Soccer Fellowship Report (26th January)

The turn-out for this edition of Soccer Fellowship was certainly affected by the upcoming festive season. Many were away preparing for the Chinese New Year weekend. However, at least 12 players turned up to have a friendly kickabout, with Andy Chua returning after some absence, and a couple of new faces from YMPACT. Samuel Pang started off the session with devotion, afterwhich the Reds lined up against the other colours. Play went on for about an hour before Jeremy Sin closed in prayer.

Friendly: PMC vs COS (19th January)

The 2nd friendly of the new year was with PMC vs COS, Church of Singapore, made up of players from churches such as RLC and NCC. It was a windy Sunday afternoon and PMC squad turned up with a full squad of 20 players with varying ages, whereas RLC came equipped with a thinner, but clearly younger squad. The key objective of the friendly was to ensure that all 20 players had a decent run-out and to get match fit for the new season in March.

PMC started off very well, controlling the ball well in midfield, despite initial robust challenges from ROC. The DM pairing of Sheldon and Timothy was holding the ball well, and Kee Min in his new AM role was winning the ball high up the pitch. It was certainly a good start for PMC when a corner found its way to Isaac, who made no mistake from close range, for his 2nd goal in as many games this season. Sensing that it made a good start to the match, PMC kept up the pressure, but as COS settled, they played much better passing football, using their wings to good effect and threatening a number of times through their pacy wingers and forwards. It was on one of their forays that a cross was insufficiently cleared, leading to a shot from outside the box beating everyone as well as Michael in goal. COS took the wind in their sails to put pressure on the PMC goal. What PMC could do was to clear the ball for Isaiah to chase or hold, but clearly the match was going the way of COS. Before the half was done, COS took the lead through an excellent move down their right wing, with a whipped cross ending with a glancing header into the PMC goal. At 2-1, the match was still open, and PMC re-grouped at half-time to try to get back into it.

Many changes were made in the 2nd half to ensure that everyone got a run out. The 2nd half played out very much in the same way as the 1st half, even ending with the same scoreline of 2-1 in favour of COS. This time it was COS who scored twice early in the half to lead 4-1, before a massive PMC fightback heaped tons of pressure on the COS goal, leading to Isaiah's low cross finding Yi Jun for PMC's 2nd goal. From there, PMC sent wave after wave of attack. Jingzhong, Yi Jun and Isaiah all had good chances to score, but were denied or missed.

Overall, it was a positive display, but defensively, improvements are needed before the season kicks off.

Soccer Fellowship Report (11th January)

Around 18 players turned up for the first Soccer Fellowship of 2014 at Hai Sing Catholic School. Devotion was based on Galatians 5:22-23, it says " the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control". Some aspects of the fruit in us may not be well-developed yet and as we entered 2014, all are encouraged to seek God for further development in areas that we are still lacking. Before the game began, Kevin highlighted a few key points that we need to take note, namely the need to release the ball early and also to find space to receive the ball.

The return of Isaac! 

Listening to devotions before start of Fellowship

Listening to devotions before start of Fellowship

Teams were split according to their colour tops, with the Whites against the Colours. Just as we stepped onto the field, heavy rain followed and it lasted for about 10mins before the sun made its timely return. By then, the players were mostly soaked with the rainwater. The game started brightly for the Colours as they were able to organise well from the back and spaces were found on both flanks. Goals were scored in good numbers and the Whites could only launch some counter-attacks to minimise the deficit. By half-time, the scoreline was 7-3 to the Colours. One of the veteran player, John, has scored a hat-trick for the Colours before the first half ended.

Playing in the rain

The Whites were the dominant side in the second half but numerous chances were not converted, and thus did not bring the scoreline to level terms. All had a good run this afternoon and the team will be up against our Pasir Ris rival Riverlife Church next Sunday. Jem closed us in prayer.

Friendly: PMC v BEFC (5th January)

First game of 2014 gather many familiar faces once again after an approximate 2 months of football break to a new field many never played on before in Tanjong Katong Secondary School. Cooling light drizzle welcome team PMC, with age group varying from O-level candidate all the way to 60 plus fighting strong white-hair warriors. Our opponents BFEC turned up in full force, and 1 look across its easy to guess the mean age to be 20s, all young and pacy. Being unfamiliar to this pitch, the match was delayed as PMC players try to navigate their way over to the pitch. Hence the starting 11 was whoever turns up earlier.

PMC starting 11:

Joel

Jacob-Jem-Isaiah-David

Lincoln-Ryusdi-KM-Issac

Tim

Ramon

Game started off scrappily as both sides tries to accustom to the wet conditions, with the ball skidding off the surface on numerous occasions. First ten minutes of the game shows much rustiness in our touches, control and passing, admidst our eagerness to get onto the ball. As the game wore on, Tim, Ryus and Jacob managed to win abit of the midfield battle but possesion still seems fairly equal to both sides. BEFC managed to break the deadlock first when a scrappy ball down the right beat David and managed to find its way to BEFC striker who beat the offside trap to place the ball past Joel. Midway through the half, players were rotated as Michael came in for Joel in goal with Joel moving outfield to rightback, Felix came in for Jem at the back, Kevin went in for David at leftback and Eddie went on for Isaiah upfront. BEFC second came when a throw-in on the right was intercepted and quickly played in behind Joel and sent the striker through whose finishing was good enough to beat Michael. Not long after, backpass to BEFC goalie was quickly close down by Issac and managed to nick it past BEFC goalie to end first half at BEFC 2 PMC 1.

PMC 2nd-half:

Michael

David-Jem-Felix-Kevin

Lincoln-Isaiah-KM-Ryusdi

Jacob

Tim

PMC started the second half strongly, winning lots of balls in the middle and pegging BEFC for long periods of time in their own half. Lincoln was able to beat BEFC leftback on numerous occasion, Ryus had a few runs equally down the left, Isaiah and Jacob bossed the midfield coupled with shots on target but just not enough to finish it. At the back Jem and Felix dealt with any balls that was tried to fed behind the line. Unfortunately inabilty to finish cost us as BEFC slowly start to get back into the half. A freekick on the left was finished off the right post brought BEFC their third. Rotating all 15players available for PMC, Joel came on for David, Ramon came on for Tim, Issac came on for Isaiah. Minutes later, a freekick on the right was miskicked to the path of BEFC striker and the striker easily give thanks to the gift and slot it past Michael. Jacob suffered knocks towards the end of the half and was replaced by Eddie. BEFC ended the game with a fifth goal as PMC shape breaks in pushing forward.

Results definitely did not reflect PMC performance, even as everyone tries to get their match fitness back. Overall still a good start to 2014 as we can see signs of good play on the field with the commitment and the drive. Season does not start till March and PMC has lined up more friendlies and fellowship for all so i urge the PMC community to come down for all sessions and commit in 2014.

Blessed new year one and all.

Photos by Ivena Chew.

Jesus, the reason for the season

A short devotional from Our Daily Bread, to remind us about the origin of Christmas.

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In the Czech Republic and other places, the Christmas celebration includes “Christingles.” A Christingle is an orange, representing the world, with a candle placed in the top of it to symbolize Christ the light of the world. A red ribbon encircles the orange, symbolizing the blood of Jesus. Four toothpicks with dried fruits are placed through the ribbon into the sides of the orange, representing the fruits of the earth.

This simple visual aid vividly represents the purpose behind Christ’s coming—to bring light into the darkness and to redeem a broken world by shedding His blood.

In John’s account of Christ’s life, the disciple describes Jesus as the Light of the world. He wrote of Christ: “That was the true Light which gives light to every man coming into the world” (John 1:9). Not only did Christ the Light come to penetrate our world’s darkness, but He is also “The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” (v.29).

Think of it! The baby of Bethlehem became the living, risen Christ who has rescued us from our sin. And so John instructs us to “walk in the light as He is in the light” (1 John 1:7). May all who have experienced His rescue find in Jesus the peace of walking in His light.

Yet in thy dark streets shineth
The everlasting Light;
The hopes and fears of all the years
Are met in Thee tonight. —Brooks

The newborn Christ-child became the Light of the world and the Lamb of God.

Friendly Match Report: PMC vs VFC (23rd November)

PMC took on Victory Family Centre in the final friendly match of the season, triumphing 3-1, thanks to goals from Jingzhong, Daniel Low and Kee Min. Despite not playing together for a couple of months, the team played well, with Joel and Lincoln taking turns in goal. It was a good match to end of the year, and even the very muddy and waterlogged pitch couldn't dampen everyone's spirits.

Soccer Fellowship Report (26th October)

It was a cool Saturday afternoon and the weather was near perfect for a time of Soccer Fellowship. Jacob shared on the testimony of the ex-Brazilian captain, Lucio. Despite winning many titles and honours during his professional football career, Lucio remains thankful of the opportunities and responsibilities given by God. He said that “If I only had football, fame, or titles, but didn’t have God, I wouldn’t be happy. I believe that in order to be happy, you have to be right with God. You have to be searching after God and walking with Him.”

As Yijun brought along as many as 8-9 friends, the play promised to be in good numbers. We started with Blue (comprising most of Yijun's gang) VS Other Colours with full field. Evidently, the Blue side are the much fitter side with their wings making constant runs down the flanks but most of their cross-ins were dealt comfortably by Other Colours. Shortly after, 3 more players joined the play and it became 12 VS 12. The Blues opened the scoring first but were quickly leveled by Other Colours before half time. Jem's ankle recovering ankle was again injured by an untimely tackle. After a short break, the play resumed. As the Blues became more weary as the play continued, Other Colours were able to push forward more in the second half. The game was very much open and either side could have taken the lead. With the last attack of the game, the Blues took hold of the opportunity and finished the game 2-1.

It was a good game for everyone and Jem closed us in prayer.

Soccer Fellowship (26th October)

Soccer Fellowship is on this Saturday, 26th October at Greenview Secondary School* (yes, the one in Pasir Ris). The session will be from 3 - 5 pm.

Please bring BOTH a BRIGHT and DARK jersey so that we can split the teams evenly.

Please pray for good weather! If you suspect the session is cancelled, please check the blog/email for more information before you head for the field. Cancellation of session will be broadcast on the blog and by email immediately when we are informed by Sports Council.

*The address of Greenview Secondary School is 15 Pasir Ris Street 21.

Soccer Fellowship Report (19th October)

A sunny afternoon greeted the usual Saturday soccer khakis, with a mixture of youth ministry's guys as well as the competitive PMC team players turning up for some kick-a-bouts. SOP, devotion was shared at the start of fellowship, about the discipline needed in everyone's life, be it in sports or work, in order to lead a victorious and fulfilling life. Key dovotional scripture taken from Hebrews 12: 7-13.

"Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their father? If you are not disciplined—and everyone undergoes discipline—then you are not legitimate, not true sons and daughters at all. Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of spirits and live! They disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees.“Make level paths for your feet,” so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed."

Jeremy sharing the afternoon's devotions

Fellowship followed as teams were split according to their colour tops, with the Whites against the Colours. Also, Kevin and myself finally resumed playing on the pitch after previous knocks suffered in what has been a pretty long season for PMC team. Whites, having most of the veteran PMC team players in KeeMin, Daniel and myself, started the game strongly with lots of possession on the ball. Colours, on the other hand, had the numerical advantage with largely youth players led by David and promising young Isaac. Superior passing and touches from the whites allow them to open the goal account first, as they sweep the ball from left to right and back to left with ease. Colours use their numerical advantage to launch counter attacks when at times, the whites pass the ball too many times and were crowded out by Colours sitting deep and making last ditch tackles. Colours were however, let down by poor touches and passing technique when they do win possession of the ball. Midway through, after afew short jogs and stretching, Kevin (whites) and Michael (colours) joined in. Colours begin to get themselves back into the game as the numerical advantage hold out and suit their counter attacking game. Tiredness could be seen setting in the Whites as the game grew on, so it was no surprise the young Colours took full advantage in stretching the Whites, scoring a series of quick back to back goals. There was no break being called so all of us played at least an hour of non-stop football, which also means that goals were aplenty. Almost everyone got on the scoresheet so it was difficult to track the scorers, which is never important anyways. A definite great run-out for everyone, especially to the few of us who are easing ourselves back into our passionate sport. As the pitch next game players starts to get on the pitch, i decided that its just about enough run-out for all of us already and call the session to an end. Kevin closed the fellowship with a prayer.

Soccer Fellowship (19th October)

Soccer Fellowship is on this Saturday, 19th October at Greenview Secondary School* (yes, the one in Pasir Ris). The session will be from 3 - 5 pm.

Please bring BOTH a BRIGHT and DARK jersey so that we can split the teams evenly.

Please pray for good weather! If you suspect the session is cancelled, please check the blog/email for more information before you head for the field. Cancellation of session will be broadcast on the blog and by email immediately when we are informed by Sports Council.

*The address of Greenview Secondary School is 15 Pasir Ris Street 21.