Biblical Theology: Critical Reflections on the Old and New Testaments

About the Programme

Christians accept the Bible as the Word of God. What does this mean and how are we supposed to interpret the words of Scripture? This workshop will address these questions by first exploring the origins and formation of the Hebrew Bible (which Christians have come to call the Old Testament) and Christian Scriptures (in particular the 4 gospels but with reference to some non-canonical gospels as well). It then looks at the advances made in Biblical scholarship in the last two centuries, especially the tools and methods used by theologians in studying the Bible today. It will do this by examining a few passages from both the Old and New testaments taking into account a contextualist, rather than a literalist, approach to sacred scripture.

Who should attend

This workshop is not meant for beginners wanting to know about what is contained in the Bible. It is meant for those who already have some familiarity with the Bible but wish to reflect on it theologically. It will be most beneficial for those who have a certain degree of critical and questioning spirit and wish to pursue an enlightened appreciation for the Holy Bible.

About the Facilitator

Edmund Chia is originally from Kuala Lumpur where he began his career as a teacher. From 1996-2004 he was the executive secretary of interreligious dialogue for the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences. He then taught at Catholic Theological Union in Chicago, a seminary and graduate school of ministry. Since 2011 he has been on the Faculty of Theology and Philosophy of the Australian Catholic University in Melbourne. He has a BA in Psychology, an MA in Human Development, an MA in Comparative Religion (all from the US), and a PhD in Intercultural Theology (from the Netherlands).

When
Thursday, 11 Dec 2014
6.30 pm: Registration
7.00 pm – 10.00 pm: Seminar
Friday, 12 Dec 2014
7.00 pm – 10.00 pm: Seminar
Saturday, 13 Dec 2014
9.00 am – 4.00 pm: Seminar

Where
CCM Ecumenical Center (opposite University Hospital)
26 Jalan Universiti
Petaling Jaya

How much
A contribution of RM80.00 is requested to cover the cost of venue and also lunch & light refreshments for Saturday only. No refreshments will be provided for the Thursday and Friday evening sessions. Those who can afford to pay more are encouraged to contribute to a collection on the third day to help defray other costs.

How to pay
Payment is by cash or GIRO transfer to CIMB Bank A/C No: 7017070353 (Chow Mei Mei). Kindly send registration form and payment details to chowbernie@yahoo.com.

What to bring
Bring your Bible, own writing materials and a shawl/jacket should you feel cold in an air-conditioned room.

Who to ask
Bernie (012-263 7912)
Angeline (03-7955 0845)

Courses organised/co-organised/co-sponsored from 2010 until 2014

2014

(December 11-13)
Workshop on Biblical Theology: Critical Reflections on the Old and New Testament in Petaling Jaya facilitated by Edmund Chia, Australia

(October 18)
Workshop on Whither the Catholic Church? (History of the Church from Vatican II to Pope Francis) in Petaling Jaya facilitated by Gerard Koe, Australia

(July 12-13)
Workshop on Power of Silence in Petaling Jaya facilitated by Sebastian Painadath, sj, India

(June 19-20)
Workshop on Spirituality & Consciousness in a Changing World in Petaling Jaya facilitated by Edmund Chia, Australia

(February 22-26)
Workshop for the women of the diocese of Myanmar on Women called by the Spirit of Freedom in Yangon facilitated by a team comprising Yong Ting Jin, Angeline Bones-Fernandes, Yim Fen, Pauline Lim and 3 SALT members, Malaysia


2013

(October 12-13)
Workshop on The Journey Inward in Petaling Jaya facilitated by Earnest Tan, Philippines

(July 27-28)
Workshop on New Life in Christ: The Mystical Journey of St Paul in Petaling Jaya facilitated by Sebastian Painadath, sj, India

(July 6-7)
Workshop on Exploring the History of God: Towards an Integral Spirituality in Petaling Jaya facilitated by Edmund Chia, Australia

(April 16-17)
Evening sessions on The Jesus Prayer in Petaling Jaya facilitated by Sr Rose Pudukadan, India

(March 16)
Workshop on The Role of Women in Early Christian Communities in Petaling Jaya facilitated by Yong Ting Jin, Malaysia


2012

(September 1-2)
Workshop on Human Sexuality in Petaling Jaya facilitated by Earnest Tan, Philippines

(August 29-30)
Workshop on Anger Management in Petaling Jaya facilitated by Earnest Tan, Philippines

(April 22-23)
Workshop on Power of Silence in Petaling Jaya facilitated by Sebastian Painadath, sj, India

(April 20-21)
Workshop on Journeying with Jesus (Gospel of St John) facilitated by Sebastian Painadath, sj, India


2011

(August 5-7)
Workshop on The Journey Inward in Petaling Jaya facilitated by Earnest Tan, Philippines

(August 2)
Workshop on Compassion Fatigue in Petaling Jaya facilitated by Earnest Tan, Philippines

(July 26)
Workshop on Power of Silence in Petaling Jaya facilitated by Sebastian Painadath, sj, India


2010

(November 17)
Formation for TTL members on TTL & Me in Petaling Jaya facilitated by Pat Nunis, Malaysia

(November 5-7)
Workshop on Growth and Wellness in Petaling Jaya facilitated by Earnest Tan, Philippines

(November 3-4)
Workshop on The Psychology of Power & Empowerment in Petaling Jaya facilitated by Earnest Tan, Philippines

(August 7)
Workshop on Lay Holiness and Ministry in Petaling Jaya facilitated by Jose M. de Mesa, Philippines

(July 29-31)
Workshop on By What Authority? in Petaling Jaya facilitated by Jose M. de Mesa, Philippines

(May 8)
Workshop on Integration of Faith and Life: Growing in Spirituality in Petaling Jaya facilitated by John D’Cruz, Malaysia

Whither the Catholic Church? A Brief History of Its Journey since Vatican II

About the Programme

This workshop will attempt to show how the 'spirit of Aggiornamento (or Renewal)' unleashed by Vatican II and the ensuing progressive developments in the Catholic Church has not been without problems.

Participants will develop an understanding of:

1. The breakaway movements of traditionalists and ultra-conservative factions in the church who feared the erosion of Catholic dogmas.
2. The rise of progressive theologians and scriptural scholarship which explored a more demystified and deconstructed Christological version of Jesus, including the radical ‘hermeneutics of rapture or discontinuity’.  
3. The concern of popes like John Paul II and Benedict XVI, fearing the rise of secularism and loss of Europe’s Christian identity, leading them to try to rein in these ‘progressive energies’.

Participants will appreciate the directions the different popes have taken and be re-assured that despite the seemingly gravitation towards a more conservative theological agenda and a return to pre-Vatican II, there are tremendous signs of hope and the church remains open to the idea of universal salvation.

Participants will be encouraged by the changes and a return to the original spirit of Vatican II and the ‘Francis Effect’ which is sweeping the Catholic world like never before. More significantly, participants will appreciate why today is a good time to ‘be and remain Catholic’.

About the Facilitator

     
Gerard Koe trained at Loyola University of Chicago, with an MA in Pastoral Counselling. He had also graduated Summa cum laude in Psychology from Illinois. Gerard has been counselling for more than 15 years, with the last 10 years in the area of family, drug and alcohol work at Catholic Care, Mary of the Cross Centre/Cyrene Centre in Melbourne.

Gerard’s real passion is the integration of spirituality into the healing/therapeutic process where he tries to understand and present the Catholic faith that is both relevant and compelling to modern man and women. As a lay Catholic and a child of Vatican II, Gerard has followed keenly the changes and developments that have transpired since 1965, acutely aware of the complexities and challenges confronting the church. In this workshop Gerard will attempt to share with participants the confusing landscape that has characterised the Catholic Church over the last 60 years and offer hope grounded in the new directions forged by the enigmatic Pope Francis. 

When
18 Saturday Oct 2014
Reg : 8.30 am
W/shop: 9.00 am – 5.00 pm

Where
CCM, Ecumenical Center
26 Jln University, P.J
(opposite University Hospital)

Registration fee
RM 60.00 (inc. coffee/tea break/lunch)

How to pay
Payment is by cash or cheque made payable to Chow Mei Mei, which can be banked into CIMB Bank A/C No: 12650001973525. Kindly send registration form and payment details to Bernie at chowbernie@yahoo.com.

Please bring own writing materials

Enquiry
Clare Law (019-2274473)
Angeline (03-7955 0845)

Power of Silence

About the Programme

What grows makes no noise! This is the abiding message of every tree. This is true of our spiritual life too. Real growth in spiritual life takes place in contemplative silence. During these sessions we shall practice some basic methods of meditation through which we can enter into a contemplative silence. There will be a few inputs on the theory of meditation. Most of the time will be spent on repeated practice of meditation.

The quality that everyone of us needs most urgently is silence.  We simply must learn how to be silent and how to remain in silence. Once you enter that silence, once you open your heart to that unpredictable and incomparable experience, you will find that each of us can be the person we are called to be if we allow that silence to develop in our hearts. Make no mistake about it, the silence that each of us is summoned to enter is the eternal silence of God. This is the silence each of us can find in our own hearts. Discovering it will lead you to understand that silence is itself the medium of perfect communication. It is in silence that we communicate at depth and with the truth of wholeness. – John Main (Benedictine monk) 

About the Facilitator

Fr Sebastian Painadath, a Jesuit priest, is head of the Sameeksha Ashram in Kalady, South India. He is an internationally renowned Asian theologian who frequently lectures in Europe and Asia. He has facilitated in workshops organised by the Office of Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs-Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences (OEIA-FABC). He has also facilitated many workshops in Malaysia in recent years. He combines the best of the Asian mystical traditions with Western philosophical traditions in his presentations.

What some past participants have to say:

• The meditation that he teaches helps to calm the mind and instill some discipline in me to try & practise it at home.
• I know that through this I can communicate better with God.
• Feel refreshed, peaceful, rejuvenated…
• Meditation moves with you – walks out with you into your daily life.
• Presenter exudes a certain aura of calmness and deep spirituality.
• A wonderful facilitator…. very authentic & sincere.

When
Saturday, 12 July 2014
8.30 am: Registration
9.00 am – 4.30 pm: Workshop
Sunday, 13 July 2014
9.00 am – 4.30 pm: Workshop

Where
CCM Ecumenical Center (opposite University Hospital)
26 Jalan Universiti
Petaling Jaya

How much
A contribution of RM120.00 is requested to cover the cost of venue, lunch & light refreshments. Those who can afford to pay more are encouraged to contribute to a collection on the second day to help defray other costs.

How to pay
Payment is by cash or GIRO transfer to CIMB Bank A/C No: 7017070353 (Chow Mei Mei). Kindly send registration form and payment details to chowbernie@yahoo.com.

Who should attend
This meditation workshop is an introduction for those who wish to start on a spiritual journey but do not know how. For others already familiar with meditation, this workshop will also be a refreshing experience.

What to bring
Bring your own writing materials and a cushion if you wish to sit on the floor during the meditation.

Who to ask
Bernie (012-263 7912)
Angeline (03-7955 0845)

LIMITED PLACES ONLY - PLEASE REGISTER EARLY!

Spirituality & Consciousness in a Changing World

About the Programme

Dr Chia’s talks will focus on what it means to be Christian in the modern and increasingly postmodern world with its mind-boggling changes in almost every field of human activity. He will address transitions in the science, religion, politics and cultures of the world and discuss what has come to be known as World Christianity.

This workshop will explore developing fields in the area not only of Catholic theology but also of humanity's collective consciousness. He will draw on the groundbreaking works of transpersonal theorist Ken Wilber as well as the integral vision of the holistic health physician Deepak Chopra. These works are helping us to cross borders that divide and bring people together in God's loving embrace.

About the facilitator            

Edmund Chia is originally from Kuala Lumpur where he began his career as a teacher. From 1996-2004 he was the executive secretary of interreligious dialogue for the Federation of Asian Bishops' Conferences. He then taught at Catholic Theological Union in Chicago, a seminary and graduate school of ministry.

Since 2011 he has been on the Faculty of Theology and Philosophy of the Australian Catholic University in Melbourne. He has a B.A. in Psychology, an M.A. in Human Development, an M.A. in Comparative Religion (all from the U.S.), and a Ph.D in Intercultural Theology (from the Netherlands).

When
Thursday 19 June    7.30 pm – 10.30 pm [Registration at 7pm]
Friday 20 June        7.30 pm – 10.30 pm

Where
La Salle Hall, Jalan 5/15B, Off Jalan Gasing, Petaling Jaya

Registration
RM 20 for both the talks (inclusive of light refreshment during breaks) which can be paid on the first evening. Kindly complete & return the form via email to chowbernie@yahoo.com to confirm your attendance.

Closing Date: June 14, 2013

Enquiries
Angeline (03-7955 0845); Bernie (012-2637912)

The Journey Inward

About the Programme

The programme is a journey inward to understand one's personal dynamics and to facilitate the movement towards integration and wholeness. Workshop topics include:
•    requisites for personal growth and change
•    getting in touch with my personhood
•    my family:  the roots and wings of my personhood
•    my paralysis in life
•    my value system
•    values discernment

The programme will end with helping you chart your personal consciousness track where you will have clarity as to where you are at present in your growth process, where you can move towards and how to move from here to there.

About the Facilitator

Earnest L. Tan designs and conducts workshop-seminars geared towards personal growth and wellness. He writes books and produces materials that are innovative and inspirational in nature. He is a regular lecturer and resource person for the East Asian Pastoral Institute, Asian Social Institute, the Medical Education Unit of the University of the Philippines and Philippine General Hospital, and Miriam Graduate School.
Earnest brings his vast experience of training in the areas of Human Intimacy & Sexuality, The Process of Value Development, Effective Coping & Communication Skills, Effective Parenting, Relationship Enhancement and Empowerment. He has shared his expertise around the Philippines and in other countries such as Australia, Brunei, Korea, Papua New Guinea, Thailand and Malaysia.
In recent years, he has been coming to Malaysia to conduct various seminars related to personal growth and wellness, enhancing relationships, understanding emotions and self awareness empowering self and others.

What some past participants have to say: 

• Impressed by…the gentle style of the presenter … his authenticity, openness, transparency … personal stories that gave credibility to what he communicated with such spirit, humanity and conviction.
• The experience was life transforming!
• The whole workshop … helped me understand that I was sabotaging my own life because of what I held onto.
• Learnt the tools for identifying and addressing my emotions, processing self and inner wellness … learning to be more reflective.
• People are so lost today – they need help to learn about themselves … Earnest did a good job pacing – did not feel tired even though I learned a lot.

Where
Luther Centre (next to Tun Hussein Eye Hospital)
6 Jalan Utara, Petaling Jaya (Tel: 03-79565992)

When
Saturday, 12 October 2013
8.00 am: Registration
8.30 am – 5.00 pm: Workshop
Sunday, 13 October 2013
8.30 am – 5.00 pm: Workshop

How much
A contribution of RM120.00 is requested to cover the cost of venue, lunch & light refreshments. Those who can afford to pay more are encouraged to contribute to a collection to help defray other costs.

How to pay
Payment is by cash or cheque made payable to Chow Mei Mei, which can be banked into CIMB Bank A/C No: 12650001973525. Kindly send registration form and payment details to Bernie at chowbernie@yahoo.com.

Who should attend
Persons interested in personal growth, self-improvement, and ways of freeing the self.

Who to ask
Bernie (012-2637912)
Angeline (03-7955 0845)

Closing Date: 5 October 2013
LIMITED PLACES ONLY – PLEASE REGISTER EARLY

New Life in Christ: Mystical Experience of St Paul

About the Programme

The entire theology of St. Paul could be summarized in one phrase: in Christ. The transition from the old to the new has been the well-spring of his life and the basis of his understanding of Christian life as well. This is a deeply mystical experience.

During these two days we shall read the Letters of Paul from the perspective of this transition. We shall examine how this affects our life in Christ: what is the grace, what are the demands?

There will be several sessions of reflection on selected passages from St. Paul’s Letters; there will be a few meditation sessions to interiorize the insights.

About the Facilitator

Fr Sebastian Painadath, a Jesuit priest, is head of the Sameeksha Ashram in Kalady, South India. He is an internationally renowned Asian theologian who frequently lectures in Europe and Asia. He has facilitated in workshops organised by the Office of Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs-Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences (OEIA-FABC) and the Johor-Melaka diocese. He combines the best of the Asian mystical traditions with Western philosophical traditions in his presentations.

What some past participants have to say:

•    Meditation moves with you – walks out with you into your daily life.
•    Feel refreshed, peaceful, rejuvenated…
•    Presenter exudes a certain aura of calmness and deep spirituality.
•    A wonderful facilitator…. very authentic & sincere.

When
Saturday, 27 July 2013
8.00 am: Registration
8.30 am – 5.00 pm: Workshop
Sunday, 28 July 2013
8.30 am – 4.30 pm: Workshop

Where
Function Room, Level 3
CCM Ecumenical Centre (opposite University Hospital)
26 Jalan Universiti, Petaling Jaya

How much
A contribution of RM100.00 is requested to cover the cost of venue, vegetarian lunch & light refreshments. Those who can afford to pay more are encouraged to contribute to a collection on the second day to help defray other costs.

How to pay
Payment is by cash or GIRO transfer to CIMB Bank A/C No: 12650001973525 (Chow Mei Mei). Kindly send registration form and payment details to chowbernie@yahoo.com.

Who should attend
Those who are interested to have a deeper understanding of New Life in Christ through the life of Paul and his letters, and to reflect on how to bring about this change in their own lives.

What to bring
Bring your Bible, writing materials, shawl and a cushion (if you wish to sit on the floor during the meditation).

Who to ask
Bernie (012-2637912)
Angeline (03-7955 0845)

Closing Date: 14 July 2013

LIMITED PLACES ONLY - PLEASE REGISTER EARLY!