Voices of 5L2F

Christmas Caroling

2007-12-16T15:30:00.000+08:00

Hey everyone!! In just less than 2 weeks time, it's Christmas! Isn't it exciting? Do you smell Christmas in the air? haha.. Christmas decorations are all up in the malls since the beginning of this month, and certainly none of us could forget its another year to celebrate the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. For us, its not about what we see out in the malls, nor is it all about the presents. Oh, speaking of presents, we all have it. On Christmas, Lord Jesus Christ give each one of us himself as a gift, and as we are still in the season of Advent, its time to prepare well for the big day. ;)

5l2f-ers have been preparing to spread the Christmassy spirit since the beginning of this sem. Despite the hectic schedule and distance, some of them still managed to make time for the weekly practices.

Last Friday, 14 December, 5L2F went Caroling with the Hosanna BEC in USJ, and it was the same BEC we joined last year. The group, dressed in red, went in 3 cars from Cyberjaya, led by Christina, together with Angela, Bernard, Benedict, Eugene, Eric, Joanne, Jason (Guitarist), Melisa Ann, Priscilla and Timothy. (Names arranged in alphabetical order). My brother and i joined them later from PJ.

Unlike the previous year, they started at 8pm sharp. From there we hopped to 8 different houses. We took the car as the distance weren't that close between. The carols we sang were Feliz Navidad, O Holy Night, Mary Did You Know, Donde Esta Santa Claus, Silent Night, God Rest Ye Merry Gentleman, O Come All Ye Faithful, Winter Wonderland, We Wish You A Merry Christmas, Joy To The World, When A Child Is Born, The First Noel, Angels We Have Heard On High, Santa Claus is Coming to Town + Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer + Jingle Bells (Medley), etc.

The singing ended with a fellowship at the last house. It was about 12 am. After munching and chit-chatting, we were cordially invited to join their dance session. The music began.. and 5l2f-ers couldn't have said no to the lively atmosphere.. and needless to say, they joined in the fun.

When we had the first Caroling outing, some of us wished for it to be a 5l2f tradition. This year it is our 3rd time. Great job peeps. Didn't you think it was a great night? There will certainly be a 4th, 5th, and 6th (..), right? ;) Keep it up!

p/s: the number of houses we went may or may not be 8.. can't remember lo.. sorry!
pp/s: the pictures are with Eugene and Eric, lets wait for them to upload.

Gathering Numero 007! - Washing of the Feet-

2007-03-29T17:52:00.000+08:00

We did it! We achieved the target for the day that is to learn how important this liturgy is to us.

Read John 13:1-15 to know exactly what it is about and how did it strike you.

We read it, reflected on it and then discussed what we each felt what the passage was trying to tell us. All in all, we learnt that we have to learn to be humble to anyone despite their status or name (we outta like it). As the saying goes - We live to SERVE and NOT to be Served.

Love & Serve
"Jesus, knowing that his hour had come…loved them to the end."

The life of everyone is colored and directed (you might even say consecrated) by some private moments - the moment your mother really spoke to you, heart to heart, the moment your father kept a promise, or your friend gave you a piece of advice.

It was the same with Jesus' apostles that evening. He was alone with them in that upper room. He had invited them, they had eaten, drunk, broken bread, and shared wine, just as we do. For them, however, that evening had been much more private, much more personal, especially when he had washed their feet.

Having your feet washed is something very private, very personal, and very powerful. After a tiring trip, have your feet ever been washed by someone who loved you? Did you ever wash and massage the feet of someone you loved? Do it once, and you, too, will know what I am talking about.

He had washed their feet, he had dried them - in a way he had consecrated them. And it was at that moment that he had said to them - 'I am sending you, you have to go, if you want to be faithful to me.' And though they were very ambitious, very shallow, very consumer-minded, very competitive, and very contentious, they never forgot that moment.

Moments like that kept them together with him and with one another. It is those private moments with someone we love and respect that keep us together, that keep us faithful at unexpected moments in our lives.

Don't you remember a happening, an event, a private moment that determined and still determines your life's direction?

Also, when Simon Peter questioned "Why Lord, you want to wash my feet!" Jesus said, "What I am doing you cannot understand now, but afterwards you will understand it." Then Peter replied, "You shall never wash my feet." Jesus answered, "If I do not wash you, you can have no part with me." Then Simon Peter said, "Lord, wash not only my feet, but also my hands and my head!" - Hmm, think for yourself ;)

After reflection, we did some washing of the feet ourselves! Imagine the stench.. Lol.. Nah, just kidding.. everything went well. We all did it willingly and thats the spirit ;)

All in all, it was indeed an educational session from a biblical point of view. We shall see what in store for us in our next gathering! ;)

Ooops! Trimester 3 already!

2007-03-28T17:26:00.000+08:00

Boy, does time fly since the last time we updated our poor lil redundant bloggie. Thousand apologies for that ya. I'm very bad in writing, what more in blogging but I'll try to update you guys about whats been happening with us lately ok? Here goesss...

Gathering 1 : Well, we ALL went to Sunway Pyramid for Dinner and Movie. Nandos was what we had and "Stranger than Fiction" was what we watched. This was when we met our lil bro, Angello who ended up falling in love with us - crazy ppl. Lol. Just kidding man. But yeah, we were glad to meet a few new ppl who joined us. Hope you guys had fun too as much as I did ;)

Gathering 2: Is Valentine's Day Necessary? Yes/No? Adoi..The whole bunch against just two people. Where can like thatttt? Unfair! Unfair!!! Lol. At the end of the day, those who were against V Day changed their minds as we learnt that V Day is not only for couples but for the non couples too! For they have their family and friends with them and its a day we appreciate each other. Without family and friends, we will not be as strong as we are today.

Gathering 3: Hmm, we discussed about the importance of Lent and how will be fixing ourselves for this Lent season. Mr. Lui led this sharing and I must say it was an eye-opener for me coz I did learn more about Lent.

Gathering 4: Ahhh, Mr. Eugene Lim led us in this one - Stations of the Cross! It was a beautiful one too, I must say ;) Reflecting and meditating from one station to another together as a 5L2F family was lovely. I had a peace of mind after that nite.

Gathering 5: We got "bored" of each other, so we invited Mr. Adrian from CKK Lifeline to help lead us in a para-liturgy. Thats to re-enact the Sabbath Meal. It was a new thing for most of us. All of us sat at a long table, reflected on the related Bible verse then went ahead with thanksgiving. One by one we mentioned what we were thankful for then we had our very own Bread and Wine. Yummm. Good experience I must say along with the msg learnt thru that.

Hmm.. I think we also got involved in helping out in a Coffee Morning held by and for the Kuala Lumpur Coordinating Council. Our beloved Ms. Mary Tan organized it and it turned out great! We made quite a profit if compared to the other years. Ahem, Cheers to Mary for a great job ya! See, dont worry too much for everything happens for a reason. N definitely our Heavenly Father will be with us. Of coz you have to work yourself la. Can't expect Him to help us in everything without even working for it, riteee? ;;)

THEN! On our 6th Gathering, we said the Rosary together. T'was another awesome nite. I found that doing such solemn stuff actually gives us the peace of heart. mind and soul. Watcha think? Do post some comments ya.

As for THIS week - our 7th gathering - we will be washing each others feet. Lol. Yeah. Smelly feet. Wahaha..Just kidding la. Its the Washing of the Feet. Theres a lesson we learn in this. Check out John 13 for more info and u'll know what I mean. Looking fwd to see you ALL there!!!!

Till the next post,
Nalsy OUTZ!

Highlights of 2nd sem

2007-01-09T22:42:00.000+08:00

Greetings.

Here is an update regarding the major highlights of 2nd sem that has just passed recently.

We went for Carolling at USJ with Nat's BEC on the night of 15th of December. We hopped from one house to another; overally about 7 to 8 houses if i'm not mistaken. We started at about close to 9 so naturally went home after midnight. :)

After singing, the family of the last house provided us food. Good food, i mean. Food that satisfy all the hungry people like us after singing continously for hours straight.

The below picture is taken at the last house.

We wanted to spread the joy of Christmas around the neighbourhood by singing Carols. I hope we left some Christmas spirit somewhere around. Thanks to those who joined for if you didn't, that night wouldn't have been the way it was. IT WAS AWESOME.

Another event highlights would be our Exam mass celebrated by Fr. Chris and the Christmas party.

On a rainy night of 19th December, we managed to come together for the Exam mass at Cyberia A3 hall.

After the Mass ended, some of us went over for the Christmas party held at my place. It was a potluck party so most of us brought food. And PLENTY of food. Generous bunch of peeps. Thank you all so much! and thanks to Regina for the sad looking Christmas tree which was 'alive'. It has only 2 leg stands so it doesn't balance that well. It will fall whenever people knock or push it. haha. But we really made do with everything we can find.

Picture tells a lot more than words. So, hope these pictures bring some ideas in your mind about the fun we had there. Just look at the smiles.

Actually 19th of December was also our dear Alvin Lee's 21st birthday. We played this musical game(whats the game called again?). You know we tried to surprise Alvin by stopping the music when he is holding the thing (a bottle) and instead of penalising him we would then bring the birthday cake out. Somehow the music stops all the time on either Fr.Chris and Leslie. The scene was hilarious. After a while of denies, Leslie owned up and was spotting enough to do this.

Leslie the Ballerina

We planned to surprise Alvin in the 3rd round. On the other side of the hall, in the kitchen, Lana and I had already litted up the candles and prepared to bring it out. But we failed to stop on Alvin in the 3rd round, and failed again in the 4th. Okay that time the candles were already almost burnt out. So we just took out the cake, and everybody started singing HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Alvin.

amused, surprised and delighted

Then at last, it was the gifts exchange time. It was only a simple exercise of giving, but it means so much. Afterall, Christmas is about giving and sharing. Thanks to all who came because by coming you all shared yourself there, your presence, your smiles and laughter. And of course, your food. :) Not forgetting to Thank Jon who left his delicious curry puffs for us.

There's something about Eric and the Christmas tree

There goes our Christmas events. If you happen to miss them out, do join us next year! :) The more the merrier.

2006-12-31T16:10:00.000+08:00

Happy New Year !!! God Bless all the members of the CSS MMU. Good luck with you coming finals !!

2006-12-25T23:33:00.000+08:00

Christmas Musings~

2006-12-24T10:13:00.000+08:00

Tonight the church bells will ring with joy for the coming of the Saviour 2000 years ago. He was born in a lowly manger but He does not mind. He did not come for power or riches but He came to save the world, to save mankind. I know most of you guys know that already but as a gentle reminder, seek only not material riches in your life, but also spiritual and charitiable riches. All of us are here for a purpose, not to make money but to live the life that has been ordained to us. But of course, you wanna make money go ahead, no one's stopping you but do not neglect your other needs. Spiritual food... No, I am not meaning the Host but I am meaning your conversations together with God.

As we celebrate His coming tonight, let us sing our hearts out to welcome Him amongst us, for He saved us with His life and the spillage of His Most Precious Blood.

Alleluia to Him, Prince of Peace, Saviour of the World, Jesus Christ

SPEX Musical Meditation in Malacca

2006-12-22T01:13:00.000+08:00

Hahah..I know I know..its abit toooo late..but it better late than never rite? Lol..all still busy with assgs ler..sad huh..anyway, so here goes..

As most of you know, Me @ Nat, Xtina, Rory, Regina, Priscilla, Lana, Eric, Eugene and Paul were down to Malacca with Jenn and gang to catch the SPEX Musical. It was really awesome la. World class performance though we were supposed to be in meditation. Even if they made me pay a sum of money, I would still go.

Over there, Leo, the president of CSS MMU Malacca helped us ALOT in getting here and there, making sure we were all Ok. Thanks man. We owe U. It was quite hectic la due to the time constraint but all in all it was FUN!

Here are a few pics to show U what it was like. Pics speak better than my boring stories. LoL.

The stage. I think this place is called SFI. They had a FULL set band - drums, guitars, keyboard, violins, cello, a choir of 50?? Awesome la..it was just spectacular.

Francesca Peters doing her thing

Preparation for Mass up at St. Paul's Hill

Bahhh..I dont know what they're doin' Lol..after mass

Ahhhh..FINALLLY..CSS MMU pic together-gether..Awesome peeps..Come to Cyber soon ya! ;)

Thats about it. Sorry la if some of the pics and the blog didnt look pro. Me still an amateur.
Blogs bout our carolling and Christmas Party shud be up soon. Stay tune~~~

Christmas Party

2006-12-17T13:44:00.000+08:00

Dear all,

On the 19th of December right after Exam mass, 5l2f will be having a mini-christmas party at B2-9-3A. It's gonna be a potluck party, that means to say if you can bring food, please do bring to share.

Can you let me know 2 things:

What food are you going to bring?
Are you coming?

It will be helpful to do the headcounts before the party so that we can know how much food we need, and what food do we have on that night. :)

It will be full of fun and celebration that night!! Do pop over!! If you are busy, just come for while also good.

Merry Christmas!

Exam Mass & Mini Christmas Gathering @ 19th Dec 2006!

2006-12-14T22:19:00.000+08:00

Shalom Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
The time has come again for us to celebrate mass together as a Cyberjaya Community.

Details are as follows:
Date: 19th December 2006
Time: 8pm till up to you
Place: Mass will be held at the Cyberia A3 Hall
Mini Christmas Gathering will be at Mary's place (B2-9-3a) - After Mass

There will be a Penintential Service after mass.
And as for the mini Christmas gathering, Its gonna mini pot-luck la, so bring along some finger food if you can. Also not to forget a little gift! (doesn't hv to be a "wow" one-its the thought that counts ;) )
So we can exchange it on that nite. Coz some of us might not be able to go back for Christmas, so let us make the best out of it here,k?

Hmm..anything else? Hope not..Pls do help spread the word around to those whom you think might be interested.
I shall update you again next week.

Till then, Save this date ok!

See ya'll there!!! ;)

We're finally Caroling!!! Check this out for details...

2006-12-14T21:41:00.000+08:00

Boy, has it been a tough week for all of us! Even I am struggling here.
Nevertheless, we shall never forget that the Lord our God will ALWAYS be with us. Let us not forget to have our little quiet time with Him.
Coming back to the main point, We'll only be having ONE night of Caroling this time around- which is TMR (15th Dec 2006) along with the USJ11 Subang Jaya BEC group.

To those participating,
Cyberians shall meet at the Cyberia roundabout at 530pm sharp!
Hostel peeps at the zebra crossing at 530pm.
Dress Code = Boys : White/Black shirt with Black Pants (make sure its collared ya~)
Girls : Red top with black bottom (dark denim should be ok. Try not to be so sexy,k? )

It will be till late night. Light food/refreshments will be provided (If you really cannot tahan then makan abit first lo)
To those who suddenly feel like joining us, pls inform me A.S.A.P as spaces are VERY limited.
Natalie L. :: nalsy48@yahoo.com :: 016-2828852
Its gonna be awesome!! See ya peeps TMR, iight?

To those who can't make it. Not to worry. Come join us on the 19th Dec for more,k?

Take care and God bless.

Week 5: Advent Season

2006-12-07T10:46:00.000+08:00

The word 'advent' is Latin for 'a coming or arrival'. The idea behind it is that God came to earthly life and lived among us. It is something to celebrate, rejoice, because just by being in it, God was giving the supreme blessing to the created world.

As you know, Advent has already started this week. But what exactly is Advent? So, this week our gathering is about learning what advent is, and what Advent and Christmas means to each one of us. We also played an interesting game which uh, we had a crackalacking time singing and stuffs.. it was a fun night indeed.

Advent is a season of Preparation.
God loved and wanted to share that love. However, this existence is not fit for a God. It is too broken, evil, painful, and unjust. Therefore, to rescue the created world from this evil, God chose to come here and walk the earth, to grow up, to live the truth, and to die.

Advent, is also a season for Joy.
God wants to open our eyes to the glory of Jesus' birth. His desire is that on Christmas Day, (above all the other joys of family gatherings and the giving of gifts) we will experience the joy that comes from knowing that God gave up his only Son not to condemn us but to bring us eternal life. (John 3.16) (Isn't God wonderful?)

The primary sanctuary colour of Advent is Purple. This is the colour of penitence and fasting as well as the colour of royalty to welcome the Advent of the King.

Advent is a time of preparation that is marked by prayer. Advent's prayers are of humble devotion and commitment, prayers of submission, prayers for deliverance, prayers from those walking in darkness who are awaiting and anticipating a great light (Isa 9). The spirit of advent is expressed well in the parable of the bridesmaids who are anxiously awaiting the coming of the Bridegroom (Matt 25:1-13). There is profound joy at the Bridegroom's expected coming. Yet a warning of the need for preparation echoes through the parable. Even then, the prayer of Advent is still:

Come, O come, Emmanuel,

and ransom captive Israel!

An advent Reflection

It is truly humbling experience to read back through the Old testament and see how frail and imperfect all the "heroes" actually are. Abraham, the coward who can't believe the promise, Jacob, the cheat who struggles with everybody. Joseph, the immature and arrogant teen. Moses, the impatient murderer who can't wait for God. Gideon, the cowardly Baal-worshipper. Samson, the womanizing drunk. David, the power-abusing adulterer. Solomon, the unwise wise man. Hezekiah, the reforming king who could not quite go far enough. Finally, a very young Jewish girl from a small village in a remote corner of a great empire.

It never ceases to amaze me why God could not have chosen "better" people to do His work in the world. Yet if God can use them, and reveal Himself through them in such marvelous ways, it means that He might be able to use ME, Inadequate, and unwise, and too often lacking in faith that I am. And it means that I need to be careful that i do not in my own self-righteousness put limits on what God can do with the most unlikely of people in the most unlikely of circumstances.
This is part of the the wonder of the Advent Season.

*above article and prayer is taken from various sources from the Internet.

So what does Advent means to you?
How are you going to prepare yourself for Christmas?

Week 4: The Truth about Being Malaysian

2006-12-01T19:09:00.000+08:00

"Why do I feel like I'm a second class citizen?"
"Heck, why do they get cheaper housing when I have to pay more just to have a roof over my head?"
"12A1s also can't get scholarship....obviously all give to them lah."

Each of us, at one point in our lives, would have had some thoughts like the ones listed above. So, what can we do about this uneasiness and dissatisfaction in our hearts? Well, we invited Mr Adrian Pereira who came to talk about the "sensitive" issues that are happening in Malaysia.

Mr Adrian Pereira is a former student of MMU Melaka, and was a co-founder of the CSS there. He was working with KOMAS before being a representative at IMCS, which is based in the Philippines.
A short background on KOMAS - They deal with Human Rights issues and work at the grassroot level to provide education to the people through the use of popular communication media like videos and documentaries. IMCS is the International Movement of Catholic Students, affliated under the United Nations and recognised by the Vatican.

We talked about equality in education, special rights, equal distribution of wealth, and how we stereotype people according to their race. Mr Adrian also screened 2 videos which discussed the issues of racism. One of it is "Ada Apa Dengan Cina?" Nice spin on the title. (Just a snippet of it is available on that link. For the full version, contact Natalie)

The discussion planted many questions into our heads rather than answers. However, it did create an awareness among us to find out what are our rights and the special rights really are. It also made us think twice before stereotyping a person by his/her race and made us examine our stand on the issue of conversion.

More than anything else, today's session highlighted the need for us to seek the truth. Seeking the truth is what Jesus had always done. Seeking the truth will enable us to debate intelligently and rationally. Seeking the truth will bring us to God, and God will lead us through.

"I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." -- John 14:6

When we know the truth, we will be in a better position to find our meaning in life. Life is more than just studying and getting a job. Having a sense of social responsibility brings us to a higher purpose that God had intended his children to be.

We cannot change the world, but we can change the way we see the world.

How can WE live in a country like THIS?

2006-11-29T12:35:00.000+08:00

Hallo Everyone,

This is just to inform you that our Wednesday Gatherings will be ON as usual..

:: 29th Nov 2006 :: 750pm :: DR3037 ::

Guest Speaker = Mr. Adrian Pereira ::

Topic = How can WE live in a country like THIS? ::

Bring your friends along coz its an open discussion. Curious leh? Come to find out ler.

Busy? 2hrs wont hurt :: I myself have tonnes of work to complete by this week

So, See you ALL there ya!

Take care and God bless

Week 3: Who is watching over 5l2f?

2006-11-23T00:42:00.000+08:00

This week as usual we gathered at the same time and place, but today we had a special guest. Jennifer Vaz from Campus Ministry Office.

After today's gathering, those who were present were enlightened about many 'initials' like KLCC, CMO, IMSC, SESAMA, and what else? hmm.. oh dear, i've forgotten. aiya, the most important thing to know is.. 5l2f is NOT alone! There will be the ever faithful Campus Ministry Office to back us up in all decisions we make, hmm of course don't take them for granted la.. if Jennifer doesn't like us, then too bad lor.. But i doubt she would, b'coz like it or not, she'll have to stick with us.. or the other way round? ahhaha.. But it was great to know that 5l2f will never be alone, right everyone?

Today we lacked something. Music! There weren't any praise and worship. But i'm sure next week praise and worship will be back! So stay tune for more updates on our activities.

Time:8pm
Day: Every Wednesday
Venue: FOM tutorial room 303+ (the noisiest tutorial room there)

God Bless!

Cheers!

5L2F T-shirts

2006-11-18T11:36:00.000+08:00

To the 5L2F members,

if you wanna get our CSS's T-shirt, please inform ASAP coz there is a limitation of stock. I have 9 T-shirts left. 1 XS, 3 S, 2 M, 1L and 2 XL. Please get it from me while I still have them. It's RM 14.This is how the t shirt looks like.

~The back~

~The front~

Carolling Practice

2006-11-17T13:42:00.000+08:00

"Joy to the world, the Lord is come..."

Yes! It's that time of the year again!
Carolling practice has begun. YAY!
Do come and join us in spreading the joy of Christmas.
Don't worry, even though if you can't qualify for Malaysian Idol or Akademi Fantasia, we still want you here. :)

Tuesdays
8pm
FOM 2nd flr

ps. Remember to bring along a water bottle

Week 2: Our Time vs God

2006-11-17T12:48:00.000+08:00

We had our first gathering our the trimester on 15 Nov,Wednesday. Whoopee. After being away for 1 trimester, it felt good to be back. There was a great session of praise and worship, followed by a round of introductions of the new and not-so-new faces.

The topic of the day was Our Time vs God

We had a discussion on how to balance our time for God and for ourselves. With all the responsibilities we have as students, sons, daughters, brothers, sisters, friends etc, do we still put God as a priority in our lives? Or do we give God whatever little time we have left after fulfilling all other obligations?

Each of us had something to say about the matter. We talked about making time to come to 5L2F and for carolling; Making time for church when we are busy, especially during exam period and church is a million miles away from Cyberjaya; keeping Sundays as a day for God...

100 points for participation for everyone! *clap*clap*

As a conclusion, we do have to make certain sacrifices in order to have time for God. Next time an event crops up, think of 'How liberating it is to be able to say, "No, we can't attend. We'll be at church". '

Gathering With Lim Kok Wing

2006-09-27T11:46:00.000+08:00

Sorry... Don't have much time in hand now as I'm managing this as a 2nd blog, so this is a photoblog on what happened on the study week last semester. Enjoy the pictures !!

- FairyR-

~ Some of the CSS MMU members ~

~ Visitor from Malacca, Leo ~

~ Lim Kok Wing CSS members ~

~ Glory be your name, Jesus Christ ~

2006-09-22T23:33:00.000+08:00

Hello and welcome to the opening of the blogspot for the Catholic Students in CSS MMU Cyberjaya