2016ustrip

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Message from Bishop Dr Rev James Kwang Dear Fellow Ministerial and Lay Co-workers in Christ, Greetings to you all in the Lord. May the grace and peace of God be with you all. “Our hearts were considerably lightened when we visited Asbury Theological Seminary (ATS) as we saw how the seminary remains ever true and faithful to the original intent of the Methodist movement as started by the Wesley brothers and a few others; that is, to spread scriptural holiness across the land and beyond.” It was my joy and privilege to lead a delegation team of our CMCA Pastors and their spouses, along with our AC Lay Leader and his wife, to attend the World Methodist Conference in Houston, Texas from 31 August to 4 September this year. Following that, we travelled to Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore, Kentucky, where we spent four nights and five days having our pastors retreat, from 5 to 9 September. The trip was an eye opener for our pastors who were attending the World Methodist Conference for the first time. A few of the speakers delivered messages in a subtle way to promote their own agenda, seeking the world Methodist body to embrace one of the most highly debated issues today, i.e. the LGBT movement, which goes against the teachings of God’s Word! It was good exposure for all to know how the world has changed and how society has influenced the Church at large to such a great extent. On the flip side, several other speakers were very truthful in expounding and applying the Word of God, which we found comforting and which gave us hope. Our hearts were considerably lightened when we visited Asbury Theological Seminary (ATS) as we saw how the seminary remains ever true and faithful to the original intent of the Methodist movement as started by the Wesley brothers and a few others; that is, to spread scriptural holiness across the land and beyond. That is exactly what ATS is doing in equipping God’s people to go forth to spread scriptural holiness. We were treated with excellent hospitality at ATS. Three full days of the retreat were filled with spiritual goodies – with talks given by renowned professors such as Kenneth Collins and Ben Witherington III. Most of the talks were on the distinctiveness of the Methodist doctrines, and on our rich Methodist heritage. The lectures were very edifying to our souls as the ATS lecturers reaffirmed to us that our Methodist beliefs reflect true, scriptural Christianity. 1
The retreat ended with half a day spent refreshing ourselves spiritually in a session conducted by Rev Laura Baber and Dr Marilyn Elliot. I can truly say that this trip was the highlight of all my years in leading the CMCA as its Episcopal head. This once in a lifetime trip for most of the participants was all worth it, especially when I read the reflections written from the heart by the pastors. Those words speak tons to how much the trip meant to each one of them. Finally, I take this opportunity to thank all the leaders of the CMCA and also the leaders of the Local Churches for your full support in giving our pastors the opportunity to participate in this memorable and edifying trip. I am sure that this trip has impacted the lives of all the pastors who made it! I want to praise and thank God and may all glory be to Him! Servant of the Lord, Bishop Dr James Kwang November, 2016 2
Page 1 and 2: 2016 21 st World Methodist Conferen
Page 3: Contents Message from Bishop ……
Page 7 and 8: 21st World Methodist Conference Dat
Page 9 and 10: One for the ladies … and One for
Page 11 and 12: Reflections after the message: I do
Page 13 and 14: Workshop Topic: Perfecting the Sain
Page 15 and 16: Conference Plenary Session: One Fai
Page 17 and 18: Bible Study by Bishop João Carlos
Page 19 and 20: Pastors’ Retreat program Date: 5
Page 21 and 22: Dr Tumblin presented a gift to Bish
Page 23 and 24: Session II: Our Wesleyan Roots by D
Page 25 and 26: Session IV: Missiology & Church Pla
Page 27 and 28: Session V - Part I: The Bible In Mi
Page 29 and 30: Session VI: Spiritual Formation by
Page 31 and 32: Session VII: Lay Mobilization by Dr
Page 33 and 34: about what love is. Love is walking
Page 35 and 36: Personal Reflection of Ps Dexter Ng
Page 37 and 38: An Enriching and Blessed Spiritual
Page 39 and 40: 美国进修会的心得很
Page 41 and 42: 另外 , 我也发现这里
Page 43 and 44: 虔的本色 / 质 !—— 她
Page 45 and 46: 有感而發林寶強牧師

2016ustrip

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