2012 - A New Chapter

Dear church,
Beginning a new year is like turning over to a new chapter of an exciting adventure story. There will be challenges, some new, some carried over from previous chapters. Fresh opportunities will be presented… Opportunities to develop and strengthen that which was begun earlier... Opportunities to start anew. It is particularly exciting because God is writing His story, and we are included in this story.

“The LORD saves sinners – the world must listen and respond!” This is our theme for 2012. We resonate with this theme because we have experienced this message. We are sinners saved by God's grace. Each of us can testify of our 'before' and our 'after', just like what several of our fellow members have eloquently shared at our Christmas Service. Some testimonies tell of dramatic turnarounds. Others convey more gradual 'discoveries' of newfound purpose and joy. But all speak of God's loving and continuing work of grace in their lives.

The prophet Isaiah carried this message throughout his life. He went about preaching this important message with urgency. Despite being ignored or rejected, he persevered on, for he knew the message that was entrusted to him was given by the LORD, the Creator, the Sovereign, the only God! And this glorious message brings hope to all who would respond!

We are bearers of this same message. As people who have been touched by God's grace, we have been charged to go and tell. We are God's ambassadors, given that awesome responsibility and privilege to convey this glorious message to the world around us.

We will be studying the Book of Isaiah. As we work our way through this Book over two years (2012 & 2013), we will hear clearly the LORD’s heartbeat and respond as people placed to fulfill His purpose in this generation. The theme verse we have chosen for this year captures this thought succinctly:
“Turn to me and be saved, all you ends of the earth;
for I am God, and there is no other.” (Isaiah 45:22)

We will also be having special emphases Sundays, where we will consider together issues relating to discipleship, missions and evangelism, family life, and the church. And, through our mid-sized groups (i.e. Children’s Ministry, Youth, Young Adults, Palm Green, Indonesian Fellowship, Filipino Fellowship, Tamil Fellowship and PRC outreach Ministry) and small groups, there will be active engagement in outreach and discipleship.

It is exciting to be on this adventure with God. The next chapter is being written, with you and I featured in that story, being molded and at the same time given opportunities by our LORD to fulfill His glorious purpose. What a grand privilege! Thank you Lord.

May 2012 be a year where we in YCKC grow in knowing and serving the LORD, actively listening and obeying Him. Only then will that urgent and important message be relayed with conviction to the world around us.

With God’s blessings,

David LT Yap
Lead Pastor & Elder