is rapidly spreading through the population, especially in Bangkok. While some activities may continue, they must do so under strict revised conditions which are both difficult and costly to put in place and maintain. This includes ATK testing every time just when these kits are rising in price and becoming scarce.
As a result, ICB has cancelled in person services once more for an indefinite period until the worst of the pandemic is over and it becomes safer for everyone to meet again.We all feel disappointed but we all must agree that despite vaccination, minimising the health risk for all is paramount.
Meanwhile online (Zoom) services (and the AGM next week) will continue. Our minister, Pastor Chee, and members of the Church Council can be contacted as and when needed. email minister@icbangkok.org Reports and other papers concerning the Annual General meeting are being posted shortly on ICB website < https://www.icbangkok.org > or click here
NEWS FLASH!!
We will join together
on Zoom ONLY
this Sunday
16th January 2022
at 10.00 am.
We will NOT meet In-Person
at Bangkok Christian College (BCC)Only on Zoom
see below how to log-on
How to connect to on-line relay via Zoom
(computer, tablet or smartphone)
Wherever you are in the world, you are welcome to join us online using the Zoom application in the same way as we have been doing since May 2021
About ICB worship on Zoom:
Please log-in on time and allow a minute or two to connect.
You will be “muted” upon entering the zoom room. Please stay muted during the service.
Please be patient as we try to overcome any glitches with our technical set-up at BCC.
There will be an opportunity to chat to others on-line for a short while immediately following the service this Sunday.
16th January 2022Sermon
is delivered on zoom by our minister, Revd. Chee Keong Yong
Revd. Chee’s sermon theme is entitled: The Wedding
Our Scripture Reading is: Gospel: John 2 1-11*(*click for online Bible)Pastor Chee’s brief :
For most of us who have been to weddings before, I reckon that we seldom come across “dry” weddings where alcohol is not served. It seems customary that alcohol is served at weddings no matter what cultural and ethnic background.
Looking at the Gospel reading, it will be tempting to focus on Jesus’ act of changing water to wine as central to the event. The event is not repeated in the other Gospels. So why did John pick this up in his Gospel?
Remember how John began his Gospel by highlighting the creation event. He was writing to the Jews and linking Jesus’ beginnings with the creation story is vital. After all, the Jews were expecting and longing for the Messiah. This link to the creation story may help the Jews recognize Jesus as such.
The inclusion of this event of the wedding at Cana with the Epiphany season readings is significant. It is an event that “reveals” or “shines forth”. John calls this a “sign” rather than a “miracle”.
Here too as in the creation story, John brings us back to Genesis where God created humankind – Adam and Eve. Jesus’ first sign at a wedding reminds the Jews that the creator stands among them ready to reveal God’s glory even in a mundane and ordinary Jewish wedding.
Will it not be great then to have Jesus turning up at the ordinary events of our lives to enliven our “drab” lives – no offence to those who are living it up. For most, I reckon our daily lives may need a dose of “Jesus’ presence” to turn water into wine.
So join us this Sunday for our service at 10.00 am on Zoom onlywhile we take precautions to avoid the Omicron Covid variant. Invite Jesus into your daily lives to liven it up.
Blessings
Chee
Please scroll down below for notices about Sunday school, Covenants for 2022, and our weekly on-line prayer meeting on Thursday evenings.
Scroll further down for important notices for you from the Church Council. One concerns nominations for next year’s council and the other is about a policy document which is being proposed for ICB (to be decided at the AGM).
Also, notice that the Annual General Meeting of ICB will be held next Sunday 23rd January following morning worship. Reports and other papers concerning the meeting are being posted shortly on ICB website https://www.icbangkok.org or click here
For now all future services will be on Zoom only until the situation becomes safer, once more.
NewsFlash: Sunday School will not meet this Sunday & until we have in-person services again
NEXT SUNDAY- 23rd Jan!!!
Notice of
Annual General Meeting
for International Church of Bangkok (ICB)
is hereby given, to be held on Sunday, 23rd January 2002
directly after church morning service (11.15 appx.) on Zoom only.
NOTE: People can use the Zoom chat function for outward communication during the meeting.Reports and other papers concerning the Annual General meeting are being posted shortly on ICB website < https://www.icbangkok.org > or click here
The ICB Church Council and you!
Call for 2022 Church Council:
Volunteers and Nominations (We still have some vacant positions to fill!)
Each year at this time we ask for ICB members to consider how they can best support the church in the next 12 months. One way to do this is by serving on the Church Council, either as the head of a committee (such as Finance or Outreach), as the Chair or Vice-Chair, or in one of the at-large positions. The Council usually meets 4 times per year, and membership is open to all ICB members and regular attendees.
Are you interested in serving our church this way? Christian leadership can be a fun opportunity for spiritual growth and is an excellent way to meet other church members and become more involved in the life and direction of ICB. No prior leadership experience is necessary, and as always, we would like next year’s council to reflect the diversity of nationalities and worship backgrounds at ICB.
More details about specific church positions can be foundat this link. Please consider serving our community in this way in 2022. If you would like to serve – or have an idea or nomination of someone whom you think would fill one of the roles well – then please contact either Pastor Chee (minister@icbangkok.org) or Cameron Macky (magicrat4@gmail.com) as soon as possible.
Thank you!
Policy Proposal for Approval
at ICB AGM on 23 Jan 2022
Draft Policy Document for your consideration:
“Policy on Diversity, Inclusiveness and Unity”
The Church Council has recently prepared a special policy document to put forward to the congregation for approval at the Annual Church Meeting, which will be held on Sunday 23rd January 2022. The Council asks you to read and consider this proposal carefully beforehand so that any proposed amendments can be collated before the AGM itself.
The council encourages prayer and discussion among the congregation and welcomes your feedback.
Thursdays from 7:00 to 7:30pm (pls join before 7:05)
This is a wonderful opportunity to pause for a few moments, however busy we are, and join together to reflect and pray forour Church, Bangkok, the World and for ourselves. You will feel better for it – and so will God!
Urgently needed: Offerings to our
Ministry to Displaced Personsto assist refugee families and asylum seekers currently residing in Bangkok (details of how to donate are shown below)
CHRISTIAN OUTREACH The International Church of Bangkok
partners with Christian ministries throughout Thailand to advance the work of Jesus.
5% of ICB’s yearly total income goes directly to the outreach partners. Members and friends are also encouraged to give directly.
During December, ICB’s Outreach focused on our
“Ministry to Displaced Persons”.
which assists vital everyday needs for refugees and asylum seekers in Bangkok who come here from many nations.
All of our Christmas Eve Service offering was added to these funds but we still urgently need to receive further gifts to support this ongoing work of our church.
Thank you or your prayerful consideration for those in greatest need. We need more funding support to keep our commitments to them going through 2022.
Bank transfers are easy to do and very welcome Please Donate NOW when it’s Most Needed!! KasikornBank (KBank): 003-1-09408-9
Transfer your donation to the ICB Bank account above and please email your transfer confirmation with the message:
“For Outreach: month/year (or MDP )” office@icbangkok.org
ICB is a fully self-supported congregation.
We gladly receive your donations. KBank a/c 003-1-09408-9
More information on the ICB Website
Thank you!
Making a Covenant
with God and His Church2022
Advancing the Work of Jesus!
Please return the form shown below either by placing in the offering bag or sending to the church office:
61/2 Soi Saen Sabai 3; Sukhumvit 36 Road; Bangkok; 10110
Or you can scan and email to office@icbangkok.org.
International Church of Bangkok is a fully self-supporting church. We are not sponsored by any foreign church body and thus receive no outside financial assistance. In fact, we take joy to be a congregation who supports ministries all over Thailand!
We need over 5 million baht each year to cover expenses and keep our
ministry and the ICB community sustainable.
Your contributions to ICB may be tax-deductible under Thai tax rules.
For more information or to donate in US tax-deductible dollars, please contact the church office: office@icbangkok.org
Covenant Form
After prayerful consideration for the year 2022,
I/We enter into covenant with God and His Church to:Pray for my Church_______times per week.
Attend Worship_______times per month.
Give back to God the following in God’s tithe (10%) & offerings
Baht_______per week/month/year (please circle one)
Other Currency_______per week/month/year (please circle)
Serve God in ministry. I’m interested in (please circle):
Christian Education
Outreach
Worship Prayer
Personnel & Property
Evangelism/Membership
Finance/Stewardship
Fellowship
Other ……….
You can pick up this covenant form at our services or you can email the ICB office for this form on line: office@icbangkok.org
Missed a sermon?
Want to hear one again?
If you missed any of the recent sermons or would like to hear one or more again, recordings are available from Rev. Chee himself. Please let him know which Sunday(s) you are interested in and he will send you the link.
Send an email to: minister@icbangkok.org
International Church of Bangkok (ICB)
Advancing the Work of Jesus!
ICB is an English language congregation, composed of native and non-native speakers. We are committed to welcoming people of all backgrounds to Christian worship for a diverse, inclusive and unifying faith experience.
We seek to advance the work of Jesus Christ by promoting and supporting spiritual growth, community and service to others.
Scan these QR Codes to
find out more about
International Church of Bangkok
This upper link will guide you to our
ICB Website
This lower link will guide you to our
ICB Facebook page
For personal inquiries, more information and
church membership, please email
Rev. Chee Keong Yong: minister@icbangkok.org
