The BIG Move

BIG = Barneys International Group

国际事工时间调整
在过去一年里，Mike和其他领袖们一直为Barney’s国际事工的未来祷告，寻求上帝的心意。
我们想跟大家分享一个重要的决定：国际事工的主力活动将从下午 5:30 的晚间崇拜，移至上午 10:00 的早间崇拜。我们希望通过这次时间调整，能让国际会众与本地会众更好地聚在一起，彼此服事。以下是需要关注的重要日期：

• 1 月 25 日 – 下午 5:30 晚间崇拜：为国际事工举行的告别崇拜。
• 2 月 1 日 – 上午 10:00 早间崇拜：为国际事工举行的欢迎崇拜。
如果你平时固定参加这两场崇拜中的某一场，到时可能会发现一些新变化—你会看到一些新面孔，或者你习惯的时段人数会有所增减。
如果你有任何疑问或想聊聊你的想法，欢迎随时联系我们：
• 常见问题 (FAQ)：这里有国际社区成员们整理的问答（[点击链接]）。
• 背景信息：可以回看 Mike 去年 11 月发出的那封详细邮件。
• 找我们聊聊：你可以找 Mike、Ira、Joel 或任何同工；Jason 也会在回归后和大家交流。
请大家为这次变动祷告，愿神带领我们！

The BIG move!

Over the past year, Mike and leaders from our international community have been thinking and praying about the future of international ministry at Barney’s. It was decided that our focused/main international ministry would move from the 5:30pm evening service to the 10:00am morning service. The hope is that, as we adjust to the move, this changed timing will serve both internationals and locals better.

Here are the important dates.
25th of January – A farewell service at the 5:30pm evening service for internationals.
1st of February – A welcome service at the 10:00am morning service for internationals.

Please note that if you usually come to either service, things will look a little different. There may be more people or fewer people at your usual time. If you have questions or concerns on the move please do reach out, there is an FAQ made by members of the international community (scroll to view). Mike also sent an email last November with more information. And if you would like to speak with one of us, you can speak with Mike, Jason, Ira, Joel, or any staff member.

Please be praying for the move! From the Barney’s team.

The BIG Move – FAQ

Over the past year, Mike and leaders from our international community have been prayerfully considering the future of international ministry at Barney’s. We’ve decided to move our main international ministry from the 5:30pm evening service to the 10:00am morning service, with the hope that this change will better serve both internationals and locals.

Will the service time change?
Service times will be the same: 10am and 5:30pm

What does this mean for the 10am morning service?
There will be more people as most international students and workers will be attending the 10am service. Mandarin elements, such as occasional singing and praying in Mandarin, and live sermon interpretation into Mandarin, will be available only in the 10am service.

What does this mean for the 5:30pm evening service?
We will probably notice a decrease in the number of people. We hope this will be temporary change and an opportunity to invite new friends. Everyone, including internationals will be able to attend. However, there will no longer be live sermon interpretation in Mandarin within the service.

What does this mean for the service team that I lead?
If you lead a service team for 5.30pm, you may need to re-arrange your roster due to the reduced number of people. We pray for more people to step up and sign up to serve, to fill the gaps left by the BIG move to the 10am service. BIG volunteers in 5:30pm service teams may transition to the corresponding 10am service teams, as desired. Please reach out to staff if help is needed in this area.

What does this mean for the monthly 10am post-service lunch?
We will hold it as usual. This is when the whole 10am congregation (existing 10am members and the BIG community) will gather and get to know each other.

Can I use the carpark for the 10am service?
Car park is available for the elderly, families with young children and people with disabilities. Broadway Shopping Centre has 2hr free parking available and, if you are early, there is usually free parking available on Mountain Street.

How can I facilitate this move?
Morning congregation: Welcome the international students/workers moving to the morning service.
Evening congregation: encourage your international friends to attend morning service.
BIG community: Tell all your BIG friends who are away on holidays about the move, and look forward to meeting new brothers/sisters from the morning congregation.

How can I get involved in BIG?
Get you know your international friends during monthly 10am post service lunch or feel free to speak with Pastor Jason.

FAQ – BIG Specific Questions

Do I have to move to the 10am service?
We encourage international students and workers to attend the 10am service. Mandarin elements, such as occasional singing and praying in Mandarin, and live sermon interpretation into Mandarin, will be available only in the 10am service. However, you are welcome to attend the 5.30pm service if that suits you better.

How can I get involved in the morning service?
Please go to the Welcome Hub to find out more information on how you can get involved or visit the Barney’s website to express interest in joining a service team.

Serving at Barneys

What does this mean to my small group?
All international (Mandarin, Cantonese and Simple English) groups will meet immediately after lunch at 1pm. Note, one exception is english corner which will happen at 12pm (at the same time as lunch).

How will weekly BIG lunch work?
Food will be provided with payment made at the door. Pre-registration for lunch will be strongly encouraged to assist with organisation.

How much is lunch?
First-time internationals: Free.
Workers: TBC
Students: TBC

How do I pre-register for lunch?
Information will be provided in the future. Keep a eye out on the BIG Whatsapp group.

Do I have to pre-register for lunch?
It’d be great if you pre-register as it helps us estimate the number of people to ensure we order enough food for everyone. You are still welcome to join BIG lunch if you haven’t pre-registered.

Can I invite a guest to lunch?
Yes, you can. We welcome everyone who’d like to join us for lunch. Pre-registering is encouraged but we’ll make an allowance for guests who have not registered.

Can I bring my own lunch?
Yes, you can.

What time do we start setting up for lunch?
Lunch will start at 11.45am so please start setting up at 11.30am.

What time do we pack up for lunch?
Small groups will start at 1pm so please start packing up from 12.45pm.