2021 03 09
作者 Article by Chivas Chu
已過去的歷史往往好容易就被人遺忘。為什麼？或許是因為我們每天在勞碌繁忙的生活裏面，實在有太多事情比起去記住這些歷史更重要。問題是，歷史每每給予我們許多反思和學習的機會，不單只是我們這一代，有可能的話也希望把這些歷史可以傳承下去，令到我們的下一代也能夠在歷史當中得著教訓。
這世紀大疫情在我們所住的地方已經持續了足足一年。希望在天父的旨意下這個疫情亦快將成為歷史。但是，試想想，十年，二十年或是三十年後還有多少人還會記得起這世紀疫情的點滴？我們又會否將我們現在的感受和體驗分享給我們的下一代而傳承下去呢？
就如我們所熟悉的聖經，不單是神告訴我們的話語，也是一本極為珍貴的歷史書。當中上帝祂仿似就是那個總編劇和導演，而當時的每一個主要的聖經人物就是當時的主角和身邊所有其他人就是配角。今天，我們在這個世紀疫情裏面也是其中的一個配角，我們又如何去演好上帝給我們的角色？能否演好這角色，又是否要我們對這‘疫情’劇本去作出多一點思考，反思和了解？
親愛的主內姊妹弟兄，願主上帝繼續眷顧和賜給我們從祂而來的內心平安。
2021 03 05
作者 Article by Wilson Loo 盧永信
『打到嚟啦，打到嚟啦』小天使從外面飛奔入屋，邊跑邊喊。
笨驢嚇了一跳，定一定神，『小鬼，你傻了嗎，何來敵軍侵襲？』
『定啲嚟，定啲嚟, 我是說新冠防疫針，千呼萬喚，終於來到安省啦，隔鄰市鎮已接受預約打針，首兩小時已經有二萬人登記報名。好哇，守得雲開見月明啦，很快可以放心四處遊逛遊逛了！』
笨驢氣定神閒，曰：『且慢開心，統計顯示有百份之卅市民不相信疫苗的作用，或擔心疫苗的副作用，而表示不願意接受疫苗的， 如果未有群體免疫，新冠疫情實在難說安寢無憂呢. 你仍需做宅居天使呀』。
小天使接著說,『衡量其好處與其副作用，就是我小天使都一定投以信心一票，為己為人, 奉勸有所擔心的，可往自己的家庭醫生處問問，看看有沒有『禁忌症』而不可打防疫針.』
笨驢嘆一口氣，『對啊，看看以往的疫苗，天花沒有了，小兒痲痺沒有了，其他一些嚴重的傳染病，也受到很好的控制，疫苗的功效，真不能抹煞。正所謂『本於信,以致於信』, 這個神學真理，相信放諸這裡，也挺合適的！』
小天使頓了頓，曰：『那麼有些人對疫苗沒有信心，結果 人有人 驚染疫，針有針喺冰倉等過期，喺唔喺同有啲人唔願意信基督耶穌的福音， 而結果 人有人 活在罪中，等候審判， 徨恐終日，而福音的恩典也未能更廣傳播，至使世間罪惡滿盈，盡是爭鬥仇恨。』
笨驢曰,『對，信與不信，是造物主賦予人類的選擇，但信與不信的後果，也是每個人自己所要承擔的， 不然， 像洪水泛濫時，挪亞方舟的門關上了，就來不及了。打疫苗如是，信耶穌如是。』
“ The counter attack is on! The counter attack is on!” Little angel shouted as he dashed in from outside.
Stubborn donkey was taken aback. “What do you mean? Naughty one. Where is the enemy?”
“Not to worry. What I meant was that Covid vaccine is at last available in Ontario. And we are launching a counter attack against the Covid-19 virus. Our neighbor city has actually started to allow booking for the vaccination. There are more than 20,000 already registered during the first two hours of operation. Good! Soon I can resume my wandering around!”
Stubborn donkey remains calm and explained, “I don’t think we can be too optimistic at this time. Survey shows that more than thirty percent of our citizens do not trust the vaccines, or they are worried about the side effects of the vaccines, and hence are not willing to receive them. If herd immunity cannot be achieved, it is difficult to put aside our worry.”
Little angel continues, “Having compared the benefits and the risks, even me little angel will cast a confidence vote for it. For the benefit of themselves and others, I earnestly advise all those who are worried to seek advice from their family doctors to see if there are contraindications for them to get the vaccine.”
Stubborn donkey takes a big breath, “For sure. Take a look at the previous vaccines. Smallpox is gone. Polio is gone. Many other severe infectious diseases are much better controlled. The effectiveness of vaccines is real. Just as the saying goes, “from faithfulness, to faithfulness”. This truth in theology may be applicable here as well!”
Little angel paused, and said, “then, for those who do not trust the vaccines and thus refuse to be vaccinated, and contributing to the possible prolongation of the pandemic, are they not similar to those people who decline to believe in Jesus’s Christ’s Good News, and resulting in the delay of attaining the Kingdom of God on earth?”
Stubborn donkey nodded, “yes, believe or not believe, this is entirely an individual’s choice. The Creator has granted this freedom of choice to individuals. But it is also up to the individual to bear the consequences of the choice. Well, like the times when the great flood began, when the door of Noah’s ark is closed, it would be too late. This is true for Covid-19 vaccinations. This is true for believing in Jesus Christ’s Good News!”
2021 03 02
作者Article by Sunny Wong 王晨
每日感恩
最近我在浴室滑了一跤，当时并不痛，过了几天，发现右膝蹲不下来。我去做了跌打及针灸，状况并没消失，直至有一天，右膝痛得无法走路。在这期间我感触良多。当我们生病或身体不适时，才会感到无病无痛是多么大的恩赐。 能健康的活着，每天能吃，能睡，能行，能看，能听，能讲…… 这些都值得感恩。
我的一个同龄的同学告诉我，现在年纪大了，身体开始出问题才体会到母亲当年说的：“今天真好，哪里都不痛……。”当时不明白，为什么不痛就是好日子，现在自己也开始身体不适才明白了，身入其境才有同感。
有对比，才有感觉，吃过苦，方知甜。当顺境时，样样都好，我们会觉得一切都是理所当然，忘记了从上而来的得之不易。逆境和苦难是对我们的提醒，提醒我们不要忘记上帝。对上帝赐给我们的一切，我们都应当心存感谢。在日常生活中，不要忘记对旁人说谢谢，对上帝说谢谢，每日不忘感恩。也因为我们是基督徒，有信仰，有依靠，在生病及逆境中仍然信靠上帝，相信上帝会医治，会引导， 带领我们渡过难关。
哥林多后书9:15
感谢神，因他有说不尽的恩赐。
Thanksgiving everyday
I slipped in the bathroom recently and it didn't hurt at the moment. After a few days, I found that I couldn't bend down with my right knee. I went for massage and acupuncture, but the condition did not disappear until one day, my right knee was so painful that I couldn’t walk. During this period, I felt a lot. When we are sick or unwell, we starting feel the great gift of being free from illness and pain. To be able to live healthy, to eat, to sleep, to walk, to see, to hear, and to speak is worthy of to thank for.
One of my classmates of the same age told me that now I am getting older and my body is having problems, I realized what my mother said back then: “It’s a good day today, I have no pain ...” I didn’t understand at the time why to have no pain is a good day? Now that I am starting to feel unwell, I understand it, and I feel the same when I am in it.
Only when there is contrast, there is feeling, and after bitterness, sweetness is known. When things go well, everything is good, and we will take everything for granted, forgetting the hard work from above. Adversity and suffering are reminders to us, reminding us not to forget God. We should be thankful for everything that God has given us. In our daily lives, don’t forget to say thank you to others, say thank you to God, and never forget to be grateful every day. It is also because we are Christians, have faith and relied on. We trust God even in sickness and adversity. We believe that God will heal, guide and lead us through difficulties.
2 Corinthians 9:15
Praise be to God for what he has given, which words have no power to say.
28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
2021 02 26
作者Article by Carol Shih 施琼薇
主的恩典足夠
主內平安，感謝主讓我到頌主堂中實習，本人施琼薇(Carol)，來自香港，現正在威克里夫神學院(Wycliffe College)攻讀道學碩士二年級，感謝你們一直以來的關顧和禱告，讓我感受不少主內的情誼。
不少朋友都關心我在多倫多的日子，我會說適應需要時間，但這段日子對我來說，滿是感恩。時間有時很緊逼，但仍有喘息的機會；疫情下在神學院主要是獨自一人，仍可到外面走動，偶爾見到同學彼此問候，透過網路上課、與家人朋友聯絡；雖不能親身到教堂聚會，但仍可透過視像參與。
當我回想過去一年多的日子，由決定到這裏讀神學走牧職的路，經歷各樣申請、疫情帶來的心理起伏和挑戰，到現在適應天氣、環境、學習、語言和文化，過程不容易，要不是有弟兄姊妹同行，日子會很難捱過去。每每想到這裏，無不讓我感謝神對自己的庇佑。正如保羅描述自己曾三次求主使他的刺離開他時，主對他說：「我的恩典是夠你用的，因為我的能力是在人的軟弱上顯得完全。」雖然禱告蒙垂聽，但未蒙應允，他明白到藉着主的恩典去接受自己的軟弱，所以，他引述自己「更喜歡誇耀自己的軟弱，好使基督的能力覆庇他」(林後12:9) 這也是我心裏所感。與未信主的人一樣，我們同樣有自己的驕傲和軟弱，即便在我們祈禱時，主也不一定應允，但主的恩典足夠，讓我們能接受那困境。
這疫情也給我們不少難題。它的來臨意外地重整了社會、經濟、民生，以至教會、我們的生活都受影響，大部份人都祈求它快些過去，但它仍在，在接受之餘，當中有什麼功課？它給予教會和我們個人什麼提醒？是否我們也需要來個重整？縱然未知它何時過去，主的恩典足夠讓我們經過。日後當我們生活重回軌道，又忙碌着不同的事情，願意我們不忘記疫情帶給我們的功課。阿們。
God’s grace is sufficient
Peace be with you. I am Carol Shih from Hong Kong, and I currently have my second year of MDiv at Wycliffe College. It is grateful for me to have placement here at St Elizabeth, and share your care and prayer in Christ.
Many people have been concerned about my days in Toronto. I would say I am patient in adjusting to the new environment and feeling grateful. Although time may sometimes be tight for me, I can still have breaks. Although we keep social distancing inside the College, I can still enjoy the fresh air outside, chit-chat with students living in the College, take classes online and connect with my family and friends. Although we cannot gather in the church, we can still participate in it virtually.
When I review the past year up to now, I find it challenging if I did not have the support and prayer in Christ when pursuing my discernment under the pandemic, together with the adaptation here. I feel thankful for these always. As Paul prayed to God three times to remove his thorn, the Lord said to him, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.’ Although God listened to the prayer, the Lord did not answer it. Paul understood to accept his weakness through God’s grace and boasted all the more gladly for his weakness. So, the power of Christ would dwell in him. (2 Corinthians 12:9) I share his insight. Similar to people not believing in God, we are arrogant and carry our weaknesses. Even when we pray, the Lord may not answer too. However, with God’s grace, we have enough to face the challenge.
The pandemic has swiped the whole world and influenced most people. We may also pray to God for taking it away. While we are waiting for it to pass, what does it tell us? What reminder does it bring to the church and us personally? Do we also need a reformation? Although it remains, God’s grace is sufficient for us to get through it. After we return on track, we will again be occupied by different things. May we not forget the messages that the pandemic has brought to us.
Amen.
2021 02 23
作者Article by Yvonne Zheng
前幾天和朋友用面書平台聊天，談到細女和女婿終於可以搬新屋，不用和我同住。朋友打趣話我的女兒屬於迴旋鏢的一代（boomerang generation)。上網搜尋迴旋鏢的一代是何解。原來是西方社會給選擇與父母同住的年青人的稱號。同子女同住有好處也有不方便之處。在東方社會和子女同住是很平常的事。現今樓價高企，為解決住屋問題年輕人搬出搬入是可以理解的。作為父母的，可以為子女做避風港是有福的事。有能力的話，我相信所有父母家的大門是求遠為子女打開的。
上帝是世人的避風港，多少人在避風港出出入入，多少人在入口處徘徊。在我認識的人之中有不信上帝的；有和上帝約法三章各行各路的；有專重宗教但不願意和上帝建立關係的。我衷心期盼他們有一天會在疲倦的時候會回到上帝的避風港那裏。上帝家的大門是永遠為子女打開的。我們永遠是上帝的迴旋鏢兒女。阿門。
詩篇 46:1
Revised Chinese Union Version (Traditional Script) Shen Edition
神是我們的避難所，是我們的力量， 是我們在患難中隨時的幫助。
馬太福音 11:28
Revised Chinese Union Version (Traditional Script) Shen Edition
28 凡勞苦擔重擔的人都到我這裏來，我要使你們得安息。
I was chatting with a friend on Facebook messenger a few days ago. When I told her that my daughter is finally moving out, she made a comment about the “Boomerang generation!”. I looked up the term on google. The Boomerang Generation refers to adult children moving back to live with their parents. There are many reasons for them to do so. They might be looking for a job; they might just need a place to stay temporarily or they might have to take care of aging parents. In Asian culture, adult children living with their parents is common. It is a blessing to have one’s children living under the same roof. My door is always open to my children and many other Chinese parents might agree with me.
God wants us to go back to him and he welcomes us with open arms. Among people I know, there are those who don’t believe in God, those who decided to part their ways with God and those who respect God but refuse to have a relationship with Him. I sincerely pray that my friends will one day turn to God. We are all God’s children, God’s “ Boomerang Kids”. Amen.
Psalm 46:1 (NIV)
1 God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.
Matthew 11:28 (NIV)
28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
2021 02 19
作者 Article by Joanne Loo
數算在醫療和科技方面的恩典
在疫症持續帶來憂慮和不便之際，讓我們數一數在醫療和科技兩方面令我們生活更容易的恩典。
現在流行疫症的病原是一種新的冠狀病毒，而科學家以往曾經研究類似的病毒。他們已經知道這些病毒用刺突蛋白來進入人的細胞裏。同時，因為分子生物學的進展，科學家在2020年1月時很快就能破解新冠病毒的全部基因碼。這資料讓研究人員設立測試病毒的方式，看看人們有沒有感染了病毒。既然有對刺突蛋白的認識，也知道它的基因資料，研究人員就可以馬上開始設計對抗新冠疫症的疫苗。
有些人覺得很難相信，新冠疫苗怎能這麽快就可以讓大眾接種呢？這就要歸功於過去幾十年和過去一年的功夫。最早面世的兩種新冠疫苗都是RNA疫苗，而RNA疫苗所需要的設計和生產時間比舊疫苗短。雖然新冠疫苗是首次有RNA疫苗獲批准在大眾中使用，但其實研究人員已經為這種疫苗進行測試和改進多年。還有，這次疫症大流行，政府和其他機構提供大量金錢用來發展疫苗。所以，在幾個星期之内就有候選疫苗，可以進行安全測試了。
互聯網和有關的通訊科技在這次疫症大流行中也幫了很多忙。我們有時用通訊工具來和親戚朋友保持聯絡或者解悶，而科學家亦用它來和世界各國的科學家合作，分享最新的發現。社交網站讓疫苗製造商招募足夠的志願參與者來測試新冠疫苗。在不同地區的公共衛生工作人員也要在網上一起工作抗疫。還有，如果我們沒有通訊科技（新的和舊的），政府官員怎樣向人們迅速廣泛地發送安全建議呢？
新冠疫症大流行是很糟糕的事，但醫療和科技的進步令過去一年好過得多了。讓我們為所有工作人員感恩。不論他們在前綫或是後方，他們都努力工作，讓大家生活得更好。願上帝繼續祝福他們，也給他們智慧。
Counting our blessings from the medical and technological fields
Even as the pandemic continues to bring worries and inconveniences, let us count the medical and technological blessings that have made our lives easier this past year.
The cause of the COVID-19 pandemic is a new coronavirus, and scientists have studied similar ones before. They already knew how these viruses use their “spike protein” to enter human cells. At the same time, advances in molecular biology allowed scientists to decipher the entire genetic code of this new coronavirus very quickly in January 2020. This information permitted researchers to develop the test that checks whether people are infected with the virus. With the knowledge about both the spike protein and its genetic code, researchers could get started right away on designing COVID-19 vaccines.
Some people have asked, in disbelief, how the COVID-19 vaccines could be available for public vaccination so soon. For that, we can credit the work done both in the past decades and in the past year. The first two COVID-19 vaccines made available to the world are RNA vaccines, which can be designed and manufactured in a much shorter time frame compared to older types of vaccines. Even though the COVID-19 vaccines are the first RNA vaccines to be approved for general use, researchers have in fact been testing and improving the technology for many years. In addition, when the current pandemic hit, governments and other organizations provided large amounts of money for vaccine development. Candidate vaccines therefore became ready for safety testing within weeks.
The Internet and related communication technologies have also been a great help in this pandemic. While we often use communication tools to keep in touch with family/friends and ward off boredom, scientists also use them to work together and share the latest discoveries with their international colleagues. Social media enabled vaccine companies to recruit enough volunteers speedily to test the COVID-19 vaccines. Public health staff from different regions worked together online to curb the pandemic. As well, if we do not have communication technologies, both new and old, how would government officials send safety advice quickly and widely to people?
The COVID-19 pandemic is terrible, but medical and technological advances have made this past year much better than it could have been. Let us give thanks for all the workers—on the front lines and behind the scenes—who have worked so hard to make life better. May God continue to bless them and give them wisdom.
2021 02 16
作者 Article by Bonny Kwok
有一天, 在繁忙的工作中, 想去沖一杯咖啡, 為自己提提神, 遇著一位同事, 就寒暄一句「你好嗎?」正想回頭返回自己的辦公室時, 看見淚水竟然從她的臉上流下來。她曾擁有一個愛她的丈夫, 剛學行的女兒, 有趣的朋友,她的世界充滿著愛!就在九個月前, 她失去了丈夫, 現在要獨自照顧年幼的女兒、自己單親的媽媽、及面對沉重的經濟負擔, 每日臨睡前, 拖著疲乏的身心, 都會問自己能夠承擔多久...! 我們在交談時, 我內心非常之難過、強忍著淚, 在內心禱告著, 求神賜我聖靈的能力, 勇敢地去安慰及鼓勵她, 知道她是天主教徒, 就邀請她一同禱告去經歷神的平安與同在!
教會今年的主題是「復興與更新」, 當重溫經文時, 最深感受的是希伯來書 10 : 24
「又要彼此相顧,激發愛心,勉勵行善。」
這一段經文,使我回想當自己在生活上遇到挫折, 或要面對重要抉定的時候, 除了向神祈求平安及聖靈的帶領, 更會去尋求教會裏的兄姊支持和鼓勵。
我們不得不承認, 信靠上帝的人也有信心軟弱的時候, 在逆境中會失去盼望。使徒保羅在羅馬書 15 : 13 提醒我們 :「但願使人有盼望的神, 因信將諸般的喜樂平安充滿你們的心, 使你們藉着聖靈的能力大有盼望。」
彼此相顧是指雙方面互動的關係, 人在群體中都會渴求愛與被愛, 願意我們發自內心真誠的關心, 了解身邊人的需要,往往在付出的同時, 自己所得的會更多!讓我們藉著上帝的話語,互相勉勵, 強化主內的關係, 學習彼此相愛的心, 建立基督愛的群體。
On a busy workday, I wanted to make a cup of coffee to re-energize myself. I met a colleague in the kitchen and asked her, "How are you?". When I was about to return to my office, tears streamed down her face. Once upon a time, she had a husband who loved her, a daughter who was about to learn to walk, and lots of fun friends. Her world had been filled with love. Ever since she lost her husband nine months ago, she has been taking care of her young daughter alone and her single mother who lived alone, on top of her heavy financial burden. Every night, she was extremely exhausted both in her heart and body as she asked herself: how long she can take on all these burdens ... As she shared, I was very sad, holding my tears, praying in my heart, asking God to give me the power and courage from the Holy Spirit to comfort her and encourage her. As I knew that she is a Roman Catholic, I invited her to pray together to experience the peace and comfort from God.
The theme of St. E this year is "Revive, Restore and Renew." When I reflected on the scripture readings, I was most moved by Hebrews 10:24.
"And let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good deeds."
This passage reminds me that when I encounter challenges in my life or make an important decision, in addition to praying to God for peace and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, I also seek support and encouragement from my brothers and sisters in Christ.
We must admit that people who trust in God have times of weak faith and times where they lose hope in the face of adversity. Paul the Apostle reminded us in Romans 15:13
"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."
Caring for one another relies on a mutual relationship between two parties. We seek to both love and be loved. As we tend to the needs of the people around us, we do it with sincerity from our whole heart. Through this, we will realize that as we care for others, we too gain something in return. Let us be encouraged by God’s words, strengthen our relationship in Christ, learn to love one other, and build a community with Christ’s love.
20201 02 12
作者 Article by Grace Liu
我是誰?
最近在一次查經班讀到一個故事。故事發生在聖殿其中一個門口, 這位生來便瘸腿的被人抬來,向進入聖殿人賙濟。彼得奉耶稣名治好瘸腿的人。那人還跳起來走進聖殿讚美神。當天導師提出一個問題。你想你自已是故事中是那個角色呢?
我想......在有生以來總會遇上風浪,在當中我必須承認自己不足和軟弱。更可能成為瘸子一樣被困在逆境當中。要學習的是:不要忘記來到全能天父前向祂求告, 在禱告中支取力量。在努力爭扎之餘還得歉卑自已, 讓身邊家人或朋友幫助,互相扶持。豈不知天父早有祂的預備?如天父允許, 奇蹟當天可以發生在瘸子身上, 今日聖靈也會讓它發生在你和我身上。疫情期間各人留在家中緊守「家居令」, 靜下來試試回望過去,數算神恩。當中必不乏驚喜的片斷,會令你跳起來讚美神。
或許, 我也是其中抬人的角色。當我在教會侍奉時, 我明白靠的不是自己, 要聖靈帶領。更需要有團隊精神, 彼此合作, 共同努力, 向身邊的朋友、家人及主內肢體家庭表達關心。在疫情期間以愛連結。同時, 藉新春期間, 萬象更新之時, 讓我們思想教會的全年主題。重拾愛主之初心, 強化彼此主內之關係, 更新對頌主堂聖工的承擔; 在聖靈的帶領下, 配上眾人的合力, 相信最終我等必得以「復興與更新」。
又或者, 有一天我成為路人甲, 目睹奇蹟出現, 會口定目呆!但願並不只停在驚訝的一霎那。知道奇蹟背後的真正意義。奇蹟的執行者只有是主耶稣, 彼得奉祂的名而行。再者, 藉着親眼見証的奇蹟可以與人分享, 成為福音傳播途徑之一。
請參閱使徒行傳 3 章 1-10 節
2021 02 08
作者 金卓年 Terence Kim
盧頌欣譯 Joanne Loo
三樣我和朋友們在 Zoom 上玩的玩意
過去幾個月,我們可能都用過一個叫 Zoom 的網上會議程式。其實, 你可能未試過在這程式上玩遊戲。以下是三個我和朋友們在 Zoom 上玩過的玩意。
1. 用等候室和分組室來猜誰失蹤了。
我們加入會議時,通常都會先進入等候室。會議主持人也可以把一個人放回等候室。Zoom 還有一部分叫分組室, 你可以用這特徵來把大家分成小組。有一次, 在網上上課時,我們的老師和我們玩這個遊戲。首先, 一個人會被請進一個分組室,這個人就會是偵察。當偵察走了後, 其他參加者選兩個人進入等候室。當這兩個人進入等候室後, 偵察就可以出來猜一猜誰失蹤了。如果偵察在猜三次之内猜中誰失蹤了, 他就贏了。
2. 和朋友們玩 Simon says
我們的地理老師和我們玩這個遊戲。如果當 Simon 的人在司號令前先說 “Simon says”, 所有人都要做號令指定的動作。但如果當 Simon 的人在司號令前沒有說 “Simon says”, 所有人都不能做號令指定的動作。如果參加者在不應做動作時做了, 或者被 Simon 騙倒而做了錯的動作, 他就輸了。有時候,我的老師非常快地說 “says”, 就會騙倒一些人了。
3. 玩海戰遊戲 (Battleship)
在海戰遊戲裏, 兩個人要猜對方的戰艦位置。雖然我們需要兩塊遊戲板(或者是兩張方格紙), 兩塊板並不需要在同一間屋子裏。我和朋友在 Zoom 上嘗試玩海戰遊戲, 我們每人用自己家裏的遊戲版, 效果很好。
希望你也會試試玩一下這些遊戲。祝你玩得開心!
3 Fun things that I did on Zoom with my Friends
Terence Kim
Over the past few months, we have probably all used the virtual meeting program called "Zoom". However, there are some little games that you might have not tried on this program. Here are 3 fun things that I did on Zoom with my friends.
1. Using waiting rooms and "breakout" rooms for guessing who went missing When we join a meeting, we likely go into a waiting room. The host can also put someone back in the waiting room. Then, there is a part of Zoom called "breakout" rooms. You can divide everyone into groups with this. Once during online school, our teachers gave us this game. One person would be separated into a "breakout" room. That person is given the role as "Detective". After the detective is gone, the rest of the participants choose two people to go into the waiting room. When the two people are in the waiting room, the detective would be let back into the regular room and would try and figure out who are missing. If the detective guesses the people who are missing in three tries, he or she wins.
2. Playing "Simon Says" with friends
Our Geography teacher played this with us. When the person who is appointed "Simon" says "Simon says" before a command, the rest of the people must do it. People are not supposed to do an action if "Simon" didn't say "Simon says". If someone does an action where they are not supposed to or if Simon tricks them into doing a wrong action, they are "out". Sometimes, my teacher says "says" very quickly but without the Simon, and it would fool quite a number of people!
3. Playing "Battleship" on Zoom
Battleship is a game where two players have to guess the locations of each other's ships. Even though we need two gameboards (or two pieces of grid paper) to play, the gameboards do not have to be physically in the same house. When my friend and I tried it on Zoom, we used each of our own gameboards and it worked out perfectly.
I hope you will try these three games too. Have fun!
2021 02 05
作者 Article by Fung Ping Chan
「疫中情」捲土重来,实是惊喜。
這項專欄迄今不覺已刊登過百篇, 每篇均有不同風格、内容、涵意, 每次閲畢都有所儆醒,感悟, 共鳴, 心靈有所得着,亦楽在其中。
快樂與否, 實視乎個人取向, 如小孩子只要一粒糖, 便足以令他楽個半天, 一件小禮物、小玩意亦可使他哈哈大笑, 快樂就是那麽簡單, 做些自己喜爱欢的事, 就算飲杯清茶, 看看書報, 聽聽音楽, 與友好互通电郵短信, 都可自取其樂。
快楽的泉源來自内心, 常常抱着一颗感恩和欣赏的心, 看待你的生活及身邊的人和物, 總會找到不同程度的喜樂, 珍惜你所擁有的东西, 你會發現原来你是那麽富有, 那麽幸福, 懂得知足, 才會快樂。
科技進步, 日新月異, 很多事均能迎刃而解, 去年聖誕因疫情影响, 我們團契未能如以往般實體慶祝共進晚餐, 因而在網上進行聖誕慶祝茶會( Zoom party,High tea), 仍可作各项節目, 唱詩、遊戲、表演等, 更有幾位團友做了些美點, 每家一份, 約定時間在教會户外燒烤場地分派, 各自在 Zoom party 時随意進食, 楽也融融, 我俩老更有愛心天使把美點送到家門, 関懷備至。
聖誕期間收到関顧部送來聖誕賀咭及禮物, 感到無限歡樂、親切, 而林牧師(Rev.Maria Ling) 亦專從美国訂購了五十個月曆送给每家一份, 此等心意, 彌足珍贵, 真是心意無價。
(Translated by Wilson Loo)
It was really great that “Love in Pandemic” was restarted again during this second wave of the pandemic. More than one hundred articles had been published in this network so far. Each article was unique in its style, content and implication. Every time I finished reading an article, I did experience self-reflective moments and had sensational feelings and felt my heart resonating with the article. I really enjoyed reading these articles in the “Love in Pandemic” network.
Whether one is happy or not depends on one’s personal preference. If one holds one’s heart with gratitude and appreciation towards things or people around him or her, one is certain to find much joy in them. Cherish of what one has, one will realize how much one possesses, and how happy one is. Only when one knows how to be content that one can appreciate true happiness.
With advanced technology, many issues can now be resolved. During last Christmas, due to the pandemic shut down, St. Paul’s fellowship was unable to hold its traditional Christmas celebration dinner party, but instead, we had a Zoom high tea party. We sang carols, had Bible readings, and had performances and played games. Some of our members even prepared some desserts and brought them to church. Each family would go to the patio outside the church and get their own share, in a 100% social distancing compliance mode. Some loving angels have actually home-delivered the desserts to us. How loving and caring!
As well, during Christmas, we received Christmas cards and presents from the church delivered by our caring team and fellowship team. We were so delighted and felt so blessed. Furthermore, Rev. Maria Ling had ordered 50 monthly calendars for St. Elizabeth families. I felt the gift was priceless as it conveyed to me her care, sincerity and thoughtfulness. What a blessed Christmas!
2021 02 02
作者 Article by Joel Chiu
前天,卅一號,主顯現後第四主日,在頌主堂來說是一個再次要大大感恩的日子。
自從我們的上一任主任牧師在前年主聖誕日作了他最後在本牧區的事奉, 離開密市, 往溫哥華繼續他的事奉, 主教和我們都期望盡早得到上帝差派祂的僕人來本牧區牧養祂的子民。之後大概過了半年, 我們聽到有好消息, 就是再等多約半年, 我們便可歡迎一位新牧師到來事奉; 是名副其實的新牧師, 因疫情的原故, 她就是在上年十月中, 幾經等待, 才得到按立為牧師的林寶珠牧師。林牧師結果在十一月底開始轉到本牧區為主理牧師。不要以為林牧師接受按立為時這麼短,經驗有限;其實她有豐富牧養教眾的經驗。她自幼在星加波基督化家庭成長, 然後, 她在星加波、美國和來到多倫多, 一路服務於不同宗派的基督教會, 所以她有多元化的基督教會經驗。
前天即使在封城的環境之下, 我們的分區主教, 珍妮主教, 在她離任前剛好一個月, 蒞臨我們的聖堂, 主持了特別為林牧師就職的禮拜。現時省政府及教區祇容許最多十個人同一時間在一個崇拜場所內, 當時足有十人在場主持和協助那實體和網上崇拜的進行。參與的總共約有七十人。珍妮主教在證道中鼓勵我們去另更多人知道這裏是一處有上帝賜恩典和憐憫的地方, 去引領多些鄰近感到會渴死的人來這個有活水的池塘。
恩慈的上主不單差派了牧師來我們中間;祂又多差派一位威克理夫學院道學碩士二年級學生, 來本堂實習作助理。她就是施琼薇, 她也是一個在香港聖公會內有豐富經驗的領袖, 包括在明華神學院的工作經驗; 前天早禱崇拜中, 我們見證了差遣她的禮儀。
在未來的日子裏, 祇要我們一條心繼續努力, 為著上帝國的緣故, 相信無論面對怎樣的困境,緊握著上主的手, 祂必定引領我們安然渡過的。
2021 01 29
作者 Article by Billy Ng
重拾愛主之初心
已留在家中工作十個月了,近日看到教會 2021 年主題「復興與更新」, 當中五個分題、九段經文, 我將所有經文重溫一次,啟示錄 2:1-7 節 – 讓我重拾愛主之初心, 最為觸動我。
使徒約翰寫信給七所教會, 第一封信是給以弗所教會, 說完了一些鼓勵說話, 馬上就責備教會說:「然而,有一件事我要責備你(以弗所教會), 就是你把起初的愛心離棄了。」(啟 2:4) 有人說魔鬼常用的招數之一, 就是擾亂我們, 將我們的初心, 被其他次要的事務蒙蔽、誤導、甚至被牽引著。抗疫如是、教會事務如是、愛主的心也如是。
政府的抗疫政策或許有混亂的地方,有不便的地方, 但我仍然相信政府對抗疫的初心沒有變, 讓我們繼續支持和鼓勵,一切為人民服務, 特別是前線醫護及提供我們日常所需的人。頌主堂過去幾年, 經歷了很大的改變, 牧師的變動、教會領袖的轉換, 一切相信都是在上帝的安排中, 讓我們不忘教會在社區的使命, 關懷他們的生活及靈命, 讓更多人明白和感受到上帝的愛。
那麼我們愛主的初心, 有沒有因長期疲乏地抗疫、教會多年來管理層的變動, 而有所改變呢?回想當初信主的時候, 教會牧師常常鼓勵我們, 不要要求教會(或他人)為我們做什麼, 而是要問我們可以為教會(或他人)做些什麼! 正如主耶穌的教導,「非以役人, 乃役於人。」讓我們面對著轉變才是常態的社會, 盡心、盡意、盡力的愛主、愛人,重拾愛主的初心。
Restore our first Love for Jesus
I have been working at home for ten months. Recently, I saw the Church’s theme for 2021: "Revive, Restore & Renew". The theme is based on five subtopics and nine pieces of scriptures. I re-read all of the passages, in particular, Revelation 2:1-7, “Restore our first Love for Jesus”, moved me the most.
In this passage, John the Apostle was writing to the seven Churches. The first letter was to the Church in Ephesus. After speaking some words of encouragement, he immediately rebuked the church and said, "But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first.” (Revelation 2: 4) Some people say that one of the devil’s common tricks is to confuse us: Our first love for Jesus will be deceived, misled, or will even bring us in another direction by some unimportant matters. In the context of today, this has been shown through the government policies implemented in response to COVID-19, through the interruption to our church affairs, and our love for our Lord Jesus.
The policies to fight against COVID-19 may be confusing and causing us some inconvenience, but I still believe that the government’s original intention to fight against the virus has not changed. Let us continue to support and encourage people around us during this unprecedented time, especially the front-line health care workers and those who provide us with our daily needs.
In the past few years, St. E has undergone significant changes including changes to the pastoral and church leaders. I believe that all of these things are within God’s plan. Let us not forget the church’s mission in our community – tending to their living and spiritual needs. Enable our neighbours to hear, understand and feel the love of God.
Did our first love for Jesus change due to our tiredness in fighting against the virus and the changes in the church leadership over the past few years? I recalled when I first became Christian, my priest often encouraged us not to ask what the church (or others) can do for us, but to ask ourselves what we can offer for the church (and for others)! As the Lord Jesus taught, “To serve but not to be served.” We should recognize that constant change is the new norm. Let us encourage one other to love the Lord and our neighbours with all our heart, mind and strength, so that we will restore our first love for Jesus.
2021 01 26
作者 Article by Margaret Loo
新冠襲加一週年
二零二零年終於過去了! 但被世界衛生組織命名為『2019 新型冠狀病毒』 (COVID-19)的病毒, 卻沒有離我們而去。根據報世界衛生組織網上的資料, 這病毒自從 2020 年 1 月開始在世界各國開始蔓延, 截至 2021 年 1 月23 日下午 4:57 分, 全球有 219 個國家和地區, 共逾 99, 106,980 確診病例。並超過 2, 125, 021 名患者死亡。
有人認為這場已延續了超過了一年的疫情是一場世界大戰。 是那眼看不見, 手摸不著的新冠狀病毒與全人類的戰爭。這是一場全球性的災難, 任何人, 不論是國家政要, 皇室成員, 還是平民百姓, 都有可能染疫。這想法令我們既害怕, 又無奈。
但換個角度來看, 我們也可以說, 每一個人, 都是對抗疫情的精兵。每一個人在抗疫過程中的決擇和行動, 即使簡單如是否帶口罩, 都可以有舉足輕重的影響。在面對和刻服疫情的各種挑戰的過程中, 我們都有份。
最近看了一本書 『神與新冠疫症』 (God and the Pandemic), 作者 N T Wright 提及, 在疫情中,大家都有很多問題,希望找到答案。 而他發現,『 我可以做些什麼?』這一條問題, 能為我們找到最好的答案。Wright 告訴我們, 英國政府在疫情中為國家醫療服務招募義工,即時得到約五十萬人回應。
在 2020 年底, 因抗病疫苗的出現, 大家對 2021 年抱有極大的希望, 認為這場戰爭, 勝利在望。但踏於入 2021 年, 疫苗變種消息從不同國家傳出, 初步資料顯示變種疫苗可能傳染性更強, 死亡率亦可能較高。 與此同時, 世界各地多半疫情反覆, 紛紛出現第二波, 醫療衛生系統開始不堪重負。在這困難時刻,我們要發揮同舟共濟的精神, 每一個人不但要切底履行公民責任, 遵守各項公共衛生的指示, 亦要認真問自己, 『我還可以做些什麼?』
新冠病毒與罪惡的泛濫。可有異同?
The anniversary of the invasion of the coronavirus to Canada
2020 is finally over! But the virus named "COVID-19” by the World Health Organization is still with us. According to the information reported on the World Health Organization website, the virus has started spreading to countries around the world since January 2020. As at 4:57 pm on January 23, 2021, there are 99,106,980 confirmed cases in 219 countries and regions around the world. And 2, 125, 021 patients had died.
Some people consider this pandemic comparable to a world war. It is a war between the invisible and intangible coronavirus and mankind. It is a global disaster. Anyone, whether he or she is a national dignitary, a member of the royal family, or just a civilian, may be infected. We are not only scared but helpless. But from another perspective, we can also say that everyone is a soldier in this war against the coronavirus. A person’s decisions and actions in this fight, even as simple as whether to wear a mask, can have a decisive impact. In the process of facing and overcoming the various challenges of the pandemic, we are all in the same boat.
I recently read a book titled “God and the Pandemic". The author N T Wright mentioned that in the pandemic, people have many questions and hope to find answers. He noted that we can find the best answers by asking the question “What can we do?” According to Wright, in an attempt to recruit volunteers for the National Health Service during the pandemic last year, the British government received an immediate response from about half a million people.
At the end of 2020, due to the possible availability of the coronavirus vaccines, people were hopeful that victory in this war was in sight. However, with the arrival of 2021, there is news of virus variants coming from a few countries. Preliminary data show that the variant virus may be more infectious and the mortality rate may also be higher. At the same time, many countries encountered a fierce second wave with their medical and health systems being overwhelmed. In this difficult time, we should stand by each other. People should earnestly fulfill their civic responsibilities and comply with all the public health instructions. And everyone should also seriously ask themselves, "What more can we do? “
The coronavirus and the sin of mankind. Is there any resemblance?
2021 01 22
作者 Article by Chivas Chu
已經一段時間沒有拿起支筆去寫疫中情跟各位主內姊妹弟兄分享。在這疫情好像還是揮之不去的情況下, 相信各人都有為到這事透過祈禱而去求問神。而在 Bishop Jenny 早前的一個網上工作坊, 她告訴我們, 一般我們在禱告中所祈求的,大致收到的回應是以下三個:1)”yes 會”, 2)”no 不會” 或是 3)”yes but later 會,但是遲些啦”。以上是否我們大家都在祈求疫情早日結束的同一件事上而所得到的第三個回應?我們又有否謙卑忍耐地等候上帝的旨意?
早幾天在週日要陪同我的親人去到多倫多市中心的一間醫院看病,以前要到這間醫院是一個惡夢。醫院附近找不到車位,等候的時間長,人多車多,令人感覺到很煩燥。但是在疫情之下, 這些以前記憶當中的情景也不一樣。行車順暢,醫院附近和大學附近多了許多車位泊車。入到醫院大堂, 一切比已前更有秩序。我的推測是因為避免人流交差感染接觸,所以在安排病人時間上和整個流程都做了許多改善。若沒有這疫情的出現,看來這些改變或改善也不容易。
這又令我聯想到當我閲讀但以理書的時候,我真的很羨慕但以理先知有這解夢和洞釋異像的恩賜, 雖然我們沒有這恩賜去看透上帝的旨意, 但是我們可以學習但以理那顆完全信靠上帝的心。這是一個單對單, 上帝和但以理所建立的一個親切關係。我們也可去跟上帝建立這關係。雖然天父也知道我們自己有許多瑕疵和不足之處, 但深信祂的慈愛和憐憫足夠去包容我們的一切一切。我願意, 你願意嗎?
2021 01 19
作者 Article by Wilson Loo
安省頒佈『居家令』差不多一個禮拜, 笨驢站在屋簷下, 望著空無一人的街道, 車影也鮮見, 笨驢愁眉深鎖, 不禁嘆一口氣。小天使正在光禿的樹枝上跟松鼠追逐,停了下來, 走到笨驢面前, 問『怎麼樣啦?』
笨驢唉了一聲, 曰:『不是嗎。安省新症每日高踞三千以上差不多兩禮拜了, 以為寄望疫苗, 誰不知藥廠近幾星期要減低供應過半, 一方面醫院新冠病人泛濫, 深切治療部額滿見遺,醫護人員疲於奔命, 心力交瘁, 另一方面百多人聚集示威, 不理帶口罩, 社交距離的防疫措施, 反對居家令, 抗議自由受到剝削...我真的不太明白...』
小天使無言以對。良久。曰:『其實也真的很多有心人呀。在電視見到醫護人員的專業精神, 實在叫人心悅誠服; 學校老師, 幼兒日托的工作者, 超市的前線人員, 速遞服務員,還有很多...』
笨驢想起電視新聞很多正能量的報導,忘記剛才的牢騷, 面容稍微放鬆, 對小天使道: 『就在前一晚有個被稱為『新冠皮禮士利』的男仕, 不但打扮十足『貓王』的模樣, 舉手投足, 聲線表情, 也幾可亂真, 看他駕著車, 載著音響器材, 停在老人院前面, 拿著咪, 唱著貓王的名曲。院內的老人, 擁到窗前, 跟著唱,拍著手掌, 暫時忘記疫症帶來的孤單。『貓王』拿出自己所有的, 貢獻出來, 為疫情添一分溫暖, 添一分歡笑. 』
小天使曰:『對啊, 每人盡一分力, 世界多些歡笑, 自己也開心一些, 何樂而不為呀!』
跟著執起一堆雪,朝著笨驢掟出一個弧形球, 笨驢閃避不及,給打個正著, 好不狼狽。笨驢拔足追打小天使, 小天使邊跑邊唸著他最愛的聖經章節:『虛空的虛空, 凡事都是虛空....這些事都已聽見了, 總意就是敬畏神, 謹守祂的誡命, 這是人所當盡的本份。因為人所作的事,連一切隱藏的事, 無論是善是惡,神都必審問。』
Ontario has implemented its “stay home” order for nearly one week. Stubborn donkey stood under the eaves, staring at the empty street-no people, no car. He frowned and sighed. Little angel was chasing the squirrel on the bare tree branches. But he stopped and came to stubborn donkey. “What is it?” Little angel asked.
Stubborn donkey gave another sigh. “Is it not so? Ontario has more than 3000 new cases of Covid-19 every day for nearly two weeks now. So much hope was laid on the vaccines, but now, the manufacturer of the vaccine will cut down its supply by over one-half for the coming weeks. Hospitals are flooded with Covid-19 patients. Intensive care units are overflowing. Medical and nursing staff have their plates so full that they can hardly cope. But on the other hand, more than one hundred people are gathering, without masks, and not following social distancing rules, demonstrating against the “ stay home” order, protesting that their freedom has been curtailed.......I really don’t quite understand...”
Little angel could find no word to answer. After a long pause, little angel said, “ well, but there are also some really nice and kind-hearted people out there, aren’t there? We can see the professionalism of the medical and nursing staff at work; the school teachers, the daycare workers, the supermarket staff, the courier, and many more...”
Stubborn donkey suddenly remembered there were indeed many positive news he saw on TV. He put aside his frustration, felt a bit more relaxed, and said to little angel, “ Yes, actually there was a man nick-named “ Covid Elvis” in the TV news report last night. Not only is his clothing and make-up so Elvis-like, even his expression, movement and voices are so Elvis, it looks like Elvis is reborn. This Covid Elvis drove his car, filled with AV equipment, and visited senior homes and long-term care facilities around the province. He laid out his equipment, held out his microphone, and sang out Elvis’ favourite tunes. The seniors gathered in front of their windows, clapping and singing with him, and forgot their loneliness during the pandemic, at least for the moment. Covid Elvis used his talent to make the seniors happy. His work added a tinge of warmth in the pandemic, resulting in more laughter.”
Little angel said, “True, if everyone contributes one’s effort, there would be more laughter and happiness in the world. And one would be more happy oneself too. Like killing two birds with one stone!”
Little angel picked up some snow, rolled it into a snowball and threw a curveball at stubborn donkey. Stubborn donkey did not duck in time was hit hard and started to chase after little angel.
Little angel recited his favorite Bible passage as he tried to escape, “Meaningless! Meaningless! Everything is meaningless...Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind. For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.”
2021 01 15
作者 Article by Sunny Wong
天线
说到电视,离不开接收, 两家大公司, 一家是罗渣士, 一家是贝尔。 两家公司互相竞争, 你做推广我减价。但是到了推广期一过, 马上加价。而且价钱逐年递增, 租一个接受盒要算钱, 加多一些频道又再加钱。他们永远是赢家。
我家有四个电视,以前租了三个接收盒, 后来觉得划不来, 忙时根本连看电视的时间都没有, 干嘛要白花钱, 就退了两个。最近, 我用简单的室内天线试试看能收到多少台, 以前的旧电视用天线只能收几个台, 现在的数码电视竟然可以收到二十多个数码台, 和罗渣士的基本套餐差不多。但是叫他们停了我的电视服务就得跳出套餐(家用电话, 电视及上网),另两样服务就得加价。结果还是租了一个接收盒保留了电视服务。
我去一家批发公司一口气买了 7 个 10 元一个的室内天线, 安装在家里其余三个电视机上, 接受方向不太好的位置一台电视连三个天线。这样家里每个电视机都能看到电视了。就算不常看也不用白给租金。
用天线接收,要调节位置,高度, 有时候会受天气影响, 有时候需要再搜索屏道。如果调节得当, 就能接受到讯息。由此我联想到有如我们接收上帝给我们的讯息,天线的位置设置得不对时,就无法接受到讯息。有时我们的心没有安静下来, 所以听不到上帝的话语,有时候是由于心理状态的不平衡, 自我, 自大, 自私, 自以为是都会阻止我们听不到上帝的启示及话语。希望我们能通过天线的启示来调节各自的心态,改善与上帝的关系。籍着诚信, 谦卑, 通过读经来领受及理解上帝的话语及讯息,跟随他的指引活出基督徒的生活。
Antenna
When it comes to TV, reception is inseparable. There are two big companies, one is Rogers and the other is Bell. The two companies compete with each other, you do promotion and I reduce the price. But once the promotion period is over, the price will be increased immediately. And the price is increasing year by year; renting a receiver will cost money, adding more channels cost money. They are always winners.
I have four televisions at home. I used to rent three receivers. Later I thought it was not worth it. When I was busy, I didn't even have time to watch TV. Why did I have to spend money for nothing?
Recently, I used a simple indoor antenna to try to see how many channels I can get. I remember for the old box TV, the indoor antenna can only receive about 5 channels, but with the digital TV, I got more than 20 digital channels, which is almost the same as Rogers’s basics package. But if I ask them to stop my TV service, I am out of the package (home phone, TV and Internet), they will increase home phone and internet service fee. In the end, I returned two receivers and kept one.
I went to a wholesale store-bought 7 indoor antennas at $10.00 each. I installed them on the other three televisions in the house. I used three antennas for one television where the location is poor. Finally, every TV in the house is having channels without paying extra receivers.
When receiving with an antenna, you need to adjust the position and height. Sometimes it is affected by the weather, and sometimes you need to research the channels again. If you adjust it properly, you can receive the signal well. From this, I think of it as if we accept the signal from God, when the antenna is set incorrectly, the signal cannot be received. Sometimes our hearts are not in peace, so we cannot hear God's words. Sometimes it is due to the imbalance of our mental state. Self-centered, selfish, arrogant, and self-righteousness will prevent us from hearing God's words. I hope that we can adjust ourselves through the revelation of the antenna, improve our relationship with God, receive and understand God's words through the bible, reading with integrity, humility and live out a Christian life by following his guidance.
2021 01 12
作者 Article by Mandy Li
感受疫情
無奈、失望、盼望、等待、失落,
又無奈、又失望、又盼望、又等待、又⋯
又⋯⋯
這一年就是在這種心情過生活, 每天當你收到不同媒體資訊,第一想接收的是今日確診人數已降至單位數字。但總聽到的多是不降反升的數字, 這種失望隨着每天的報告已成平淡去面對, 但不是接受, 所以仍然天天在盼望好訊息的報告,其實大家都有看到那些在研究抗疫藥苗的專家不停在努力, 試圖短期內完成試驗而能解決疫情難關。好不幸還未接觸到抗疫藥苗期, 就收到新冠病毒變種訊息, 比前病毒傳播能力高達多 70 幾個%,搞到全球多國機場封關, 盡量不讓惡菌再在全球茨意散播。現又多了一個新希望, 希望那些剛硏發還未接觸到的抗病疫苗也可應付到那些新變種的惡菌。
在疫情暴發前後, 能一家坐下同桌食飯明顯有分別。在我輩都已是一把年紀, 喜弄孫近親為樂, 但因疫情關係各家各戶都被迫留在家中, 不宜過訪, 何論同枱食飯, 攬攬抱抱。
在我家還是要感恩, 因疫情關係, 兒媳都被迫留在家中工作, 小朋友也是上網上課, 當然什麼地方也不會帶他們去活動, 父母唯有多動腦筋幫他們找勞作, 與他們弄食物, 實行了多親子樂, 多了發掘他們小腦袋的機會。由於我們也不隨便外出, 爺嫲家便成了最安全可去的地方, 假期自然就想到來爺嫲家溜溜,雖然多了幾個小不點走動, 忙了不少, 但也樂此不疲, 一家人多咗同桌食飯,閒聊家常, 是這疫情的一定影響。其實這疫情對社會甚至全球的傷害不可謂不大, 但同時在另一角度看都有其它得著。感謝主的恩典。
主的計劃我們不知道,然計劃已開始了, 唯選擇了去面對及負責任, 小心保護自己, 免至害己害人, 希望全球各地人類身心都快回復正常。祈求主恩常在。
2021 01 08
作者 Article by Yvonne Zheng
我個人對文字的記性很差,但對音樂的旋律就不一樣。時不時會在腦海中, 浮現出一個從前聽過的旋律, 整天哼着、哼着。但記不起歌詞和歌名, 是有點惱人的事。尤其是當同一個旋律,接連幾天都在我腦海中轉來轉去的時候, 就會希望能重溫整首歌曲。好在電腦的網絡世界十分神奇。只要紀得一句半句的歌詞,就可以搜尋到全首歌。歌詞、聲音檔或視頻都在我手指之下。最近常常哼着一首在教會經常歌的歌。哼了幾天,後終於按耐不住、上網搜尋歌詞。打上「那天重聚於主腳前, 來數算我主恩典⋯⋯」, 按搜尋。所有的選擇, 即時出現在電腦螢幕上。盧永亨作的「恩典太美麗」歌詞完完整整在眼前。讀到第一句:「這天重聚於主聖殿, 來數算我主思典」,眼淚一滴一滴流下來。才知道自己有幾想可以再一次參加實體教會聚集。自從因新冠疫情, 要透過網上和教友及親人聚集後, 我時常數算上網聚集的好處。例如 :方便、省時、可以在不同地方一起進行、可以參加平時因要在家照顧老公而不能參與的祈禱會、可以因要教兒童主日學而不可以每次都參與的英語成人硏經班⋯⋯等等。現希望很快、很快可以再重聚於主的聖殿, 唱讚美主的詩歌。希望很快、很快可以再見到主日學的小朋友,可以和他們作深入一些的討論。畢竟小孩子成長得很快。錯過了的時間, 等同失去了的學習機會。現實歸於現實。能夠在網上教會聚集、祈禱和硏經已經是很好的事。至於外展傳福音, 真是要動一番腦筋。希望來年頌主堂在林牧師的引領下能為主發亮發光。
2021 01 05
作者 Article by: 盧頌欣
新機會
新冠疫症帶來很多的擔憂和不便,我們都熱切期望疫症結束, 讓生活能重新回復正常。不過,讓我們也看一下因著疫症而出現的幾個新機會吧。
孩子在留在家裏學習時參加過兩次網上歌詠團演出。老師先在網上教授, 然後每個同學各自在家裏錄音, 再電子傳送給老師。我決定也模仿一下, 在頌主堂搞搞網上詩班。既然要搞, 不如好好利用電腦和錄音工具, 唱一首輪唱的歌。通常如果大家在教堂裏做三部輪唱, 很容易會被其他聲部混淆, 結果大笑一場。這次我們每人在家裏錄自己的一部,然後我先生用電腦軟件把所有詩班員的錄音結合, 成為十月堂慶崇拜的獻唱。由於詩班員可以在家裏錄音, 不用在特定時間參與詩班練習, 所以一些在星期日需要工作的詩班員也能參與。十月那次網上詩班獻詩效果令人鼓舞, 所以我們在聖誕節再接再勵, 用網上詩班的模式做四部合唱。
以前在詩班練習的日子, 我很少請詩班員獨自唱歌。不過, 在結合詩班員的錄音時, 我有機會清楚聽到每個人漂亮的歌聲。我聽過後邀請了一些詩班員為主日崇拜的詩歌錄音, 他們都很樂意。還有, 我先生把他自己錄的崇拜歌曲放到頌主堂的社交網站上, 讓其他人也有機會聽一下。這些歌為一些朋友帶來喜樂和感恩, 更令他一位舊同學回憶起兒時上教堂的日子。説不定有一些未信的朋友也可能透過這些詩歌錄音而有機會接觸福音呢。
大家當然期望疫症盡快結束,但在生活“正常化”的時候, 我們應該繼續利用疫症期間發現的新機會, 好好侍奉神和為人服務。
New Opportunities
Joanne Loo
The COVID-19 pandemic brought along lots of worries and inconveniences. We all eagerly look forward to its end so that life can return to normal. Nevertheless, let’s have a look at the new opportunities that have arisen as a result of the pandemic.
During the time that the kids attended online classes at home, they participated in two online choir performances. The teacher first taught the song online, then each student recorded their singing and sent it back to the teacher. I decided to use the same format to form an online choir at St. Elizabeth’s. Since we were going to do it, we might as well take advantage of the computers and recording equipment to sing a round. Usually, if we try to sing a 3-part round in the church hall, it is very easy to get confused by other parts, and people just end up laughing instead. This time, we each recorded our own track at home, and then my husband used a computer software to combine all the choir members’ recordings. The result was the choir anthem presentation at our church anniversary worship service in October. Since choir members could record at home and did not have to attend practices at specific times, people who have to work on Sundays could still join in this project. The result of the anthem presentation in October was encouraging, so we decided to do it again for Christmas. This time, we used the online choir format to generate an SATB choir.
Back in the days when the choir practised at the church, I rarely asked members to sing individually. Nevertheless, as my husband and I were compiling the choir recordings, I had the opportunity to listen to each person’s beautiful voice. Afterwards, I invited some choir members to record hymns and songs for the Sunday online services, and they were all willing to take part. In addition, my husband put his worship song recordings onto St. E.’s social media site, so that other people could listen to them too. These recordings brought joy and gratefulness to some friends. For a former classmate, the songs even rekindled memories of her childhood days of attending church. Who knows, perhaps some friends who are not yet believers may get to know the gospel through these songs.
Of course, everyone would like the pandemic to end quickly. Nevertheless, as life become normal again, we should continue to use the opportunities we discovered during the pandemic to serve God and His people.
2021 01 01
作者 Article by: Rev. Maria Ling
Translated by Wilson Loo 盧永信譯
多倫多教區宣佈:從十二月廿六日起, 全教區再次實施防疫的紅色警誡階段。教堂內聚集人數, 崇拜也好, 預備崇拜也好, 祇限於十個人以下。這次, 我們有經驗了,我們曾經經歷過這些日子。
這些經歷可能與歷世歷代基督徒所遭遇到的逼迫, 放逐, 苦難, 有點相似, 我指的當然不是電子傳訊新科技, 使用 Zoom 舉行視頻會議, 而是兩者同樣的懷著盼望, 靜候家中, 學習怎樣倚靠上主, 和兄弟姐妹彼此互相關懷而求存的心情.
其實我們都知道應該怎樣做。我們需要彼此幫助。 我們中間有些人的生活工作, 可以全部改在線上如常運作, 亦有很多人冒著被病毒感染的危險, 而繼續為我們的需要服務。我們要記念他們, 並為他們祈禱, 更應以行動去支持他們, (例如多付一點小帳啦?)及向他們表達衷心的感謝。
我做得如何呢? 有時不錯, 有時卻不太理想。我有緊張不安的時刻, 更有覺得很大壓力的日子; 但當我停下來, 靜聽著自己的呼吸, 便醒悟到神仍在掌管, 我生命的每時每刻, 神都在保守帶領。麻雀雖小, 祂尚且照顧, 何況我是祂的兒女呢?我雖要的是提醒自己, 神會照祂的計劃, 祂的時間去照顧我, 並非照我的計劃. 在這一方面, 我真的要多下一些功夫, 虛心學習: 是的, 天父會依照祂自己的時間計劃去看顧我, 而不是照我的議程和期望。
兄弟姊妹,當我們再進入另一次因疫情而封關,請你向你的心說,『我的心哪,你要稱頌耶和華』 (詩 103:1), 『願凡有氣息的都稱頌耶和華』.(詩 150:6)
願主的平安,常與你們同在
林寶珠+
Rev. Maria Ling 林寶珠牧師
So the announcement has been made. The Diocese of Toronto returns to our red stage guidelines with effect from Dec 26. We are limited to 10 persons in the church for running or recording the worship services. We have practice. We’ve already been doing this.
This must be like what Christians through the ages have experienced during times of persecution, exile and pandemic...no, not the new technology of Zoom and livestreaming but of having to hunker down and learn to survive by depending on God and on one another.
We already know what to do. We help each other. Some of us do everything online as it is but we also know that there are many who put themselves at risk of getting infected with the virus to serve our needs. We need to be mindful of them, to pray for them, to support them (give a bigger tip, maybe?), tell them we appreciate what they do for us.
How have I managed? Sometimes well and sometimes not so well. I’ve had moments of anxiety and of course stress, too, but when I stop and breathe...I have to remember that my life is in God’s hands. The times of my life is in His care. If He cares for the sparrow, why wouldn’t He care for me? I just need to remind myself that God will care for me in God’s way...not in my way. This is the part I have to humbly learn every time. God will care for me in God’s way, not according to my agenda or expectations.
So as we enter another lockdown, speak to your spirit and say, “Bless the Lord O my soul, let everything that has breath, bless the Lord!”
Peace!
Maria+
