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ANNOUNCEMENTS

Volunteers Needed

CCM has been responding to current issues by organizing social forums and engaging with key politicians and NGOs.

I am beginning to feel the pressure of doing many things with limited staff.

I am pleading to you to offer names of people who are willing to volunteer their help.

We need the following volunteers:

  1. Person willing to type-in data into computer
  2. Person with journalistic skills to write report of social forum sessions
  3. Person who is willing to video the forum and burn CD.
  4. Person who can help with mailing materials out.

If WE WANT TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE, we need to put our shoulders to the wheel.

Kindly enlist people from the churches, especially young people.

Rev Dr Hermen Shastri
General Secretary

Demise of Dr. Larry Cheah

The CCM is sad to receive the news that Dr. Larry Cheah passed away on (29th January) after a long illness.

Larry Cheah was an ordained minister of the Methodist Church in the early 60's under the Singapore - Malaya Annual Conference. He later joined the Christian Conference of Asia as Executive Secretary of Youth and subsequently joined the UNESCAP and was stationed in Bangkok.

He was instrumental in paving the way for greater collaboration between the UN and ecumenical organizations in Asia. He also mentored many young people to serve in various capacities in development programmes.

The CCM expresses its deepest sympathies and condolences to his wife, Dr. Leyden Cheah and children for their loss.

The funeral service is scheduled to be held on Saturday, 31st January, 10am at Wesley Methodist Church, Klang.

Messages of Condolences can be sent to Dr. Leyden Cheah (012-3081535) at 12, Lorong Terap, Palm Grove, Klang, Selangor, Malaysia.

May God in His mercy sustain the family in their bereavement.

Scholarship to Master of Theology (M.Th.) and Master of Religious Studies (MRS)

Tainan Theological College and Seminary Announces One-year Scholarship Supported Openings for qualified students from CCA Member Churches to Master of Theology (M.Th.) or Master of Religious Studies (MRS) degree programmes for the 2009 Academic Year (commencing September 2009 and ending June 2010).

1. Applicants who have completed a university level degree PLUS a 3-year programme of studies leading to the Master of Divinity or Bachelor of Divinity Degree are eligible to enter the M.Th. degree programme. Applicants who have completed a university level degree alone are eligible to enter the MRS degree programme. Both degrees are described in the attached document "MTh & MRS"

2. The M.Th. degree takes two years and requires the successful completion of 8 courses plus the submission of a thesis paper acceptable to the supervising committee. The first year of the programme is spent on campus, during which course work is completed. The second year is spent back at home, during which the student writes the thesis. Those entering the M.Th. programme in 2009 can anticipate receiving their degrees no sooner than June of 2011.

3. The MRS degree takes a single year and requires the successful completion of 8 courses. Those entering the MRS programme in 2009 can anticipate receiving their degrees in June of 2010.

4. Tainan Theological College guarantees that it will offer sufficient coursework in any academic year to enable students in the MRS programme to complete their coursework in a single academic year, and to enable those in the M.Th. programme to complete their on campus requirements in the same amount of time. 

5. No scholarship aid is available for a second year in Taiwan. Students electing to remain in Taiwan to must have their own funding. Taiwan's government does not allow students in religious studies courses to take employment in Taiwan. 

6. The number of scholarship supported positions for applicants from CCA member churches is limited. Applications must carry denominational or diocesan endorsement. 

7. To download the application form, right click here and save as. Complete application files must arrive in Taiwan by post or courier (not by FAX or electronic submission) no later than 31st March of 2009 to be considered for the upcoming academic year.

AIDS Sunday 2008 Liturgy

The 1st of December is World AIDS Day.

Churches around the world inject some awareness of the issues surrounding HIV-AIDS and pray for those living with AIDS during their worship services close to that date.

We hope you may find some resources to include in your liturgy, or, to encourage your congregation to pray for those suffering as a result of AIDS, and those who serve as care givers.

For AIDS Sunday 2008 Liturgy, right click here and save as...

New Bishop for the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Malaysia

At the Extraordinary Diocesan Assembly of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Malaysia held on 1st November in Kuala Lumpur, the Rev. Dr. Solomon Rajah was elected as the 4th Episcopal head of the church.

He will take office in 2010. In the period till then he shall be working closely with the Bishop Julius Paul who is due to retire in 2010 (July 14th). 

Bishop-Elect Dr. Solomon currently serves on the faculty of the Seminari Theoloji Malaysia as a lecturer, a position he has held since 1994. He will continue to serve STM until the end of 2009.

He is also one of the most senior members of the clergy and brings with him rich and varied experiences in the pastoral and teaching ministry.

CCM welcomes the Bishop-Elect into the family of CCM churches and look forward to his leadership and support. 

Program JatiDiri Kesukarelaan Nasional (PJKN)

The Malaysian Youth Hostels Association (MYHA), an affiliate body of the Malaysian Youth Council is organising Program JatiDiri Kesukarelaan Nasional (PJKN) and has extended 10 places for our young people. 

Details as follows:

Date: 12- 20th November 2008
Venue: Chermas Agro Training Village, Bentong, Pahang

Note: According to Organisers, participants from Bentong or from the Pahang state are encouraged. However, for those in KL who plans to participate, transportation will be provided. 

Participants will be provided with FREE accomodation, food, t-shirt, stationeries and will be covered by insurance.

For those interested, please let me know by 21st October 2008.

For those who needs more time to decide, please let me know.

Many thanks & All the Best!

Daniel Alexander <jesuniel@gmail.com>
Coordinator,
Higher Education Initiatives
Mobile: 016-3953609 

Seminari Theoloji Malaysia - 2009 Intake is now open for Registration

New Publication in Aid of CCM Building Fund

One Hundred Bible Characters (People who changed the World) is a new publication of the Anglican Diocese of West Malaysia. Authored by Ven. Archdeacon Dr S Batumalai (Vicar, Christ Church, Malacca; also Assistant Bishop-designate), this book will help raise fund for the CCM Building Fund.

"This book has certainly made it so comprehensive and easy to read to every one even the young ones. .... He has also designed some interesting and thought provoking questions for study groups or discussions," as pointed out by Bishop Ng Moon Hing.

"The book of Dr Batumalai makes accessible in an easy readable form, the great personalities of the Bible, whose faith and godly character is worthy to be emulated. .... May all who read the book be blessed by the deepening of their faith, so that they may be used as God's instruments to serve God's will and purpose here on earth," adds Rev Dr Hermen Shastri, General Secretary of CCM.

CCM is grateful to Arch. Batumalai for his kind gesture and labour of love.

The book (with hard cover), priced at RM30.00 per copy, is available from the CCM office at No. 10 Jalan 11/9, 46200 Petaling Jaya, Tel. 03 7960 8926, 7956 7092; Fax 03 7956 0353. (Cheque payable to "Council of Churches of Malaysia - Building Fund).

Please place an order for some copies (own reference and gifts to loved ones). Be helpful and be blessed.

Canaan-Yonsei Global Leadership Program

This program is a cooperated program by Canaan Farmers’ School (WCM.or.kr) and Yonsei University (Yonsei.ac.kr).  Click here for more information on this Leadership Program.

Canaan Farmers’ School, found in 1931 is one of the first Christian NGOs in Korea and plays pivotal roles in the social and economic development. As Mr. Bahn, Secretary General of U.N., said, “I believe that Canaan Farmers’ School’s movement can bring fundamental change in the poor regions such as Africa and South Asia. We have observed its miraculous result in Korea” there is general agreement about its successful mindset movement in Korean history. Its international branch schools in 10 countries are launched and have shown successful fruits. Yonsei University is the first private and the oldest Christian university in Korea. Over its 120-year-long history, the university has trained more than 250,000 elite leaders based on its solid Christian foundation and its alumni have been active as great leaders of Korean society. These alumni have played pivotal roles in Korea’s liberation, economic growth, the establishment of democracy.

This program is designed to train Christian leaders for overcoming poverty through sustainable development and establishing the ecological and life friendly community. Unlike other programs which have similar intents, this program is historically proved and we have many testimonies on its successful fruits. 

Canaan Farmers’ School and Yonsei University successfully completed the spring semester of the training program. Eighteen trainees, mostly government officials working in the Ministry of Agriculture or in the Regional Council, were from 8 countries (the Philippines, China, Myanmar, Indonesia, Cambodia, Bangladesh, Tanzania, and Uganda). 

Now we are recruiting trainees for the fall semester. Your recommendation of qualified applicants will be greatly appreciated. Brief guidelines for the fall semester are as follows;

bullet Program title is “Global Transformational Leadership Program.” 
bullet Training Period: October 1~December 20, 2008 (approximately 12 weeks) 
bullet Number of Expected Trainees: 25 
bullet Deadline for application: September 4, 2008 
bullet Full or partial scholarship is available. 

Applicants should: 

bullet be a university/college graduate or equivalent 
bullet have sufficient command of spoken and written English 
bullet be in good health, both physically and mentally, to undergo the courses and respect the regulations and rules of the program. 
bullet be a mid-level government employee, field director, mid-level NGO staff, etc.
bullet be a faithful Christian 
bullet have leadership potential based on recommendation
bullet have strong desire /calling to be part of program 
bullet have devotional mindset 

Attached are the files of the Program Information and the Application Form. Please visit our homepage, http://www.yonsei-canaan.org, for general information and, if you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact us in the following email addresses and telephone numbers. 

Dr. Jangsaing Kim (Planning Coordinator)
Email:
jangsaing@hanmail.net

Dr. Pyeong Jun Yu (Yonsei University) 
Email: pjyu@yonsei.ac.kr
Tel: +82-33-760-2319 
Fax: +82-33-763-4324 
Mailing Address: 234 Maeji-ri, Wonju, Gwangwondo, 220-710

Rev. Soo Young Kim (Canaan Farmers’ School) 
Email: kimsy025@empal.com 
Tel: +82-33-762-2103
Fax: +82-33-763-5194
Mailing Address: 274 Yongam-ri, Sillim-myon, Wonju, Gwangwondo, 220-861

CCA Programme: 12th Annual Human Rights Training

When: August 23-28, 2008

Where: Bangkok Christian Guest House, Bangkok

For Whom: Those involved in human rights advocacy

Cost: To be borne by CCA

If you have suitable persons that you wish to nominate, please inform our office.

The dateline is 15th July 2008.

Constitutional Freedoms in Malaysia

Institute of World Religions, Seminari Theoloji Malaysia, Seremban is organizing this talk on

Date: 25th June 2008

Time: 7.30 pm-9.30pm

Venue: MPH, STM, Seremban

Speaker: Dato Dr Cyrus Das

For further details contact Rev. Dr. Solomon Rajah at STM: 06-6322815

FIDC Officers for the new quadrennium

At the recently held Fellowship of Indian Denominational Churches (FIDC) Assembly from 9-12th May 2008 in Melaka the following were elected as the new office bearers.

President : Bishop Dr. Robert Solomon

Vice President : Bishop Julius Paul

Secretary : Mr. Gopal Sundram

Asst. Secretary: Rev. David Rajiah

Treasurer : Mr. Jeyapal Joseph & Mr. M. Geeva (S’pore)

SPM Bible Knowledge

SPM BK classes have started all over the country. TCF (Teachers' Christian Fellowship) has not been able to get the particulars for private teachers yet. Nevertheless, the effort to network is on-going.

To update you. There are 2 events related to SPM Bible Knowledge (BK).

1) May 10th : Seminar for training teachers for SPM BK. Ms Moey is the trainer. Register with TCF (03-56375623) or Dream Centre who is providing the venue.

For brochure, Right Click here and Save As

2) August 2nd: Interschool/interstate BK quiz- at SMK Katolik. Further details to follow.

Certificate in Christian Ministry (Social Ministry)

Seminari Theoloji Malaysia (STM) in partnership with Malaysian Care and Bible College of Malaysia is enrolling students for a new part-time certificate in Christian ministry program in social ministry.

To download flyer, Right Click here and Save As...

The program starts at the end of June 2008. Those interested can contact either Ms Sarah Yap, TEE Director at STM (Tel: 06-6322815, email: sarahyap@stm.edu.my) or Pastor Esther at Malaysian Care (tel:03-90582102, email: esther_alfred@malaysiancare.org).

More information available on websites: www.stm.edu.my or www.malaysiancare.org

World Day of Prayer 2008

Date: 8 March 2008

Venue: Wesley Methodist Church, 4 Jalan Bukit Jawa, 41000 Klang, Selangor

Time: 3.30pm

THEME: “God’s Wisdom Provides New Understanding”

Speaker: Mrs. Lily Ch’ng

Organized by CCM Women’s Committee

Ecumenical Service for Christian Unity

THEME: PRAY WITHOUT CEASING

Remembering the Orang Asli of Malaysia

at St. Paul 's Anglican Church, 

Jalan Utara Kechil , Petaling Jaya 

30th January 2008 (Wednesday) @ 7.30pm

Organised by The Christian Federation Of Malaysia

The 100th anniversary of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity

Conversation with F. LeRon Shults

Friends in Conversation (emergentMalaysia) and RoH (Revolution of Hope) Malaysia would like to invite you for a conversation with F. LeRon Shults. LeRon is a professor of theology at Agder University in Kristiansand, Norway. He holds a PhD in Education from Walden University and a PhD in Theology from Princeton Theological Seminary. He has authored numerous books, some of which are The Postfoundationalist Task of Theology, Reforming Theological Anthropology, The Faces of Forgiveness, Reforming the Doctrine of God, and Transforming Spirituality.

The programme will be held on Friday, January 18 2007, 9.30am - 9.30pm.

The Day Seminar is RM40 including lunch and tea breaks.

To register, please contact Yew Khuen at 017-3363882 or yewkhuen@yahoo.co.uk

Registration fee RM40 for full day program.

Night session “Becoming Friends” is free (no registration needed)

Urgent Notice to All Selangor/Klang Valley Christian Churches

A most unfortunate situation has befallen All Saints' Anglican Church, Cheras, KL.

They were duped into parting with 20 tables (200 tickets) for their Christmas luncheon scheduled for 25th December 2007 at Janbo Restaurant (Pudu), KL.

A stranger came to their church service and claimed to be a member of an AOG church. He also  claimed to have participated in one of their recent evangelistic events.  His first inducement was a cheque for RM5000 as a contribution to their Diocese's St Mark's Cozy Home project.  Later that same day, he offered to take 20 tables (table no. 31 to table no. 50) for their Christmas luncheon.  Unfortunately, the tickets were given to him and they later found out that both his cheques bounced!

Please be careful should you be approached to buy the tickets, and secondly, do not fall prey to a similar scam.

CCM SUNDAY APPEAL

Warm Greetings from the Council of Churches of Malaysia!

The Council, being the affiliated body of mainline churches and Christian organizations in the country, derives its mandate and strength from its constituent members. Strong support and active participation by member bodies are essential and desired.

For its financial obligations, the Council depends on membership subscriptions and freewill contributions by member churches and organizations. Among others, the Council has designated the Sunday closest to Merdeka Day (31 August) as CCM Sunday every year, as a special day to remember the mission and work of CCM and to solicit contributions in support of the Council. The Council gratefully acknowledges the special celebrations held and generous contributions made, by member churches/organizations all these years. 

For year 2007, Sunday 26 August was the CCM Sunday with the theme “Rise Up and Build A Just Nation” emphasizing National Unity (Psalm 133:1). We are grateful and touched by those churches having celebrated CCM Sunday (on the date or on another appropriate Sunday) in their own special ways and having made their generous contributions.

The CCM Board of Management at its recent meeting has dealt with the difficult issue of increasing financial obligations in view of the Council’s expanded workload and scope of responsibility in the face of the changing social challenges in the country. For the extra financial needs, the Council has to fall back on its constituent membership. 

The Board has thus unanimously adopted a resolution to request every local church within the CCM family, in conjunction with the CCM Sunday (whether celebrated or not), to make a minimum contribution of RM100.00 (Ringgit One Hundred only) to CCM. This shared responsibility and commitment by churches/organizations will then make CCM strong and viable to be the voice and conscience of its constituent members.

Dear fellow servants in Christ, thank you for sharing and supporting our mission and work. May God bless you and your ministry!

Yours sincerely in Christ,

Rev. Dr. Thomas Philips (President), Bishop Philip Lok (Hon. Treasurer), Rev. Dr. Hermen Shastri (General Secretary) and the Members of the Board of Management

Dated: 17th October 2007

5th CCM Annual Golf Fellowship

On the dawn of the 10th of October 2007, 136 golfers gathered at the Glenmarie Golf and Country Club, graced by YB Datuk Lee Hwa Beng to have a friendly game of golf in aid of the CCM General Fund and Building Project.

YB Datuk Lee Hwa Beng during his speech pledged RM50,000.00 towards the Building Project.

The fellowship game was organized under the chairmanship of Mr. Peter Chen.  The amount raised was RM59,639.45 excluding the pledge of RM50,000.00.

Our sincere thanks to the Organizing Committee for their dedicated service and commitment.

Consecration

His Grace the Most Rev. Dr. Joseph Mar Thoma Metropolitan was consecrated as the 21st Metropolitan of the Mar Thoma Church on 2nd October, 2007 at Thiruvilla, India.

His Grace the Most Rev Dr. Philipose Mar Chrysostom was consecrated as the Valiya Metropolitan on the same occasion.

CCM President, Rev Dr. Thomas Philips was present at the consecration and brought the felicitations and prayers of the churches of Malaysia.

Demise

Rev. Chong Eng Mein, Senior Minister of Herald Presbyterian Church, Kluang was called to rest on 22nd October 2007. 

Rev Chong served as the Synod Moderator 2003-2004.

During that period he also took an active roll at the Heads of Churches Consultation and other CCM functions.

CCM expresses its deepest sympathies and condolences to his wife Xu Gui Fei and his children.

Brian to promote building project

Young, talented and committed Christian artiste, Mr. Brian John Yim, of Brian Yim Music Corporation, has kindly offered to help CCM in our ongoing fundraising efforts for our building project, the new ecumenical centre. Among others, Brian will promote the building project and encourage churches and members to donate towards CCM's building fund, during his singing visits as invited.

MCCBCHST - Election of the New Office Bearers for 2007/08

At the recently held Annual General Meeting of the MCCBCHST on 11th July 2007, the following were elected:

President: Datuk A. Vaithilingam (Hindu)
Vice Presidents: Ven/ Ming Ji (Buddhist), Bishop Dr. Paul Tan (Christian), Sardar Harcharan Singh (Sikh), Mr. Tan Bon Sin (Taoist)
Hon. Secretary General: Mr. Paramsothi (Hindu)
Deputy Hon. Sec. General: Mr. Tan Hoe Chieow (Taoist)
Hon. Treasurer General: Mr. Sarath Wickrama Surendre (Buddhist)
Deputy Hon. Treasurer General: Sardar Gurdial Singh (Sikh)

Committee Members: Mr. Prematilaka KD Serisena (Buddhist), Rev. Dr. Hermen Shastri (Christian), Bro. Augustine Julian (Christian), Mr. R. Thiagaraja (Hindu), Mr. Jagir Singh (Sikh), Mr. Lau Chean Kiat (Taoist)

Auditors: Mr. V. Ananda Krishnan (Hindu), Mr. Chua Chong Kee (Buddhist), Rev. Wong Kim Kong (Christian), Sardar Malkith Singh (Sikh) 

Election of New Office Bearers of CCM Perak Regional Committee

At the recently held Annual General Meeting of the CCM Perak Regional Committee on 14th July 2007 the following were elected :

Chairman: Rev. Joshua Ong
Hon. Secretary: Mr. James Ratnam
Hon. Treasurer: Mr. Gilbert Leow

Committee Members: Mrs. Stella Victor, Mrs. Kamala Devadason, Mr. Chun C.C., Mr. Tan Jin Ong, Rev. John Selvaraj, Mr. Louis Martin

Auditors: Mr. Daniel, Mr. C. T. John

Representatives to MCCBCHST: Rev. Joshua Ong & Mr. James Ratnam

"Violence and Peace" by Solomon Rajah now available

A book entitled “Violence and Peace” written by Rev. Dr. Solomon Rajah is now available at CCM Office at RM 12.00. The book reflects on some Asian religious thoughts and a Christian perspective. Those interested can purchase it from CCM Office.

Celebration of Hope Malaysia

At the most recent meeting of the CCM Executive Committee (24th May), it was decided that CCM will endorse the Celebration of Hope Malaysia Project.

This means that member churches and organisations are free to choose to relate with the project in ways they find meaningful.

The COHM Project is an evangelistic Multi-media presentation that can be used to reach others for Christ through neighbourhood evangelism.

Those wishing to make queries or need resources can contact Rev. Elisha Satvinder, the Director of Mobilisation at 012-337 8801.

Communication for Peace Award

CALL FOR NOMINATIONS

The World Association for Christian Communication (WACC) promotes communication for social change. It believes that communication is a basic human right that defines people’s common humanity, strengthens cultures, enables participation, creates community, and challenges tyranny and oppression. Being WACC means ‘taking sides’.

WACC will present a Communication for Peace Award during its 2008 Congress in Cape Town, South Africa, to a woman or man who has consistently, dynamically and creatively demonstrated the value of communication for peace in a particular context. Consistent with WACC’s Christian Principles of Communication, she or he will be a person of faith and be recognised as a public voice of conscience.

Criteria

An individual who, as a communications professional, has:

bulletshown sustained dedication and commitment to communicating and promoting a culture of peace, social justice, and the alleviation of conflict; 
bulletdemonstrated extraordinary and exemplary initiative in advancing peace with justice and steps toward reconciliation; 
bulletcontributed to a substantial effort toward winning or preserving peace and justice for groups of people whose circumstances make them vulnerable to prejudice, discrimination, or injustice.

Nominations

Nominations must be accompanied by evidence of activities and achievements of the nominee and sent to WACC (AWARD@waccglobal.org) before 1st September 2007.

To download nomination form, Right Click here and Save As..

Please disseminate this call for nominations as widely as possible.

Survey on unity among youths

The Centre for Public Policy Studies (CPPS) and the National Young Lawyers' Committee are conducting a nationwide survey among young working professionals on issues regarding national unity.

The chairman of the National Young Lawyers' Committee, Edmund Bon, said the survey would determine whether national unity resonated among the youths and whether young Malaysians could relate to it.

"At a glance, the awareness of national unity is very urban-centric and the survey will find out whether people in rural areas and less developed states feel the same way about national unity as their urban counterparts," he said.

He added that the survey would poll about 1,500 youths and was targeted to be completed by Aug 31.

It is time that Christian youths also have a say in the future of this country.  CCM would be interested to hear the views of our young people in the churches. Send all views to CCM so that the Youth Committee can present our parts to church leaders and other bodies.

Have your say! Speak Up! It is your future.

Registration of First Time Voters

Tan Sri Ramon is prepared to offer RM500 to ANY PERSON in a congregation who brings in the highest number of FIRST TIME VOTER registrations.

Another RM500 will be given to the CHURCH with the highest number of FIRST TIME VOTER registrations.

Please inform CCM of your registrations. The CCM EXCO will decide the winner.

Dateline: 31st August 2007

It is a small token but a positive step to encourage all Christians to exercise their right to vote.

CCM Chinese Pastors' Conference

Date: 20-22nd August 2007

Venue: Hotel Sri Malaysia, Genting Highlands

Keynote Address by Rev. Professor Lo Lung—Kwong from Taiwan/Hong Kong

Registration fee: RM 250.00 (Twin sharing) and RM 350 ( single)

For further details contact Mr. Andrew Tan (03-79567092)