We will join together

in-Person

 this Sunday

27th November 2022

at 10.00 am

Student Christian Centre

Zoom relay is only available for those whose long-term health prevents travel or those who are not in greater Bangkok.
Please contact Pastor Chee for login details minister@icbangkok.org

Sermon

Scripture Readings for this week:
Old Testament: Isaiah 2:1-5*
Psalms: Psalm 122*
Epistle: Romans 13:11-14*
Gospel: Matthew 24:36-44*
(*click for online Bible)
Pastor Chee introduces this week’s theme:

Advent is a season known throughout the world. It is known through most denominations and is practiced amongst many believers during the Christmas season. Yet, there is much about Advent that we do not know or even grasp a full understanding of, missing spiritual truths of the season.

Too often, we are told that Christ is the reason for the season. Think about it carefully. While it seems obvious in the Christmas season to make spiritual discipline a priority because the season is about Christ, here we are–slaves to secular demands that drain our souls and push the King of Kings to the background.

Is Christ really the reason for the season? I guess that one of the reasons for saying this is for us to reclaim the season for Christ due to secularism. Much of what’s going on at this time of the year is about luring people to buy more. Sometimes, this becomes a heavy debt burden for some. This season though, it becomes even more acute as recession looms in many parts of the world. Insecurity, fear, alarm, tension, etc. have become the dominant words in world news.

I want to offer a reason for this that is more attuned to the Bible. Yes, it is true that we celebrate the birth of Christ Jesus, this time of the year. WHY? Why do we celebrate Jesus’ birth? What is the reason for Jesus’ birth?

It is YOU. Yes, right, it is YOU. You are the reason why Jesus came to earth. Let us not forget this fundamental truth. He came for you, you and you.

However, before we look at how to implement Advent as a spiritual practice, we must first understand what it means and why we participate in it during the Christmas season.

Advent comes from the Latin word adventus and the Greek parousia. This word is used both for the coming of Christ in the flesh and the second coming of Christ in the future.

Traditionally, the first two weeks of Advent were designated as looking forward to the future return of Christ. The time yet to come when Christ will return to earth and rule and reign as the King of Kings.

The second two weeks of Advent traditionally focus on the first coming of Christ in the manger. This time allows us to rest in the peace of the Savior who has come and to worship Him for the gift of salvation He brought with Him.

Let not secularism and commercialism rob us of the gift that is offered to all by God. The world will keep us from hearing the heavenly songs announcing the coming of Christ. It is for YOU that he chose to come.

Here at ICB, we want all to hear the message of the Bible loud and clear. Join us every Sunday at 10.00 am for our services of worship to the King of kings.

Below are coming highlights –
November 27 (Advent 1) – Service marking the beginning of a new year

December 4 (Advent 2) – Service of Advent Carols with guest choir & Lessons with Communion.

December 11 (Advent 3 – Blue Christmas) – Service especially for those who have suffered loss and are aggrieved.

December 18 (Advent 4) – Service highlighting Mary’s role in bringing about the coming of the Saviour.

December 25 (Christmas Day) – Jesus came for you! We celebrate with a pot-bless feast (not snacks but a feast).

Come, one and all.

Blessings,

Chee
Sunday School is now meeting again for young children during part of the worship time (see below)

ICB Choir: If you enjoy singing, please join in by arriving about 45 minutes before the service for practice. All are welcome, even if you have little experience.

Notes about in-person and online worship:

Now the worst of the pandemic is over, Sunday Morning Worship is now for inperson attendance only at Student Christian Center (SCC). We join together in person again, rebuilding our community. Please make every effort to join us during this Advent season
Zoom relay is not now available for all, though there are a few exceptions.

Exceptions: For a limited period, Zoom will continue to be made available but only to those who are
a) unwell or with disabilities preventing their travel to SCC
b) living or travelling in the provinces or abroad.

These people, a) and b), who wish to worship via Zoom are asked to contact Pastor Chee via email  before the service.
They will receive an email reply with a special meeting code and password.
Contact: minister@icbangkok.org

also Communion Celebration

For more news, please keep an eye on the
ICB Sunday School Facebook Page
HERE
https://www.facebook.com/ICB-Christian-Education-106748784983710
(copy this URL into your browser)

At our new Location
SCC Creative Space Coffee Shop
Student Christian Center
328/1 Phyathai Road

A very short walking distance from BTS Ratchatewi.
Click here for Google maps reference or follow the map near the top of this newsletter.

Please remember the COVID Code:
As still recommended by the health authorities, all are advised to follow social distancing to keep others safe. We have members who have been infected lately and we do not wish others to be also infected. If you are not feeling well, please stay at home. For safety precautions, the ICB Council has advised against any form of fellowship events for the time being. Bottled water is available.

If you plan to come in your own car:
It is best to enter Phayathai Road from the Patumwan intersection (at Discovery Center/MBK) and drive across Hua Chang (elephant head) Bridge, taking the left-most lane. Then, immediately over the bridge, turn left into the SCC/CCT compound just before Evergreen Place and Asia Hotel.
There are limited parking spaces (free) just inside the compound but if full, you can park in the CCT Tower Building at the back of this same compound (there maybe a small charge p/hr)

We, at ICB, support displaced individuals and families in Bangkok with regular financial support through Life Raft International.

We also offer congregational, emotional and spiritual assistance.
Who qualifies?
Those who have been granted (or are applying for) recognition as refugees by UNHCR.
Why do we need to help these people?
Ongoing support is needed to help them bridge the gap while they seek and wait for resettlement in another country, which most often takes many years.
UNHCR recognition very rarely means they can live and work freely in their country of asylum.

Owing to several people leaving ICB and Thailand over the past months,
the ICB Church Council is seeking people to fill the following positions as soon as possible:

• Outreach – continuing contact with and support for our 8 social service partners
• Worship – overseeing Church services
• Fellowship – organising ICB community activities
• Membership – welcoming new people to our church and maintaining contact with all members.
• Personnel and Property – overseeing needs of our employees and facilities

None of these positions requires specialist skills nor a large amount of time.
All you need is the motivation to help us to develop our ICB community and outreach partners with Jesus as our guide.

To find out more, please contact
Cameron (Council Chair)              or Pastor Chee
cameronmacky91@gmail.com            minister@icbangkok.org

www.icbangkok.org/outreach/

Office Phone Number (Mon-Thur) +66 (0)2-258-5821
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