“A Night of Bonding and Getting to know each other!”
Great food, awesome fellowship, fast-paced fun, hilarious and action-packed entertainment – these were some of the highlights enjoyed by young and old alike as the 2009 Youth Rally Outreach Team & their parents as well as the coordinating team (CT) of the 2009 Youth Rally gathered for a night of bonding and get-togethers. This ‘Parents’ Fellowship’, held in the residence of Richard & Pat Lai, the advisors of the SIC Junior Youth Ministry, managed to assemble 85 people, and it was an unforgettable night for some.
Zachary Emuang and Michelle Nyanam (14 & 15 years old respectively) as the night’s MCs, started off the night with a greeting to all who were present, which included the parish priest and his assistant, Frs. Philip Tan & Anthony Heng in a Malay-English mixed conversation. The duo had everyone in stitches as they tried to correct each other’s way of speaking properly. Soon, it was time for icebreakers, where Gabriel Chew, Elizabeth Soo and Daphney Teoh took over and introduced a mind game to everyone.
The game, dubbed ‘Human Knot’ saw everyone, parents and children, split into groups of 10. Each person was required to link hands with 2 others, with each hand linked to a different person’s hand. The team is then required to untangle and form a continuous chain without breaking the links they already created. Chaos soon ensued with each team trying to outwit each other to be the first to untangle themselves. A twist was introduced into the game as the team advanced to the second round; no one was allowed to utter any sound during the round. Even with the atmosphere as silent as a grave, everyone was evidently stepping up to the challenge. Winning teams got loud applauses from everyone with one team attaining the fastest time of 1 minute during the game.
With the icebreakers leaving everyone wanting more, Zachary & Michelle introduced praise & worship, with Anne Lee and Bernard Ow leading the crowd through 6 songs with familiar ones such as ‘Beautiful Saviour’ and ‘Church on Fire’. Everyone soon got their dancing grooves working as the duo got to the more upbeat and fast-paced songs.
After the end of praise & worship, it was soon time to indulge in food and drink. Beforehand, the MCs led the ‘Holy Ghost Toast’, a prayer-cum-song before meal and invited Fr. Anthony to bless the food. While enjoying the delicious food, everyone got the chance to mingle, chat and catch up with one another on updates.
After-meal entertainment soon proceeded, where a ‘localiszed scenario’ of the skit, ‘I’ve Been A Shota’ followed by a dance were presented. Benjamin Loh, Dylan Chew, Jeanne Jankins and Dominic Gan who were involved in the skit managed to induce laughter all around the house with their witty antics and hilarious storyline. Dylan and Zachary soon joined Michael Ho in the breakdancing element, where the trio got everyone, especially the parents, impressed with electrifying moves and faster-than-lightning sequences.
Still, as the saying goes, ‘All good things must come to an end.’ With the end of the dancing came the end of the program. As a closing gesture, Zachary and Michelle read out a heart-warming message to the parents, the JYM advisors and CT members with all the outreach team members’ thanks and appreciation for their support, training and faith experience, throughout their journey. With announcements from Uncle Richard and the priests, the event finally ended with a blessing from Fr. Philip.
This event surely brought everyone, team members, coordinating team members and parents alike closer together. It was an enjoyable night with unforgettable memories, which will certainly be cherished by all.
By Aaron LXT, YR07
