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Impacting Generations Supporting Churches, Parents & Educators to transform lives www.su.org.sg
ImpactingGenerations
Supporting Churches, Parents & Educators to transform lives www.su.org.sg
2
SCRIPTURE UNION SINGAPOREScripture Union Singapore is an inter-denominational, non-profi t volunteer-based Christian organisation
registered as a society in 1961 and as a charity in 1990 under the Charities Act in Singapore.
We are part of Scripture Union International, founded in 1867 in the UK. Today, Scripture Union
International is an alliance of diff erent Scripture Union movements in over 130 countries worldwide.
MISSIONWorking with the churches, Scripture Union Singapore aims to make God’s good news known to children,
young people and their families and to encourage people of all ages to meet God daily through Bible
reading and prayer so that they may come to a personal faith in the Lord Jesus, grow in Christian maturity
and become committed church members and servants of a world in need.
We are committed to the truths of the Bible and exist to fulfi ll the call of God to:
• Evangelise people of all ages by sharing with them creatively the Good News of Jesus
• Encourage a systematic way of reading God’s Word by using Scripture Union’s devotional resources
• Equip children’s and youth ministry leaders and teachers with eff ective strategies and teaching methods
of sharing God’s truths
• Promote and distribute resources and curriculum for Sunday School/ Children’s Church
• Conduct seminars and conferences on Christian values for the family.
SCRIPTURE UNION – A Global Movement
AfricaRegion
AmericasRegion
Britain and Ireland RegionIncluding Former Soviet Republics
and Israel
East & West Asia Region
EuropeRegion
PacificRegion
South Asia
Region
3
Dear Friends
We have received so much encouraging feedback from
you about our new-look newsletter. Thank you for
letting us know!
Among the many comments we received was an email
from Wendy Strachan, SU’s International Children’s
Ministry Co-ordinator. Wendy is a renowned authority
in Children’s Ministry, and here’s what she said:
“Impacting Generations is most impressive! I love
the mix of ‘thinking’ articles, creative practical articles
and resources. I’m sure that you have received very
good feedback from those who receive it – and you
deserve to do so. Well done to all involved!”
Friends, we hope you will fi nd this issue just as inspiring,
and fi lled with practical tips that enable you to do
what we’ve all been called to do: To impact the next
generation for the glory of God!
Enjoy!
David Leong
Executive DirectorScripture Union Singapore
A NOTE FROM THE
Executive Director
FEATURE
04 Creative Teaching
PEOPLE
12 Saluting the SU pioneers
13 Writing a New Chapter in SU History
HIGHLIGHTS
08 Camps
10 Events
10 Training
11 Missions
IDEAS
14 The Creative Teacher’s Toolkit
16 SU Resource Catalogue
Contents
IIssue 022/09 • MICA (PP) 034//11/20008
PPublishedd by Scrippture Union Singapore11 Franciss Thomas Drive #03-002 Diocesan Ceentre BuildingSSt Andreew’s VVillagge. Sinngapore 3593340TTel: (65) 63377 14377 Faxx: (65) 6338 00983
PPrinter: Printt & Print PPte Ltd. License nummber L005//01/2009
AAll rights rreservved. RReproduction in whole or partt is prohibitted without eexpress wrritten permmission of the publishher. Opinions and vieews eexpressed hereiin do not neecessarily consttitute thee offi cial staance of SScripture UUnionn Singapore..
SCRIPTURE UNION SINGAPORE
Council Members 2009-2010
Chairman Rev Dr Alfred C.H. Yeo
Secretary Mrs Geneieve Tang
Treasurer Professor Freddy Boey
Members Dr Cheah Fung Fong Mr Chris Chan Mr Jon Ong Mrs Valerie Ong Mr Steven Wee
Vice-Presidents Mr Eric Chan Elder Goh Ewe Kheng
Trustees Mr Eric Chan Elder Dr Lawrence Chia Elder Goh Ewe Kheng Elder Yang Soo Suan
4
Tips and Ideasfor teaching God’s Wordto the next generation
Want to help children and youth
grow in their relationship with God?
A little creativity goes a long way.
Whether you are teaching a Sunday
school class or preaching a sermon,
these ideas and tips will help you
keep your approach fresh, and your
audience engaged.
T E A C H I N GCREATIVE
5
Arrest attention from the beginningIf you want to be an effective communicator of God’s
good news, there’s no point starting tentatively. If you
could X-ray the minds of your audience, you would fi nd
they wander many pathways! To prevent this, appeal
to their curiosity. Here are several ways to do this:
• A question
Questions arouse the curiosity of your audience.
‘I’ve got something in my pocket that is alive.
What do you think it is?’ (Taking out a seed can
introduce a lesson on the parable of the sower.)
• A brief story about another child (or children)
This can either be true or imagined.
• Start well into a Bible story
When planning to recount a Bible story, work out
the best place to begin. The best start is often not
the beginning of the story but towards the end,
in fact, as close to the end as possible. Sounds
strange? Look at the following example.
Goliath the giant muttered to himself as he
strapped on his heavy helmet and picked up his
enormous spear. ‘This is becoming ridiculous!’
he grumbled. ‘Every day for the past month
I’ve been challenging these chicken-hearted
Israelites to send a champion to fi ght me. It’s
a waste of breath.’ The Philistine champion
lumbered over to the edge of the valley and,
after taking a deep breath, began to shout.
‘Hey! Over there! Send out someone to fi ght
me. If he can beat me, we will be your servants,
but if I beat him, then... What? Don’t tell me
someone is coming! I don’t believe it!’
This introduction has the following features:
• It introduces the antagonist (the hero’s opponent)
early, so that we know what the protagonist (the
hero) is up against.This is an important technique
in building suspense.
• It plunges into the action – the moment of combat
is only moments away. The effect is more gripping
than starting by describing David making his way
to the battle front.
• It uses a good deal of dialogue, which has a
fascination for the listeners.
• It uses colourful language like ‘muttered’,
‘grumbled’, ‘lumbered’.
• It uses an interrupted line or a pause: ‘If I beat
him, then...
Act it outIn children’s ministry, there are
two main categories of drama:
A production where children are the actors
Most children enjoy dressing up and performing,
although usually girls are less self-conscious than
boys and fi nd it easier to participate. The children
can mime the actions while an adult or a competent
reader narrates, or be are trained to perform a play,
speaking to a simplifi ed script. This can be successful
as long as suffi cient opportunity for practice is
available beforehand.
A production by adults where children are the
audience
This can be a brief skit usually involving two people.
A teacher takes the part of a character recounting •
his or her experience in the fi rst person. Dressing
up enhances this performance.
Actors learn their parts from a prepared script and •
perform with both action and recited dialogue.
The entire story is narrated while others mime. The •
actors simply act out what the narrator says.
Ideas for dramas include:
• Bible stories
• True stories that illustrate a biblical parable.
It could be a story of a treasure hunter who
risked everything to fi nd a lost treasure ship.
• Parables in a different context. An example
would be the Good Samaritan in a
contemporary setting as a biker.
• Original stories. While this is undoubtedly the
most diffi cult, it’s good to remind ourselves
that every classic was once new and original.
6
Involve children and let them participateChildren like to be part of the action, so involve
them in what you do whenever possible. Giving
them such opportunities encourages them to
participate enthusiastically.
• The simplest form of involvement is to be
asked to ‘help’. Including them in planning and
helping will give them a sense of belonging and
teamwork. Within safety and care guidelines,
children can help keep the registrations, move
tables, set out seats, operate the powerpoint
slides and do many other tasks. (Children should
be asked to demonstrate the necessary skills
with your materials before being entrusted to
operate the equipment in a session.)
• Children enjoy being chosen to be ‘captains’.
If you run an overhead projector quiz game
for instance, choose two captains to move the
markers representing their teams on the screen.
• They can also hold up song cards, lead the
actions for an action song, or respond in a
conversation with a puppet. Older children
could help as puppeteers, especially if you let
them practise with you beforehand.
What do you do when a ‘helper’ isn’t helpful?While most children
enjoy participating, some
become self-conscious or
attention-seeking and,
as a result, become a
hindrance rather than a
help. When this happens,
for example when a
child deliberately holds
a card upside down, act
calmly and decisively,
either making light of it,
taking the card away and
signalling the child to
return to his place without
comment, or saying ‘I’m
sorry, but I don’t think you
can be sensible enough
today, perhaps I’ll pick you
again tomorrow.’
Never resort to ridicule
or show your irritation by
making a cutting remark.
Such actions only serve to
put a barrier between you
and the child concerned.
If you fi nd it necessary
to correct children in
front of others, make
an opportunity to relate
positively to them at a
later time so that it is
clear that you have no
continuing animosity. It is
wisest not to refer back to
the incident because this
may give the impression
that you are apologising
for being fi rm.
7
Children inevitably respond to enthusiasm.
Whether presenting a message, running a game,
demonstrating craft, producing a leafl et, conducting
a quiz, leading singing or organising a programme,
if it’s done enthusiastically, the children will respond
positively.
The apostle Paul expressed it this way: “Whatever
you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for
the Lord, not for men... lt is the Lord Christ you are
serving” (Colossians 3:23-24).
Adapted from The A-Z of Ministry with Children by Owen Shelley with Michael Perini
and others. Published by Scripture Union
Australia. Used with permission.
The zest that we bring
to our programmes
springs largely from
our attitude.
Keep it brisk!The tempo of a good meeting
for children can be described as
‘unhurried haste’.
• Children thrive on variety, so pack into your
programme as many different features as
practical. Move briskly from one item to
another, avoiding anything that drags.
As a rough guide, each section of the overall
programme should be no longer than ten
minutes. The exception may be the talk which
could stretch to fi fteen minutes.
• Each member of your team should know the
programme, what comes immediately before
their part and how long their segment is to take,
so that the whole meeting fl ows smoothly. As
one person leaves the platform, the next must
be already arriving. Your role as overall leader
is to keep everything fl owing smoothly. There
may even be times when it will be necessary to
interrupt in order to hurry things along.
• Train your team to be focused about all they
do. Each person should start straight in on
the segment of the programme allocated to
them, and not hark back to something that has
previously happened.
• If you have a visitor to introduce, be brief and let
them get started. If the leader takes fi ve minutes
to say how wonderful the speaker is and how
privileged they are to have him come to visit
them, it may be diffi cult for that speaker to regain
the attention of the children. Don’t warn them
to be on their best behaviour either. This is an
unconscious vote of no confi dence in the visitor’s
ability to interest the children.
Be enthusiastic!The zest that we bring to our programmes springs
largely from our attitude.
8
The SU Trek leaders overfl owed
with God’s anointing and
ministered with all their heart
and much love for the Lord.
They could connect with the
children and had a variety of
methods to reach out to the
children, and were quick in
adapting the programme to the
needs of the children. The children enjoyed the songs
and continue to sing them even after our church
camp. We have been blessed by the SU team, and
the change in the lives of the children is evident.
Carolyn Lee,
Pastoral Staff-in-charge of Children Ministry
June 7 to 10
Paya Lebar Methodist Church Venue: Marriott Hotel, Putrajaya
SU Trek leaders: David Leong, Lim Hui Lian,
Ng Fong Yee, Ang Ee Ling, Aaron Lim
June 8 to 11
Yio Chu Kang ChapelVenue: Bayview Hotel, Malacca
SU Trek leaders: Jolene Poh, Christine Teo
The Trek leaders from SU
were able to connect with
the kids very well!
Yap Ai Tin,
Children’s Programme Co-ordinator
My son enjoyed the camp very much and
would like to come again. I can see that
he is wanting to know more about God.
Jessie Lim, parent
June 3 to 6
Grace Assembly of GodVenue: Girls Brigade campsite, Singapore
SU Trek leaders: David Leong, Daniel Teu,
Florence Foo, Tan Tai Yong, Benjamin Ng
June 8 to 11
Moriah Bible-Presbyterian ChurchVenue: Pulai Springs, Johor Bahru
SU Trek leaders: Florence Foo, Sharlene Koh,
Seow Kai Lun
June 8 to 11
Cornerstone Community ChurchVenue: Equatorial Hotel, Malacca
SU Trek leaders: Lydia Chen, May Loke,
Sarah Seah, Lim Soon Chui, Steven Lim
The Trek leaders from SU carry such a heart and love
for the children! They are well-trained and the camp
programme was systematic and organised. We enjoy
ourselves very much!
Pastor Sharon Chong, Children’s Pastor
June 8 to 11
Barker Road Methodist ChurchVenue: Hotel Renaissance, Malacca
SU Trek leaders: Meenaci Mak, Stephanie Ng,
Nancy Yap
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HOLIDAY TREK:
Church CampProgramme for Children
CampsHIGHLIGHTS
Camps
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9
SU served 12 churches through its Oligopistos Holiday Trek Programme for children. While the adults enjoyed their church camp sessions, the children were concurrently immersed in a programme packed with creative action songs, biblical teaching points and practical life application. Oligopistos, which means ‘O you of little faith’, proved to be an educational, engaging and enriching experience.
Another four churches have requested for this same programme during the December holidays.
June 10 to 13
Bedok Methodist ChurchVenue: Golden Beach Hotel, Desaru
SU Trek leaders: David Leong, Cynthia Goh, Richard Chai,
Ron Phua, Patricia Wong, Daniel Teu
Our children remember the songs and
are still performing at home – much
to the delight of their parents!
Mabel Lam,
Children’s Ministry Co-ordinator
June 11 to 15
Prinsep Street Presbyterian ChurchVenue: Hotel Sofi tel, Johor Bahru
SU Trek leaders: Brenda Cheong, Cecillia Fung, Rebecca Phua
June 12 to 15
Covenant Community MethodistChurchVenue: Guoman Resort, Port Dickson
SU Trek leaders: Linda Goh, Caleb Lim, Ron Phua
When the song “In Whom I Can Trust”
was being sung, I could sense the Holy
Spirit moving. It was good to have such
an enthusiastic and youthful team
leading the children to experience
God’s presence in the Word and in worship!
Yeo Hwee Lan,
Children’s Ministry Pastoral Staff
June 12 to 15
Bethesda (Frankel Estate)ChurchVenue: Pulai Spring Resort, Johor Bahru
SU Trek leaders: Tang Lai Kin, Elaine Tan,
Amy Lee
June 13 to 16
All Saints Presbyterian ChurchVenue: Hotel Sofi tel, Johor Bahru
SU Trek leaders: Meenaci Mak, Serene Chew
The Trek leaders from SU were helpful in
keeping the children with them whenever the
adult sessions overran. They were excellent
in organising the children’s performance and
getting the adult audience to participate. The
children said, “I feel closer to God after the
programme”.
Chan May Ping,
Children’s Programme Co-ordinator
June 15 to 19
Queenstown Baptist ChurchVenue: Hotel Renaissance, Malacca
SU Trek leaders Steven Chia, Mary Goh,
Joaane Stephen
SU provided quality facilitators to teach and
lead the children. We would recommend other
churches to engage SU for their church camp!
Pastor Elaine Kwok, Children’s Pastor
Plan ahead for 2010!Find out how you can have Scripture Union
run your Church Camp Programme for
Children, or express your giftings by being
a volunteer Trek Leader!
Call B. Moorthy at telephone number
6337 1437 or email [email protected]
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30Children
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10
Children’s Worship Service@ Newton Life Church
Many thanks to SU staff B. Moorthy for conducting our Children’s Worship Service for the past two Sundays on May 17 and 24! We had a wonderful time. I really appreciate your effort to ‘dig’ from the kids the important lessons learnt from each of the characters in the Old Testament. You have been very encouraging and motivated all our kids to participate. We hope that you can be with us for at least one Sunday each month!Lisa Chan, Children’s Ministry Head, Newton Life Church
Training a New Generationof Children’s Workers & Teachers
CreativeBible Teaching@ Singapore Bible College
Scripture Union designed, developed and delivered a six-week course called Creative Bible Teaching for Singapore Bible College (SBC). It started on 21 July and will run for six weeks.
It is one of the four courses inSBC’s Certifi cate in Children’s Ministry programme offeredthrough its Centre for Continuing Theological Education.
The next course, Creative Evangelism & Discipleship of Children, started on September15 and will run for six weeks.
EventsHIGHLIGHTS
Events
Global Day of Prayer(Children’s Programme)
Scripture Union staff and volunteers were out in full force at the Singapore Expo on May 31. SU Singapore, together with Gwen de Rozario of ARISE and Dr Cheah Fung Fong of TRAC Board of Children Ministry, conducted the Global Day of Prayer children’s programme for480 children. The children
participated actively in the prayer agenda and interceded for new unity, new urgency and new unction in our nation.
Also involved were worship teams and facilitators from Cornerstone Community Church, Covenant Evangelical Free Church, Fairfi eld Methodist Church, St John’s-St Margaret’s Church, Pasir Panjang Hill Brethren Chapel, Bethesda Bedok-Tampines Church and Chapel of the Resurrection, among others.
TrainingHIGHLIGHTS
Training
Since the start of the year, Scripture Union has trained more than 200 teachers in 35 churches and organisations. Here we look at some of these key training events.
Since the beginning of 2009, Scripture Union has ministered to 12,429 adults and children in more than 118 churches and organisations. Here we highlight some recent events.
For future courses, please contact [email protected] orcall 6337 1437
11
TAPAH, PERAKMALAYSIA
Event: SU East & West Asia ON Institute 12 (An orientation course
for newly appointed SU stafffrom the region) Date: May 20-21Participants: 28
JOHOR BAHRUMALAYSIA
Church: Faith Community AssemblyEvent: Couples’ Night andInter-generational Service
Date: March 7 & 8Participants: 58
SHENZHENCHINA
Event: Shenzhen Sunday School Teachers’ Training
Date: March 30-Apr 1Participants: 80
Introduction to Children Ministry@ Singapore Bible College
Jessica Lim, a Sunday School teacher who attended the ‘Introduction to Children Ministry’ course at Singapore Bible College, tells how the course was life-transforming for her.
I was very blessed by this course. The teaching was creative and informative, and there were many opportunities for class participation and interaction. We were inspired by David Leong’s passion as he energised the class with fun-fi lled teaching.
During the second last lesson, I began to pray and seek God for affi rmation because I came with a heavy and burdened heart. Throughout that evening, God spoke to my heart through the teaching notes provided, and a song sung during the lesson melted my heart. I was very much encouraged. During the last lesson, when Percy Low shared three songs with us, I felt the touch of the Holy Spirit. God’s presence was getting stronger. There was a joy within me that was beyond description.
At the close of the last lesson, Brother David gathered all the students to form a circle. As he led in prayer, a sudden joy came to me. Tears of joy fl owed down my cheeks and I was keenly aware of the very presence of the Lord. I was in reverent awe. God reminded me that faithfulness begins with the little things. I now understand the importance of having a right attitude of the heart in our serving. God is truly faithful and my faith is once again re-focused on God.
Impacting Asia’s Children, Youth& Families!
MissionsHIGHLIGHTS
Missions
Thank You. We thank you for your kindness and generosity in sharing your best gift, Brother David Leong, with us. Both his service and the impact he made in Taiwan from 25 June to 6 July were fabulous and far reaching. The feedback we received from the teachers were truly encouraging.
In the children’s rally in Puli, out of 250, about 200 children accepted the Lord. As for the rally in Taichung, the percentage of children accepting Christ reached 100%. Brother David reached out to the children with the love of God, and in the awesome Presence of God, both young and old bowed down before God in worship and adoration. What an unforgettable scene! We look forward to partnering with you in the work of God again.
Yours faithfully, Paul LiaoGeneral Secretary, Scripture Union Taiwan
Thank You!FROM TAIWAN
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Missions is very much the heartbeat of Scripture Union. Through these regional missions, Scripture Union Singapore ministered tomore than 300 people and served a total of 23 churchesand organisations in the fi rst half of 2009.
PU LI & TAICHUNGTAIWAN
Event: Teachers Training Seminars & Children’s Evangelistic Parties
(SU Taiwan)Date: June 26-July 5
Participants: 262
MALACCAMALAYSIA
Event: 52 Creative Ideasto Teach Bible Stories
(SU Peninsular Malaysia)Date: Apr 17-18Participants: 120
12
he story of how Josiah Spiers, the founder
of Scripture Union, wrote the words “God is
Love” on the beach in Wales and began to
explain the gospel to the children who gathered
around him, is one that resonates with Elder Goh.
“I attended some of the early SU meetings in the
1950s, and I heard the testimony of how SU started
and how children were blessed through the holiday
camps. I was keen to fi nd out more,” he recalls.
At that time, he was teaching in Sunday School and
youth meetings in his church, while running a family
business. Scripture Union registered offi cially in 1961,
and he became a Council Member the following year.
“I liked children and youth work, and I took charge of
the Chinese Sunday School work and youth meetings.
I remember that there was always much to rejoice
over at the Council meetings when we reported
on the camps and school groups. There were many
testimonies of how lives were changed, and people
started to serve God. It was very encouraging,” he says.
Since then, he has untiringly given of his time to be a
member of the SU Council, and served as Chairperson
from 1998 to 2000. Over the years, he has witnessed
God’s provision for the ministry. “When SU’s seaside
campsite was acquired by the government, God
granted us great favour and we were given the
campsite at Sentosa for our use. God is a faithful God,
and He will always provide.”
Serving in SU and other inter-denominational
ministries has also given him a bigger picture of
unity. “Through serving in an inter-denominational
organisation, you get to know brothers and sisters
from other churches, and you get to see how
different churches can work together without
getting sidetracked by doctrinal differences or church
traditions.” Moving forward, he sees camps continuing
to be a key feature in SU’s ministry: “It is always a time
when lives are changed.” When asked for a word of
encouragement for the new generation of Council
members and volunteers, he says, “It is good to involve
young people. God uses the youth. It is not necessary
to wait till they mature. As they get involved, they will
draw closer to God,” he says with conviction.
Besides impacting generations through his years of
service on the SU Council, Elder Goh has also raised
his own brood of fi ve children and one god-daughter.
Today, he and his wife Phaik Hong are grandparents
of 14 and great-grandparents to three. One of their
daughters is a children’s pastor in Vancouver, while
another works in a church here in Singapore. Another,
a son, is a lay preacher.
Though he could rightfully rest from his labour of
love, his days are productively fi lled with meetings
and voluntary work for organisations such as Bible
Society of Singapore, Full Gospel Businessmen,
Christian Business Men, Prisons Fellowship, Asian
Outreach as well as community service organisations
like 365 Cancer Prevention Society, Concern & Care,
and Fei Yue Community Services.
When asked why he continues to volunteer his time
and expertise way past retirement age, the founding
elder of the Church of Singapore (Marine Parade) says
with a smile, “It is a joy to serve the Lord.”
Elder Goh Ewe Kheng was a young man in his twentieswhen he became one of the pioneers of the SU movementin Singapore. Now 85, he continues to serve as adviser
to Scripture Union and numerous other ministries.
SALUTINGthe SU pioneers
EvergreenElderEvergreenElder
13
“I am greatly heartened as I count God’s many blessings to SU. Simply put, God has given SU Singapore passionate Council Members and hardworking staff members. During the past year, we moved out of Bible House after 34 years, to allow its rebuilding and our re-positioning in ministry expressions. Our Sentosa campsite saw its last day after 30 years, with lots of memories and many souls won for Christ, but our camp ministry continues to grow from strength to strength. I want to thank all staff, workers, volunteers, supporters of SU for co-labouring to bring God’s light to the lost, in Singapore and the region, and marching together with one heartbeat towards God’s purpose and destiny for SU.
When Professor Freddy Boey was Chairman of the SU Singapore Council from 2001-2005, he envisioned the need for transformation and renewal in the organization. When I took over from Dr Boey in 2005/2006, I had the privilege, together with my fellow Council members, of setting into motion this process of rejuvenating and repositioning SU for the next lap.
In terms of human resource, over the past 3 years, younger council members and staff have been inducted. These new members have brought vibrancy
and a fresh perspective to SU – we now have a new website and new magazine to engage a new
generation and to extend our reach, to partners and the harvest fi eld. We now
have a stronger staff strength, and a pool of experienced associate
trainers who are available to teach SU programmes.
We have also re-oriented our ministry to focus more on education and training of children’s workers. In conjunction with this, a collaboration with Singapore Bible College has started, teaching children’s workers from all over the region at a professional certifi cate level. Our regional children’s ministry has also been stepped up with a “Train the Trainers” programme, aswell as direct ministryto children in variousAsian countries. In line with ourworking principles,SU must continueto partner churchesof differentdenominations, allunited in passion to reach the lost, andin particular theyoung, for Christ. The torch is now passed to Rev Dr Alfred Yeo, our new Chairman for 2009-2010. Rev Yeo is, of course, well-known as the founding and senior pastor of Grace Methodist Church, and is no stranger to the SU movement. He was the General Director of the movement from 1981 to 1985, and the Chairman of the SU East & West Asia Regional Council from 2005-2006. He brings to his role much wisdom and insight, and I believe he will lead SU to greater heights in the days to come. To God be the Glory!”
Th e past three years have been a transitional period in the history of Scripture Union Singapore. At its
Annual General Meeting on 7 July 2009, Mr Jon Ong, SU’s Chairman from 2006 to 2009, described
how the process of renewal in SU has been set in motion, and will continue to move forward under
its new Chairman Rev Dr Alfred Yeo. Here is an edited excerpt of his speech.
WRITING A NEW CHAPTER
IN SU HISTORY
THANK YOU! We thank Mr Jon Ong for his contributions and service. He remains a Council member responsible for Regional Missions, and a member of the SU East & West Asia Regional Council Executive Committee. We also thank God for the dedicated service of Mr Era Mahendran and Mr Alex Yeo, who stepped down from the Council this year, and wish them God’s richest blessings in their future service.
L-R: Prof Boey, Rev Yeo, Mr Ong
Jon Ong
144
Teaching Idea:
We live in a world where there are frequent news updates and a constant stream of latest information. Children
are familiar with the concept of newspapers and TV news bulletins. Here is a refreshing way to present the
‘breaking news’ of what happened to Saul on the road to Damascus. You can also use it to illustrate the urgency
and importance of other Bible events.
Power Point : I am the apple of God’s eye!
Bible Passage : Genesis 25:21-34, 27:1-45
Memory Verse : Deuteronomy 32:1b – “He shielded him and cared for him; He guarded him as the apple
of His eye.”Teaching Aids Teaching Aids: 12 apples, a fruit knife, plate/basket to hold the apples
Introduction
Teaching With Fruits ––
APPLES
THE Creative
Option A:
To tell the Apple Tree Story
The Apple Tree Story
Once upon a time there was
an apple tree which God had
created. It was a young tree without any leaves
or fruit. One night the young tree saw the brilliant
stars and was very unhappy. He wished for himself
to have these sparkling stars on his branches so
that he too would be beautiful.
The next morning, God noticed that the tree
was unhappy, and He said to him, “Let me make
something for you. I will dress you up in a beautiful
mantle of green so that you will be beautiful to
behold. Then you will not be so unhappy.” But the
tree was not content with God’s plan. “I do not want
a mantle of green, I want stars.” The next morning
the tree saw that God had not given him stars, but
green leaves. And the tree frowned upon it.
Once again the tree said to God,
“I want stars,” but instead,
God gave him beautiful red fruit.
The tree was even unhappier. The wind saw how
unhappy the apple tree was and the wind became
unhappy too. The wind blew and tried to set the
apple tree free of the leaves and the fruit, but he
failed.
However, as the wind blew, some of the leaves and
the red fruit fell to the ground. One piece of fruit
broke into two pieces right in the middle. When the
tree looked upon the broken fruit, guess what he
saw? (At this point, slice the apple in half, from the
side, and show it to the children. When you slice
the apple horizontally in the middle, you will see
the shape of a star.) Inside the fruit was the shape
of a star!
15
which help you identity it even though it has
been mixed up with the rest. In the same way,
because God made us special, He can identify
us even when we are mixed up/lost in a crowded
world.
6. Secondly, even though some apples looked more
red and tasty while others looked dull and rotten,
whatever their outward appearance may be, they
have the same potential inside.
7. Cut one apple into half (from the side, not from
the top) and showed the children the “star-
shaped” inside it. WOW!
1. Depending on the number of apples
available, identify 5 to 10 children to
play the ‘Apple Match’ game.
2. Every child will be asked to choose their
own apple and given 1 minute to study
its outward appearance.
3. The apples will be collected back and all mixed up
on a plate/basket.
4. Each child will then be asked to identify their own
apples within 1 minute.
5. Although every apple’s outward appearance is
different, each has unique or special features
Option B:
To play the ‘Apple Match’ Game
Lesson Have the children open their Bibles to Genesis
25:21-34, 27:1-45.
Highlight the character of Jacob:
He cheated his brother Esau of his birthright •
as the fi rstborn son (Genesis 25:21-34)
He tricked his father Isaac to give the •
blessing of the fi rstborn son to him instead
of his brother Esau (Genesis 27:1-45)
However, in Deuteronomy 32:10, we fi nd •
Moses speaking of how the Lord cared for
Jacob and guarded him as the apple of His
eye.
Ask the children: What does it means to be
the “apple of God’s eye”? Like Jacob, we have
also done many things that displeased God.
However, God still loves us and sees in us a
refl ection of His image. We are very special to
God! We are precious in God’s sight.
Application 1. Prepare some non-toxic poster colours on different plastic
bowls or plates.
2. Give each child half a page of drawing block paper.
3. Have them write their names and standard at the top of
the drawing block.
4. Have a few apples cut out to have the star-shapes shown.
5. Use washing sponge and dip half the sponge into the
colour bowls or plates.
6. Get each child to choose what colour he/she would like to
dip his/her cut apple in.
7. Each child makes a collage of apple imprints on his paper.
8. At the bottom of the page, ask each child to write the
words: “I am the apple of God’s eye.”
9. Ask each child to write out next to or on each of the apple
imprint one special or unique thing about them. E.g. “I am
smart.”
You may end the class by singing the song “If you’re black or
if you’re white” (Tiny Lives Mighty Praises CD from Scripture
Union Singapore) and then close in prayer, thanking God for
each child’s uniqueness.
© 2009 Scripture Union Singapore For more creative teaching ideas, attend the next Scripture Union course on 52 Creative Ideas to Teach Bible Stories.
Teacher’s Toolkit
16
Children’s Devotional Guides
SU Resource Catalogue
LightGet ready to help make Jesus-refl ecting, world-changing disciples through your children’s, youth and all-age ministries supported by the widely-recognised experience, expertise and research of Scripture Union. Published every 3 months, Light includes at least 13 fun, lively, interactive, Bible-based sessions per edition giving your church a fresh discipleship tool to use with almost any ministry.
5 and under – Bubbles • Age 5-8 – Splash! • Age 8-11 – Xstream • Age 11-14 - Grid [For Pre-Teens!]
Teacher’s guides: S$21.00 - $25.50Children’s activity books: S$6.00
Sunday School Curriculum
New Quest [For 7-9s]Quest helps 7s to 9s have fun as they read the Bible. Each day, Quest helps them to understand a small part of the Bible. There are 2 books per year containing 6 months of undated readings fi lled with puzzles, codes and prayer suggestions.
S$12.00
Special Moments (Chinese)Vol 1 to Vol 3Undated devotional notes in Mandarin for those aged 8 to 11.
S$12.00
Join In – Jump On! [For 4-6s]This series is created to help children develop a relationship with God and learn about the Bible. Four of the books contain 50 days of undated Bible reading materials with verses to read, simple activities and prayer suggestions.
Special Christmas and Easter editions containing 35 days of undated readings are also available. It’s exactly what busy parents need to get their children reading.
Stories for Christmas • Stories for Easter • Stories from John • Stories from Luke • Stories from Mark • Stories from Matthew
S$7.00
Tiddlywinks [For under 5s]These books are spilt into 50 “fi rst-steps”, each introducing a Bible story and exploring its impact on a child, followed by a prayer suggestion. Each book explores the everyday life of fi ctional children who are easy to identify with, and draws out particular themes that link with the Bible.
My Little Blue Book • My Little Green Book • My Little Orange Book • My Little Red Book • My Little Purple Book • My Little Yellow Book
S$7.00
New One to One [For 10-12s]This 6-month undated devotional booklet for 10-12s helps them understand the Bible a little more everyday. It contains loads of fun activities like puzzles, quizzes, sketchscripts, prayabouts and much much more!
S$12.00
17
Books, CD & DVDs are available for purchaseat the Scripture Union resource showroom at St Andrew’s Village,1 Francis Thomas Drive #01-08, Singapore 359340Call 6337 1437 or email [email protected] for more details.
Top TipsTop Tips booklets are designed by a panel of experts especially for busy children’s workers. They are BIG on practical advice, but small enough to digest over a cup of coffee or two, so you can get to grips with the issues fast!
All Age Worship • Welcoming Special Children • Growing Faith with Families • Handling Diffi cult Behaviour • Reaching Unchurched Children • Welcoming Children of Other Faiths
S$10.00 each
Perspectives on Children and the GospelA key resource for children’s leaders. Theological issues surrounding ministry to children and their families. Part Two offers 20 practical principles for children’s ministry.
WAS: S$18.00, NOW: S$12.00
Perspectives on Children and SpiritualityChildren are open to infl uence by any spirits they encounter. Understand the nature of children’s spirituality, and how it develops. Vital for parents, teachers, children’s leaders and all who are serious about their work with children.
S$18.00
The A-Z of Ministry with ChildrenA must-have collection of useful tips, sparkling ideas and practical principles to make your ministry with children more effective.
S$24.00
Hands-on Bible CreativityA fresh approach to exploring the Bible! Because we understand and remember much more of what we do than what we simply hear or see, we should use our gifts, skills and imagination to grow in our understanding of the Bible and God. Features twenty-fi ve activities in all.
S$25.00
Bringing Children to FaithA one-stop training resource that builds a helpful bridge between the theory and practice of helping children grow in faith. Use it to train your church children’s team or to help you develop a whole-church strategy for children’s evangelism.
WAS: S$22.00, NOW: S$16.00
Families Finding FaithA tried and tested model for family evangelism that your church can implement! Includes helpful hints on credible evangelism, ideas for relationship-building events and activities, and photocopiable material for group activities and discussion.
WAS: S$22.00, NOW: S$16.00
Children Finding FaithThe church needs children’s evangelism like never before. For if it fails to engage with the generation now being born, the future is bleak. This book sheds insight on how we can help children know God.
S$20.00
Teachers’ Resources
The All-Age Service Annual (Vol 3)Take the stress out of preparing all-age services! Includes 52 sets of service starters and 15 all-age service outlines, plus 12 monthly themes connected with the Light syllabus. Can be used in conjunction with Light or on its own. Additional material available as downloads.
S$30.00
Bible Bytes [Devotional Guide]A Bible reading guide created especially for youth. A series of 12 volumes containing 90 days of undated readings, each focused the relationship between God and our young people today.
S$3.50 each
The Buy Back SchemeBoring. Irrelevant. Fairy Tales. What most teens imagine the Bible to be but Steve Allen disproves this misguided assumption and shows the cultural nature and interesting background of the Word that’s what most people often overlook.
S$6.00
Youth Resources
18
Light for Everyone
S$28.00
Cool
S$18.00
Dig Down DeepJump into the LightLook Out Now
CDs by Jana AlayraSU now distributes Jana Alayra’s albums!
Sandi Patti and the Friendship Company
S$19.00In
S$18.00
Absolute Smash Hits for Kids
S$17.00
Absolute Modern Worship for Kids
S$17.00
Reach Up
S$28.00
Devotional Guides
Encounter with God – Every Day for a YearA compilation of the best Bible reading notes by our international writers. 365 undated devotions.
S$30.00
Asian Refl ectionsDevotional readings to help you keep your daily time withGod in today’s hurry-burry world. There are two volumeslasting 6 months each.
S$12.00
Daily Bread for New Christians(English & Chinese)Designed to help new believers know God better and answer their many questions. 40 days of undated readings.
S$2.50
Daily Bread (Chinese)Available in both simplifi ed and full script.
S$9.00 per copy, S$36.00 for subscription (4 copies + postage)Large print: S$10.00 per copy, S$42.00 for subscription
Everyday with Jesus – For the Elderly (Chinese)Undated devotional readings for the elderly. In 17 volumes.
$10.00 per copy
Closer To GodA creative and refl ective approach with an emphasis on renewal. Includes “going deeper” meditations and weekly themes.
S$7.00 per copyS$30.00 for subscription (4 copies + postage)
Encounter with GodDesigned for readers who want a more thoughtful, in-depth approach to systematic Bible reading.
S$7.00 per copyS$30.00 for subscription (4 copies + postage)
Teaching toChange Lives Dr Howard Hendricks, whose name has become synonymous with teaching, shares seven proven ways to make your teaching come alive. A must-read for anyone who wants to teach with power and passion, excitement and excellence.
S$18.00
Creative Teaching Methods Shake up that stagnant classroom! Christian education is so much more than a room of quiet faces staring at a teacher. Take the boredom out of teaching and start using your creativity today!S$32.00
Called To Teach Teaching is an art form that helps students think, feel and do. This book captures the essence of being a Christian teacher and will ignite your passion for teaching. S$40.00
Teachers’ Resources
Daily BreadDaily Bread helps people explore, understand and enjoy the Bible and work it out in everyday life. Each booklet gives youa reading each day, and easy to understand, practical comments which relate Biblical passages to current times.
S$7.00 per copy, S$30.00 for subscription (4 copies + postage)Large print: S$8.00 per copy, S$34.00 for subscription
LifeBuilder Bible StudiesThe bestselling LifeBuilder series has helped millions of people dig deeper into the Bible, individually and in small groups. Some tackle a section of the Bible, others take a thematic approach. There are questions for stimulating group discussions and ideas for meeting God in personal refl ection.
WAS: S$8.00, NOW: S$3.00Special Offer!For purchase of 5 copies and above. FREE! Small Group Starter Kit (1 copy)
BestSeller!
BestSeller!
S$32.00
S$32.00
S$32.00
SUPA Camp 2009
(Scripture Union Primary Age)
Would you like your children to always be “thumbs up for God”? Here is an action-packed camp experience
that will help your child give God the ‘thumbs up’ and give God all the glory!Based on the internationallyrenowned UnveilinGLORYcurriculum for children,this year’s SUPA (ScriptureUnion Primary Age) Camp willbe an immersive and interactive funcamp experience with plenty of creative learning points on God, life, missions and prayer. Highlights:
• Treasure Hunt: Challenging children to make God the treasure of their hearts and to live for His glory
• Cool Cat or Devoted Dog: Nurturing the right attitudes toward God• Learning about the T.H.U.M.B. people and praying for unreached people groups• Hands-on Learning Stations, Fun, Games and More!
willctive fun
SSccriipptturee UUniooonn
CChhillddrreenn’’ss CCaammpp 22000099
When?27-30 November 2009 (Fri-Mon)
Where?Diocesan Centre Building
St Andrew’s Village
Who?Primary 3 to 6
How much?
$75 (by 26 oct);
thereafter $85 (by 16 nov)
How?Call Meenaci at 6337 14376337 1437
or email [email protected]@su.org.sg
Speaker: Pastor Steven Wee is an anointed speaker, lead worshipper and songwriter. Formerly an associate Youth Pastor of a Methodist church for 7 years, Steven today ministersin churches locally and in the region, andis also a corporate trainer specialisingin high performance teams.
Breakthrough
Scripture Union
YOUTH CAMP 2009
Cast aside the things that prevent you from living
passionately for God. Come and experience a breakthrough
in your life and relationships. Sign up now for an awesome camp!
Highlights:• Fun adventures• Life-changing messages • Practical workshops
When? 11-15 December 2009 (Fri-Tue)Where? Dairy Farm Adventure CentreWho? Secondary 1 to JC & Poly studentsHow much? $80 (by 6 Nov);thereafter $95 (by 30 Nov)How? Call Ron at 6337 1437 oremail [email protected]
