www.slpcenglish.org

www.slpcenglish.org

33 EM “Family” Christmas

According to surveys, about 25% of

Americans have read through the en-

tire Bible, and only 10% of professing

Christians have done so. So if you’re

one to complete the Two-Year Bible

Schedule, good job!

For this final month, we finish Proverbs

and review some of key passages from

previous readings. Just because

you’ve read it before doesn’t mean

there’s not more to gain in wisdom,

hope and encouragement.

As Christmas is here, below are key

Scriptures from the four Gospels that

relate to the birth or beginning of Jesus.

Matthew 1 & 2 tells the genealogy and

birth of Jesus as well as the visit of the

Magi (wise men) and Jesus’ family’s

escape to Egypt until they returned to

Nazareth, where Jesus grew up.

Mark 1:1-3 jumps quickly into “The be-

ginning of the gospel about Jesus

Christ, the Son of God” and notes the

prophesy about Jesus from Isaiah 40:3.

Luke 1 & 2 describes both the foretell-

ing and the actual births of John the

Baptist and Jesus with the involvement

of angels and shepherds. Luke even

tells of Jesus’ childhood at the temple.

John 1:1-18 reminds us that Jesus, who

is eternal God, became flesh to be the

true light for the whole world to see.

TYBS: Proverbs 27-31 & The Christmas Story LEARN MORE//

How is EM celebrating

Christmas this year? How

can I attend?

Where can I read about

Jesus’ birth to get into the

Christmas spirit?

What? Another baby at

EM? Who?

Who is “Chosen” and why

did they move to Thursday

night?

Isn’t it too early to talk about

2013 summer mission trip?

What are SLPC activities for

Christmas this year?

INSIDE THIS ISSUE//

P.1/

- Top News: “EM Family

Christmas”

- Two Year Bible Schedule

P.2/

- November Review

- Baby Hannah Liao

- TKO’12 Photos

P.3/

- CareCell Corner “Chosen”

- Mission 2013

- December Preview

P.4/

- Calendar / TYBS

- Pastor’s Desk

2012

D E C

Some time ago in a place far from Tai-

wan, God sent one of his angels to a

young woman and said to her, “You

will be with child and give birth to a

son, and you are to give him the name

Jesus. He will be great and will be

called the Son of the Most High. The

Lord God will give him the throne of his

father David, and he will reign over the

house of Jacob forever; his kingdom

will never end.” (Luke 1:31-33). And

thus, Mary and Joseph became a fam-

ily with the birth of baby Jesus.

Along with the birth of Jesus, we have

also become the family of God. Jesus

says, “No one can see the kingdom of

God unless he is born again” (John 3:3).

And we are “born again” for everyone

who is “born of the Spirit” (John 3:8). All

throughout the Bible, you may have

noticed that the Almighty God is also

our loving “Father” (e.g., Psalm 89:26-

28, Isaiah 9:6, Jeremiah 3:19, Matthew

5:48, Philippians 4:20, 2 Peter 1:17).

It is with this reminder of family that we

celebrate Christmas this year at EM.

We are God’s family for all who believe

and receive Jesus Christ as Lord and

Savior (John 3:16), and as we have

been adopted (Ephesians 1:5), so we

ought to reach out to the many “lost”

children, who need to be born again.

God our Father loves each one of us so

much, and we hope to make that love

obvious among brothers and sisters in

the EM Family.

Join us 12/23 for a buffet dinner and

great times. Tickets are NT300 each

and are available starting 12/9.

Newsletter

- 1 -

www.slpcenglish.org

www.slpcenglish.org

NOVEMBER REVIEW

Outreach: Over 65 people on

11/18 attended the Thanksgiving

Outreach at Linsen Park for this

year’s outdoor worship.

Worship: (i) EM was away on 11/4

(retreat) and 11/18 (TKO), but our

friend Dr. Chris Dippenaar from

Taiwan Theological College and

Seminary graciously preached on

11/11 (TTCS Sunday) and 11/25; (ii)

Thanks to Praise Team and Choir

for the beautiful songs and voices.

Fellowship: (i) Carecells combined

to celebrate as 20+ met for

Thanksgivings over turkey and pot-

luck dinner on 11/27; (ii) More

people are enjoying genuine rela-

tionships through carecells so join

if you have not; (iii) CARE team

regularly cares through prayers as

your Connect Cards give us spe-

cific requests and praises.

Discipleship: (i) “Basic Bible Read-

ing in English” has concluded this

month, but will reconvene in early

2013—praise the Lord that two

women made commitments to

get baptized in Teacher Cecilia’s

course; (ii) “TYBS” worksheet for

Oct readings were due 11/25; (iii)

Bible Verses mini-binder and Eng-

lish Bibles are available at Wel-

come Table.

Service: Jesus came to serve, and

not to be served (Mark 10:45).

What about you?

Many thanks to God for another

year of peace and joy, safety and

protection, comfort and encour-

agement. And thanks God for

growth in EM throughout the year,

as we’ve averaged over 90 people

for Sunday worship and have be-

gun children’s ministry in October.

Thanks, too, as many people shared

answered prayers and praises

through Connect Cards and testi-

monies, whether at Sunday wor-

ship—like Harrison at the outdoor

worship—or carecell meetings.

Additionally, a quick thanks to co-

workers who made TKO possible—

EM has some of the finest people in

name “Hannah” means “grace,

favor” and this baby—as is every

life—is certainly nothing less than

the grace of God. Grace is also

commonly defined as “gift” and

thus, Amy and Michael have re-

ceived probably their best Christ-

mas gift ever!

Here’s praying that Hannah and the

family will be strong and healthy in

the Lord and that they will be

warmly received in the EM Family.

Here we go! Another happy an-

nouncement of an addition to the

young couple, Amy and Michael

Liao. Here’s an excerpt from Mi-

chael’s Facebook on Nov 17:

“Please say hi to baby Hannah,

born 11:56 am 11/17/2012, at a

healthy 3,430g, both mum and

baby are doing great. Thanks all

for your prayers, now the fun be-

gins.”

In case you were not aware, the

Above: Our Sunday Lunch Team ladies Lily & Amy.

Show your love and appreciation to them by saying

“Thank you”, offering to help, and eating!

Below: It’s also good to see the men preparing

food (Carecell’s Thanksgiving Dinner 11/27).

Above: Welcome to the family, to EM, and to

the world, Hannah (one week old)!

- 2 -

Baby “Hannah”

Thanksgiving Outreach (11/18)

all of Taipei!

Thanks Jenni-

fer, Susie, Ce-

cilia, William,

M a t h i l d a ,

H u a n g - A n ,

Sophy, Ralph,

Scott, Peter,

Jenny, Belle,

Grace, Choir,

Elder Su (for

the photos)

and every-

one else who

attended.

www.slpcenglish.org

www.slpcenglish.org

Every summer, EM sends out a mission

team to work with English children

camps throughout Taiwan. While we

hope to eventually send many teams

to many areas all throughout Tai-

wan—perhaps even internationally—

with both limited resources and in

obedience to God, we are targeting

poorer communities to work with.

As we do so, we are seeking local Tai-

wanese churches to connect with as

we prepare for Mission 2013. If you

early in our careers and are loving

and easy-going. While everyone is

usually busy with job and/or studies,

we commit to meet together weekly

because this kind of close bonding

among Christians is so rewarding.

For those who are available only Thurs,

we recently moved from meeting

Weds to Thurs for you. We believe it is

part of God’s plan to move and we

believe you are part of God’s plan to

be “Chosen” on Thursday nights at

SLPC 7F library starting 7:30 PM.

I really thank God that “Chosen” was

born in late 2012 because I’ve been

truly blessed through this carecell. Al-

though our numbers were few at the

beginning (only 4 in the first meeting),

it was cozy. And then, God’s Spirit led

more people over time to be

“Chosen.” Today, we have regularly 8

people and we praise God for them

and for the growth! We hope even

more friends will be “Chosen” soon so

we can multiply into two carecells.

Generally, the “Chosen” ones are

are part of church leadership, or know

people who are, and would like to

partner with EM for August 2013 to re-

ceive our mission team, please con-

tact us before 2/29/2013.

At the same time, if you are interested

to partner with EM by joining our mis-

sion team, also let us know. In the

past, we have even co-worked with

American churches’ youths so we’re

certainly open to working together as

one body in Christ for God’s glory!

DECEMBER PREVIEW

Outreach: (i) On 12/9, EM will join SLPC

to pass out Christmas fliers as we invite

our neighbors to hear the good news

about Jesus Christ; (ii) On 12/23, we

will celebrate Christmas at XO’12 held

at Taipei International Hotel, starting

6:10 PM with a buffet dinner. Our

theme is “Family” so make sure you

invite them!

Worship: (i) On 12/2, we welcome Dr.

Chris Dippenaar again to share God’s

Word with us; we also have Praise

Team leading us in contemporary

songs; (ii) On 12/9, we have commun-

ion; (iii) On 12/23, EM has the Christ-

mas worship service at 11:00 AM, 7F

with EM Choir presenting; SLPC bap-

tism service begins 10 AM, 10F.

Fellowship: (i) EM carecells—like Cho-

sen—have loving brothers and sisters

in Christ as we grow together in God’s

family. Make sure you check them out

and commit to one for more blessings

in your routine; (ii) Our CARE team is

always ready to pray and assist—

please call or email your needs.

Discipleship: (i) “TYBS” worksheet for

Nov readings are due 12/30; (ii) SLPC’s

100Y Anniversary Bible Verse mini-

binders are available at Welcome Ta-

ble; (iii) Free English Bibles also at Wel-

come Table—make sure you’re reading

and hearing God’s Word daily!

Service: As 2013 quickly approaches,

we are recruiting more people in all

Team ministries, including: teachers for

Children’s Ministry and Christian Educa-

tion courses, members for Worship

Team (Music, Word, and A/V), Care

Team, Lunch Team, Welcome Team,

and even EM volunteers, who can do

office works on weekdays. Love ‘EM!

Above: Christmas is a time when many

families come together to celebrate the

birth of Jesus Christ. Bring out your Santa

hats, reds and greens, Christmas trees,

stars and ornaments, and join the EM

family for XO’12 on 12/23!

Note: Dinner tickets (NT300) are available

at Welcome Table on Sundays starting

12/9 or also in SLPC 9F office. As for all

EM events, financial aid is available… just

let us know!

Above: Cecilia ordered the turkey and Steve

served it as carecells met together this week

to give thanks (11/27). Thanksgiving—along

with the food—is always a good reason to

come together.

Above: At Cao-Hu Presbyterian Church, where

EM sent a mission team in August 2012 to work

alongside Rev. Wang and Song.

- 3 -

Carecell Corner: “Chosen” by Jenny Chen

Summer Mission 2013

www.slpcenglish.org

www.slpcenglish.org

- 4 -

DECEMBER 2012

Our Vision Evangelistic &

Nurturing Church Our Mission

Love God & Love Others as Ourselves

Though I wasn’t able to join this

year’s combined carecells Thanks-

giving potluck dinner on 11/27, I did

eat some leftover turkey from the

dinner. Growing up I may not have

enjoyed eating leftovers, but these

days, I’m reminded that these left-

overs are one of the best reasons to

be thankful to God! The fact that

there is something “left over” means

we have more than enough. Thanks

to our God of abundance who al-

ways gives us more than enough!

As the year closes, be reminded of

the difference between “want” and

“need”. In general, we have many

more “want’s” than “need’s.” What

do we need? Food, clothing, and

shelter. What do we want? More

food, more clothing, more shelter,

and many more things besides food,

clothing, and shelter! Be thankful all

From the Pastor’s Desk your needs are

provided for, and

extra thankful

that you have

m o r e t h a n

enough!

As Chr i stmas

dawns, also be

reminded that our

greatest need is to be saved from

our sins. That’s why Jesus was born

2,000 years ago. We could not save

ourselves, but God can and did as

Jesus was born and died on the

cross as the sacrifice for our sins. The

best gift is usually the one we need

most but the hardest to get—

certainly, no amount of money or

works can buy or earn forgiveness of

sins. But God can and God did.

Jesus was born, died, and is risen for

you. Jesus is the greatest gift of all!

Rev. Peter Chen 陳道南牧師

Join us for Sunday worship at 11 AM (7F) and lunch fellowship afterward in the café area.

MAIL TO

SLPC English Ministry雙連教會英文牧區

FROM

111 Zhong Shan North Rd, 9F

Sec 2, Taipei, Taiwan

台北市中山北路二段 111號 9樓

Email: emcaresforyou@gmail.com

Tel. 02-2541-5390

Fax. 02-2523-1361

SLPC-EM slpcenglish.org

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1 Pr 27

2 11A English Worship

1P Choir Rehearsal

1P Board Meeting

3 Ps 103

4 Isa 40

7:30P Chrysalis CC

7:30P Agape CC

5 Isa 55

7:30P 1Way CC

7:30P Music Team

6 Mt 5

7:30P Chosen CC

7 Mt 6 8 Pr 28

Carecell Leaders

Retreat

9c

11A English Worship

1P Choir Rehearsal

10 Mt 13

11 Jn 10

7:30P Chrysalis CC

7:30P Agape CC

12 Jn 14

7:30P 1Way CC

7:30P Music Team

13 Jn 15

7:30P Chosen CC

14 Ro 5

7P Baptism

Interviews

15 Pr 29

1:30P SLPC1F

Gospel Tea Time

16

11A English Worship

1P Choir Rehearsal

17 Ro 6

18 Ro 8

7:30P Chrysalis CC

7:30P Agape CC

19 1Co 12

7:30P 1Way CC

7:30P Music Team

20 1Co 13

7:30P Chosen CC 21 1Co 15

22 Pr 30

23

10A SLPC Baptism

11A English Worship

1P Choir Rehearsal

6:10P XO “Family”

24 Gal 5

7:30P SLPC10F

Christmas Eve

25 Heb 11

7:30P Chrysalis CC

7:30P Agape CC

26 Heb 12

7:30P 1Way CC

7:30P Music Team

27 Jas 3

7:30P Chosen CC 28 1Pe 4 29 Pr 31

30 11A English Worship

1P Choir Rehearsal

31 1Jn 1

New Years Eve

7P SLPC10F

Year-End

Gathering

TYBS Readings:

Isa: Isaiah

Mt: Matthew

Jn: John

Ro: Romans

1Co: 1 Corinthians

Gal: Galatians

Heb: Hebrews

Jas: Joshua

1 Pe: 1 Peter

Pr: Proverbs

Ps: Psalm

c: Communion

BBRE: Basic Bible

Reading in English

XO’12: Christmas

(Xmas) Outreach

Articles in this edition of EM News reflect the opinions and personalities of the English Ministry at Suang-Lien Presbyterian Church. If you would like to contribute to EM News—opinions, testimonies, photos, etc—please email to emcaresforyou@gmail.com.