Methodist Message Oct 2020

THE METHODIST CHURCH IN SINGAPORE Vol 122 No 10 OCTOBER 2020 MEETING THE NEEDS OF THE NATION ISSN 0129-6868 MCI(P) 027/11/2019

Contents Church life 4 1 Bishop’s Message Methodists in the world 18 2 Coming Up—TRAC Senior Ministry Worship Service 3 News—The Rev Dr Gordon Wong appointed Bishop-Elect Christian living 22 4 One MCS—CAC Highlights MwCWWaiaecthnrehErhItatrilf’eisteyvcRhwceyealeokeEordooutsuah,ocLr:ndtoddaOuchttoneteosetaOint?nwmsvslrhKatidieCatebgyimIegaclNuotnpdMthhntum?GiteuctoIyssDolsbe@nlFeo!veuoPsOseumsshiSyrRstknoduroieesaaltrbVpluvtotsa-gieOho,grwelniroiLornedskt—aUrgds:iept,aNnoitohnwsowenTretyserEr.drpi:ooiEdtsrteattaR:sriohpnwgtbSyeoeeg.o!orsdrc?oscugoiokottDrmhnrarohateirircettvniysibilcmoepudl/ewui!tigsegiDsthnPiapot/tfrokhamoypgoeloooratmafopuekrpshemeehhaoodMsiacdftivsa/oMeee?srv/a?saean:anybtwntoesoyatthtttyhheheeirelnpryg 8 News—12th Session of the General Conference of MCS 10 Home—Bishop Dr Chong Chin Chung 12 News—SKMC worships together once more 12 News—The Ambassador of Israel to Singapore visits MCS 13 News—National Day Thanksgiving Service 14 News—TPMC Gives 15 News—What would my life have been without the Bible? 16 Home—Joni Ong 18 Welfare Services 19 Missions 21 National Day Awards 2020 22 You & Your Family 23 Hymns & Songs 25 Soundings 26 Home—What does being a Methodist mean to you? 27 Looking Ahead 28 One MCS—Passing on a Godly Legacy EDITORIAL BOARD The official monthly publication of The Methodist Church in Singapore. Published material does not necessarily reflect the official view of The Methodist Church. Adviser and Publisher All Scripture quoted is based on the English Standard Version unless otherwise stated. Dr Anthony Goh Chairperson 70 Barker Road #06-04 Singapore 309936 Council on Communications 6478-4793 | 6478-4763 message.methodist.org.sg | www.methodist.org.sg Editor [email protected] Sheri Goh fb.com/Methodist.SG @methodist.sg Sub-editor Tan Chiu Ai Design & Production by Londonbob Design — Printed by Adred Creation Print Pte Ltd Have something to say or share? Email us at [email protected] Communications Executive Jason Woo Proofreader Tan Sheng Ling

BISHOP’S MESSAGE Bishop Dr Chong Chin Chung was elected Bishop of The Methodist Church in Singapore in 2016. He served as President of the Chinese Annual Conference from 2008 to 2016. Meeting the needs of our generation T he truth in the Bible is changeless, but the In the same way, Paul reminded the Colossians, way in which truth is expressed need not “Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching be immutable. One’s understanding and everyone with all wisdom, that we may present cognisance of happenings and situations may vary everyone mature in Christ” (Col 1:28). Our faith is from others’, such as between those of people from not mere rhetoric, neither is it a set of elaborate ancient times and today’s generation; it differs and excessive religious canons and rules. It is about even between contemporaries. The gaps in our practical and active living out of its teachings. No communication are influenced by differences in age, one likes to listen to people who do not walk their gender, language, education, traditional culture, talk. Jesus told His followers to obey the instructions views and opinions. and teachings in the Scriptures and not to follow the examples of the religious leaders. He rebuked When Jesus came to earth and became a man, He the latter because they did not practise what they lived fully in His time and taught different groups preached (Matt 23:1–3). about the kingdom of God using the language and life examples that they were familiar with. He used It has been 300 years since the Wesley Movement different ways to teach about God’s kingdom to of the 18th century. As a Church that reaches out to different audiences as He preached to the multitudes and lives in the community, we need to constantly and His disciples. “To you have been given the evaluate ourselves to see if the form and way we secret of the kingdom of God, but for those outside present our faith remains relevant to the people of everything is in parables.” (Mk 4:11) different eras and regions. |METHODIST MESSAGE — OCTOBER 2020 1

Meeting the needs of our generation For a start, The Book of Discipline is regarded the problems of alcoholism, gambling, prostitution, by all Methodist churches to be the authority in domestic violence, cheating, theft and robbery, and guiding the preaching of the Word and church slave trade. Wesley’s Spiritual Renewal Movement order. To ensure that our faith and church life had a great impact on the English society and remain relevant to each generation, we adopt brought about significant changes. John Wesley and a self-imposed rule to review and amend (if his fellow preachers worked hard in their pastoral necessary) The Book of Discipline once every four and teaching tasks, and they walked their talk. years. (Note: A resolution was taken at the recent General Conference to amend a clause regarding Our Church must not forget that in our traditional Social Principles in The Book of Discipline.) In faith, besides Bible study, discipleship training and order to serve the generations in the contemporary small group meetings, there are also in our DNA society effectively, the Methodist Church must interest and active participation in current social first hold fast to the authority of the unchanging issues and practical acts of care. This is what we and absolute truth of the Bible. At the same time, have been emphasising—our faith meeting the we must be able to adapt our forms of preaching needs of each generation. Not only are we to and explaining this truth. Our teachings in the pursue personal holiness, honouring and fearing churches and the practices of the Church among God, we must also aim for social holiness. Our love the community will have to vary according to the for God must be expressed in our care and concern time and place. for the needs of the community. John Wesley lived in 18th-century England, in Methodist believers will always remember that which there were distinct political, economic, Christ wants us to be the salt and light of the cultural and even geographical differences among world. Salt that loses its taste will be discarded. the social classes—upper, middle and lower. Church The light that does not shine is only for decoration. life was beyond the reach of the poor, lower-class Let our Church strive to meet the needs of each toiling masses. Their lives were often blighted by generation—body, soul and spirit. Coming Up ¢ TRAC Senior Ministry Worship Service TRAC Seniors ministry welcomes you to their monthly Senior Ministry Worship Services. Join us for a time of worship and fellowship with seniors and other retirees from various TRAC churches. |2 METHODIST MESSAGE — OCTOBER 2020

News ¢ Lynn Tan is the MCS Community Communications Manager. / Photos courtesy of the MCS Communications Team The Rev Dr Gordon Wong appointed Bishop-Elect T he highlight of the first day of the 12th Session Responding to a query from Christian news of the General Conference was undoubtedly website Salt & Light about his thoughts on the the Episcopal Election, which resulted in the new Bishop-Elect, Bishop Dr Chong shared that election of the Rev Dr Gordon Wong as the Bishop the Episcopal Election “was a smooth one despite of The Methodist Church in Singapore (MCS) for the being conducted online. I am thankful for the Lord’s next quadrennium. The Rev Dr Wong was elected faithfulness in bringing forth the Rev Dr Gordon on the second ballot from a pool of 46 candidates Wong as our next Bishop. He is a faithful servant in the election held on the afternoon of 7 Sep 2020. and a courageous leader with a shepherd heart. I am happy to be handing over the reins to him.” Bishop Dr Chong Chin Chung congratulated the Bishop-Elect and invited representatives from the The news of our newly-elected Bishop spread three Annual Conferences—Mr Guan Yeow Kwang rapidly and Methodists from all 46 churches were (CAC), Mr Richard Jeremiah (ETAC) and Mr Henry quick to share their congratulatory messages and Tan (TRAC)—to pray for him. He then invited the words of affirmation on social media. Rev Dr Wong to address delegates. Bishop-Elect Dr Wong thanked the delegates for electing him and, when asked to say a few words, quoted the words Jesus put into the mouth of a sinner in a parable: “Lord, have mercy on me, for I am a sinner.” He added, “Let’s join together and pray that God will work through all circumstances to bring forth something good according to His good purposes.” In his statement to the press, he said, “May the Bishop-Elect Dr Gordon Lord have mercy on us all as MCS faces the future Wong is married to together, serving the community as best we can in Lai Foon. They have these still very uncertain times.” two children, Deborah and Jeremy |METHODIST MESSAGE — OCTOBER 2020 3

One MCS ¢ CAC Highlights Photos courtesy of CAC Unchanging Mission, Renewed Methods The COVID-19 onslaught had Board of Communications (BOC) expedited many transformations, and we were compelled to start Rev Ling Tieng Ngung, BOC Chairperson living future digital lives now. Our CAC Boards have also had to make In the new normal of COVID-19, BOC has needed to rethink adjustments to continue to serve how we can better connect the 17 CAC churches, facilitate its mission. Some of our Boards the sharing of resources and deliver key information to our tell us how they are keeping their congregations. Each issue of CAC News is now available ministry going during these very online on the CAC Facebook and website, with links to unusual times. encourage the sharing of articles. We are also expanding our library of devotional resources and theological publications for CAC members. With social distancing restrictions, the church’s physical activities have been much curtailed. Church pastors, co- workers and volunteers are now expected to have a mastery of technological skills as ministry work moves online. BOC will introduce more training to help churches upskill themselves and become more effective in promoting church activities online, and ensure that the Gospel message continues to flourish. Many new opportunities open up when we start offering worship, Bible classes or videoconference fellowships online as alternatives to physical meetings. But this may also present a risk of some forgoing physical church worship. BOC will closely monitor how we leverage on such digital platforms to use them effectively for more efficient dissemination of information to a wider audience, and to encourage our church members to stay connected through a more interactive experience. BOC newsletter

Board of Family Life (BOFL) Board of Discipleship & Nurture (BDN) David Ang, BOFL Chairperson Collated by Hannah Tan, BDN Staff Although we were disappointed when the circuit A lthough classroom trainings had to be suspended breaker led us to suspend our plans and cancel our due to the circuit breaker, we are thankful that programmes, we came to an interesting revelation: when the discipleship ministries of our churches quickly church members were forced to stay home, couples drew transitioned online. While it took time for everyone to closer to each other and parents spent more time with familiarise themselves with the new technology, most their children, which had always been the purpose for the soon discovered its benefits. Church members who Board’s activities. Regardless of whether our events could could not participate in physical classes previously due be organised, it was far more important that families were to geographical constraints could now participate in the bonded in Christ. digital space. Fellowships, Sunday Schools, Bible Study, DISCIPLE and Companions in Christ courses have all successfully moved to online platforms. BOFL Zoom webinar Whether it is dealing with the CB or the new normal, BDN is already preparing for the classroom of the future, These times have proven challenging as families needed which traverses time and geographical limitations. It to adjust to prolonged hours of spending time indoors is exciting how the channels for discipleship nurturing together, and working and studying from home. In have multiplied. The training of the future may mean May, BOFL organised two series of family webinars a blend of physical classes and online learning. As a in English and Mandarin with the support of various classroom without walls, our churches can share even pastors and volunteer speakers. The topics centred on more training resources to strengthen the body of Christ. family relationships, parenting and COVID-19 challenges. The response was very encouraging and we saw how However, we are mindful that the fundamental purpose technology has enabled us to reach out of discipleship training involves a nurturing of the to participants outside of our usual CAC spiritual growth of believers in thought as well as in community. Recordings of the webinars action. We should also be careful not to marginalise are available on CAC’s YouTube page those who may not be able to attend digital learning (tiny.cc/CACYouTube). due to factors such as one’s environment, age and mode of learning. We plan to jointly hold the 2020 Day for Prayer with the Board of Seniors Ministry (BOSM) on 31 Oct 2020. As we With training transcending local church environments, we are still not able to gather in large groups, we will conduct recognise that our people are now exposed to a plethora this via Zoom. Look out for updates on the CAC and BOFL of spiritual courses on the internet, some of which may Facebook pages. be unorthodox. Since the Church cannot always filter and ensure the legitimacy of resources believers are exposed to, we must pray that all our believers will be discerning in what they come across. God allows all things to happen for the greater purpose BDN DISCIPLE over Zoom of us knowing Him and His will. We hope the things will soon return to normal and that we can resume face-to-face meetings, as it is the more natural means for the body of Christ to fellowship, grow and strengthen. |METHODIST MESSAGE — OCTOBER 2020 5

ACS (International) Admissions Seminars for 2021 ACS (International) Singapore is a distinctive Seminar 16 October, 1pm international secondary school open to all in Korean RSVP [email protected] Singaporeans & other nationalities, offering an all-round English-based education for students Seminar 21 October, 3:30pm aged 12 to 18 years leading to the International in Japanese RSVP [email protected] General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP). School Senior Management Team Seminar in English for 10 October, 9am & 11am 17 October, 9am & 11am Singaporeans & Other RSVP [email protected] Locals Mr Rob Burrough Mrs Tan Siew Hoon Principal Vice Principal 26 November, 1pm & 3pm Post PSLE Seminar for 27 November, 10am, 1pm & 3pm Locals 28 November, 9:30am & 11:30am Mr Gavin Kinch Dr Kristopher Achter RSVP [email protected] Vice Principal Vice Principal Seminars will be held on Campus with School Tour TOP IN THE WORLD IGCSE 2019 Results Attendance by Reservations Only Each session is limited to 45 participants Venue: Oldham Chapel, ACS (International) 61 Jalan Hitam Manis, Singapore 278475 Please contact Joseph Ng or Serene Lim The school wishes to congratulate the following students on achieving at +65 6472 1477 or Top In The World IGCSE 2019 grades: [email protected] • Wu Yanyu – Additional Mathematics • Wei Yu – Additional Mathematics • Rupert Chia – International Mathematics

Unchanging Mission, Renewed Methods Board of Worship & Music (BoWM) Board of Witness & Evangelism (BoWE) Dr Yeo Teck Beng, BoWM Acting Chairperson Rev Glenn Tan Tze Meng, BoWE Member A ll over the world, COVID-19 has greatly affected the In his video address, the Rev Nicky Gumbel, the founder of the Alpha way churches conduct their worship. CAC churches course, highlighted that even though the pandemic has forced have given feedback that while they fully support churches to be physically closed to congregations, online evangelism bringing worship services online, some elderly church has opened a valuable opportunity for many to hear the gospel. There members who are less digitally competent or who do is not just a “physical hunger that the church needs to run towards, but not possess a digital device may not be able to join also a spiritual hunger. In this situation you have to pivot very fast… in. To this end, our pastors and church leaders have We found that a whole load of people who would never have come to provided training and offered necessary assistance to our church are listening in online.” the seniors. The Alpha Course was started in 1990 with the Rev Nicky Gumbel Another area of concern has been on the etiquette explaining the basic tenets of the Christian faith in an engaging and easy- and posture of worshipping at home. Worshippers to-comprehend manner over 10 weeks. The course has since evolved to must have the right mindset and attitude to have include a youth video series, a documentary-styled Alpha film series and a meaningful and genuine communion with God in a soon-to-be-released Chinese Alpha Film series produced in China. worship. On 14 and 15 Aug 2020, BoWE partnered with Alpha Singapore to BoWM feels that online worship will continue to be organise “Ignite: CAC Alpha Conference” to introduce churches to the norm even after we resume on-site worship. As the sharing of the gospel via Zoom. Sixty-two members from 12 CAC congregational singing may still have to be restricted, churches were joined by participants from other local churches, as well churches should make preparations for alternatives, as those from New Zealand and China. In his opening keynote address, such as reciting the lyrics of the hymns, meditating CAC President the Rev Dr Gregory Goh Nai Lat urged participants to on the messages, pre-recording songs or having consider the fact that many people have not had the opportunity to hear instrumental interludes by worship teams could evolve the gospel. He exhorted churches to not only devote more resources to worship into a silent but more contemplative mode. evangelism, but to exhibit a zeal for evangelism that characterises the Methodist movement. Regardless of whether we worship corporately on-site or remotely online, when we gather reverently in the Another address by the Rev Pan Hung Yi from New Zealand emphasised name of our Lord Jesus Christ to worship, we firmly that the essence of the Alpha Course was for it to be a vital component believe that God’s spirit is in our midst to inspire and of discipleship that enables the Church to build up a culture of respect, empower us to worship the Triune God in spirit and honour and teamwork, as opposed to just being a tool for evangelism. in truth. An Alpha practitioner for the past 20 years, the Rev Pan is convinced that “Alpha can be used to transform the culture of the Church”.   At the close of “Ignite”, Angelic Cheah, executive director of Alpha Singapore reflected that “the CAC-Alpha collaboration is a start of our journey to set the stage for this new season…and to bring pre-believers to encounter the Love of Christ”. Following the conference, a number of CAC participants joined Alpha Singapore’s online labs to learn more about the practicalities of running an Alpha online. Alpha Singapore is committed to customising trainings for churches and is planning for an Empower training in Nov 2020 to prepare churches who are planning to run Alpha in 2021. More information can be found on Alpha Singapore’s website at https://singapore.alpha.org/ |METHODIST MESSAGE — OCTOBER 2020 7

News ¢ Sheri Goh is the Editor of Methodist Message. / Photos courtesy the MCS Communications Team 12th Session of the General Conference of MCS Together as one in spirit and purpose 42 as well as a number of reserve delegates, from the 2 020 is a year all of us—the Church included—will remember. We have had no GC of MCS meeting over Zoom choice but to change and adapt, thanks to the rapid global spread of COVID-19. from 7 to 11 Sep 2020, including Bishop Cynthia Fierro Harvey Once every four years, the General Conference (GC) of The Methodist Church in Singapore (top left), who preached at the (MCS) meets to hold an Episcopal Election to select a new bishop, elect new office- bearers for positions in the GC whose tenures have ended, revise church laws (through opening service The Book of Discipline), approve work plans and budgets for churchwide programmes, as well as adopt resolutions on moral and social issues. The 12th Session of the GC was Various teams stationed, with social to have been held this year at the Methodist headquarters at Barker Road. distancing measures in place, at the MCS headquarters during the five-day session. Instead, to comply with COVID-19 government-mandated limits on gatherings and They took temperatures, recorded the social distancing measures, the session from 7 to 11 Sep 2020 had to go online. proceedings, conducted e-ballots, shared Forty-two delegates—half were ministerial and the other half, laity—as well as a screens for the reports presented and quite a number of reserve delegates from the three Annual Conferences attended performed many other support roles that the five-day session over Zoom. were required for the event to run smoothly Bishop Cynthia Fierro Harvey of The United Methodist Church, USA, preached at the opening service on “Entangled and United in Spirit and Purpose”. She spoke about the redwood tree, the tallest tree species, which live up to 500 years, withstanding natural enemies, insects and diseases, and even fire. Despite the redwoods’ towering height and longevity, each tree’s roots are surprisingly shallow—the roots of each tree intermingle with those of nearby redwood trees to hold up one another. Methodists, she says, are similarly entangled. What happens to Singapore Methodists is felt among Methodists in the US and around the world. Through this connection, we can help to hold each other up, and through us “God can do far more than any one of us can ask and imagine”. In his Episcopal Address, Bishop Dr Chong Chin Chung read from Psalm 34:1–3. Thanking all who had given him support over the last four years, he reported on the work done by the 18-member One MCS task force. His episcopal report covered the following areas: • the spirit of one MCS • Christian conferencing • preschool education • building up family life ministry • Christian ministry in schools • investing in our communications and video facilities • The Methodist Cooperative Society Ltd • Methodist Welfare Services • Methodist Missions Society • church land • the COVID-19 pandemic • MCS 135 |8 METHODIST MESSAGE — OCTOBER 2020

As mother tongues and dialects are still in use in the local conferences, he encouraged the GC to review the linguistic framework of MCS. “In the next four years and beyond,” he said, “we must work hard to maintain the spirit and practice of biblical unity among us.” He also urged that the spirit of Christian conferencing be kept alive. He concluded his Address by thanking the Council of Episcopacy, the three Annual Conference Presidents, and his wife and family members. At the end of the five days of online discussions and voting, a memorial service was held to honour those in the Lord’s service who had gone to be with Him over the course of the last quadrennium: the Rev David S. F. Wong; Mrs Wong Shet Fai; the Rev Jesudian Daniel; the Rev Dr E. J. Thoraisingam; the Rev Dr Yap Kim Hao; and the Rev T. C. Nga. Jeffrey Lim, the GC Secretary, was asked about the experience of running the GC session online for the first time in MCS’ history. He said: “I am grateful for the assistance of the MCS HQ staff, in particular Mrs Josephine Poore, whose experience I relied on to prompt and guide me on what to do, and who took care of many of the administrative tasks in the organisation and execution of the GC session. I believe both online and in-person meetings have their merits. But given that the GC session is held only once every four years and one of the objectives of the session is for holy conferencing, I think it is best held in-person as far as possible.” More than 50 people worked behind the scenes, in roles such as overseeing logistics, manning screen-sharing, conducting the secure and confidential online balloting, taking and checking of the daily journal, pre-recording worship and doing daily devotions, and making sure the IT and various tech worked seamlessly. While there were small occasional glitches, they were quickly resolved, and the online voting system worked well. The rest of the 12th session has been adjourned to 3 to 4 Dec 2020, at the end of which Bishop-elect Dr Gordon Wong will be consecrated. The remaining agenda items will also be discussed and more office-bearers elected. Some of the key office-bearers elected during the session to serve for the next quadrennium (Dec 2020 to Dec 2024) are: Bishop of The Methodist Church in Singapore Rev Dr Gordon Wong General Conference Secretary Mr Jeffrey Lim Chairperson, Finance and Administration Council Mr Goh Geck Teck General Conference Treasurer Mr Melvin Dineshraj |METHODIST MESSAGE — OCTOBER 2020 9

Home ¢ Jason Woo is the Communications Executive at MCS Comms./ Photos courtesy of Bishop Dr Chong Chin Chung A heart for his flock At the opening service of his Coming fully into his role as first Aldersgate SG event as Bishop during his consecration Bishop in May 2017 service in Dec 2016 T he Bishop of The Methodist Church in Singapore also created considerable personal challenges. (MCS), one of the largest Protestant denominations in Singapore with over 44,000 members, carries a He counts himself blessed to have in Mrs Chong an able heavy responsibility. In addition to pastoral duties, the helpmeet when times were especially hard. “It was Bishop has to give attention to the various initiatives, very challenging for her too, to balance her own work ministries and community work being done or planned commitments with those at home and at church. She did under the MCS banner, and to do this over a term of four everything she could to ensure that in every role, she did years or more, if re-elected. her best,” recounted Bishop Dr Chong. Serving as Bishop from 2017 up till now—two months before “It is not possible to be a pastor and have a perfect work- his retirement and leaving office—Bishop Dr Chong Chin life balance. We can only try to do our best. This is a Chung has been keenly aware of the weight of the office. decision that all pastors must make if they truly want to dedicate themselves fully to becoming a faithful and Born to a middle-class Christian family in Indonesia in committed pastor. You have to choose only one thing to 1955, Bishop Dr Chong was one of eight children. Sadly, do well; it means you won’t do so well in the other.” good times did not last. When he was four, the political situation at that time changed the fate of his family and Yet despite the early hiccups and rough times, God was the journey of his long and arduous growing years began. faithful in leading Bishop Dr Chong. Over time, he would He cherishes memories of going to church on Sundays come to identify the ministry areas close to his heart—those with his siblings and parents. Throughout his years in involving pre-schoolers, children, teens, youth and families. church, despite harbouring dreams to become a musician and composer, Bishop Dr Chong heeded God’s distinct call Sharing his thoughts on engaging the younger ones in to enter the ministry. the local Methodist circles, Bishop Dr Chong evidently feels strongly about the decline of Methodist preschools, In 1982, Bishop Dr Chong became a Singapore citizen. which have dwindled from 18 in 2017 to the present 11 He served in various churches under the Chinese Annual centres. If he could turn back the clock on his days as Conference over the years, from Foochow Methodist Bishop, he said, the integration of Methodist preschools Church (MC), to Kum Yan MC, and Paya Lebar Chinese MC. with the local churches is something to which he wishes he could have given greater effort. The life of a young and inexperienced pastor was not easy—Bishop Dr Chong still recalls the first time While missed opportunities are inevitable in any work, he conducted a funeral service all by himself, which Bishop Dr Chong looks at his four-year tenure positively, turned out to be a chaotic affair. As a young husband especially with regard to what has been done to revisit and father, juggling pastoral work with his familial role the structure of MCS. |10 METHODIST MESSAGE — OCTOBER 2020

Being a part of the Bishops’ Ordaining new clergy members for panel on MCS structural review the Provisional Annual Conference in May 2019 in Cambodia in Sep 2018 [I spent] about three years with the Structural Now that Methodists in Singapore have more or less Review Task Force (SRTF) to lead the General become accustomed to the “new normal”, Bishop Dr Conference to explore how MCS can be more Chong feels December is indeed a good time to hand effective with our current organisational over the reins to Bishop-Elect Dr Gordon Wong. structure as well as in utilisation of the rich resources that God has blessed us with and that When asked about the first thing he will do the day our predecessors have left for us,” Bishop Dr after stepping down, Bishop Dr Chong chuckled and said: Chong said. “Even though the restructuring work “I will take a walk along the streets to re-familiarise is still far from finished, it has managed to make myself with our city’s sights and sounds, to re-discover headway into certain operational areas of MCS. my neighbourhood and the community I belong to.” (You can read more about SRTF’s work in regular updates Thank you for your faithful service, Bishop Dr Chong! in Methodist Message.) We wish you the very best in your post-retirement endeavours, and may God constantly be your guide. However, Bishop Dr Chong could not have expected his last year in office to be his most challenging. When Accompanying his grandchildren COVID-19 hit Singapore, the months-long circuit breaker on the accordion as they sang and social distancing measures have had huge impact carols on Christmas 2018 on church activities. Bishop Dr Chong found himself in a position to effect and drive change while being a spiritual anchor dispensing guidance to the local churches grappling with alternative ways to worship. A few of the key challenges Bishop Dr Chong encountered were how services and meetings could continue, as well as how Holy Communion could be conducted biblically while on-site church services were disallowed. All these were hurdles to be overcome before arriving at the current arrangements, a highly challenging endeavour as the Bishop had to work with various stakeholders, each with their own limitations and concerns. |METHODIST MESSAGE — OCTOBER 2020 11

News ¢ SKMC worships together once more By the MCS Communications Team / Photos courtesy of Sengkang Methodist Church D uring phase 2 of Singapore’s reopening, 50 people at a time Worshippers undergoing health (excluding worship leaders and screening before being allowed to supporting workers) were allowed back enter SKMC for services on 26 June 2020. Later, the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth (MCCY) announced that 12 places of worship would be allowed to hold gatherings of up to 100 people from 7 Aug onwards, as the government eased some of the COVID-19 control regulations. There are two separate zones in the worship area Sengkang Methodist Church (SKMC) was that house a maximum of 50 people each one of four churches selected for the pilot programme, which permitted on-site gatherings of up to 100 people. They opened up this expanded capacity for worship service on 22 August, which was took place alongside continuing live-streamed worship services. Precautions were taken to ensure that worshippers remained safe. If you would like to sign up for SKMC’s Holy Communion service (with places subject to the 100-person limit), visit https://tinyurl.com/skmcreg4hc. Let’s continue to work together towards safely gathering once more! The Ambassador of Israel to Singapore visits MCS Dr Anthony Goh is Chairman of the Council on Communications and a member of Bedok Methodist Church. / Photos courtesy of the MCS Communications Team O n 3 Sep 2020, His Excellency Mr Sagi Karni, the Ambassador of the State of Israel to Singapore, paid a courtesy visit to Bishop Dr Chong Chin Chung at the headquarters of The Methodist Church in Singapore, where he was given a short tour of our Heritage Centre. The Ambassador was introduced to The Methodist Church in Singapore, our 46 Bishop Dr Chong and Mr Karni exchanging gifts churches and 44,000 members, as well as to the work we are doing in the community and beyond, including our 15 schools and the almost 12,000 people we help under the auspices of the Methodist Welfare Society. A fruitful discussion followed and Ambassador Karni presented Bishop Dr Chong with a book commemorating 50 years of Israel—Singapore diplomatic relations, whilst we presented him with a set of classical Chinese calligraphy of the Shema, taken from Deuteronomy 6:4—5, and a model of Wesley Methodist Church. It was a great privilege to have received His Excellency and we look forward to carrying on the conversation and strengthening our ties further. |12 METHODIST MESSAGE — OCTOBER 2020 Bishop Dr Chong Chin Chung (in purple), taking His Excellency Mr Sagi Karni (in black), the Ambassador of the State of Israel to Singapore, on a tour of the MCS Heritage Centre.

News ¢ Sheri Goh is the Editor of Methodist Message. / All photos are screenshots of the live-streamed service on YouTube The pre-recorded performance of “Look at the World” by the Chen Li Presbyterian Church choir NCCS President the Rt Rev Keith Lai, preaching the sermon at the National Day Thanksgiving Service National Day Thanksgiving Service The Remoulding of God’s People T his was a National Day Thanksgiving Service (NDTS) through commission or omission, or it has not listened to like no other—government-mandated COVID-19 social God’s voice. But the Church that is reformed must never distancing regulations permitted only 50 people stop reforming according to the Word of God—in Latin, to attend the event in person at St Andrew’s Cathedral. semper reformanda. “I think the local church, during this Performances and the worship portions were pre-recorded. pandemic, has to be willing to submit to what God is doing Those who spoke during the service wore masks and wiped in restructuring and remoulding what we understand about down the microphone and lectern after each use. Church […] so that the sovereign Potter can continue to fashion and shape us for His purpose.” However, live-streaming enabled more than 250 people to join the service in real-time. In addition, more than 2500 The sermon was followed by a prayer of affirmation led by people have viewed the service online, far more than would the Rev Canon Terry Wong. Bishop Dr Chong Chin Chung, have been able to attend a normal pre-COVID service. the Rev Dr Chua Chung Kai, Bishop Low Jee King and Bishop Terry Kee led in intercessory prayers. Throughout the world, as in Singapore, the coronavirus pandemic has changed the way we worship. However, the The worship team sentiment behind the annual NDTS has remained constant— since 2004, the National Council of Christian Churches (NCCS) has gathered churches from various denominations across Singapore to thank God for His blessings on the nation in the past year as well as to pray for the country’s future. The Rt Rev Keith Lai, who became NCCS President in July Watch the recording of the NCCS this year, preached the sermon, “The Remoulding of God’s National Day Thanksgiving Service at People”, the theme of NDTS 2020. Referring to Jeremiah 8:1– https://youtu.be/nmMhIVJ64wo 12, the Rt Rev Lai said, “I believe that God has something or scan the QR code. of greater importance that He wants to achieve. [...] The ultimate sovereignty [belongs to] God, and God alone.” |METHODIST MESSAGE — OCTOBER 2020 13 The Rt Rev Lai elaborated: “Even when bad things happen and tragedy strikes, we fall into God’s hands.” When the nation is corrupted, or “spoilt” (Jer 8:4), it has sinned either

News ¢ By the MCS Communications Team / Photos courtesy of TPMC Meeting neighbours’ needs by multiplying meals A member of A s we spend more time in our homes and neighbourhoods, have we the TPMC staff been finding ways to bless our community? Toa Payoh Methodist Church with a TPMC (TPMC) did this in several ways—most recently, by providing 2,500 free Gives poster at meals for those in their neighbourhood. a hawker stall For their 50th Anniversary on 16 Aug 2020, TPMC launched a meal-sponsoring The Rev Poh Zhi-Hui, one of the TPMC initiative in partnership with 50 hawker stalls. Each stall provided 50 meals pastors, speaking with a hawker sponsored by TPMC, which could be redeemed by anyone, with no questions asked. All meals were fully redeemed in three weeks, and some hawkers 50 different stalls with a variety of cuisines decided to contribute to this project by providing additional free meals on participated in the meal-sponsoring initiative their own accord. Many have expressed interest in collaborating with TPMC for initiatives like this in the future. “I think this project is meaningful because there are many elderly people living around Toa Payoh, and they could try lots of different kinds of food without spending too much on their daily expenses,” said Royston, the owner of Stall 7, a Western food stall that celebrated its first anniversary in March this year. This was echoed by Tay Lee Sun, a hawker at Lai Heng Mushroom Minced Meat Noodles. “The elderly residents in this area told us that they were very happy about this project. I’ll definitely participate again if there are similar projects in the future,” she told TPMC. For TPMC Pastor-in-Charge the Rev Reuben Ng, “This project is our little way of showing care and support to the Toa Payoh community, especially during this challenging period. It is heartening to see how our hawker friends are willing to give above and beyond what was originally planned. We hope this inspires others to do what they can to uplift others.” This project is a part of TPMC Gives, a collection of multi-pronged community outreach efforts. Another TPMC Gives event that took place this year was an Easter blood donation drive, which was carried out in tandem with bread deliveries to beneficiaries at Care Corner Singapore and Chen Su Lan Methodist Children’s Home, cleaners for the Toa Payoh Town Council, nurses and public transportation staff. In turn, TPMC’s network of contacts helped to raise awareness for this project by directing those in their midst who might be in need of a meal towards the participating eateries. With support from their neighbours, TPMC sees each of these initiatives as a way to build a more closely-knit neighbourhood. It has been encouraging to see God’s love expressed through each of these projects, and TPMC will continue look out for ways to serve wherever they are needed. |14 METHODIST MESSAGE — OCTOBER 2020

News ¢ Bishop Emeritus Dr Wee Boon Hup was Bishop of The Methodist Church in Singapore from 2012 to 2016. He is currently a Pastor at Paya Lebar Methodist Church. What would my life have been without the Bible? I would not have known Jesus because it was only after I had listened to a Bishop Emeritus Dr Wee message preached from the gospels that I gave my life to Him. Furthermore, I with his wife, Catherine would have remained in doubt whether I had really become really a Christian without those assuring verses in the gospel and epistles of John. The illumiNations Asia If not for the first chapter of Joshua, I could have ended in the marketplace “Imagine Life Without the Bible” instead of the pastoral ministry. If it had not been for the foundation of God’s campaign runs until Nov 2020. Word in my life, I could have wandered into excesses after I had a renewing Visit https://www.illuminations. experience of the Holy Spirit. I would have been spiritually malnourished with asia/imagine-public.html and nothing to feed the people I was called to serve. register to watch the digital campaign, so that you can better That could have been my life. I am also sure there are many others who would understand the power of the Bible have a similar testimony. But I thank God for letting the Bible permeate my in one’s heart language. whole life and ministry. What can you do to help the 1 When I first heard of Jesus it was in English, the dominant language during my billion people in the world who growing up years. Studying and feeding on the Bible was essential to my deeper are trapped in Bible poverty? knowledge of God’s love, His plans and purposes—not just for me but for the • Give a chapter—if 1189 of us whole world. give a chapter each, together There are millions today who still do not have the Bible in their own languages. we can give one full Bible to That is why I just could not refuse when I was invited to serve in a movement a language group in Asia. to get the Bible translated into every known language in the world. • Host a video gathering for your family, friends or cell illumiNations began with the purpose of making God’s Word accessible to group—illumiNations Asia every known language by 2033. Impossible? Not when Bible translating will provide you with all the agencies began to collaborate and share resources in the same task that resources you need. drive them. Furthermore, mobilising native speakers trained to use modern • Invite your friends to join this technology speeds up the process considerably. movement by sharing it. What can hinder this goal? For decades the work of Bible translation was |METHODIST MESSAGE — OCTOBER 2020 15 resourced largely by the West. However, many countries in Asia today have become developed nations, with their Christian resources still untapped for this work. Asian Christians must step up to the challenge. illumiNations Asia invites you to partner with us to hasten the day when people “from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb” will cry out “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!” (Rev 7:9, 10) More information about the campaign can be found on pages 10 to 11 of the Sep 2020 issue of Methodist Message.

Home ¢ Sheri Goh is the Editor of Methodist Message. / Photos courtesy of Joni Ong Every good and perfect gift F or Joni Ong, chairperson of the Methodist Schools’ (From left) Joni and her children, Foundation (MSF), the circuit breaker was a blessing. Elisabeth, Emmeliene, Kristi-Ann, Three of her five adult children live at home, and Kathi-Lyn and Jonathan Joni was thankful for the increased opportunities for close interactions over meals and experimenting in the looked after each other, played with each other, and kitchen. They tried new recipes and cooked together, and didn’t need mummy all the time. I did spend much time even volunteered as a family at Willing Hearts, packing and effort with the first two—the rest learnt from their food for the homeless, elderly and needy. sisters, and ended up taking care of each other.” Joni has always known that motherhood would be Joni’s love for children led to her to spearhead I Love her calling. When she was 29 years old, conception Children (ILC), a movement of the then Ministry of difficulties led her and her husband, Kian Min, to assisted Community Development, Youth and Sports (now known reproduction procedures with the blessing of their as the Ministry of Social and Family Development) to then-pastor, the Rev Dr Isaac Lim, of Wesley Methodist advocate for parenthood. Besides her volunteer work with Church (MC), which they still attend. Through in-vitro ILC and MSF, Joni serves as the chairperson of the board of fertilisation, identical twins Kristi and Kathi were gifts management of Fairfield Methodist Schools and the vice- that God blessed them with. Elisabeth, Emmeliene and chairperson of the Films Appeal Committee (FAC). As if Jonathan, naturally conceived, followed soon after. She she was not busy enough, she was recently sworn in as a became a mother of five within six years! Her children Justice of the Peace. are now 30, 29, 27 and 24. In her day job, Joni is the managing director of Great Place “It was a lot of fun!” Joni laughs, recollecting her tiring to Work Institute, a culture transformation consulting early days of parenthood. “It was hard work, but they organisation. She also owns and manages the Michelin- starred Shinji at Carlton Hotel and St Regis, and Oshino at Raffles Hotel. |16 METHODIST MESSAGE — OCTOBER 2020

Joni Ong (bottom right), her husband Kian Min (bottom left), with her children and sons-in-law Joni (sixth she wouldn’t be able to do what she does if not for from left) her supportive husband of 33 years. “I thank God for with Bishop His gift of Kian Min—he is my cheerleader, the ‘wind Dr Chong Chin beneath my wings’ and my best friend.” Chung (fifth from left) and Her philosophy behind raising her children, all of whom the Fairfield attended Methodist schools, was to be firm and loving: Methodist “There are certain things that are non-negotiable, but Schools’ others that are not, even when they are young.” For board of example, when her children were teenagers, she decided management that their attire, not all of which met her approval, was negotiable. But other things, such as going to church No matter where God has placed her, Joni believes that on Sunday whether they wanted to or not, were non- in each of her secular roles, she serves a purpose. Thus, negotiable. Even today, her family still worships together. she does her best to live out her values as a worker, a “And when church doors reopen,” Joni says hopefully, mother and a Christian. “Many years ago,” she recalls, “we will still go to church together.” “there was a sermon series at Wesley MC called ‘What Would Jesus Do?’ that really resonated with me. Within As Joni points out, “You have to live out the values you my sphere of influence, I have made decisions and lived want to pass to your children, such as going to church, my life asking that WWJD question. My prayer has always working hard, using your talents, giving back to society— been that I others may see glimpses of Jesus in me.” they will imbibe your values in action, and hopefully live them out in their own lives.” Despite her many responsibilities, which she took on to give back to the community, Joni has so far been Encouraging Singaporeans to have more children is able to avoid burnout. “We have a choice as to what Joni’s passion. She asserts: “I believe that children bring we want to take up and what we want to let go,” she a lot of joy to our lives. We [at ILC] are very cognisant explains. “[All my roles and responsibilities] have their that having children is a very personal decision.” While season.” She attributes her ability to juggle work, Singapore’s total fertility rate is falling, studies have community and family to the many angels that God shown that for every 10 married couples, eight want has sent: parents-in-law and siblings who helped raise children. However, with couples getting married later, her children; capable colleagues who lessened her more will face age-related fertility issues. Fertility workload; and wonderful friends who continue to make treatment could also be an added financial burden. That her laugh and love life. But most of all, Joni admits that is why she encourages couples to start families at a younger age and hopes to cancel the myth that having children in Singapore is too expensive. But aren’t children costly to raise? “Children don’t know or care if you’re giving them a Prada shirt or a $5 shirt from the market. When my twins were born, my friends and family members gave me lots of hand-me-down clothes, and they were passed from one child to the next. What your children want are your time and your love, not material things,” she advises. |METHODIST MESSAGE — OCTOBER 2020 17

Welfare Services ¢ By the Methodist Welfare Services (MWS) Communications Team / Visuals courtesy of Methodist Welfare Services Never too old to give back “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace.” 1 Peter 4:10 A t an age where most people are spending time with decade ago to keep fit, meet people and make friends. their grandchildren or travelling around the world, For years, he had been trying to join a cycling group but 86-year-old Chew Eng Bong has been busy cycling struggled to as most cater to a younger age group and around Singapore to do his part for charity. Recently, he are English speaking—Eng Bong speaks mainly Mandarin completed a 57km route to raise funds to benefit the and dialects. So when he heard about CCS through a local residents of MWS Bethany Nursing Home – Choa Chu Kang, newspaper, he decided to connect with them. With CCS’ one of the centres under the care of Methodist Welfare make-up of seniors like himself, he found it easier to make Services (MWS) that offers round-the-clock residential friends and enjoy the fellowship. care to the chronically ill and frail. Eng Bong did this as a member of Connecting Cycling Superstars (CCS), a group Before COVID-19, Eng Bong had been volunteering of passionate silver-generation cyclists who have been regularly at MWS Bethany Nursing Home – Choa Chu Kang volunteering at the Home since 2017. for the last three years to chat, play mobility-enhancing games and sing karaoke with residents. Volunteering helps CCS volunteers like Eng Bong have been unable to engage others his age stay active and meaningfully engaged in the senior residents as they used to due to COVID-19 the community. He explained: “I find purpose in helping restrictions. Still wanting to make a difference in the lives other seniors. I want seniors to recognise the importance of the residents, he and the other group members initiated of staying active, both in mind and body. I also want to a fund-raising campaign called “Love on Wheels” to raise encourage fellow seniors with my life story.”. funds for the Home’s care remodelling project, which involves transforming the Home into a more home-like, Eng Bong encourages seniors to help other seniors, as dementia-friendly environment. he has. He shares: “I find it easy to talk to the seniors and enjoy it very much. If you have the time to do it, you On 8 Aug 2020, 40 CCS members, including Eng Bong, should. We should always help others who are in need.” decided to cycle a 57-km loop from the MWS Bethany Nursing Home – Choa Chu Kang, passing by CT Hub building Keen to volunteer with MWS? Whether you are an at Kallang where the MWS Home Care & Home Hospice individual, group or corporate team, we have a office is located, MWS Christalite Methodist Home and MWS varied list of remote volunteering opportunities at Nursing Home – Yew Tee. Eng Bong, or “Ah Mun” as he is our various centres. known to his friends, personally clocked over 100km as he cycled not just the fund-raising distance, but also from his Find out more at mws.sg/volunteer or scan home in Ang Mo Kio to the nursing home at Choa Chu Kang and the return trip home. the QR code. If you want to get involved in other ways, email us Combining passions at [email protected]. Eng Bong used to be a mechanic, and had always kept himself active by repairing damaged appliances and refurbishing old furniture. He took up cycling about a |18 METHODIST MESSAGE — OCTOBER 2020

Missions ¢ Lesley Yeow is the principal of the Singapore Mission School Laos. She and her staff learnt something new this year when the school had to conduct classes over Zoom. It was a great experience, but all were very happy to return to physical school! / Photos courtesy of Lesley Yeow Ukulele practice Through MMS, and despite facing tough times at the summer themselves, Singaporean believers contributed school support for those affected by COVID-19 at SMS. The school celebrates Singapore’s National Day every year. This banner is made up of close to a hundred cards expressing well wishes for Singapore Thank you for the music! B eing able to run our summer programme at the The icing on the cake was violinist Lynette Seah’s Singapore Mission School (SMS) this year was an appearance at our online mini concert. She played unexpected blessing. With the hardships of the “Meditation” from Thaïs, her “most heartfelt piece”, COVID-19 lockdown, little time was left in the school year and explained how it was like a prayer to God. Lynette and we were uncertain if anyone would turn up. However, encouraged the children not to give up practising and a modest number of students did come, determined to learning correctly: “Learning to play a musical instrument have a good time. is the same as learning any kind of sport—you also have to practise.” The teachers pulled out all the stops with an intensive three-week music course that aimed to have every Although the students were not able to perform live, their participant learn to play at least one song from scratch on enthusiastic performances were videoed and shared via one of several instruments (recorder, ukulele or keyboard) the school’s Google Drive for parents to enjoy. and to play as a band using handbells, cajons and other percussion instruments. They set the tone at the start with As Lynette said: “I’m very grateful to God for the gift of a hearty rendition of ABBA’s hit “Thank You for the Music” music in my life.” Indeed, thank you, God, for the music, and a performance of the songs the 40+ children would for giving it to us! learn, including “Home” and “Seek Ye First”. Singapore Mission School provides holistic Students were introduced to different genres of music education in English and Lao for the coming from around the world, the mechanics of producing music, generations of Lao people who will possess the and very basic music theory—all this in between practice right moral, mental and educational upbringing to time. Afternoons were spent practising individually and positively influence their community and country together as a band. The children surprised us with their through excellent service in all sectors of society. abilities and enthusiasm, and it was euphoniously noisy! www.facebook.com/sms.vientiane Over Zoom, musicians from Laos and Singapore contributed to widening our children’s perspective of Renowned performing music and drove home the need for “hours violinist Lynette of boring practice”. The Lion City Brass Band opened our Seah performs eyes to the beauty of brass instruments. Khaen player for the students Salathy wowed teachers and students alike with the complexity of this traditional Lao Pan flute. Singer Aluna |METHODIST MESSAGE — OCTOBER 2020 19 shared how her parents influenced her love of music, and pianist Jordana explained the difference between the piano and the keyboard.

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National Day Awards 2020 ¢ Congratulations! Methodist Message congratulates the following who have received the 2020 National Day Awards: CHURCHES Faith Methodist Church Fairfield Methodist School LTC (NS) Wee Liang Din Sonny (Secondary) Aldersgate Methodist Church The Commendation Medal (Military) Ms Audrey Chen Li Ying Mrs Boon Ngee Sebastian Dr Helen Leong Soh Sum The Public Administration Medal (Bronze) The Public Administration Medal (Silver) The Long Service Medal Living Waters Methodist Church Mr Ezal Bin Sani LTC (NS) Joseph Gan Cher Chuen Mr Aaron Loh Hong Oon The Commendation Medal The Commendation Medal (Military) The Public Administration Medal (Silver) Paya Lebar Chinese Methodist Mr Eric Loh Youn Leong Ms Grace Ho Pei Er Church The Long Service Medal The Commendation Medal Ms Gladys Wong Hooi Chuan The Commendation Medal Mr Ng Hun Boon Ang Mo Kio Methodist Church Pentecost Methodist Church The Long Service Medal Mr Tan Tong Guan Mr Lew Chee Keon The Public Service Medal The Public Administration Medal (Bronze) Mr Lim Yong Chai Alan Mr Edwin Chua Soo Chin The Long Service Medal Ang Mo Kio Chinese Methodist The Public Administration Medal (Bronze) Church Mr Albert Yeo Ann Hwee Fairfield Methodist School Mr Francis Ngoi Chong Ling The Public Service Medal (Primary) The Commendation Medal; Trinity Methodist Church Mr Alvin Lim Hsu Jin The Long Service Medal Dr Hum Sin Hoon The Commendation Medal The Public Service Medal Barker Road Methodist Church Wesley Methodist Church Mdm Wong Seow Ling Mr Eugene Wong Hin Sun Mr Chin Kim Tham Desmond The Long Service Medal The Public Service Medal The Public Administration Medal (Gold) Mr Sooraj s/o Prabhodachandran Christ Methodist Church SCHOOLS The Long Service Medal Dr Irene Ng Siew Peng The Public Administration Medal (Bronze) Anglo-Chinese School (Junior) Geylang Methodist School Ms Zhang Min (Secondary) Mdm Doris Lee Hwee Leng The Commendation Medal Mrs Toh Teck Wang The Public Administration Medal (Bronze) Mr Chia Chee Weng Richard Chris The Commendation Medal The Long Service Medal Mr Low Kwok Sen Eugene Mr Ong Hoe Koon Mr Lim Boon Tiong James The Long Service Medal The Long Service Medal The Long Service Medal Anglo-Chinese School Mdm Chiang Ling Ling Andrea (Barker Road) Mr Ngm Yew Fai The Long Service Medal Mr Tan Whye Wee Jeffrey The Long Service Medal The Commendation Medal Dr Camilla Wong Ming Lee Mr Oh Boon Teck Mr Kelvin Tay Yew Kuan The Long Service Medal The Commendation Medal The Long Service Medal Mdm Lee Wai Yee Catherine Covenant Community Methodist The Long Service Medal Methodist Girls’ School Church Ms Goh Gek Kheng Belinda Ms Susan Lam So Shan The Commendation Medal The Commendation Medal Mr Liu Heok Hing LTC Seet Chong Ngee The Commendation Medal The Long Service Medal (Military) Mdm Tang Yen Yen Fairfield Methodist Church The Long Service Medal Ms Irene Koh Yew Lan The Long Service Medal Mdm Soh Kok Peng The Long Service Medal Ms Yeam Shin Yen The Long Service Medal Ms Ho Wai Mun The Long Service Medal Mdm Chia Soo Huang The Long Service Medal Mr Kevin Khoo Khay Soon The Long Service Medal Mdm Siew Seok Hwa The Long Service Medal Mr David Loh Jee Yong The Long Service Medal Listings of recipients and awards were as provided by the churches, schools and agencies. All information accurate at the time of printing. |METHODIST MESSAGE — OCTOBER 2020 21

You & Your Family ¢ Benny Bong has been a family and marital therapist for more than 30 years, and is a certified work-life consultant. He was the first recipient of the AWARE Hero Award, received in 2011, and is a member of Kampong Kapor Methodist Church. It must hurt before it heals A client of mine is facing a difficult decision, akin control of her life and finances, and plan for both her to one doctors have to make to save the life of and their children’s future. Listening to her, I told her a patient with a badly infected limb—whether to that divorce alone might not liberate her. There was a amputate all or part of the limb. In her case, it would be second “infection” she had to get rid of—her “addiction” an “amputation” of her 15-year marriage. to caring for him. The “infection” has been in two ways. A decade ago, The term “co-dependent” is used to describe those her husband began gambling in secret. It started with who care for and repeatedly bail the addict out, even a small bet here and there on football matches before to a point where their well-being suffers. They sacrifice progressing to more frequent betting on various sporting themselves hoping the addict will change for the better. events, with the wagers growing from tens of dollars As self-giving as their actions may be, the co-dependent to the triple digits. It caught my client’s attention only is driven not only by care and concern for the addict, but when loan sharks started harassing the family home. also by the co-dependent’s sense of insecurity. It is as if Instead of coming clean, he claimed it was a case of they have no independent identity beyond that of being mistaken identity. It was only when banks began to call with the addict. It is as if the relationship with the addict in their loans that he finally confessed. But this was is their addiction. seven years ago. My client hopes that with an “amputation”, she can be They went through two more rounds of financial crises. free to heal. Without it, the rot continues. The tough Each time, he would deny the problem and when he decision to perform what I call radical surgery may be could no longer do so, hid its extent. Series of debt needful to allow for recovery. Such radical intervention is restructuring and a long repayment period would follow. mentioned in Matt 5:29–30 when Jesus, teaching about He would promise to turn over a new leaf, but to no sin, said that it is better to cut off the offending part than avail. Unfortunately, her supporting him through “thick for the whole body to be thrown into hell. and thin” cushioned him from the full consequences of his bad decisions. My client’s hard choice may sound familiar. Most of us do not want to see those we are caring for—be they His not being able to overcome his gambling addiction our spouses, parents or even our children—get hurt. At has led my client to consider an “amputation”, or times, we even wish we could bear the consequences of severing of their marriage. She said this would free their mistakes. In protecting them, however, we may not her from his gambling problems. She could then regain be doing what is best for them. |22 METHODIST MESSAGE — OCTOBER 2020

Hymns & Songs ¢ Judith Laoyan-Mosomos is the Director for Worship and Church Music at the Methodist School of Music, and a member of Kampong Kapor Methodist Church. For the Bread Which You Have Broken E ach Communion Sunday, before partaking of the body and blood FOR THE BREAD of Jesus Christ, we hear the story narrated: “While they were WHICH YOU HAVE BROKEN eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, ‘Take and eat; this is my For the bread, which You have broken; body.’” (Matt 26:26–29) For the wine, which You have poured; For the words, which You have spoken— The story brings together the rich and poor, old and young, “red, yellow, black and white”—all the children of God—to the Lord’s table Now we give You thanks, O Lord. with Jesus as the host. At the table, we all are with the Lord, receiving His grace and life. By this pledge that You do love us, By Your gift of peace restored, “For the Bread Which You Have Broken” is a hymn that points us to that story, so that we not only remember but also give thanks By Your call to Heaven above us, for God’s love and presence among us. The hymn concludes with a Hallow all our lives, O Lord. petition for God to give us strength to the face the world where He sends us: that we may understand what it means when we say “let With the sainted ones in glory Your kingdom come, O Lord”. Seated at the heavenly board, May the Church that’s waiting for You There are two melodies provided in the hymnal: first, UMH 614, a Keep love’s tie unbroken, Lord. Western tune that may be played on the keyboard following the four-part arrangement. Alternatively, it may be played in a contemporised style as In Your service, Lord, defend us, demonstrated in the link provided (please scan the first QR code). In our hearts keep watch and ward; In the world where you have sent us The second tune, UMH 615, is based on a simple pentatonic scale, which provides an Eastern sound with a counterpoint with contrary Let Your kingdom come, O Lord. motions to add to Asian polyphony. Dr I-to Loh, the composer suggests, doubling the melody with a flute or a cello for stanzas 1 Words: and 2. A keyboard may play the treble parts of stanza 3. The fourth Louis F. Benson, 1924 stanza may conclude with the whole setting with strong conviction as a prayer for the realization of the Lord’s kingdom.1 Music: (UMH 614) FOR THE BREAD, V. Earle Copes, 1960 In The United Methodist Hymnal, look at the Service of Word and Table I on page11. You will find the post communion prayer that is offered (UMH 615) BENG-LI, I-to Loh, 1970 by the pastor or by all. “For the Bread” is a hymn written to fill the place of the post-communion prayer.2 This prayer was a development Scan the QR codes in the fourth century used to formally conclude the rite.3 to hear the hymn sung in the two tunes: This hymn, written on 21 Nov 1924, encompasses the various meanings of the Eucharist: thanksgiving, mystery, our anticipation of Christ’s return and the extension of the kingdom of God. If you haven’t yet, consider using it as a post-communion hymn. 1 I-to Loh, Hymnal Companion to Sound the Bamboo: Asian Hymns in Their Cultural and Liturgical Contexts (Chicago: GIA Publications, Inc., 2011), 137. 2 Carlton R. Young, ed., Companion to The United Methodist Hymnal (Nashville: Abingdon Press, 1993), 342–43. 3 Marion J. Hatchett, Commentary on the American Prayer Book (New York: Harper Collins Publishers, 1995), 392. UMH 614 UMH 615

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Soundings ¢ Dr Roland Chia is Chew Hock Hin Professor of Christian Doctrine at Trinity Theological College and Theological and Research Advisor at the Ethos Institute for Public Christianity (http://ethosinstitute.sg) The youth and LGBT “Soundings” is a series of essays that, like the waves of a sonogram, explore issues in society, and the church in light of the Gospel and Christian understanding. L ast year, the Institute of Policy These developments mirror, to some state and to ensure that their public Studies (IPS) published the findings extent, what has long become quite actions are in keeping with the laws of its survey on perceptions of and common in the West, where university of the land. They seek to push the attitudes towards social and moral curriculums are inundated with queer envelope ever so cautiously through issues among Singaporeans. According studies and where LGBT activists are the rhetoric of inclusion, while at the to the report, there is greater acceptance shaping the culture on campuses. same time appearing to value social of gay sex and gay marriage now than stability. five years ago, especially among those Commenting on the trends of gay between the ages of 18 and 25. If this activism in tertiary institutions in the In 2016, the Ethos Institute for Public trend continues, there could be greater United States, Robert Reilly writes: Christianity conducted a survey that push for gay rights in the future, and “Education is an essential part of the reported that 87 percent of Church this would in turn possibly result in the drive to universalise the rationalisation leaders and 63 percent of young adults revision of certain social policies and of homosexual behaviour[…]. What are aware of the LGBT movement in legislations in Singapore. began as a plea for diversity ends with Singapore. However, 57 percent of a demand for conformity.” Church leaders and 51 percent of young Young people here are possibly adults are of the view that the Church’s becoming more accepting of the LGBT In Mobilizing Gay Singapore, Lynette efforts in addressing LGBT issues are lifestyle due to their exposure to Chua, assistant professor of law at currently inadequate. trends in western societies through the National University of Singapore, social media and the internet. Also, discerns three patterns of change that While the Church should not be fixated there have been concerted efforts of characterise the evolution of the gay on this issue, more can and should be gay advocacy groups in reaching out advocacy in Singapore from the early done to help its members appreciate to young people, especially students 1990s to 2013, which she describes as the profound influence that LGBT at our local universities, such as Yale– “the movement’s coming out, tactical activism and the media have on the NUS, through events such as: escalation and movement expansion young, including Christians. The Church and diversification, and opening up of must stand firm on the clear teachings • An orientation programme “for political and media spaces.” of Scripture and tradition on human incoming and current NUS and sexuality, marriage and the family, and Yale-NUS students who identify as “They [the gay activists] have taken the do much more to establish its members lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, issue of homosexuality from the dimly (especially the young) in them. and on the queer spectrum”, lit spaces of nightlife and cruising to organised by queernus Singapore’s highest law-making body and courtrooms, state-control media, • “Drag King Workshop” for students, and public spaces,” she writes. organised by The G Spot • “Queer Together” which, according Their relative success, despite having to the publicity poster, is an to content with an “authoritarian 1 https://lkyspp.nus.edu.sg/docs/default-source/ “open call for Queer/LGBTQIA+ state”, is due to a strategy which Chua ips/ips-working-paper-34---religion-morality-and- artists to be part of a Queer- dubs as “pragmatic resistance”—they conservatism-in-singapore.pdf friendly incubation space and art develop movement tactics based on 2 Robert R. Reilly, Making Gay Okay: How Rationalising Homosexual Behaviour is Changing exhibition”, organised by Yale-NUS a reading of the political and cultural Everything (San Francisco: Ignatius Press, 2015), environments, while ensuring enough 154. Storytellers 3 Chua, 136. • A group discussion on the topic, “To flexibility to accommodate changes 4 Ibid. be Gay in Singapore: Negotiating in society. Pragmatic resistance also Liminal Spaces”, organised by requires that the activists should be 5 https://ethosinstitute.sg/wp-content/ uploads/2018/06/Findings-of-ETHOS-Study-_- students from Tembusu College careful to avoid direct conflict with the Executive-Summary-12June2018.pdf |METHODIST MESSAGE — OCTOBER 2020 25

Home ¢ Wong Lai Foon is the Resident Conductor of the Methodist Festival Choir. She worships at Barker Road Methodist Church. / Photo courtesy of Wong Lai Foon M y life has been permeated and blessed by Methodist connections on numerous fronts—I was educated at Methodist schools, and later taught there. I attended Sunday School and was baptised in a Methodist church. I am married to a Methodist pastor and we have have two children, both of whom are currently actively connected with Methodist institutions. One aspect that features prominently in my Methodist identity is music. Methodists have been called “a singing people”, not least due to the legacy of Charles Wesley’s hymns and the importance that John Wesley placed on music as an integral part of worship, and on congregational hymn-singing. Indeed, music has the power to elevate our worship and understanding of God and Scripture to a more profound level. I am continually blessed by the richness of the music and poetry of hymns and songs sung and played regularly throughout my life, and thankful for the inspiration, edification and encouragement that they provide me with day by day. What does being a Serving in the music ministry, particularly with the Methodist Festival Choir, has given me the opportunity to worship and Methodist fellowship with members of the wider Methodist community, and even with members of other denominations. I am thankful for the mean to you? power of music to unite as we sing and present Scripture and the Christian experience in music of various styles and cultures. In the words of the hymn-writer Fred Pratt Green, “Let all rejoice who have a voice to raise! And may God give us faith to sing always: Alleluia!”

Looking Ahead ¢ Scan to see events online! OCTOBER TRAC SENIORS MINISTRY: TAKE THE PANIC OUT OF PANDEMIC 16 Oct 2020 (Friday), 2.30 p.m. to 4.00 p.m. 9220-8954 (Priscilla Low) [email protected] Understand how to have Faith Over Fear to Take the Panic out of Pandemic with the Rev Irene Thung. ZOOM meeting details will be sent separately upon registration. Organised by TRAC Seniors Ministry OCTOBER otLIVE 17 Oct 2020 (Saturday), 9.30 a.m. to 1.00 p.m. 7 Armenian St, Bible House, S(179932), Level 4 By registration only at bible.org.sg/wttbotlive $40 per participant (includes otLIVE course book worth $10) 6304-5286 (Joyder Ng) [email protected] Feeling lost while reading the Old Testament? Come along for this engaging and interactive walkthrough journey in otLIVE! Adventure together with other participants and discover the key events, places and people in the Old Testament. Organised by Sower Institute for Biblical Discipleship OCTOBER ETHOS ANNUAL LECTURE 2020: CHRISTIANITY, PUBLIC POLICY AND THE LAW 2020 29 Oct 2020 (Thursday), 7.30 p.m. to 9.00 p.m. Via ZOOM Entry by registration only. Register at ethosinstitute.sg/annuallecture2020 6304-3765 (Florence Kang) [email protected] Christians are called to be salt of the earth and light of the world. This means that Christians in Singapore are to evangelise the culture of Christ-likeness. But what does this mean practically, in terms of how Christians are to contribute to the formulation of public policy and law-making? Organised by ETHOS Institute™ for Public Christianity MCS WHATSAPP BROADCAST GROUP In this unpredictable and spiritually challenging time, MCS will send updates, information and prayers when you sign up with our latest Whatsapp Broadcast Group! Here’s how. First, please save +65 6478-4786 in your phone contacts as “MCS”. (Please note that you will not be able to receive broadcast messages without saving the number.) Then complete the form found here: https://tinyurl.com/mcswhatsapp, and you are done! :)

One MCS ¢ Passing on a Godly Legacy John Wu is no stranger to the work of impacting young lives, and has been working relentlessly in mentoring and transforming youths as an educator in schools over the last 15 years. He has also served as a youth leader in his church for the last 20 years. He is married and has two lovely children, aged 10 and 12. / Photo courtesy of John Wu John Wu with his wife God is my Father and their children W hen I was 10 years old, my aunt invited me to church, and that was where I had a personal encounter with Jesus. The moment I stepped into Sunday school, I experienced a touch of the Holy Spirit. I could not stop crying. The choir sang, “Jesus loves me, this I know, for the Bible tells me so. Little ones to Him belong. We are weak but he is strong!” I had grown up in a broken family. Up till that moment in my life, nobody had ever told me that I mattered. That day, God took away my shame and purposelessness, and gave me Himself. In that “prodigal son” moment, I was no longer fatherless; God became my father! Having experienced the reality of God the Father’s love, I felt Him calling me to love and serve the young people—to be a conduit through which others could experience the love of the Father. Over the years, I have had the privilege of journeying with many young people. My proudest moment as an educator was when I received a Teachers’ Day card from a boy who had lost his father. He had written: “Thank you for being like a father to me.” I had a mentor whose son had come home with an ear piercing. He told his son calmly, “I disagree with your decision because I do not think it is good for you. But I want you to know your actions will never change the fact that you are my son, and that I will always love and accept you.” The son eventually removed the piercing, and the experience strengthened their relationship. I learnt there is a difference between acceptance and agreement. Our children will make mistakes, and if they understand that their father ’s acceptance is unconditional, they will experience home as the safe harbour they can always turn to. I began my journey as a father with Psalm 121:2: “My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.” I believe that fathering is about constantly imitating God the Father and appropriating His grace and love in our lives. As I acknowledge my need for Christ, I have found the grace of God at work in my life, my marriage, my children, my work and the ministry. John Wu, Peter Tan and Tan Gee Paw will be sharing about their fatherhood journey at “Passing on a Godly Legacy”, the inaugural One MCS webinar. 17 Oct 2020 (Saturday), 9 to 11 a.m. https://www.methodist.org.sg/MethodistFathers (for more information) https://tinyurl.com/MethodistFathers (to sign up) [email protected] 9171-4984 (David Ang, Event Chairman, CAC Board of Family Life Chairman) |28 METHODIST MESSAGE — OCTOBER 2020

One MCS ¢ Passing on a Godly Legacy Peter Tan is passionate about fathering and prayer. In 2001, as Principal of ACS (Junior), he started its Fathers Prayer Group. It was adopted by other schools and was the seed for the Elijah7000 prayer movement as part of our nation’s effort to promote Dads for Life. He believes that fathers make a significant difference in family life. / Photo courtesy of Peter Tan Peter Tan (extreme left) with his family at the wedding of his daughter How do you spell “love”? T he person I yearned for most during my childhood years was my father. Sadly, he was mostly absent, although I must credit him for my life’s philosophy. One rare evening we were together, I ruefully asked, “Dad, why are we on earth for?” He thought quietly for a while, then said, “Men are on earth to make other people happy!” I liked what he said. Twenty-nine years ago, I became a father. Never will I forget my daughter’s birth. As her head emerged, she did not cry. Seeing my daughter’s umbilical cord around her neck , the obstetrician exclaimed, “Two loops and a dead-knot too!” As I thought of a colleague’s still-born baby with one loop around its neck , I silently prayed: “God, please save my daughter. I will be the best father to her!” The doctor snipped the umbilical cord; but still, there was no cry. When the doctor gave her an injection, she made one “Waahh!” That was the moment I became a father. Growing up poor, I know that it is not “things” that matter to children—love, safety and security matter more than material gifts. I have often told my children that I cannot give them everything they want, but I will always give them everything they need. During parenting talks, I often share that children spell “love” as “T-I-M-E”! In a sense, I learnt this the hard way. My father was absent, but I was thankful for my mother and grandparents. To raise our children ourselves, my wife and I decided that she would leave the workforce. On my salary as a teacher,, finances were tight but love and fun were in abundance. My children knew that Mum would always be there for them…and so would Dad. Growing up in the Boys’ Brigade, I realised how important it was for men to make positive impact on boys. In Sunday School, teachers like Dr Tan Gee Paw role modelled what good earthly fathers do for their children. God was good to me, providing godly men who spoke fatherhood into my life, teaching me what fathering is about and pointing me to our Heavenly Father’s abundant love. A spiritual heritage is the most important thing we can give our children. Guiding and nurturing them to grow in their relationship with Jesus Christ is the most precious gift we can bless them with. It was my privilege to lead my children to accepting Jesus as their Lord and Saviour. Both my children are now married, actively serving in church and productively employed in their chosen careers. The best part is I am soon going to be a grandfather. |METHODIST MESSAGE — OCTOBER 2020 29

One MCS ¢ Passing on a Godly Legacy Tan Gee Paw is a member of Barker Road Methodist Church. He was saved by grace through a remarkable encounter one night when he was alone as a teenager. / Photo courtesy of Tan Gee Paw The role of the Christian father and grandfather Tan Gee Paw T he importance of the Christian father and grandfather in the family cannot be overemphasised. Here, I will focus on three thoughts. The first is: once a father, always a father. When you first cast your eyes on your new-born son (and I use the term “son” to include daughters too), I am sure you felt a deep realisation that you would always be his father. There is no way you can “un-father” yourself. Even if things go wildly wrong and you disown him, it is only a legal position. Your biological position cannot be changed from the moment your child is born. Even when he is in his senior years, he will still call you “Dad”, for this is our Asian practice. You will always want to provide and protect this baby even until his hair turns grey, and will be his everlasting father. This must remain your solemn responsibility. Secondly, when your son is passing through his teenage years, the Christian father must take on the role of a counsellor first, and a disciplinarian only second, if ever. When he gets into trouble, you must never stand by and say, “There! I told you so!” Walk with him as he faces his problems. More than just offer advice, you must be his helper with all the resources that are available to you. More than a counsellor, you must be a wonderful counsellor, his best friend! Thirdly, when your son becomes a father himself, you must be the peacemaker of the extended family. When quarrels erupt between the young parents, between parents and in-laws, between mother- in-law and daughter-in-law or son-in-law, or between in-laws themselves, you the Christian grandfather must be the prince of peace. Never must you take sides when quarrels are on matters of preference, prejudice, personality or wrong choice of words. You might have noticed that I have taken the liberty to use three familiar functional terms: everlasting father, wonderful counsellor and prince of peace. These descriptions come from Isaiah 9:6—“And he will be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” when Isaiah prophesied about the Christ Child who was to be born. The Christian father is to follow the model shown to us by our Heavenly Father. |30 METHODIST MESSAGE — OCTOBER 2020