Bureaucracy and the Church.

It can be a potential threat to the church community, if we get bogged down by its pitfalls.

Bureaucracy is an organisational model rationally designed to perform complex tasks efficiently.

There are five key elements:
1. Specialisation
2. Authority is structure by hierarchy, lies with position not person.
3. Rules and regulations- operation is guided by rationally enacted rules and regulations
4. Technical competence -
5. Impersonality- rules take precedence over personal whim, formality and uniform treatment for each client and workers.
(adopted from http://www.sociologyntu.blogspot.com/)

If used wisely, bureucracy is helpful as the church expands. We need a hierarchy, to get information transmitted quickly to the ground level. So one leader is made to supervise a few people and these few people would then supervise some others under them. This is hierarchy.

It is also efficient for the church to carry out activities when everyone adheres strictly to black and white rules. It makes things easier to carry out, rather than judge situations on a case-by-case basis.

In the Bible, division of labour/hierarchy was not a bad thing. Remember the advice of Jethro to his son-in-law, Moses? "Appoint men for thousands, and men over ten thousands..." and so on? This was so, that Moses can rest without having to deal with every minute conflict.

So yes, it is efficient, but is it effective in maintaining a loving church community in today's context?

In a hierarchy, there is an obvious distancing from the one at the top. So say, if a normal church member wants to speak to the Senior Pastor, can he/she do it? Or do you have to be a leader before you can speak to the Senior Pastor? And in the Catholic church, can a devout, normal believer speak directly to the Pope, treating him as a fellow brother?

If the person within the bureacracy gets too engrossed in his position, he may develop what Robert Merton (another Sociologist) would call Bureaucratic Personality.

A bureaucratic personality entails strict adherence to positions. So much so that the person becomes impersonal and refuse to do things out of the stated rules.

In other words, law by law. No personal relations allowed.

Well, is this what God wants? Impersonality? Strict adherence to rules and regulations? A church organization in which the workers just have to perform their tasks and that's it?
A cold, cold organization, instead of a family?

I am not here to point fingers.

But as a Sociology student and a Christian, I just hope to remind expanding churches that a church is meant to be a family, not an impersonal organization, like the government.

I am not advocating that we dump bureaucracy altogether within the church. We can follow this model for administrative matters.

But when it comes to relationships and serving in church, dispense with the bureaucratic red tape and let's be flexible. Do we really have to be very technically competent before we can serve? Moses sure wasn't that competent when he served the Lord by leading the Israelites out of Egypt.

After all, we are a family and a family is characterized by genuine, sincere relationships, not by people bent on following the rules all the time.

Rather than extreme efficiency and competence, let the church be a community for mistakes, love and acceptance.

I was surfing in Youtube for a piano arrangement of this song Hillsong's "With All I Am", and I found a really good one.

I am going to serve on the piano this Sunday, playing this song. But of course, it'll be sang in Mandarin!

He makes it look so effortless.

For the past three mornings, I've woken up, startled.

The first morning, on Wednesday, I woke up from a dream in which I was lost in Malaysia.

The second morning, on Thursday, I woke up from a nightmare of being ranked last in my Sociology cohort for my Graduation Project proposal. In the dream, I saw a list of names and saw my name with one of the lowest grades. AHHHHH!
What an unfortunate dream, or should I say, nightmare. This came probably from studying too much for my mid-term quiz the night before.
I call this academic anxiety.

And this morning, I dreamt of something, I can't really remember what, but it wasn't something nice for sure.

I just know that I woke up with a jump, and wondered if I was late for school as the sun was shining so brightly!
Ok, turned out I wasn't late. Phew.

Too many bad dreams in a row...

To ease jumpy nerves, let's have a good laugh at this video. TGIF!



I didn't know eyebrows could move like that! HAHAHA!

I am a sucker for pretty, aesthetically pleasing sweets. Not those candies that you suck, but sweets, as in desserts or pastries.

That's why one of my favourite birthday gifts last year was from my dear cousin Angie - a box full of colourful cupcakes, topped with immaculate icing.

I decided to choose a cosy place which has pretty sweets for a catch-up session with Yue. So, the both of us headed to TWG Tea Salon & Boutique at Republic Plaza for tea, which is a secret gem amidst the fast and furious CBD.

Heard about this place from Huiching, who recommended us their macarons. Online reviews were pretty favourable too. Plus, they have pretty tea-infused patesserie like tarts, cakes... :)

When we stepped in, we were greeted by rows and rows of tea canisters. I felt like I was in the set of Oscar Wilde's play "Importance of Being Earnest", very Victorian, surrounded by mahogany chairs and cupboards.


TWG Tea Salon's specialty, as the name implies, is in tea. They have a really extensive list of tea blends with names like Happy Birthday Tea, Paris-Singapore Tea and Timeless Tea. Interesting names eh?

Spoilt for choice, we decided to ask their in-house tea specialist for recommendations. She asked us patiently for our preference and even brought down canisters of tea leaves for us to smell and choose.

Being a tea noob (unlike Yue, who at least, has a little knowledge on teas), I tried to follow what she was saying about black, white and green tea. One thing I learned was that black/green tea is refreshing (ie. energising) whilst white tea makes one relax. And to truly taste white tea, one must drink it before drinking black tea. If not, the black tea would overpower the lightness of white tea on the palate.

After smelling their tea leaves from the canisters the tea specialist brought down, Yue chose Golden Rose which is a black tea, which is a blend of black tea, roses from Southern France and gold leaves (!!!). As for me, I decided to try White House Tea, which is a white tea. Like duh~

We had 4 macarons - 1837 Black (the purple one. It is black tea-infused), Lemon Bush (the yellow one. It has a very funny name, I know), Camelot (the black one. It has a rich caramel filling - my favourite)and Grand Wedding (the pink one, which is tropical fruit macaron)

Another picture of their macarons and its fillings!


And also their fruit tart, generously topped with a berries and a zesty passion fruit custard-thingy. It had a good base which wasn't too hard.

This is Yue who is admiring the beautiful surroundings of the tea salon.




Behind me are columns and rows of canisters. In each canister are different tea leaves.


I enjoyed the time Yue and I spent together, talking about almost everything under the sun, catching up with lost time, and listening to her rants about me being hard to meet :X
Pity Char couldn't make it because her bf is in town.

In the end, Yue paid for everything as she wanted to give me a birthday treat.
Thank you muchies Yue! :D

We decided that we would come back to this place again. Even though this place looks very atas, the service crew entertaining us that afternoon were anything but.

Good service, good ambience, good tea, good pastries, good company... What more can you really ask for? :)

Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke said that the current recession is 'very likely over'. - Yahoo news.

Yay! Good news!

But wait, what recession?

The recent Comex held at Suntec Convention Centre apparently generated the highest record of $63 million in total spending on gadgets, computers, electronics... the sorts!

$63 million! Like hello? What recession?

This year's NATAS Fair was also kept really busy with many Singaporeans signing up for short trips to places like Malaysia and Korea.

Like hello, what recession?

Every weekend, you still see restaurants in towns and heartland malls packed with people, long queues even, for popular ones.

WHAT RECESSION?!

So you see, I have no idea why the government keeps saying we're in a recession when I still see so many people spending on these "wants". I really don't feel like it is a recession, unlike the 1998 Asian Financial Crisis, when I remember my parents were quite affected. Then, we had to dig coins, yes, coins, from a purse to buy a frozen chicken for dinner. Sigh. Those were the days.

But as Chuanyan wisely pointed out, in Singapore, we have the middle class, which keeps many Singaporeans cushioned from the full impact of the recession.

Even though I don't feel the full heat of recession (probably because I am still a student), we still have to remember the working class. They are the ones who feel the heat as they earn little, with no ability to save up (I once overheard a supervisor asking about the salary of a Chinese MRT cleaner - the pay was only $700).

As for me, I still need to really be more prudent in my spending. Hmm. University fees repayment will start next year!

Thank God that Destiny Music Awards 2009 is finally over and I would say it has been a great success for both nights!

For the two nights, after the event, I always felt so drained and terribly ravenous. Probably used too much brain juice and was slightly anxious about certain things, so made me hungry easily.

As a stage manager in the show, though there were moments that made me go "URRRGGH. NOOOO. $%^&*#^$ (or at least almost near to swearing), I would say that were still enjoyable moments when the people (some contestants, the JT Band and backstage crew) were very supportive, kind and generous in their cooperation.

I enjoyed the show throughout and was especially impressed with this group, Gen & Friends which has such an amazing self-taught guitarist (Rendra), a cute and entertaining percusionist (Hisham) as well as a strong lead singer (Genevieve). Shall post a video of them, if possible.

I am most mesmerized by the guitarist! I would definitely pay to see them perform if they were to have their own show!

Thank God and thank everyone who made my job as a stage manager more manageable!
And now, I can rest. Phew!

This week, 8 Days came up with their THE ANNOYING LIST issue, listing 43 things that annoy them.

Albeit a shorter list, I have my own version.

1. Discounts that carry conditions (especially those conditions printed in tiny fonts)
50% off with minimum $100 spent on the ala carte menu. 40% off on the 2nd item, WITH minimum spending of $200
Why can't a discount just be a discount without cumbersome conditions?

2. Over-enthusiastic toilet bowls
For the 10th time, can the sensor stop activating the flushing system of the toilet bowl with every little butt movement?!

3. The time when you suddenly wake up in the morning in shock, thinking you are late school but actually it is a public holiday.

4. Extremely talkative cab drivers
It gets worse when your journey is from Changi to Woodlands.

5. Inconsiderate men who refuse to aim properly in toilets that are used both for men and women. ie. HSS library toilet

6. Neighbours who blast their stereos as if they are deaf.

7. Getting 5 cents for change. I hate 5 cents in my wallet!

8. Falling sick while overseas
How do you say paracetemol in Korean?

9. People who obviously saw you and refuse to say hello or even give a little smile, when you are already smiling WIDELY at them, making you look like an idiot. Sigh. So much for friendliness.

10. Hot, silent farts in enclosed areas.
NOOOOOOOOOO. I need an oxygen tank.

From this year on, my birthday shall be discreet. My 21st birthday party last year was a huge one. Too huge for my liking maybe. No more big parties, big spread, big planning... until I am 70.

By then, I won't be planning. I will kick back, relax and the young people (my children probably?) will celebrate my turning of 70.

Ok, so for the next 48 years, I will be quietly spending my birthdays. I really don't like the fanfare, the dressing up and the elaborated planning of a 21st party.

So, for a start, on my 22nd (which was just this Sunday), I did just that.

I went for Sunday service after meeting Teresa. After that, spent an afternoon chilling with church girlfriends over TCC cakes and drinks at Novena.. And in the evening, it's dinner with my family at a pretty decent zi char place, with my sis and I footing the bill (:

I thank God that He cheered me up on my birthday when the stressful times are here.

This year, I spent more time on church-related matters as a youth worker. Investing time in the lives of others is satisfying because I felt so appreciated when the little sisters in my church gave me their hand-made birthday cards. The cards were simple.

One particular card was just a white paper folded into half, with just coloured words "Happy Birthday" at the front of the card. But the words inside made me sure of why I am serving as a Teens Mentor. It came with a block of Cadbury chocolate :D Now that's from Jojo (:

Minmin, a dear sister in Christ also gave me a handmade card, with encouraging words, just like her sister, Jojo!

I received two soft toys too. One which is that of Chip/Dale(?), came from 2 of the loveliest little sisters - Alice and Huijuan. I really appreciate it as they braved the rain to buy it. Hugs.

The other came early, on 5 Sep evening. After I came back from my cell group, I saw a huge package sitting on my bed. It was a Forever Friends Graduation teddy bear from De Ren! My favourite bear from Precious Moments... I was like pointing to him how cute and cuddly the bear was a few months ago.

So, he personally delivered it all the way to my house! I was thinking he would get it during my graduation and would get the smaller version but well, he bought the bigger version and it came early. He also made me a cool little book with our pictures and his thoughts inside (:

Another card came from a little sister whom I would not expect. It was a small little card but inside were big blessings of God's word and a slowly-but-surely blossoming relationship.. Thank you Szehui!

Plus, there were many many to sent birthday smses and Facebook wishes on my day. My long-time primary school classmate also called me just to wish me! She remembered all these years. Really appreciate such friendships. Technology, for this once, has served me well!

Oh yes, and not forgetting Little Aimee, Nellis and Priscilla's big birthday hugs as well as Nellis' gift of two Polaroid pictures. Good way to remember how I spent the day.

Let's not forget the generous angbaos from my loving aunties and nainai!

This has been a long post but the more I write, the more blessed I feel.

Turning 22 has been waaaaaay better than turning 21.

So cheers to 48 years of discreet birthdays. No to big parties until I am 70.

Right, the heat is on as the school term progresses.

Up next week!

Film review, project proposal, preparation for Destiny Music Festival, ministry work/serving, arranging common timeslots with girlfriends/The Boyfriend to meet, research for Graduation Project, sourcing for interviews (it's tough! sobsob), framing my Graduation Project outline...

And I thought that this semester was going to be my most relaxed.
Hmm. On second thought, maybe not, at least for now.

Big sigh.

God... how?

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight.
Proverbs 3:5-6

There is this photo supplies shop at Funan. It's named after this impactful verse in the Bible, John 3:16.

In John 3:16, it is said "For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, so that whoever believes in Him will not die but have eternal life".
(I memorised this from my head. It's the Good News Bible version. Mum taught me to do this when I was younger. Surprised I could still remember!)

I was wondering, why name a shop after a Bible verse? Guess what, I realise it is pretty effective! The shop was always buzzing with people and business whilst the other shops were nearly empty.

I am not being superstitious here. What I meant to say is that when you sell things like cameras and photography supplies, one needs to be reliable. As Christians, we strive to do things honestly and reliably (is there such a word??). People expect greater responsibility and greater integrity from Christians, if you realise.

That's why, when the person's shop is named John 3:16, people naturally would trust it more.

So a few of us got it figured out, we shall name our future businesses after recognisable Bible verses or famous Bible parables. It will be more effective if it is named after really really famous verses (like John 3:16).

1) Jeremiah 33:3 - It will sell things handphones/telecommunications stuff.
verse: "Call to me (God) and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know." --> thought of by me.

2) Philippians 4:13 - It will be a gym.
verse: "I can do everything through him (God) who gives me strength" --> thought of by Zhenhua

3) Five loaves and two fishes - It will be a buffet restaurant.
If you don't know the miracle that Jesus performed, try goggling it. Heehee. --> thought of by Cindy

4) And we all agreed that Angie's idea was the best. Psalm 23 - It will be a spa house.
verse: "The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul..."

Wow, you can almost imagine Psalm 23 as the most relaxing place when you hear this verse spoken.. God will lead me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul... Great spa business name!

Hahahaha. Anyway, everything is done in jest.

But don't be surprised if you see any shop names that is listed above in the future!