About ICB worship on Zoom:
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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 while immediately following the service this Sunday. Newcomers and visitors: You are warmly welcome to to introduce yourselves in our chat rooms.
27th February 2022
Sermon
is delivered on zoom by our minister, Revd. Chee Keong Yong
Revd. Chee’s sermon theme is entitled: Come down from the mountaintop!
Our Scripture Readings are: Epistle: 2 Corinthians 3:12-4:2*
Gospel: Luke 9:28-36, 37-43a*(*click for online Bible)
Pastor Chee’s brief :
Of the four Gospel writers, Luke was perhaps the most educated among them as a doctor and a historian. Moreover, he was giving an accurate account of Jesus’s life and ministry to an official by the name of Theophilus. He went to great lengths to do this, with emphasis on details, dates, and events that connected Jesus with the history and people of Israel.
Here in Chapter 9, we see him providing answers to the question of who Jesus is – who forgives sins, who commands nature, etc.? He wrote about an event that took place on what is now known as the Mount of Transfiguration where the answer comes from heaven,
“This is my chosen son; listen to him.”
Earlier in this season of Epiphany, you would perhaps remember the words, “This is my son” from the event of Jesus’ baptism. Both these two readings remind us of the intent behind it – “revelation” or “to make manifest.”
In every generation and season of time, we need to constantly ask ourselves – how is God revealing himself to us? The past two years or so had been tough on the world. By the looks of it, it is not getting any better although we may want to imagine otherwise and play down world events as they unfold. It is not my task here to paint the picture in better or worse light, for we have to face up to reality. We need to discern the times in the light of God’s word.
“This is my chosen son; listen to him.”
The mission of the church continues although events around the world seem to make this a difficult challenge. One can be brought to lament over the current situation or one can be challenged to greater heights. How do we do mission today?
Let’s consider the text before us. The first part of the event focuses on the experience of the three disciples on the mount. They were awed by the event – the dazzling appearance of Jesus in his glory with Elijah and Moses. Certainly, they would have considered the privilege granted them by Jesus to witness the event. Such was the impact of the event that Peter as usual and true to form blurted out, “let’s build three shelters (tabernacles)” to commemorate the event. This was indeed a mountaintop experience.
We too may have had our mountaintop experience(s) in life. Would you care to share to edify others? What did we do to remember the event? It may not have been as extravagant compared to what Peter suggested.
The thing to remember here, mountaintop experiences do not last. They fade through time. Our faith journey is not sustained by mountaintop experience(s).
Perhaps, for too long our church practices are focused on mountaintop experience(s). We invite others to share our experiences in our “tabernacles” (called churches or cathedrals). My dear friends, when the event is over, do not expect the presence of God to remain in the moment. Where is God today?
Look at the next part of the reading from verse 37 onwards. There we find God in the valley and on the plain of everyday lives among people who struggle through life with their ills and maladies. Indeed if the church to be truly missional, it cannot remain on the mountaintop. Come down to the valley and the plains. This is where God is actively present among his people.
C.S. Lewis wrote, “We cannot change the beginning… so let us work to change the end.”
We are called to be the agents of transformation that we so desperately need as a community of faith, as a society, as citizens of the world. Perhaps the pandemic left us with many things, some negative, but it also left us positive marks and opportunities. Let’s take the day calmly, but let’s not stop. Don’t be afraid, but let’s be careful. Let us continue the journey, but don’t stop taking care of ourselves and taking care of others, reflecting and contributing to the construction of the life-giving project inaugurated by Jesus Christ.
Blessings
Chee
Please scroll down belowfor notices from Pastor Chee and information about Fellowship at ICB, Thursday Prayer meetings, and Outreach.
Join Pastor Chee this Wednesday, March 2nd, at 7:00pm on Zoom for a short ASH WEDNESDAY service and devotional. (Same Zoom code as the Sunday services)
Until later next month, our services will remain on Zoom only. As the situation becomes safer once more, we we will be starting meeting in-person. Scroll down for the the latest news on in-person Morning and Evening services.
Please pray for those who have contracted Covid19, including those in our own congregation and their families.
Congratulations to
Emina, Sophia and Bening !!!
These three young people of ICB have successfully completed the Faith Formation Course, meeting their teachers in-person and on-line for the past 3 years.
Last Sunday, at ICB’s on-line service, all three reported on their Faith Journey (so far) and what the Faith Formation class has meant to them in building a foundation for their relationship with God in the future.
Two of them have very kindly shared with us these extracts, all in their own words, from their testimonies: Emina:
“Faith Formation, these past three years, has been a significant part of my own growth through Christ. I learned to reflect on my own actions, incorporate biblical teachings and values into my own life, while loving God, neighbor, and myself along the way.
I now enjoy studying the Bible and devotionals, genuinely try to take time for myself and others even when it’s hard, and value prayer and praise more than before. I also have learned that God blesses us with incredible people that guide us and love us – people like our Faith Formation leaders, friends, family, and my big, blended, church family. I still have my many flaws, but I hope that I’m learning to become the person God wants me to be as I grow in this life.”
Sophia:
“Attending these classes has affected my faith journey a lot. It’s allowed me to try more things out and explore the different parts of the Bible more!
When I was younger, I used to go to Sunday School often, not because I wanted to but because my parents told me to (though what we did was fun). I was around ten years old, when I got pretty nervous around other people, that I eventually stopped joining.
After two years of not going, I was invited to (the Faith Formation) course. I didn’t only learn about topics and people in the Bible, but I also learned that church can bring many individuals together. It’s a great way to be part of a community and share cultures and interests with one another. I also slowly started attending the classes without being told to!
Joining this course and going to church has given me more opportunities to further (my faith journey) and even get out of my comfort zone more!”
Thank you so much Emina and Sophia for sharing your inspiring words with us. May God continue to bless you all along your life’s journey! And, of course, a huge THANK YOU to your teachers for motivating and guiding you all the way to this point.
The current Faith Formation class has now ended but if you have middle-school age children who would like to join a similar course, please let Pastor Chee know. If there are enough students, a new Faith Foundation group could be formed.
Announcements
from our Minister, Pastor Chee
Next Wednesday (March 2nd) is
“Ash Wednesday” (first day of Lent)
I will hold a short service at 7.00 pm on Zoom followed by a devotional from “Radical”, a book by David Platt. All are invited to join. If you have a copy of the book, I invite you to read the first chapter. If you don’t have the book, no worries. (Same Zoom code as the Sunday services)
ICB Morning (in person) Service
We hope to be starting in-person services again on March 20th (3rd Sunday in Lent). As a temporary measure only, we will meet at the Student Christian Center in Phaholyothin Road (next to BTS Ratchathevi station). Confirmation of this and more details will follow in the coming weeks.
ICB Evening Service will restart on the first Sunday of April at BCGH.
This is early notice to those intending to join in-person at Bangkok Christian Guesthouse, off Convent Road (BTS Saladaeng station). More details later.
Fellowship is essential for the wellbeing of any true community. But It’s not so easy when we cannot meet personally, face-to-face.
At ICB, we wish to develop new ways to extend Christian fellowship among all of us during 2022. We invite you to help with ideas for such fellowship activities.
Mary Santhi has recently taken on the role of ICB Fellowship Chair but she needs a committee to lead!
Mary cannot undertake the work alone and so she is inviting you to join her in one of the most important and joyful aspects of the church which is appreciated by everybody.
Please send an email to Mary and she will respond by telling you more: jmmsanthi@gmail.com
One of Mary’s early ideas for Fellowship is to recognise everybody’s birthday so we can all pray for every person on her/his special day. Unfortunately, our list of members’ birthdays is very far from complete and so, if you are in agreement, we’ll be asking you to let us know your special day and month; the year of birth is optional.
Watch out for our quick survey shortly!
Weekly Prayer Meeting –
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!
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.
Urgently needed: Offerings to our
Ministry to Displaced Persons
to assist refugee families and asylum seekers currently residing in Bangkok (details of how to donate are shown below)
ICB’s Outreach is presently 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. We urgently need your further offerings to support this vital 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 Church
2022
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 email the ICB office for this covenant form or copy & paste the above to: 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.
ICB has a specific policy on “Diversity, Inclusiveness & Unity” recently adopted at our annual congregational meeting. You can download the file here (click).
Scan these QR Codes to
find out more about
International Church of Bangkok
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For personal inquiries, more information and
church membership, please email
Rev. Chee Keong Yong: minister@icbangkok.org
