2020 12 29
作者 Article by: Elaine Wong
節日詩二首
一《疫下度端陽》
鑼鼓齊鳴響喧天
百槳擊浪水震濺
往日端陽很熱閙
岸邊人兒肩擦肩
今年疫情翻轉天
隔離禁令使人癲
龍舟停賽鼓聲沒
喜慶情貌何能掀
獃呆在家食為先
糉子飄香味道鮮
舉家圍桌共品嚐
吃著尚感樂無邊
疫情難耐太熬煎
人民苦況一篇篇
求主憐憫除病害
明年今日困境遷
(寫於2020年6月25日端午節)
二《祈盼佳音》
遍地鋪蓋盡愁陰
新冠處處撒毒針
蹂躪世間足一載
仍舊死賴把人侵
年初肆虐至如今
猙獰惡貌駭人心
盡施各法攆不掉
民不聊生情何堪
萬千星輝閃似金
基督救主眾所欽
聖誕鐘聲雲霄響
普世歡騰頌恩深
合拾祈盼把亂戡
病毒不滅心不甘
恩主懇求展威能
新歲得聞勝戰音
(寫於2020年12月21日冬至)
2020 12 25
作者 Article by: 金卓年 (盧頌欣譯)
朗朗和聖誕奇蹟 (下集)
朗朗和德德早上工作完,每人賺了五元。還有兩天就是聖誕日了, 朗朗需要更多錢來買所有禮物。午飯後, 朗朗和德德清潔地面, 又把更多貨物放在架子上。他們每人多賺了二十元。「三十元了。」 朗朗在想。「夠買玩具車和螺絲批,但我仍需要錢買平底鍋。」 那天晚上,朗朗回家,覺得很自豪。當他告訴他的家人他認識了德德,他的媽媽為他不再孤獨一個人而高興。不過,朗朗腦海中只記掛着平底鍋,而後天就是聖誕日了。他需要快點賺錢買所有的禮物給他的家人。
聖誕前夕那天,朗朗再到店鋪工作。他只需要多賺十元,但他很努力,賺了二十元。他買了他需要買的禮物,還剩下一點錢,於是他買了一個筆盒給德德。筆盒上面有兩隻有趣的小狗圖案,很受客人歡迎。朗朗和德德下班之前,朗朗把筆盒送給德德。朗朗說,「這個給你的。聖誕快樂。謝謝你支持我,你的支持對我有很大的意義。」 德德感動得要哭了,說:「謝謝。」 朗朗要離開時,德德叫着:「朗朗,你等等。我今天可以來你的家嗎?」 朗朗說:「當然。」
那天傍晚,德德和朗朗一家一起吃飯。德德問:「朗朗,你可以先去你的房間嗎?我想製造一個驚喜。」朗朗說:「好的。」 於是德德跟朗朗的家人相量大計。
聖誕日來了。正當朗朗把禮物送給他的家人時,門鈴突然響了, 原來是德德。「啊,德德,你好!」大家說。德德也和他們打招呼:「大家好!」然後德德對朗朗說:「朗朗,聖誕快樂啊!現在我做你的朋友了。」 在那漂亮的時刻,朗朗知道神已經應允他的禱告了。朗朗說:「我以前以爲神不是真的,因爲他不把我所要的給我。但我現在明白他是真的。我好高興他派德德來做我的朋友,這真是一份很好的聖誕禮物啊!」
Frank and the Christmas Miracle (Part 2 of 2)
Terence Kim
Frank and Ted finished for the morning and each earned five dollars. Christmas was just two days away and Frank needed more money to buy all the gifts. After a break for lunch, Frank and Ted cleaned the floor and restocked the shelves. They each earned twenty more dollars. "30 dollars," Frank thought to himself. "Enough to buy the toy car and the screwdriver. I still need money to buy the frying pan."
Frank went home that night feeling immensely proud. When he told his family about Ted, his mom was glad that he was not lonely anymore. However, Frank's mind was on the frying pan and there was only one more day before Christmas. He needed the money quickly so he could get all his presents for his family in time.
On Christmas Eve, Frank went to the store to work again. He only needed ten more dollars, but he worked so hard that he earned 20 dollars that day. He bought all the presents and still had money left, so he bought Ted a pencil box. The pencil box had two cute puppies on it and it was popular. Before Frank and Ted left for the day, Frank gave Ted the pencil box. "Here," Frank said. "Merry Christmas. Thanks for supporting for me. It really means a lot to me." There were tears in Ted's eyes. "Thanks," he croaked. Just before Frank left, Ted exclaimed, "Frank! Wait. Do you think that I can come to your house today?" Frank replied, "Sure."
That evening, Ted had dinner with Frank's family. "Frank, can you go to your bedroom? I want to create a surprise." Ted asked. Frank said, "Yep!" So, Ted talked to Frank's family and made a plan.
On Christmas Day, Frank was giving his family the presents when suddenly, the doorbell rang. It was Ted. "Hi, Ted," everyone said. "Hello," Ted greeted them. Then Ted turned to Frank. "Merry Christmas, Frank, you got a friend in me." And at that glorious moment, Frank knew that God had answered his call. Frank said, "I used to think God wasn't real because he didn't give me what I wanted. But now I understand that he is real. I am very glad that he sent Ted to be my friend. What a Christmas present!"
2020 12 22
作者 Article by: 金卓年 (盧頌欣譯)
朗朗和聖誕奇蹟 (上集)
朗朗飛跑到飯桌。晚飯是朗朗最喜歡的時間。他和弟弟賢仔圍著飯桌坐下祈禱, 但朗朗當晚祈禱是為了另一個原因:他想要一個朋友。他父母離異後, 他跟媽媽搬到紐約,跟他的朋友們分開了。他想知道天父會不會聽他的禱告。
那天晚上, 朗朗發噩夢, 看見四處都是惡棍。他打開眼睛,看看日曆, 長嘆一聲。他正在放聖誕假期, 而聖誕節很快就要來了。他正計劃應該買什麽聖誕禮物給他的家人。他想:「買一架玩具車給賢仔。」 因爲賢仔很愛玩具車。又想:「買一個新的平底鍋給媽媽。」 因爲媽媽的平底鍋開始破爛了。「還要買一個新的螺絲批給爸爸。」 他後父的螺絲批生鏽了, 需要買新的。於是,朗朗出門去一間平價商店。
商店裏面有很多貨物。朗朗問經理可不可以在店鋪裏工作。經理名字叫阿積, 他讓朗朗清潔地面。朗朗很快清潔完,阿積就付工錢給他。
第二天,朗朗再到店鋪工作。經理阿積與朗朗打招呼, 不過這次阿積帶來一個新的年輕店員。阿積說這男孩子叫德德,說兩個男孩子有很多相同之處。朗朗和德德立刻開始工作, 把貨物放在架子上, 同時彼此自我介紹。德德說他在俄亥俄州出生, 在兩個月前搬到紐約。朗朗說他本來住在多倫多, 在父母離異後搬到紐約,從此沒有朋友了。德德為朗朗感到難過,決定要幫他。
(下集將於12 月25日出版)
Frank and the Christmas Miracle (Part 1 of 2)
Terence Kim
Frank raced to the dining table. Dinner was his favourite time of day. He sat down at the table with his brother, Eddie. They started praying. However, Frank was praying for a different reason that night. He wanted a friend. After his parents got divorced, he moved to New York with his mother, and got separated from all his friends. He wondered if God would ever hear his prayer.
That night, Frank had a nightmare and saw bullies everywhere. He opened his eyes, looked at the calendar, and sighed. He was on Christmas holiday and it was not too far until Christmas. He wondered what he would get his family for Christmas. "A toy car for Eddie," thought Frank. Eddie loved toy cars. He then thought of a present for his mom. "A new frying pan for Mom," thought Frank. He saw that his mom's pan was breaking. "And a new screwdriver for Dad." His step-dad needed a new screwdriver, as the old one was rusty. So, he left the house and went to a cheap superstore.
Inside, there were lots of things. Frank went up to the manager and asked for a job. The manager, whose name is Jake, let Frank clean the floor. Frank finished quickly and Jake paid him.
The day after, Frank worked at the store again. Jake and Frank greeted each other, but this time Jake had a new young employee. Jake introduced this young boy as Ted, who apparently had a lot in common with Frank. Frank and Ted got straight to work stocking shelves. They introduced themselves to each other while they were doing it. Ted said he was born in Ohio and moved to New York two months ago. Frank said that he used to live in Toronto and moved to New York after his parents had divorced. He did not have any friends anymore. Ted felt bad and wanted to help Frank.
(Part 2 will be published on Dec 25)
2020 12 18
作者 Article by: Grace Liu
「耆」樂無窮
疫情期間往往收到老同學群組傳來的笑話。目的是讓大家在不同地方仍可以笑下, 不至聚焦在疫情的傷感中。 今天收到一則和大家分享。
場景:廚房
主角:老父和女兒(正一起煮食)
女:爸,上星期生日送給你的禮物 iPad 好用嗎?那些App 你懂得用嗎?
老父:好呀!甚麼是App?請讓開一下,我要把切好的菜放進窩內。
随着, 老父把所有菜入窩後,更以熟練手勢把切菜板拿到水喉冲洗,繼而再放入洗碗碟機內。一連串動作令在旁的女兒目定口呆。原來老父把 iPad 當成粘板用!
看來是一則令人捧腹的笑話。但想深一層實在有点傷感。首先,老人家一般未能跟得上現時電子科技時代。很多人認為普及的電子產品對老人而言是陌生的, 不應讓老人用免去麻煩。然而,如果能耐心引導或鼓勵嘗試, 好好利用卻能發揮意想不到的效益。
我們關顧組有定期以電話探訪教會長者。其中一位告訴我女兒送了一個電腦仔給她。利用這個機,她可以見到女兒一家,又可以通話。管理處送來的通告她也可以傳給女兒看,然後翻譯了告訴她。我試下傳了一個 WhatsApp 信息給她,她竟然以emoji表情符号回應。兩天後更用語音傳話給我。我實在為此平板電腦的發明感恩。
另一位長者也表示以前每年回港探兒子,每次停留約兩個月。她説:「現因疫情我可以用 iPad 日日打電話返港睇下兒子一家食晚飯。諗落疫情都有好處。現在我都學識用了!哈哈仲可以睇住做運動!」
又一次感受到這些老人家分享, 既正面,又充滿喜樂。衷心祝願神繼續保守所有長者得着從神而來的平安。疫情當中仍然可以享受豐盛人生。
2020 12 15
作者 Article by: Fung Ping Chan
每年一度的聖誕節即將來臨, 以往在這段日子裏,各商店都早巳佈置得美侖美奐, 貨品琳琅满目, 商場内人頭湧湧, 熙來攘往, 忙着選購禮物饋贈親友, 街上車輛川流不息, 擠得水洩不通, 歡楽笑聲遍佈角落.
聖誕節可能在每個人心中所想均有所不同, 孩童們認為是一個收取禮物的節日, 在外求學的辛辛學子, 在這假期可回家享受美食和父母的寵愛, 年青一輩則藉此時間约同友好, 大開派對, 暢談歡敍, 上班一班則趁此良机, 偷得浮生半日閑, 在家憩息, 或出外旅遊, 年老者則期望後輩一家大小探望他們, 以敍天倫, 姑勿論其想法如何, 畢竟聖誕節实為救主降生的印記, 是抹煞不掉, 改變不了的事实. 然而今年的聖誕卻不一樣, 如衆所皆知, 疫情日趨嚴峻, 一波未平, 一波又起, 患病數字居高不下, 死亡人数無日無之, 世界各地䧟入困境, 經済衰竭, 民生疾苦, 何來快楽之有. 我等雖處於如此不堪的疫境/逆境下, 生活穩定, 衣食住行不缺, 不單如此, 尚有能力作出捐献, 將食品捐到食物银行, 把善款捐赠到各機構, 如醫院、老人院、癌症基金会等等, 幫助有需要的人, “施比受更有福”, 神賜的恩典何其豐盛.
防疫疫苗终於研發成功, 已可面世, 救星来了, 感謝上主, 赐我們今年的一份聖誕禮物.
普世歡腾, 普天同慶, 颂主降生, 祝聖誕快楽.
2020 12 11
作者 Article by: Joel Chiu
曾經人們以為每天工作八小時,薪資四千元(舉例), 終有一天科技發達會使得每天只要工作四小時, 就可獲得四千元薪資, 便可以每天多休息四小時。然而科技的好處還不見得嚐到,人們就先被資本主義洗腦, 把科技替我們節省下來的時間繼續拿去工作賺錢。因為資本主義的觀念是財富的纍積是錢越多、越易集聚,把多出來的四個小時繼續工作,每月便會獲得八千元的財富, 而八千元比四千元拿去投資, 更快纍積財富。
在這樣的觀念惡劣循環下, 我們是越來越忙。因為時間可以換成金錢, 金錢可以換成更多的金錢。因著忙碌, 我們的腳步越來越快。快到看不見過去與我們相依相存的各種人、事、物, 我們的眼睛變得越來越狹隘到幾乎只看的見跟賺錢有關的人、事、物。
而我因疫情,從三月至今, 大多數時間留在家中, 經過超過九個月後, 竟然有機會從這種湍急的人生洪流中脫走。起初我不明白這是上帝的恩典, 還喃喃抱怨。後來才知道祂讓我因著這疫情, 學習到從另一個角度看人生。就像上帝給我任務, 叫我牽一隻蝸牛去散步。蝸牛慢吞吞的腳步讓人煩死了、心生埋怨、一直數落著蝸牛, 但是後來卻因此聞到花香、聽到蟲鳴鳥叫、看見滿天星斗。這才發現自己錯了, 不是上帝叫我牽一隻蝸牛去散步, 而是上帝叫一隻蝸牛牽我去散步。
我開始用另一個角度看人生, 是疫情給我的。過去懶散的我, 是真的沒衝勁去附近的公園散步, 而忽然有朋友約邀去公園逛逛,於是我真的聞到花香、聽到蟲鳴鳥叫、看見滿天星斗, 甚至看到在樹林跑過的鹿群、滿天隨風飛舞的紅葉。一向追趕時間的我,總怕跑慢了會輸人。但是因著疫情,我不得不慢下腳步,卻發現慢下來更能體會到很多的東西。在這緩慢過程中, 我竟有大把時間去細細思考琢磨許多人生的課題,並活得更深刻、更紮實。
上帝給我蝸牛(疫情),學到用不同的角度看世界。沒有蝸牛的你, 或者也可以試試從被逼困在家居中, 重新觀看世界、觀看自己。在十八世紀,被稱為「詩中之聖」的查理.衛斯理寫了一首詩歌, 普天頌讚收編在「希望、和平、喜樂」部分的,名叫「神聖純愛歌」。這首詩歌在將臨期唱也是適合的。當中有歌詞,是第三周思想喜樂時特別配合的「求將上主慈愛聖靈吹入每夥煩惱心; 主所應許甜蜜安息,但願人人得繼承;」又說「但願時常頌主事主,猶如天上眾天軍, 祈禱讚揚, 永無停止, 完全愛裏永歡欣。」
2020 12 08
作者 Article by: Billy Ng
近日我重溫羅馬書第五章的經文,使徒保羅在第三節教導我們:「在患難中也要歡歡喜喜的。」真的可以做到嗎?單是今年新冠肺炎蔓延全球, 導致我們的日常生活顛覆過來, 這種戰戰兢兢的生活, 我們仍然可以歡歡喜喜的過嗎?
今年年初我和太太計劃入圖則裝修房屋, 原本計劃3個月的裝修工程, 卻因為疫情導致市政府工程許可証延至七月才批出,一些工程的錯漏, 加上遇到兩位非常嚴格的驗屋師, 導致工程延期多時, 到現在我們還未能入住。一件原本以為簡單的工程, 遇上種種困難, 卻造成我們很大的心理壓力, 又怎能夠在患難中也要歡歡喜喜的呢?
早幾日,太太在家庭群組中, 祝賀外甥女生日快樂, 祝她每天都活得開心自在!她卻回應說:「實在有難度?!」太太再鼓勵她說:「這都是我們每日學習的功課。」也引用了上星期日Jenny主教講道中, 提醒我們:「昨日已過去、明天還未來、學習活在當下!」
是真的!已發生的事我們無法改變; 明天將要出現的事, 我們並不知曉; 我們只好做好今天的事。回想若不是遇上兩位嚴格的驗屋師, 我們未必能建造一間既安全、又舒適的家;裝修工人亦不會加倍小心和認真, 減少出錯。使徒保羅提醒我們,在遇上患難逆境的時候, 我們應該選擇「歡歡喜喜的」面對,「因為所賜給我們的聖靈將神的愛澆灌在我們的心裏。」(羅馬書5:5)
Love in Pandemic #95
Recently I read Romans 5 again. Paul the Apostle taught us in verse 3: "We also glory in our sufferings." Is it really possible? Just this year, the pandemic around the world has caused our daily lives to be overturned. Are we actually able to ‘live in glory’ with this kind of trembling life?
At the beginning of this year, my wife and I planned to renovate our house. Originally, we thought it would be a three-month project. Due to the pandemic, the issuance of the city permit was delayed to July. In addition, few project mistakes and two strict home inspectors caused the project to be even further delayed. As of now, we still have not been able to move in yet. A project that was supposed to be quite simple has encountered all kinds of difficulties, causing a lot of stress and mental strain on us. How can we glorify in our sufferings?
A few days ago, my wife wished my niece a happy birthday in our family group chat, wishing her a “happy life every day!” She responded, "It’s not easy?!" My wife encouraged her and said, "This is the lesson we need to learn every day." She also quoted the preaching of Bishop Jenny last Sunday, reminding us: "Yesterday is finished, tomorrow may never come.” We should learn to embrace today!
It is true! We cannot change what has happened; we don’t know what will happen tomorrow; we have to work on it today. Recall that if we hadn't met the two strict home inspectors, we may not have built a safe and comfortable home; the contractor may, as a result, be less careful and serious with our renovation.
Paul the Apostle reminds us that in times of adversity, we should choose to face it "with glory", “Because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us." (Romans 5:5)
2020 12 04
作者 Article by: Margaret Loo
等待
自從新冠疫情今年初開始侵襲全球,疫情蔓延得既快且兇,現今安省在疫情一波又一波的打擊下, 我們處身的皮爾區,屬重災區,又再封關, 雖然大女兒一家住在我們的隔鄰, 也不可以進入我的房子,每星期一次的共同晚餐, 轉成ZOOM上舉行; 而在安省北部工作的小女兒, 聖誕節也不能回來探望我們。雖然防疫措施引起生活上諸多不便,但我們一家大小身體健康,要上班的可以上班, 要上課的可以上課, 已退休的可以繼續退休, 實在是要感恩的。在疫症的打擊下, 很多人面對各種極大的衝擊, 有失去工作的,有失去親人和朋友的, 有在前線工作得筋疲力倦的, 有染上疫病的心驚膽跳地自我隔離, 還有染上疫病並病入膏肓的,孤獨地在醫院面對死亡。很多人會都在問:『要等多久才能回復比較正常的生活呢?』.................大家都在等待。
等待,在這講求效率的現今社會, 是一件極不容易的事。最近查經班研讀使徒行傳,參考資料提及初期教會群體學習的第一課, 就是學習『等待』。作者路加在使徒行傳記載 , 耶穌升天前和使徒聚集的時候,囑咐他們不要離開耶路撒冷,要等候父的應許, 他們會在過了不多幾天, 在聖靈裏受洗。其實, 從使徒的角度,要遵守耶穌的吩咐, 是一件極不容易的事。耶穌將要離開他們,他們又不知道聖靈降臨的準確時間。但使徒親眼目睹耶穌十架上受死, 復活, 和復活後的顯現,這些刻骨铭心的經歷, 令他們確信耶穌是神子是主, 順從耶穌的指示,並在等候期間同心合意地恆切禱告。使徒等了十天, 聖靈就在五旬節那天,在耶路撒冷降臨。使徒都被聖靈充滿, 得著能力,彼得向當時在耶路撒冷城中從各地回去過節的猶太人和耶城的居民講道, 有三千人受洗。神的計劃, 神的時間,使徒的等待, 使徒的的同心禱告, 神的大使命藉聖靈透過使徒遂得以展開。讓我們向使徒學習,聽從主耶穌的吩咐, 學習等待。讓我們向使徒學習,學習在等候期間同心合意地恆切禱告。讓我們向使徒學習,確信耶穌是神子是主, 願意活在神的旨意和神的時間中。
(參考資料約翰司托德之聖經一年通及李思敬DVD教會群體學習的第一課)。
Waiting Margaret Loo
Since the Coronus virus pandemic began to invade the world at the beginning of this year, it has been spreading rapidly and fiercely. Ontario is now being hit by the second wave. The Peel Region where we are in is a hard-hit area and is now in its second lockdown. My older daughter and her family live next to us, but they are not to come into my house. We now have our weekly joint dinner on ZOOM. My younger daughter who works in northern Ontario will not be able to visit us this Christmas. Although the pandemic preventive measures have caused many inconveniences, I am grateful that each member of my family is staying healthy and safe. We can continue doing what we are supposed to do, such as going to work, going to school and continue retiring. Many people’s lives have been greatly impacted by the pandemic. Some have lost their jobs. Some have lost their family members or friends. Many frontline health care workers find themselves totally overwhelmed and exhausted. People who were diagnosed positive keep themselves in quarantine, anxiously hoping to get well soon. And those who are dying because of Covid have to do so in the hospital all by themselves. Many are asking the same question. “How long will it take for us to return to a more normal life?" ...................Everyone is waiting.
Waiting is not easy in this modern society where efficiency is the priority. Recently, the Bible study group began the study of Acts. One Bible scholar pointed out that the first lesson learned by the apostles of the early church was “waiting”. The author Luke recorded in the Book of Acts that when Jesus gathered with the apostles before ascending to heaven, he told them not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait for the Father's promise. They would be baptized in the Holy Spirit in not too many days. In fact, from the perspective of the apostles, it is not at all easy to obey Jesus' instructions. Jesus would be leaving them and they did not know the exact time when the Holy Spirit would come. However, the apostles had witnessed Jesus’ death on the cross, his resurrection, and his subsequent resurrection appearances. These unforgettable experiences convinced them that Jesus was the Son of God and their Lord. They obeyed Jesus' instructions, and prayed together while waiting. The apostle waited for ten days, and the Holy Spirit descended in Jerusalem on the day of Pentecost. The apostles were filled with the Holy Spirit and received power. Peter preached to the residents of Jerusalem as well as the large crowd of Jews who returned to Jerusalem from various countries outside Judea to celebrate the Pentecost. Three thousand people were baptized. God's plan. God's time. The apostles’ waiting. The apostles’ prayer. God's Great Commission began to be carried out by the Holy Spirit through the apostles.
Let us learn from the apostles in following the instructions of Lord Jesus, and learn to wait.
Let us learn from the apostles to pray together while waiting.
Let us learn from the apostles, acknowledging that Jesus is the Son of God and be willing to live according to God's will and in God's time.
(Reference: Through the Bible through the Year by John Stott DVD on the first lesson of the early church community by Dr. S K LEE).
2020 12 01
作者 Article by: Grace Liu
挣扎
自「疫中情」1期停刊後心中是失落卻又不想見它再現,因為這等於另一次 的 lockdown 又開始了。
九月中,安省政府決定所有中小學包括幼稚園可以按部復課。已停課半年的兩個孫兒自然很興奮, 但作為家長的卻要面對一個重要決擇。首先是選擇實體復課或網上復課。留孩子在家作上線學習, 恐怕父母不能全情投入工作, 夜闌人静仍要繼續工作以補足日間缺時。要是送孩子返學, 又怕他們不幸感染疫症。
作為祖父母的我們,更是熱窩上螞蟻。我們不好加意見去影响決定,只能默默為他們祈禱。由於孩子每天上學, 為免不幸受感染,女兒提議我們不去接觸孫兒。視像是唯一見面的途徑。這樣的日子要到幾時呢?
每天看到疫情數字的起落, 心中總是七上八下的。擔心第二波,第三波到來, 擔心孩子在校是否安全,擔心自已和老伴出外買餸和週日到教會祟拜是否會受感染。萬一染上了, 更會令女兒百上加斤。內心的不稳足以令我失去平安。
一節熟悉經文浮現腦海。「應當一無掛慮,只要凡事藉着禱告,祈求和感謝, 將你們所要的告訴神。神所賜出人意外的平安,必在基督耶稣裡, 保守你們心懷意念。」特然好像如獲至寶,相信可以找緊神,重獲内心平安。可惜, 夜深時分, 腦海浮現的仍是一幅幅疫情圖片。白天擔心足以令我難以入睡, 又是一個無眠之夜。
我們可以"一無掛慮"嗎?似乎不大可能,因為我們都為自己家庭,兒女憂慮。保羅建議我們把憂慮化成禱告。真正平安並不來自樂觀思想,而是來自知道神掌管一切。沙灘上足印是神的回應。當我們回顧過去, 就發現我們的生命祂也已安排好了。最近珍妮主教也作同樣提醒。神沒有減輕或除去苦難,只幫助我們面對苦難,迎接將來要發生的事情。就讓我們趁將臨期在第一支「先知之燭」燃起後學習儆醒, 讀經。以喜樂之心等待基督再臨。神的平安引導我對抗憂慮,每日恆常禱告, 為孫兒們能每天健康成長獻上感恩。
2020 11 27
作者 Article by: Wilson Loo
小天使氣沖沖的跑進來, 『不得了啦,不得了啦』。
笨驢氣定神閒的放下報章,『幹嗎,小天使?』
小天使上氣不接下氣,說,『新冠第二波疫情惡化,皮爾區跟多倫多首當其衝,省府兵來將擋,將重災區再封關啦 .. ..』。笨驢接下去,『定啲嚟,是預料中事矣。頌主堂經歷兩個月多的實體與在線崇拜雙線同時進行後, 為著教友的健康, 於十一月十五日已再次回復完全在線崇拜。怎麼你不知嗎?』
小天使收斂下來,說:『你以為我真的不知嗎?聞說第二波疫情似乎比第一波更兇險,蔓延更快,猶幸加拿大民眾也深明大義,盡力遵守防疫措施. 』小天使吸一口大氣,繼續說道,『猶幸這一回封關, 已看見黑暗盡頭之曙光,有三隻新冠疫苗已宣佈效果理想,很快面世,為很多生活在波浪洪濤的市民大眾,帶來切實的希望。期待不久的將來,回復比較正常的生活. 』
小天使抖擞精神, 一本正經的說, 『真的,身在福中不知福』,不是經歷多個月來的不正常的生活, 很難感受到正常生活的難能可貴!真要好好的『常常喜樂, 不住地禱告,凡事謝恩』啊!
『咦,你個小鬼,怎麼也說起教來了!願洗耳恭聽』
小天使難得有『粉絲』,當正自己站在講台,面向會眾,朗聲道,『當下教會一年將始, 將臨期將至,當我們準備自己,去迎接基督降生,及反思警醒, 盼望基督第二次再臨之際, 我們也當環顧周圍, 在此疫情肆虐之時, 很多弱勢社群,需要更多照顧,我們蒙神恩佑的,可否加一分力量, 去幫助我們周圍之中最小的一個呢?』
笨驢瀕瀕點頭,說,『你說得有理,就讓我等去預備預備。』
稍頓, 轉向小天使,曰 『小天使,你為我等預備四五十個聖誕禮物袋, 然後打電話給.. 』
小天使領命,飛跑去了。
Little Angel dashed in from outside. “Oh my goodness. Oh my goodness.”
Stubborn donkey gently put down his newspapers. “What is it, Little Angel?”
Little Angel caught his breath, “The second wave of Covid-19 pandemic is deteriorating quickly. Peel Region and Toronto are bearing the brunt. The provincial government has just announced a lockdown again...”
Stubborn Donkey continued, “Calm down, this is not unexpected. Well, the health and safety of parishioners is the highest priority at St. Elizabeth’s. After two months of worship services that are both in-person and online, St. E. has once again reverted to online services only. Aren’t you aware of this?
Little Angel quieted down, “You really think that I don’t know? I have heard that this second wave seems to be more severe than the first wave and is spreading more rapidly. Fortunately, most Canadians do understand the grave situation and they do follow as many pandemic precautions as possible.”
Little Angel took a big breath, and continued, “It is good that for this lockdown, we can at least see some light at the end of this dark tunnel. I understand that there are now three Covid-19 vaccines. They seem pretty promising and should be available for general use in the very near future. Hopefully, this will bring back a bit of normality in the lives of many people who are really hanging on by a thread.
Little angle paused, and said, “Indeed, when we are in the midst of an abundance of blessings, we usually do not recognize them. We really need to “Rejoice always, pray continually, and give thanks in all circumstances.”
“Wow, are you preaching now?”
Encouraged that he has a “fan”, little Angel began to act as if he was speaking to an entire congregation. “The church will start a new year soon, and Advent will arrive. We remember the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ and wait watchfully for His second coming. While we prepare ourselves, we should really look around us, especially at this critical time of the pandemic. There must be many more vulnerable people that need our help. We who receive so much blessings from our good Lord, should we not render additional help and support to the least of those around us?
Stubborn Donkey nodded. “You are right. Let us prepare ourselves.”
He paused for a minute and turned to Little Angel. “Little Angel, can you go and get 40-50 Christmas gift bags for us, and then make some phone calls...”
Little Angel took the order and sped out.
2020 11 24
作者 Article by: 王晨
新冠測試
我们正处在红色区域的第二阶段。教会再次回到网上崇拜,很多店铺又再关闭。新冠病例不断增加,令人担忧。
即使回到第二阶段,我也仍正在为一间老人中心教课。在回到第二阶段的初期, 舞蹈学校要求政府让他们重新开放,原因是学校仍然开放。他们说我们是训练孩子们跳舞,为什么我们不能开放。政府同意让他们开放,他们可以继续教授芭蕾舞和国标舞,但不能教尊巴舞那样的健身舞。从那以后,老人中心的舞蹈课继续,健身课停止。
我周一(11月9日)在中心教了两节课。星期二(11月10日)接到中心的电话,他们告诉我,有一位成员的家人新冠测试呈阳性。此家庭成员曾来中心。每个人都应该与家庭医生交谈或进行测试。中心再次关闭。
新冠测试需要预约。我去了新冠的网站,点击预约,他们的医生在网上对我进行了评估。他们让我于当天下午在Credit Valley医院进行测试。这是在医院停车场进行的测试。很快,我坐在车上不必排队就做了测试。取样时很不舒服,但可以忍受。测试后,他们给了我一张纸,告诉我要进行隔离,直到结果出来。如果结果是阳性,他们会打电话给我,我也可以在网上查看结果。结果第二天就出来了,“阴性!” 我放心了。感谢上主!
安大略省的新冠病例每天在增加,从每日数百起增加到目前的1,500多起。加拿大的每日测试量从4月的10,000.00到现在的近50,000.00。店铺关了又开,开了又关。我们可能重开得太早了。在疫苗出来之前,我们将会维持这样的禁闭生活一段很长的时间。作为基督徒即使我们处在非常困难的境地,仍然必须振奋, 遵循上帝的指导,阅读圣经,恳切祷告,相信情况会好转。在这里和大家分享我们熟悉的诗篇23篇。
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OVJguY-A4LU&t=302s
Covid -19 test
Sunny Wong
We are in stage 2 with the red zone. The church is back to virtual service again. Other businesses are locked down. Covid cases are increasing, which is scary.
Even we are backing to stage 2, I am still teaching dance lessons for a senior Centre. At beginning of the stage 2, the dance studio asks the government to reopen because the school is open. They said that we are training children to dance, so why can't we open? The government agrees and gives guidance that they can continue to teach Ballet and Ballroom Dance, but they cannot do fitness dances like Zumba. Since then, the senior center continued to hold dance classes but stopped fitness classes.
I taught two classes at the center on Monday (November 9). I received a call from the center on Tuesday (November 10) and they told me that a member’s family member had tested Covid positive. That family member was in the center. Everyone should talk to their family doctor or get tested. The center closed again.
Covid-19 testing requires an appointment. I went to the Covid-19 website, clicked make an appointment, their doctor chatted with me online went through the assessment. They gave me an appointment at Credit Valley Hospital the same day afternoon. This is a drive-through test in the hospital’s parking lot. It was quick. I don’t have to wait and got tested in the car right away. Sampling is uncomfortable, but it is tolerable. After the test, they gave me a piece of paper and told me to do the isolation until the results came out. If the result is positive, they will call me and I can also check it online. The result came out the next day, "Negative!" I was relieved. Thank God!
The number of new cases in Ontario has increased every day, from hundreds to more than 1,500 daily. The daily test volume in Canada has gone from 10,000.00 in April to nearly 50,000.00 now. The business close and open, open and close. We may have reopened too soon. Before the vaccine comes out, we may maintain this kind of isolation life for a long time. To be a Christian, even we are in a very difficult situation, we must still keep our spirits up, follow God's guidance, read Bible, pray for God's help, and believing that the situation will get better. I share our familiar Psalm 23 below.
2020 11 20
作者 Article by: Elaine Wong
〈人事更替,主恩不息〉
前任莫牧,為照顧年邁雙親,二零一九年底,辭任牧職,舉家移居加國西溫,並繼續作主僕人,牧養該處羣羊。頌主眾人,理解人子盡孝之心,在不捨中與牧師一家惜別,也祝願他們一家在彼處生活安康,讓該地羊兒得到餵養,彼此繫連妙結。
就在那牧師未覓,牧職懸空之際,Father Jim 受派來堂,暫作署理主任牧師之職,帶領本堂領袖團隊工作,以讓神家事工得以順利過渡。
Father Jim 入職本堂未久,新冠疫症入侵加國,嚴峻疫情之下,實體崇拜聚會停止,本堂在二零二零年三月始改行網上崇拜。直至九月十三日,疫情稍見平緩,在符合限聚令准許的人數之下,本堂重新回復實體崇拜,也兼行即時網上崇拜,好讓未克親身赴會的弟兄姊妹也能一起同心敬拜神。
網上崇拜,是要倚靠先進電腦資訊科技來進行的。感謝神!在教會領袖團隊及一眾弟兄姊妹的同心協力底下,本堂的網上崇拜由起初的生硬、不自然(筆者個人感覺),發展至今已日趨成熟,處處有所改善,讓參與者更能全心投入敬拜和事奉。而Father Jim在此期間無論是崇拜,還是堂會其他相關事項,他都克盡其職,關愛支持, 令肢體受益,教會事工也得順利過渡。
神的恩典是豐盛的,祂已為我們預備了一位牧者━━林寶珠牧師,並即將前來就任。祈願上帝大大的使用她,讓教會在她的牧養下,能發揮出教會的功用,宣揚主愛,領人歸主,榮神益人!
在歡迎林寶珠牧師來任的同時,也讓我們一起祝福即將離任的Father Jim繼續蒙神保守、使用,每天有主恩領,得主看顧。阿們!
2020 11 17
作者Article by: Yvonne Zheng
又是十一月十七日了。過一年、大一歲。
今年幾多歳?答案是:「唔話俾你知」。
個樣有沒有有老到?望一望鏡、和上次照鏡一樣。所以答案是:「沒有」。
身體機能有沒有壞到?走兩走、肌肉和關節有些痛。不過上次看醫生、她說我血糖控制得好。所以答案是:「有些少勞捐」。
生日有甚麼感受?答案是:「感恩,非常感恩」。
感恩的昰上帝天天與我同行:有能力照顧老公、有靈感煮出好菜、有能力和孫女玩鞦韆。
感恩的是自己和家人都健康:有工作、有飯開、有瓦遮頭。
感恩的是可以在網上和教友聚會:一起崇拜、硏經、祈禱和分享。和神、和人更加親近。
生日做甚麼特別事情來慶祝?答案是:「不需要」。因為天天都是生日。天天都值得慶祝。
COVID 19 article for Nov 17 2020
Today is November 17th. Another year has passed by.
How old am I? The answer is, “It’s a secret.”
Do I look older? Well, I look the same as yesterday. Therefore, the answer is, “No”.
Is my body functioning Ok? My joints and muscles creak a bit, but my blood sugar is fine. So the answer is, “A bit worn out”.
How do I feel now that I am one year older? The answer is, “Thankful, very thankful!”
I am thankful because God walks with me every day. He is with me when I take care of Sam, when I think of what to cook and when I play with little Hazel.
I am thankful because my kids all have jobs, we have food on the table and a roof above our heads.
I am thankful because my church friends can get together on zoom. We worship together, do Bible studies together, pray together and share together. We have a closer relationship with God and a closer relationship with each other when compare to before.
Am I doing something special to celebrate my birthday? The answer is “There is no need”. To me every day is my birthday, and every day is worth celebrating.
2020 09 11 (A)
作者 Article by: Wilson Loo
小天使隨伴笨驢一家移民楓葉國，轉瞬近卅年矣。其間有風平浪靜之際， 有風高浪急之時。去年高掛聽筒，以為退居桃園，或讀書研經， 或博覽周遊，豈料新冠蔓延，唯有宅居家中。教會聚會崇拜，亦史無前例暫停下來， 已六個月矣。
小天使日前隨笨驢驅車往教會一行, 將久違之黑白司禱袍拿回家清洗, 甫抵家門,小天使從車頂跳將下來，好奇問道：『教堂可快重開耶？』笨驢答曰：『然，惟疫情起復，未到日子，真個不知能否依時重啟也？』笨驢面有無奈之色.
小天使咦一聲，半帶安慰，半帶鼓勵，曰：『頌主堂就疫情下如何維持堂務,也實在做得不錯耳，領導團隊及其他領導渾身解數，各方面得以兼顧，尤其年青一代，盡展電腦才能，使網上崇拜得以順利進行，講道祈禱，唱詩讀經, 無一或缺；更讓團契小組，望梅止渴； 查經學道，盍興乎來. 更聞說詩班正密鑼緊鼓籌備一虛擬獻唱以慶祝堂慶云云』。
笨驢想起前幾個月因網上溝通之需要，硬着頭皮逼自己學習運用電腦軟件，發出會心微笑, 不期然從雪櫃取出冰琪淋來, 聊作慶祝; 小天使接過笨驢遞來之冰琪淋，吃了半碗，續曰: 『還有，繁瑣堂務，內外聯絡，大小會議，財政支出，皆辦理合適得宜，更翻修屋頂，又深度執拾堂內什物，你可感謝上主揀選得人？』笨驢點頭表示讚同.
小天使將碗裡之冰琪淋舔得乾乾凈凈，繼續款款而談: 『其實教會內其他教友互相關顧，也真的叫人艷羨，關顧的關顧，團契的團契，還有那個甚麼『疫中情』的文稿網絡，也挺受歡迎的，聞說有等教友，竟養成隔日追稿的習慣。』
笨驢忍不住插嘴：『吖， 你這小鬼頭，以為你只知跟松鼠追追逐逐，想不到你也觀察得挺細心。』笨驢作一深呼吸：『疫情以還， 越見頌主堂內上下齊心，大家歡歡喜喜的, 可真是:
『在 患 難 中 也 是 歡 歡 喜 喜 的 ； 因 為 知 道 患 難 生 忍 耐 ，忍 耐 生 老 練 ， 老 練 生 盼 望 ； 盼 望 不 至 於 羞 恥 ， 因 為 所 賜 給 我 們 的 聖 靈 將 神 的 愛 澆 灌 在 我 們 心 裡 。（羅馬書 5：3-5) 』
笨驢望著黑變灰的司禱袍，若有所思，喜見新一代的領導經過幾年的鍛煉，成長成材矣； 心頭一塊大石放下來。
『喂，小鬼頭， 再來一杯冰琪淋. 慶祝慶祝 ！』
It is nearly thirty years ago that little angel came with stubborn donkey and his family to Canada when they immigrated to this land. During these years, there were calm and balmy days, but there were also stormy and windy moments. Having hung up his stethoscope last year, stubborn donkey planned to read more and travel more. However, when Covid-19 pandemic struck, everything seemed to have come to a standstill, and resulting in the first ever suspension of in-person worship at church.
A few days ago, stubborn donkey drove to church to get his black/white lay reader gown so that he could wash it at home, after the gown was hung at church untouched for six months. As soon as they arrived home, little angel jumped from the roof of the car and asked, “is the church opening up for in-person worship soon?”
Stubborn donkey hesitated. “Yes… but the pandemic in Ontario is still fluctuating, and it is really difficult to say for sure if we can re-open as scheduled.” Stubborn donkey frowned.
Little angel saw his countenance fall, and tried to encourage him and cheer him up, saying, “St. Elizabeth’s has been managing its ministry during the pandemic pretty well. The leadership team, as well as other leaders had been working really hard to cover all bases. Thanks to the young leaders, whose computer and IT skills have facilitated not only successful online worship services, they have also allowed virtual fellowship, Bible studies and other ministries to take place. And I’ve heard the choir is even preparing for a virtual choir presentation for the upcoming anniversary celebration!”
This reminded stubborn donkey that a few months ago, he was scrambling to learn to use some new software programs so that he could participate in online communication. He nodded and smiled, apparently satisfied at his success in mastering some of the skills. Unknowingly, he reached for the tub of ice cream in the fridge, and handed little angel a full bowl. After gulping down half a bowl of ice cream, little angel continued, “ as well, the different facets of day-to-day church management, internal and external communication, the tenants, the Diocese, the different meetings, the finance books, all seemed to be handled well enough. What’s more, the rooftop repair, the in-depth clearing of storage items in church… Are you not glad that the good Lord has made a right choice?” Stubborn donkey nodded to affirm.
Little angel finished the ice cream and licked clean the bowl, and continued, “as a matter of fact, other parish members have been showing much love in their support and care for one another, the caring ministry, the small group fellowship ministry, and the what they called “Love in Pandemic” internet sharing network, which I heard is pretty well received. Some members say reading the article every other day becomes part of their daily routine.”
Stubborn donkey remarked, “oh, I thought you just know running around with the squirrels and eating ice cream! I didn’t realize that you are pretty observant about the things around you!” Stubborn donkey took a deep breath, “even with the pandemic, I have really noticed there is growing cooperation and laughter within St. E. It is so true what the Bible says in Romans 5:3-5,
“… but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.”
Stubborn donkey gazed at the white and black- turned- grey lay reader gown, paused for a moment in meditation, and felt a heavy stone being lifted off his chest: the new generation of church leaders have arrived.
“Hey, little angel, get me another bowl of ice cream. Let us celebrate!”
2020 09 09
作者 Article by: Elaine Wong
春遠去，夏即離，秋將屆，綿延滿七月，新冠病毒，依然死賴著不走，轟不退，甩不掉，惱人！駭人！害人！可憎 之至，可惡之極！其猙獰惡貌，令人每見欲嘔！
為要回復社會經濟，恢復人們的生活常態，在疫情看似不 太猖獗的現階段，我們的政府對之前的各種禁令也逐步酌量解除。公眾活動場所重新開放，各行各業復工，學校快將復課，而我們的教會也即將回復實體崇拜了。可是，由於有效疫苗一日未得成功研製，病毒便會繼續與我們共存，所以往後的日子，我們務要更加提高警惕，對於各種防疫措施都不能掉以輕心。
密市自從六月末梢第二階段解封後，我居住的柏文大廈樓下，每天黃昏至入夜前的三數個小時裏，都會出現四、五 個「榕樹頭」，樹下都是外國人，全是大廈的住客，他們每天到時候，便各攜摺凳或椅子，圍坐樹下談笑聊天。他們大都戴上了口罩，彼此之間並保持住適當的距離。天漸黑了，他們又各自收取椅凳回家。這種別樣的「榕樹頭」出現在疫情中的加拿大，對我來説感到很新奇，每晚我都居高俯視，數算一下每棵樹下有幾多位可愛的長者，平均每樹約有八至十人呢！我心裏想，若果疫情下所有人都如這班長者般負責守規，正常健康的社會生活將可早日回復過來。與此同時，我也念及教會肢體若能時刻遵守神的命令，各盡本分，彼此切實相愛，互相聯絡得合適，我們便能成為一所十分健全的教會，大大發揮教會的功用，榮神益人。
秋天短暫，快來快走，寒冬繼而步至，我們將會有一個怎樣的秋冬 ? 人生苦短，在有限的日子裏，我們如何可獻主更多 ?
請打開以下連結，我們用《主禱文》祈禱獻祭上主。
〈經文默想〉
有一天，耶穌和門徒上了船，對門徒說：「我們可以渡到湖那邊去。」他們就開了船。正行的時候，耶穌睡著了。湖上忽然起了暴風，船將滿了水，甚是危險。門徒來叫醒了他，說：「夫子！夫子！我們喪命啦！」耶穌醒了，斥責那狂風大浪；風浪就止住，平靜了。耶穌對他們說：「你們的信心在那裡呢？」他們又懼怕又希奇，彼此說：「這到底是誰？他吩咐風和水，連風和水也聽從他了。」
（路加福音 8:22-25)
〈詩歌分享〉：《平靜吧 ! 》，請按連結，即可觀看。謝謝 ！
2020 09 07
作者 Article by: Grace Liu
疫中情~配搭侍奉 獻上行動
教會因疫情停止了週日實體崇拜和各團契於教的活動。粵語事工主席想出了一個方法，鼓勵會友自願投稿，每兩天刊登一份稿件，投稿人各自選擇題材，內容不限，希望以簡短文字去連結教會各家庭。構思一出，嚮應者不缺，「疫中情」面世了。
投稿教友年紀由 10 歲至80 歲不等，內容可算是百花齊放。當中不乏賺人熱淚的感人故事，也有以聖經教訓作基礎的鼓勵良言，成為荒漠甘泉；校園欺凌，種族歧視有待公義伸張；從兒童舉動反映現今世代一些自我中心思想做成矛盾，以至令人忘記神的教導，發人深醒。美妙詩歌更往往令人陶醉在其中。 還有不可忘記的善意提醒: 要靠主常常喜樂，筆者更以一位地震幸存者親身經歷去啟迪我們的心靈，反思生命中誰在掌管；基督徒之價值觀和凡事謝恩的正面態度。在患難中也是歡歡喜喜的……。 疫情隔離期間，大人小孩各自在網上自我增值找尋各種樂趣。輕鬆的生活點滴與及和諧的兩代關係都能温暖人心。這許許多多的分享成為逆境中的暖流，支持着我們信靠主的決心。
我們無法改變疫情事實，也未知何時疫情會結束。但在八月廿三日的講道中，我體會到「疫中情」投稿正正就是眾兄姊獻上行動，為主使用。在頌主堂這大家庭裡各人做好本份，分別為聖。獻上自己恩賜配搭侍奉，以服侍主內兄姊為念。但願這樣的生活模式䝉神悦納。阿們
2020 09 05
作者 Article by: Yvonne Zheng
價值
孫女還未出世時，我妹妹曾說：「不會將來要幫女兒帶孩子吧！」她認為現代女性，讀完一個學位又一個學位，到頭來在家相夫教子實在不值。而退休後還要帶孫兒那就更甚了。各位曾經在家相夫教子的女士們，你們有沒有曾經質疑自己的價值呢？我們在家或在職場所做的一切事情，究竟是值得還是
徒然的呢？是不是一定要做些揚名聲、顯父母的事才算有價值？又或者要做一些對社會有供獻的事才不枉此生呢？
我們的價值是誰定的呢？是父母、老師、上司、老闆、朋輩、社會或是自己定的？是同金錢、地位掛鈎？又或者同生活質素有關連？我想十個人會有十個不同的不意見。但我肯定在上帝的眼裏我們每一個人都有價值。
「 因為你們是重價買來的，所以要在你們的身子上榮耀神。」
(哥林多前書六章二十節現代標點和合本)
在我來說，人在不同階段做不同的事。不論是學習、工作、帶孩子、照顧家人或做義工都是在榮耀上帝、都是有價值的。
「主乃活石，固然是被人所棄的，卻是被神所揀選、所寶貴的。
你們來到主面前，也就像活石，被建造成為靈宮，做聖潔的祭司，藉著耶穌基督奉獻神所悅納的靈祭。」
(彼得前書 二章四至五節現代標點和合本)
彼得前書 二章四至五節提醒我們每人都是主靈宮裏的一塊活石、是神的祭司。我們每一個人其實都是價值不菲的。「幫兒女帶孩子」都是一件非常有價值的事。你同意嗎?
What is our worth?
Before my granddaughter was born, my sister asked me: “Are you going to help take care of the baby?” She was in the opinion that taking care of babies should be a woman’s choice and not a woman’s job. You see, women are never paid to stay home to take care of their families. It seems that our work is worth nothing. Why bother spending time to get one university degree after another if we end up staying home to take care of our babies? Our work should be worth something.
So, how is our worth measured? Can it be measured by how much money we made, how successful we became or how famous we are? Can it be measured by the size of our houses or the number of vacations we take? Let me share the following bible passages with you:
1 Corinthians 6:20 (NIV version)
20 you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies. (1 Corinthians 6:20 NIV version)
1 Peter 2: 4-5 (NIV version)
4 As you come to him, the living Stone—rejected by humans but chosen by God and precious to him— 5 you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house[a] to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.
In God’s eyes, we are worth a lot for he bought us with his son’s blood. Peter also taught us that we are “living stones that are built into God’s spiritual house”. We are God’s “holy priests”. We all have our values in our own ways. Whatever we do, we are doing it to glorify God. Now back to my sister’s question about taking care of grandchildren. Do you think one should put a price tag on it?
2020 09 03
作者 Article by: Fung Ping Chan
九月十三日終可回到屬靈之家,返回教會实地崇拜,雖然未能如前般並肩而坐,交頭接耳,侃侃而談,握手問好,親切擁抱,這一切一切都是避免病疫傳播,以察安全,多謝各位堂長、當事人的悉心策劃、安排、费了不少時間和精神讓我們安坐教會進行一切活動。
視像崇拜,对我而言,实在方便不過,可免交通勞顿,尤於冬季下雪天,仍可留在家中聽講道,從视频中見到各位教友,并可交談,妙不可言,多謝神賜與人類的智慧,才能,讓科技日益先進,社會越趨進步,我們獲益不少。
有得有失,一點也不錯,“疫中情”這個環節將结束了,实有不捨,在這半年來,由於疫症関係除生活上带来不便外,個人的情绪、感受不多不少總會有些影响,幸而能在“疫中情”的一欄中得以抒發情绪,互訴心聲、分享、交流、鼓勵、更能聽到甜美的歌声,并体會到各位作者的心得,欣赏其寫作才華,内容充實,文筆流暢,此乃豐盛的精神食糧。
我很喜欢金卓年(Terence Kim)的一篇“疫中情”,以他只有十歳的幼少年紀,竟能寫出如此好文章,簡單直接的表達出個人的感受和情绪,而又那麽纯真、自然,極之欣赏。
每個小孩都是天真無邪,活潑可愛,主耶蘇曾説:讓小孩到我跟前來.
時光荏苒,我不覺退休已三十餘載,很多時都會不期然的想起當年任職時,每天都面對一班嘻嘻哈哈,蹦蹦跳跳,快樂無憂的小朋友,心境也隨着開朗了,那份愉悦情懷和他們的影子,至今猶在。
2020 09 01
作者 Article by: Billy Ng & Bonny Kwok
在一次應徵面試中 …
應徵者回答了面試官多方面的問題，面試官問應徵者最後一個問題：「你曾否有過令你遺憾的事嗎？」應徵者思考了幾秒鐘，回答說：「沒有。」面試官深感驚訝，何以有人在生命中沒有遺憾事？回家途中，她再深思，真的想不起有遺憾事。可能因為她選擇前進、學習知足，也不會將過去不愉快或錯誤的事看為遺憾。
積極選擇
在今次抗疫半年期間，我們每天都要面對不同的選擇，選擇何時外出買食物，避免人群及日曬雨淋；選擇自家的社交圈，確保家人免於感染風險；選
擇規律的在家工作，保持身心健康；我們會嘗試積極地將每個選擇變為最好的選擇。
學習知足
我們嘗試將不能控制的景況交託於上帝，盡力做好當前可做的事，滿足於上帝所賜予的現況。使徒保羅的知足是我們無人能及的，確是我們學習的好榜樣，大部分他所寫的書信，都於牢獄中的景況下寫成，時至今日已激勵了無數的信徒。
「我並不是因缺乏說這話，我無論在甚麼景況都可以知足，這是我已經學會了。」 (腓立比書 4:11)
平安喜樂
保羅鼓勵腓立比教會，「要靠主常常喜樂。」當中就是要我們學習知足，正如我們平日所說的「知足常樂」。在過去半年中，我們深深的感受到，生活原來可以是很簡單，只要懂得積極選擇、學習知足，自然會有從上而來的平安和喜樂。我們相信上帝在我們生命各樣的環境中，都賜下夠用的力量。阿門！
In a job interview...
The candidate answered various questions from the interviewer. The interviewer asked the candidate the last question: "Have you ever done anything that you regret?" The candidate thought for a few seconds and replied, "No." The interviewer was deeply surprised. How could anyone have no regrets in their life? On the way home, she thought deeply and couldn't remember any regrets. It may be because she chose to move forward and learn to be content, and would not regard the unpleasant or wrong things in the past as regrets.
Active decision-making
During the six months of the pandemic, we have had to make different decisions every day, decide when to go out to buy food to avoid crowds and rainy days;
choose our own social circle to ensure that our family members are free from any risk of infection; decide our routine to be able to work at home effectively while maintaining physical and mental health. What we can do is try our best to make every decision our best decision.
Contentment
We strived to entrust the uncontrollable situation to God, and tried our best to do what we can do now, and be satisfied with the present situation given by God. St. Paul’s contentment was something none of us can match. It is indeed a good example for us to learn from. Most of his letters were written in prison, and they have inspired countless believers today. "Not that I am referring to being in need; for I have learned to be content with whatever I have." (Philippians 4:11)
Peace and Joy
Paul encouraged the Philippian church to "Rejoice in the Lord always." Among them is to learn contentment, as we usually say "contentment leads to happiness." In the past six months, we have deeply felt that life can be very simple. As long as we know how to make active decisions and learn to be content, there will be peace and joy from above. We believe that God has given us enough power in every situation of our lives. Amen!
2020 08 30
作者 Article by: Chivas Chu
時間過得很快,生活在疫情下的大半年已過,我和太太仍是懷著一個平常心的態度去小心面對這疫情。曾經亦有想過如果疫情的情況更差的時候又應該怎樣做。因為世事難料,真不知道神要我們所接受的試煉會有幾深遠。
盡管如此,在過去的一週,我好開心,又好感恩。開心的是見到舊堂的屋頂修補工作順利完成。連續幾天的工程,一直擔心天氣會影響進度,又怕打開了屋頂後因為下雨而漏水。幾天都為這件工程禱告。感恩的是能夠找到這個可以信賴的人去接這工程和將整個工作做得完美。這幾天他也教了我不少關於這方面的知識。他的誠實感動了我,解釋給我知別的行內人仕如何為了多賺點錢而偷工减料,他是不會這樣對他的客人,更加不會對神的教會做出這些事。我利用午飯休息的時間跟他分享福音和邀請他當十月份英語崇拜重開的時候,參加我們教會聚會,他也接受了我的邀請。感謝主,希望透過今次這機會,能夠令他踏出第一步去認識主。
另外令到我感恩而又開心的是見到一班主內姊妹弟兄再次團結起來,在疫情下回到教會清潔和準備九月分重開的預備工作。希望這個團結為主事奉的心一直維持下去。我深信每一個人為教會所做的一切是上帝所知道,但願蒙主悅納。
或許今次是在疫中情跟大家最後的一次分享,而我自己亦都在過去的分享中做了些見証和個人的親身體驗,希望當中一些內容可以用作互勉。堅持每次去寫分享並不容易,除了時間外,還要考慮到另一方讀者的想法,目的是希望能達到榮神益人的效果。選了以下的一段經文去结束這次的分享:
箴言 3:5-6
你要專心仰賴耶和華,不可倚靠自己的聰明, 在你一切所行的事上都要認定他,他必指引你的路。
