但從香港來的人,多數是未信主的,不會主動尋找教會。他們離開香港,多數是因為不能接受現今香港在政治、社會、教育各方面的新常態。他們當中,也有不少人參與過社會運動,身心靈受了傷,需要醫治。

初來甫到,在生活上會遇到很多挑戰。其中有些倉猝決定離開香港的人,他們對加拿大的新生活,無論在心理或經濟上的準備,都明顯不足。套用他們的話,他們不是移民,是走難。當我想到他們的景況,心裏便產生一種很大的催逼,要去接觸他們,幫助他們,將福音傳給他們。所以,我跟主任牧師商量,要在聖誕節搞一個佈道會,希望可以將主耶穌基督的福音傳給他們。感謝主,李牧師非常喜歡這個提議。我們就在11月頭決定,利用AYAYA 12 月25日晚上的崇拜,舉辦一場佈道會。

從開始籌備到現在,我的心情都是戰戰兢兢,有時也有患得患失的感覺。當晚的天氣如何呢?疫情會有甚麼變化呢?會有未信主的朋友來嗎?弟兄姊妹會否犧牲聖誕佳節的豐富節目去邀請、陪同福音對象來參加呢?雖然有很多不確定,但在禱告中,我是平安的。因為上帝要求我的,是去回應聖靈的感動,把福音種子放在未信的朋友心中,其餘的事,交託在上帝的手裏就是了。

籌備工作中,首要的是禱告。我們成立了一個陪談小組,去為已被邀請的朋友禱告,並在他們當晚決志信主的時候,為他們進行陪談。至於宣傳方面,我們邀請了一位從香港來了不到一個月的弟兄設計海報。我們主要是利用社交媒體發出電子海報及登記連結去邀請朋友參加。另外,我們也印刷了25張海報,現在已經貼在列治文不同的地方。其他崗位,亦已安排弟兄姊妺配搭事奉。目前,我要專心尋求神的心意,預備好當晚的訊息。懇請大家為我們的佈道會禱告,為所有事奉人員禱告,為上帝揀選並帶領來到我們當中的朋友禱告。願我們一同努力拓展上帝的國,願祂的旨意成就在列宣家。

號筒已經響起,莊稼已經成熟,命令已經發出,你在哪裏?!

 

家訊(2021.12.18/19)

家事報告:

  1. 歡迎您與我們一起敬拜神!由2021年10月2/3日起,我們重返教會實體崇拜,若閣下第一次參加本堂崇拜,請向司事索取「來賓咭」,填妥後交回司事員,以便本會繼續與您聯絡。
  2. 粵語祈禱會 :逢週二8-9pm 在Zoom平台進行。Zoom ID及密碼將電郵給長執及團契再轉發給各會眾,12月21日為英語青少年事工部及兒童事工部祈禱。
  3. 粵語年終感恩祈禱會定於12月31日8pm 在Zoom平台進行,主題:「疫境中有主伴我行」,鼓勵弟兄姊妹預留時間出席,一同見證神的保守與祝福。
  4. 奉獻不單是會眾作管家的責任,更是信徒的福氣,因施比受更為有福。年終感恩奉獻可以隨時透過信用咭支付(Tithe.ly)、或銀行轉賬e-transfer (收款電子郵箱“treasurer@rcac.ca”) ;或直接投入教會辦公室奉獻箱。
  5. 202213月粵語成人聖經課程繼續在ZOOM網上平台教授,上課時間仍然為上午9:00-10:00時,以方便弟兄姊妹上課後能參加實體崇拜或參與崇拜事奉。報名連結https://bit.ly/3o7ZjqA,報名截止日期為1224,請大家踴躍參加。
  6. AYAYA 週六青崇7PM 實體崇拜,需要預先報名,https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/217344472167。歡迎所有弟兄姊妹參加,與我們一同敬拜上帝!本週講題:不一樣的誕生;不一樣的人生 ,經文:馬太福音1:18-25,講員:劉展權傳道。
  1. 週六及主日粵語11:15AM實體崇拜,需要預先報名,報名連結:
  • 週六:https://bit.ly/3nQHE6N • 主日:https://bit.ly/2Ztf5mv

粵語崇拜亦會在網上Zoom平台同步直播,與留在家裡的肢體一起敬拜。崇拜Zoom ID及密碼逢週五透過電郵發送給大家。

  1. 【大喜訊 好日子】列宣讚美操將於12月24日星期五10:15am-12pm在網上Zoom平台舉行聖誕聯歡,內容包括信息分享、遊戲、心意傳送及跳讚美操等,詳情請參閱列宣網頁活動宣傳單張,歡迎邀請家人朋友參加。
    Zoom Meeting ID: 853 0515 3506 |  密碼(Passcode):  2233
  2. 1224晚上7:00時本會國語事工舉辨平安夜聚會,主題:「預備大日子的來臨」,歡迎會眾邀請說國語的家人朋友出席。
  3. 1225晚上8:00時粵語青崇AYAYA舉辦「聖誕佈道會」,鼓勵弟兄姊妹邀請未信主的家人朋友,特別是講廣東話的青少年,請用以下連結報名https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/218974477557。
  4. 卑斯省水災及泥石流對菲沙河谷及內陸社區造成嚴重災害,宣道區會呼籲大家捐獻幫助他們。奉獻請註明:緊急水災救援基金。我們會把你的奉獻轉到區會。
  5. 本會現聘請堂務同工(Caretaker)一名。全職或半職(Part-Time)均可。申請者請將個人履歷以書面形式於12月31日前呈交李耀全牧師或電郵rev.simon.lee@rcac.ca。招聘內容已張貼於列宣報告版。
  6. 每週崇拜週刊,請瀏覽www.rcac.ca查閱有關連結 – 家訊教牧心聲等。
  7. 牧者消息與代禱:
  • 李耀全牧師於12月20至24日休假。
  • 2021年11月21日,長議會收到李耀全牧師的通知,他將於2022年12月31日榮休。雖然不捨得李牧師卸下主任牧師的職務,我們衷心感謝李牧師過去十年來對我們的牧養、深切的愛、奉獻和承諾。通過我們與助理區監督陳明中牧師的合作,我們已開始啓動尋找主任牧師的工作。李牧師給長議會的通知已張貼在列宣報告版。

肢體及牧者消息與代禱

  1. 二零二一年十二月二十五日及二十六日崇拜講員:陳榮基傳道(週六青崇)、周力行牧師(週六國語、週六及主日粵語)、張志成牧師(主日英語)。
  2. 身體不適肢體:李慕慈、鄧陳有、劉黃玉蓮、葉周煥萍、陳見三、余鄧玉瑤、高唐瑞英。每週二粵語祈禱會我們將更具體為他們代禱。
  3. 陳黃雪芳(Janetta)姊妹於12月11日安息主懷,願主安慰陳餘弟兄及其家人。Janetta的安息禮拜定於12月23日下午2:00假海景墓園舉行,如有雅各團的肢體想參加,請與Jesselyn姊妹聯絡,她會代轉告Janetta 的家人。

宣教/機構消息:

  1. 第一屆加拿大華人基督徒網上冬令會於2021年12月31日至2022年1月2日舉行,需要報名參加,請登入以下網止報名https://www.cccwc.ca/。

講道大綱及筆記:   

週六國語崇拜

講員:劉展權傳道

經文:馬太福音1:18-25

講題:大日子:小人物

  •  這位耶穌是誰?
  • 祂做了什麼?
  • 我們該如何回應?

週六及主日粵語崇拜

講員:龔敏光牧師

經文:馬太福音1:18-24

講題:大日子,小人物

  • 神主動計劃
  • 神保守落實
  • 人配合成就

結果:以馬內利就是“神與我們同在”

講題預告:

  • 12.24 (7pm)(國語聚會) 平安夜聚會: 預備大日子的來臨
  • 12.25 (8pm)(粵語青崇聖誕佈道會):誰是主角
  • 12.25/26           聖誕信息3: 大日子: 新生王               (太2:1-18)

20221-3月主題:君王基督:基督是我們的救主(馬太福音16:21-28:20)

  • 1.01/02 (聖餐) 基督是愛子                  (太17:1-23)
  • 1.08/09           國度群體的生活1: 誰是最大?             (太18:1-14; 19:13-15)
  • 1.15/16             國度群體的生活2: 何謂真正的饒恕? (太18:15-35)
  • 1.22/23            婚姻的神聖                   (太19:1-12)
  • 1.29/30            誰能進天國                   (太19:16-30)

教會行事年曆

  • 12.21                   Prayer Meeting (E)
  • 12.24                   平安夜聚會(國語)
  • 12.25/26             聖誕崇拜
  • 12.25                   粵語青崇(AYAYA)聖誕佈道會
  • 12.27-28             聖誕假期
  • 12.31                   年終感恩見證祈禱會

2022

  • 1.01                         元旦日新年
  • 1.01/02                   成人聖經班第一季課程
  • 1.01/02                   復活節浸禮開始報名
  • 1.07/08                   長執就職禮

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mentor and Mentee: The relationship between Barnabas and Paul 2: Sponsorship, nurturing and multiplication

2021.12.11/12

From the Pastor’s Desk: Rev. Simon Lee

Dear brothers and sisters of RCAC,

In my last article (1), I shared my initial thought on mentoring relationships through Barnabas and Paul: Prerequisites in spiritual mentoring. In this article we are going to look at the 3 phases of the mentoring relationship of Barnabas and Paul: Sponsorship, nurturing and multiplication.

  1. Staunch sponsorship of the mentee

Whereas Paul (then Saul) had a reputation as a persecutor of the church (Acts 9:1-2), Barnabas was a well-respected leader and teacher in the Church in Jerusalem. Even Ananias, a disciple of Jesus at Damascus, when asked by the Lord to go speak with Paul was hesitant because of the “evil” he had perpetuated against the followers of Jesus (Acts 9:13-14). Paul also had to face the same challenge when he tried to join the disciples of Jesus in Jerusalem (Acts 9:26). No one could trust Paul who not too long ago was the one who hunted them down to put them in prison. Barnabas put his reputation on the line in taking a risk in sponsoring and recommending Paul.  Because of that, Paul was able to preach boldly in the name of Christ. But he had to leave Jerusalem because the Greek-speaking Jews in Damascus sought to kill him (Acts 9:28,29).  The believers sent Paul away to Tarsus for safety and there he stayed for about three years (Gal 1:17-18). Again, it was Barnabas who sought Paul out to join him in teaching the believers in Antioch, resulting in many people being taught (Acts 11:25-26). Barnabas and Paul also were given the honour and responsibility to bring the special relief offering to the believers in Judea. In these ministries, Barnabas was a strong sponsor of Paul, helping to launch him in his early ministries.

During my many years of ministries where I have served, I had to recruit young Christian workers or mentor them, both in teaching and pastoring, I had on more than one occasion vouch for and sponsor and support young inexperienced workers. Sad to say I have been disappointed more than once, when the person(s) I strongly sponsor turns out to have his or her own agenda, or only give lip-service to entering a mentoring relationship. But I really treasure those who are willing to be mentored and even become valuable teammates who excel.

  1. Nurturing the mentee to be a leader who excels

Usually after an initial sponsoring and initiation period, the mentoring relationships that survive go into a maturing and nurturing period where the mentor and mentee consolidate the cultivation process. This is the most satisfying stage of the relationship where there is mutual trust and respect.

Such is the case when Barnabas and Paul embarked on their first missionary journey. As they travelled, Barnabas took risks in letting Paul take the lead. This is seen in letting Paul speak on Cyprus, as well as letting Paul respond to the challenge of a false leader (Acts 13:9-12). We find in the Lukan account the names of Barnabas and Paul are mentioned in alternate order, indicating that Barnabas was starting to step aside to letting Paul take the lead (Acts 13:7, 13, 43; 14:14; 15:12, 25), until eventually Barnabas withdrew entirely into the background. At this stage, the mentor takes on the role of an advisor, letting the mentee develop into a mature leader, in fact one who excels over his mentor where he is gifted.

This mentoring phase was a relatively long period that began from the conversion of Paul and lasted till the end of the Antioch mission at the conclusion of the Jerusalem Council. One big problem I see in the succession plan of leadership in the Chinese Churches worldwide is the failure to cultivate leaders over a longer period.

On the other hand, the problem preventing the full development of the mentee is when the mentor always hangs onto his position as the leader, or the opposite is true when the mentee is too assertive or too eager to take over the leadership, prematurely thinking that he or she is ready to assume leadership. Jesus teaches us the servant leadership model. Jesus called them (the disciples) together and said, “You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:42-45)

  1. Multiplying healthily the mentoring relationships

While mutual respect in the mentoring relationship should continue to flourish, the mentoring structure must end when maturity in the mentee is attained, indicating the goal in the relationship has been achieved. It is natural that the mature mentee wants to be independent and that indicates there is a healthy relationship, ready for termination. Sometimes when honest differences in opinion start to surface in the mature mentoring relationship, the best thing to do is to allow it to move into a separation phase where the mentoring relationship is redefined, and perhaps multiplied.

In the case of Barnabas and Paul, the separation phase came to a head when they decided to return to the places where they had preached the gospel (Acts 15:36). Barnabas wanted to take Mark, but Paul was not in agreement because Mark had abandoned them during the first missionary journey. Eventually they went their separate ways, Barnabas taking Mark, and Paul taking Silas.

I like to see this result as the mentoring model being multiplied. We do not know much about the relationship of Barnabas and Paul after this as the Lukan account focused on Paul (the mentee) as he continued his apostleship to the Gentiles. But one snapshot of Paul much later asking that Mark come to him because he regards him as useful to him would indicate he later saw Barnabas was right in giving Mark a second chance, investing in his life (I Tim 4:11). In the mentoring relationships of Paul and Timothy, Silvanus, and Titus (2 Cor. 1:1; I Thes. 1:1; Gal 3:1), we see Paul continuing mentoring in the footstep left by Barnabas.

What the church needs today is more mentoring relationships at all levels. I tried to do this when I was professor in Hong Kong, forming “Pastoral mentoring groups”, some of which still are active today. Paul in writing to Timothy his spiritual son and mentee, says “You then, my child, be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus, and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also.” (2 Tim 2:1,2)

Your servant in Christ,

Rev. Simon Lee

亦師亦友:巴拿巴與保羅的師徒關係 2:推薦、培育和延伸

2021.12.11/12

作者: 李耀全牧師

主内列宣家的弟兄姊妹:

在上一篇文章(1)中,我分享了我對師徒關係的初步想法: 屬靈師徒關係的先決條件。在這篇文章中,我們將看看巴拿巴和保羅的師徒關係的三個階段:推薦、培育和延伸。

  1. 師父給徒生鼎力的推薦與機會

保羅(當時的掃羅)以迫害教會而聞名(徒 9:1-2),而巴拿巴則是耶路撒冷教會中備受尊崇的領袖和教師,就連耶穌在大馬士革的門徒亞拿尼亞,當被主要求去與保羅說話時,也因保羅對耶穌的追隨者施加了「苦害」 而猶豫(徒 9:13-14)。當保羅試圖在耶路撒冷與耶穌的門徒會合時,他也不得不面對同樣的挑戰(徒 9:26),沒有人能信任保羅,因他是一個在不久前追捕他們,把他們關進監獄的人。巴拿巴卻冒著危及自己聲譽的風險扶助和推薦保羅,因此,保羅能夠奉基督的名放膽傳道,但因大馬士革講希臘話的猶太人想要殺他,保羅不得不離開耶路撒冷(徒 9:28,29)。為了保羅的安全,信徒們差他往大數去,他在那逗留了大約三年(加 1:17-18)。再次,是巴拿巴找保羅一起去安提阿作教導的工作,使許多信徒被造就(徒11:25-26),巴拿巴和保羅也榮幸地負責將大饑荒的捐款送到猶太的信徒那裡,在這些事工中,巴拿巴鼎力推薦保羅,幫助他在早期的事工中開展。一直以來,巴拿巴師徒培育是我的模範。

在我多年的服侍中,我需要招募、教導或牧養年輕的基督徒工人,我不止一次提攜、推薦和支持沒有經驗的年輕工人,可悲的是,我不止失望過一次,有些我大力提攜的人有自己的議程,或者只是口唇上說要進入師徒關係,但我很珍重那些願意被教導,甚至成為與我同工的優秀工人。

  1. 培育徒生成為青出於藍的領袖

師徒關係若能跨過初期的推薦和提攜階段,會鞏固培育過程,進入成熟和栽培的階段,相互信任和尊重,這是關係中最令人滿足的階段。

巴拿巴和保羅開始他們的第一次宣教之時,正正在這狀態,他們在旅途中,巴拿巴冒險讓保羅帶領,他讓保羅在塞浦路斯宣講神的道,以及讓保羅回應假先知的挑戰(徒 13:9-12)。我們發現在路加的記載中,巴拿巴和保羅的排名次序交替出現,表明巴拿巴開始讓位,讓保羅帶領(徒 13:7, 13, 43; 14:14; 15:12, 25),直到最終巴拿巴完全退居幕後。在這階段,導師扮演顧問的角色,讓徒生發展成為一個成熟的領導者,甚至在他的恩賜上青出於藍。

這個師徒階段是一個相對較長的時期,從保羅歸信開始,一直持續到耶路撒冷會議決定差派他們到安提阿宣教後才結束。我看到在全球華人教會的領袖接班計劃中有一大問題,就是未能有較長培育領袖的時間。

另一方面,阻礙徒生全面發展的障礙是導師總是固守自己的領導地位,或者相反地徒生過於自信或急於接管領導權,過早地認為自己已準備好擔任領導職務。耶穌教導我們僕人領袖模式,耶穌把他們(門徒)叫過來,對他們說:「你們知道各國都有被尊為元首的統治他們,也有官長管轄他們。 但你們中間卻不要這樣;誰想在你們中間為大的,就要作你們的僕役, 誰想在你們中間為首的,就要作大家的奴僕。 因為人子來,不是要受人服事,而是要服事人,並且要捨命,作許多人的贖價。」(可 10:42-45)。故此耶穌以身作則,為門徒洗腳。

  1. 師徒個別延伸培養師徒的關係

雖然師徒關係中的相互尊重應該繼續發芽,徒生的成熟表明關係中的目標已達成,師徒架構也必須結束,成熟的徒生想要獨立是很自然的,這表明關係健康,準備好結束。有時,當成熟的師徒關係開始出現坦誠的意見分歧時,最好的辦法是讓它進入分離階段,重新定義彼此的關係,或許師徒關係可以個別延伸。

就巴拿巴和保羅而言,當他們決定回到他們傳過福音的地方時,分離階段出現(徒 15:36),巴拿巴想要帶馬可一同前去,但保羅不同意,因為馬可在第一次宣教旅程中半途而廢,最終他們分道揚鑣,巴拿巴帶著馬可,保羅帶著西拉。

我喜歡把這個結果看作是師徒模式在延伸,在此之後,我們對巴拿巴和保羅的關係知之甚少,因為路加記述的重點是保羅(徒生)繼續作外邦人使徒,但後期保羅的一個片段表明他看到巴拿巴給馬可第二次機會,投資在他身上是正確的,保羅要求馬可到他那裡去,因為認為馬可對他有用(提前 4:11)。在保羅和提摩太、西拉和提多(林後 1:1; 帖前 1:1; 加3:1)的師徒關係中,我們看到保羅效法巴拿巴的足跡繼續作教導。

今天教會需要的是在各個層面上更多的師徒關係,我在香港做教授時就嘗試這樣做教牧培訓,成立了「教牧菁英小組」,其中一些今天仍然很活躍。保羅在寫給他屬靈兒子和徒生提摩太的信中說:「所以,我兒啊,你應當在基督耶穌的恩典裡剛強起來, 又應當把你在許多見證人面前從我這裡聽見的,交託給那些又忠心又能夠教導別人的人。」 (提後 2:1,2)

主僕

李耀全牧師

 

家訊(2021.12.11/12)

家事報告:

  1. 歡迎您與我們一起敬拜神!由2021年10月2/3日起,我們重返教會實體崇拜,若閣下第一次參加本堂崇拜,請向司事索取「來賓咭」,填妥後交回司事員,以便本會繼續與您聯絡。
  2. 粵語祈禱會 :逢週二8-9pm 在Zoom平台進行。Zoom ID及密碼將透過電郵發給長執及團契再轉發給各會眾,12月14日為婚姻與家庭部祈禱。
  3. 粵語年終感恩祈禱會定於12月31日8pm 在Zoom平台進行,主題:「疫境中有主伴我行」,鼓勵弟兄姊妹預留時間出席,一同見證神的保守與祝福。
  4. 2022年第一季(13月)粵語成人聖經課程繼續在ZOOM網上平台教授,上課時間仍然為上午9:00-10:00時,以方便弟兄姊妹上課後能參加實體崇拜或參與崇拜事奉。報名連結https://bit.ly/3o7ZjqA,報名截止日期為1224,請大家踴躍參加。
  5. AYAYA 週六青崇7PM 實體崇拜,需要預先報名,https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/217344472167。歡迎所有弟兄姊妹參加,與我們一同敬拜上帝!本週講題:新生王,經文:馬太福音1:1-17,講員:陳榮基傳道。
  1. 週六及主日粵語11:15AM實體崇拜,需要預先報名,報名連結:
  • 週六:https://bit.ly/3nQHE6N
  • 主日:https://bit.ly/2Ztf5mv

鼓勵大家瀏覽列宣網頁www.rcac.ca細閱重返教會崇拜詳情。

粵語崇拜亦會在網上Zoom平台同步直播,與留在家裡的肢體一起敬拜。崇拜Zoom ID及密碼逢週五透過電郵發送給大家。

  1. 【大喜訊 好日子】列宣讚美操將於12月24日星期五10:15am-12pm在網上Zoom平台舉行聖誕聯歡,內容包括信息分享、遊戲、心意傳送及跳讚美操等,詳情請參閱列宣網頁活動宣傳單張,歡迎邀請家人朋友參加。
    Zoom Meeting ID: 853 0515 3506 |  密碼(Passcode):  2233
  2. 由下週末起,1211/1218/19日及25/26,一連三個星期的週末敬拜聚會將會是聖誕福音信息,鼓勵弟兄姊妹邀請未信主的家人朋友赴會,一同在普天同慶的日子裡認識及分享聖誕的真正意義,就是主耶穌基督的救恩。
  3. 1224晚上7:00時本會國語事工舉辨平安夜聚會,主題:「預備大日子的來臨」,歡迎會眾邀請說國語的家人朋友出席。
  4. 1225晚上8:00時粵語青崇AYAYA舉辦「聖誕佈道會」,鼓勵弟兄姊妹邀請未信主的家人朋友,特別是講廣東話的青少年,請用以下連結報名https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/218974477557。
  5. 卑斯省水災及泥石流對菲沙河谷及內陸社區造成嚴重災害,宣道區會呼籲大家捐獻幫助他們。奉獻請註明:緊急水災救援基金。我們會把你的奉獻轉到區會。
  6. 本會現聘請堂務同工(Caretaker)一名。全職或半職(Part-Time)均可。申請者請將個人履歷以書面形式呈交李耀全牧師或電郵rev.simon.lee@rcac.ca。招聘內容已張貼於列宣報告版。
  7. 每週崇拜週刊,請瀏覽www.rcac.ca查閱有關連結 – 家訊教牧心聲等。
  8. 牧者消息與代禱:
  • 關潔玲傳道(Pastor Karen) 於11月8至12月13日休假。
  • 李耀全牧師於12月16, 17日及12月20至24日休假。

肢體及牧者消息與代禱

  1. 二零二一年十二月十八日及十九日崇拜講員:劉展權傳道(週六國語、週六青崇及主日英語)、龔敏光牧師(週六及主日粵語)。
  2. 身體不適肢體:李慕慈、鄧陳有、劉黃玉蓮、葉周煥萍、陳見三、余鄧玉瑤、陳黃雪芳、高唐瑞英。每週二粵語祈禱會我們將更具體為他們代禱。

宣教/機構消息:

  1. 第一屆加拿大華人基督徒網上冬令會於2021年12月31日至2022年1月2日舉行,需要報名參加,請登入以下網止報名https://www.cccwc.ca/。

講道大綱及筆記:   

週六國語週六及主日粵語崇拜

講員:李耀全牧師

經文:馬太福音1:1:1-17

講題:大日子:劃時代-神劃時代的救贖計劃

 引言:

「大衛的子孫,亞伯拉罕的後裔,耶穌基督(母系) 的家譜:」(太1:1)

  1. 神救贖計劃由人始祖犯罪便預告(懲罰與應許,創3:14-19)
  • 由亞當神的兒子說起(耶穌(父系)的家譜)( 路3:23, 38)
  1. 神救贖計劃由亞伯拉罕便展開(咒詛與祝福,創12:1-3)
  • 由亞伯拉罕到大衛王(太1:2-6a) [十四代]
  • 由大衛王到猶太人被擄到巴比倫的時候(太1:6b-11) [十四代]

- 在大衛王的寶座上(賽9:6-7)

  • 由被擄到巴比倫的時候到基督(太1:12-16) [十四代]
  1. 神救贖計劃與您
  • 由第一個亞當到末後的亞當完備的計劃(林前15:45)
  • 救恩不分男女…
  • 救恩不分國藉…

結論:救恩為您而設!

講題預告:

  • 12.18/19           聖誕信息2: 大日子: 小人物               (太1:18-24)
  • 12.24 (7pm)(國語聚會) 平安夜聚會: 預備大日子的來臨
  • 12.25 (8pm)(粵語青崇聖誕佈道會)
  • 12.25/26           聖誕信息3: 大日子: 新生王               (太2:1-18)

20221-3月主題:君王基督:基督是我們的救主 (馬太福音16:21-28:20)

  • 1.01/02 (聖餐)           基督是愛子     (太17:1-23)
  • 1.08/09                      國度群體的生活1: 誰是最大? (太18:1-14; 19:13-15)
  • 1.15/16                        國度群體的生活2: 何謂真正的饒恕? (太18:15-35)
  • 1.22/23                      婚姻的神聖 (太19:1-12)
  • 1.29/30                      誰能進天國 (太19:16-30)

教會行事年曆

  • 12.21                   Prayer Meeting (E)
  • 12.24                   平安夜聚會(國語)
  • 12.25/26             聖誕崇拜
  • 12.25                   粵語青崇(AYAYA)聖誕佈道會
  • 12.27-28             聖誕假期
  • 12.31                   年終感恩見證祈禱會

2022

  • 1.01                           元旦日新年
  • 1.01/02                   長執就職禮
  • 1.01/02                   成人聖經班第一季課程
  • 1.01/02                   復活節浸禮開始報名

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2021.12.04/05 From the Pastor’s Desk: Pastor Karen Quan

2 Tim 3:16-17 (New International Reader’s Version) 

16 God has breathed life into all Scripture. It is useful for teaching us what is true. It is useful for correcting our mistakes. It is useful for making our lives whole again. It is useful for training us to do what is right. 17 By using Scripture, the servant of God can be completely prepared to do every good thing.

For Kids’ Ministry, we’ve kicked off our 2nd year of Online Awana and listed above is our Theme Verse for Sept 2021-June 2022. We place a high priority on the teaching of scripture with our children but I’m looking forward to what our kids will share and teach us about their reflections on scripture.

Here are a few thoughts so far related to this passage…

“God has breathed life into all scripture…” A reminder that God has inspired ALL of scripture. There isn’t one sentence that doesn’t have value, whether we fully understand it or not. Every measurement, name listed in a genealogy, geographical mention….each has it’s purpose to reveal to us who our God is & how he loves us. 

“It’s useful for teaching us what’s true…” We live in a time where our modern world tends to present truth as “relative” or “my truth” …… This passage reminds us that the source of truth is God himself and it’s in His word that we can really understand what truth is, not just our own version or preference of it. God’s desire is for us to seek truth, which is based in seeking Him. Only then, can we teach that which is of real value. 

 In using this scripture for the entire ministry year, we have encouraged the kids to each color a poster based on this passage or create their own poster of this scripture. This artwork is then shared with others during our weekly Zoom Calls. It’s been great to see the creativity of each child who has submitted so far and each one has been unique. Our prayer is that this project would help deepen our appreciation for scripture & point each of us to God. 

One of the surprises of COVID has been the opportunity to look at time in a different way. As we each continue to work through the changing restrictions, my prayer is that we would continue to make time for scripture, the reflection of scripture, the transformation of scripture in each of hearts, especially as we begin this Advent season.