Methodist Message: Dec 2022

Vol 124 No 12 DECEMBER 2022 Five ways to put Christ in Christmas The Little Star - An illustrated Christmas story Charis Methodist Church's outreach ministry to migrant workers ISSN 0129-6868 MCI (P) 031/11/2022

Contents Editorial Board / Bishop’s Message / / News / Adviser and Publisher 3 Finding Your Place (CAC) Dr Anthony Goh Chairperson, Council on Communications / Feature / Communications Manager 5 Charis MC's outreach ministry to migrant workers 8 O Come All Ye Faithful—Methodist Christmas events Lynn Tan 12 John Wesley crossword puzzle Managing Editor 14 The Little Star—An illustrated Christmas story Alvin Tay / People / Editor 29 Doing good works and witnessing to the lost Lianne Ong / Opinion / Communications Executive 7 Young Voices: Five ways to put Christ in Christmas 17 Soundings: A theology of Christmas carols Kathrynn Koh / Outreach / Sub-editors 19 Turning darkness into light Lucy Cheng 21 Towards being the agency of choice Janice Khoo Tan Chiu Ai / Relationships / Proofreaders 25 You and Your Family: Responding to \"a-changin'\" times Kenneth Lee / Worship / Christabel Tan 23 This Christmas, try a new arrangement to old Wesleyan carols The official monthly publication of The Methodist Church in COVER ART Singapore. Published material Title: The Little Star does not necessarily reflect the By Kristen Kiong official view of The Methodist Church. All Scripture quoted is This image is part of the illustrated story, \"The Little Star\" found on pages 14-15 in this issue. based on the English Standard Kristen Kiong is a speech therapist, illustrator and mother of two. She worships at Version unless otherwise stated. Church of Singapore Marine Parade. 70 Barker Road #06-04 Singapore 309936 6478-4793 | 6478-4763 methodist.org.sg/message www.methodist.org.sg communications@methodist. org.sg fb.com/Methodist.SG @methodist.sg @methodistsg Have something to say or share? Email us at [email protected] Layout by Londonbob Design Printed by Adred Creation Print Pte Ltd

Bishop’s Message Bishop Dr Gordon Wong was elected Bishop of The Methodist Church in Singapore in 2020. He served as President of the Trinity Annual Conference from 2013 to 2020. Welcome Christ to our living rooms this Christmas! It's not the traditional picture, but it must in both those verses, the word does not, and Calligraphy by Caitlin Low surely be the correct one (\"no guest room cannot, mean an \"inn\" or \"hotel\". (See Mark 14:14 available\" instead of \"no room … in the inn\" as and Luke 22:11 where even the older translations in the older 1984 NIV rendering). correctly render it as \"guest room\".) Baby Jesus was not rejected by an inn-keeper So Luke 2:7 does not describe an ancient inn- (although this will doubtless be restated again keeper turning away Mary who was about to in some Christmas sermon somewhere). Baby give birth to baby Jesus. The verse tells us that Jesus was born in the living room of a humble, Mary, Joseph and Jesus were welcomed into an ordinary family home. ordinary, humble home that either did not have a separate guest room, or if it did, was unavailable. Let us consider these points: Why then was the baby Jesus put into a If Luke the gospel writer had wished to refer manger, a feeding trough for animals? Most to an inn or ancient hotel, then he would have animals were left outside in the open fields at used the normal Greek word for \"inn\" which he night, but ordinary folk would bring their most uses in the story of the Good Samaritan (Luke precious animals into the front portion of their 10:34-35). But here in the Christmas story, he homes at night, not unlike the way many today uses a completely different word. let their precious dogs and cats sleep in the living room rather than put them outside in a The Greek word used in Luke 2:7 is found in dog-house. Only the very rich had a separate only two other verses in the whole Bible, and building or stable for prized animals. This is December 2022 — Methodist Message 1

Welcome Christ to our living rooms this Christmas! why most first century homes in Palestine had We would never reject or send a baby out into a manger in the living area of the ordinary a cold and smelly stable. But the Christmas home. A manger would actually have been a story asks if we will welcome the Christ reasonable spot to place a baby. It was shaped Child into the very midst of our homes. Ask like a cot, and when laid with fresh hay would any family and they will say a baby at home keep a baby warm and comfortable. changes and re-arranges many things in your life—your sleep patterns, your free time, and Placing baby Jesus into a manger was not a your finances! consequence of some heartless rejection by an inn-keeper. Jesus was welcomed into the Baby Jesus will do no less if you welcome him living room of an ordinary person's home. into the living room of your life. May we all experience the joy of the Christ Child in our Will we welcome him into ours? homes this Christmas and beyond. 2022 Revised Edition of The Book of Discipline available now The Book of Discipline (BOD) comprises the laws and doctrines of The Methodist Church in Singapore and includes our Constitution, Doctrinal Statements and General Rules, Social Principles, and the organisational rules for the Church in Singapore at all levels. *This edition includes an electronic version that will be made available with the purchase of the printed version. Instructions on how to access the electronic version will be included in the cover letter accompanying the hardcopy of the BOD. The Book of Discipline 2022 edition is priced at $20 per copy. To purchase, please write to [email protected] or call 6478-4786 for more information. Details on www.methodist.org.sg/the-book-of-discipline 2 Methodist Message — December 2022

News By Chinese Annual Conference (CAC) Communications Team / Photos courtesy of CAC Finding Your Place A 3-month discipleship programme by CAC Board of Youth Ministry The CAC Board of Youth Ministry kickstarted Finding Your Place (FYP) in 2020 with the objective of preparing youths and young adults to flourish in God's kingdom. The programme will be conducted again from January to March 2023, and registration is now open. About F Y P What is FYP? What can I expect from How is the programme run? the programme? The 3-month programme will be FYP stands for Finding Your Place conducted in English, on-site and face- and aims to prepare young people for to-face. Classes will run from 8.30 a.m. the reality of life in God's kingdom by to 1 p.m. from Mondays to Fridays, with equipping them with the intellectual, community lunches, mentoring sessions, moral, and spiritual foundations they need group bonding activities and service to flourish wherever God calls them to. learning preparation on some afternoons. At FYP you'll get to explore how God's What are the course fees? Are there Grand Story shapes the way we think and subsidies? live, explore the riches of church history, appreciate the nuances of Wesleyan Methodist church members enjoy a theology and learn how to slow down subsidised course fee of $300. Speak and hear God in this busy world. Get to your youth worker/pastor about ready to be blessed by the stories and life receiving a monthly allowance for the experiences of Christian professionals from 3-month duration. various vocations, and to be loved and guided by a group of amazing mentors! How can churches get involved with or support this programme? Who is FYP for? Encourage your youths and young adults Youths and young adults between the to go for this discipleship programme, ages of 18 and 35, who 1) have questions especially those who feel called to about faith and life, 2) are wondering work in the marketplace and/or who about God's call for their lives, and 3) have questions about their faith and its relevance to life. To support participation, are free from January to March 2023. churches are strongly encouraged These include those on a gap year, to provide their participants with an those waiting to go to university allowance to cover their daily expenses or NS, fresh grads, and those in and other events they will participate in between jobs. during the course. December 2022 — Methodist Message 3

Finding Your Place What did FYP 2022 participants THINK? FYP was a helpful 'spring cleaning' session—it got me to re-evaluate my Chavelle Kok beliefs. Over the years, I had unknowingly Kum Yan Methodist Church subscribed to many beliefs that were not FYP 2022 Participant in line with the Bible. These views weren't necessarily sinful and were often very subtle in how they shaped my thoughts, but they certainly hindered my walk with God! For example, I believed that only jobs that involved relating to people, like social workers and teachers, were 'meaningful' in God's kingdom. That subconscious belief led me to discount jobs in other areas, like the sciences. In reality, God is very present in the sciences—he created it! Have more questions FYP was a safe space with super I joined FYP as a mentor for the about FYP or would encouraging mentors. When my mentors first time, and it was life-changing! like to get in touch facilitated discussions about real- I now know where I stand in the with the organisers? world issues, we didn't feel judged or context of God's Grand Story. FYP condemned. I was on a spiritual low just has made me see how God is Head to before FYP, and my mentors helped to present in every aspect of society: put me back on track! sociology, mathematics, sciences, cacboym.org the arts, governance, business and Come for FYP and see your faith and economics, and education. Jesus or email Christian life in a whole new light! came to reconcile all things to himself and in him, all things hold cacboymfyp@ Elena Yeo together—this has helped me to gmail.com Pastoral Ministry Staff live coram Deo, 'before the face of & Chaplain, Telok Ayer God'. I have since been using what Chinese Methodist Church I have gained from FYP to frame / FYP 2022 Mentor my teaching and preaching to the younger generation in my ministry. Looking back, I also enjoyed every moment we got to spend together outside the classroom. The friendships I have built with the participants, mentors and teachers, I know I will keep for a long, long time. Three months may sound daunting and intensive, but believe me, it will be an incredible and unforgettable journey. 4 Methodist Message — December 2022

Kate Lim is a speech therapist and worships at Aldersgate Methodist Church. / Photos courtesy of Kate Lim Charis MC's outreach ministry joins hands with other organisations in Joo Chiat to reach out to migrant workers Gladys On a Sunday night, among the neon- Pray, trust and obey (3rd from lit signboards and back alleys along It was a daunting task setting up the Joo left) and Joo Chiat Road, Gladys Han and a group of Chiat Ministry. \"I asked God, 'Who in the representatives volunteers from Charis Methodist Church church would partner God and me?' I from partner (CMC) participated in a joint outreach event constantly prayed for him to send people to organisations with four other organisations to provide help and teach me.\" health screening for the migrant workers who live in the neighbourhood. Fewer than Gladys soon found a committed co-founding the anticipated 150 migrant workers turned member of the ministry in Isaac Goh, 46, a self- up but among those who did, one received employed father to two teenage boys. But they Christ that night. did not know what to do or how to begin. She says, \"We trusted God and prayed, and he sent The outreach efforts by CMC's Outreach help through Operation Mobilisation (OM), an & Social Concerns (O&SC) ministry is international missions organisation, to partner referred to as 'Joo Chiat Ministry'. It was us in the outreach work.\" set up in January 2018 to share the love of Christ to, and meet the social needs of, Isaac recalls, \"We walked the streets of migrant workers who live in the Joo Chiat Geylang with OM staff to understand the neighbourhood near the church's premises outreach efforts to the sex workers and at Koon Seng Road. migrant workers. Then we started our own prayer walk at Joo Chiat and got to know Gladys, 66, a retiree who heads the O&SC about East Asia School of Theology (EAST) ministry, tells Methodist Message how it that is also in our neighbourhood.\" began. \"It all started one morning when God stirred my heart. He said, 'I put CMC at Koon Information tracts at Medical consultation Seng Road for a purpose. How long is CMC health screening event going to ignore Joo Chiat?'\" \"Together with EAST, we partnered SG Accident Help Centre (SGAHC) for outreach events. SGAHC was started in 2016 to help and rehabilitate the injured migrant workers. Most of their volunteers and members are Christians,\" Gladys adds. December 2022 — Methodist Message 5

Charis MC's outreach ministry joins hands with other organisations in Joo Chiat to reach out to migrant workers At the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, they \"We used to help with the Alpha Ministry The joint health conducted their prayer walks through the and would always see visible results in the screening back alleys where they had first encountered number of people who prayed to receive event took the migrant workers. That marked the Christ,\" shares Isaac. \"In comparison, it place on EAST's beginning of their outreach efforts to this was more difficult to sustain long-term premises community in Joo Chiat. relationships with most of the migrant workers and lead them to receive Christ. God gives the results Language barriers also made it difficult for At times, Gladys feels stressed over whether us to share the gospel.\" there would be enough volunteers and participants at the outreach events, and It has been a challenging four years since whether there would be positive outcomes. the Joo Chiat Ministry was founded. With the partnerships formed with the other She recalls, \"At a recent health screening organisations, this ministry is now poised to outreach event on 9 October, where we make a difference to the Joo Chiat migrant collaborated with EAST, SGAHC, Glory worker community. There are signs that Presbyterian Church and Boscombe Life the ministry is beginning to bear fruit. The Church, we were more focused on meeting migrant workers feel the love and concern the targeted number of migrant workers to of the volunteers and are motivated to be screened.\" participate in the outreach efforts. But a numbers game is not always how God Biswas Sumon, a migrant worker in his works, as Gladys realised. \"An East Asian 30s from Bangladesh, attended a health migrant worker, who had come all the way screening outreach event for the second from Tuas, received Christ. Max (not his real time. \"I feel happy and supported because name), a first-time CMC volunteer, used there are people like Isaac who come to my to serve in East Asia and was able to share workers' quarters to visit me. He keeps in the gospel in the migrant worker's native touch with me and cares for me. I will invite language. On top of that, Max had also my friends to come here too.\" lived in the same hometown of this migrant worker, strengthening the connection The team at CMC welcomes volunteers between them.\" to join them in their outreach efforts to the migrant workers in Joo Chiat and the There were times when Gladys and Isaac surrounding area. For more information, felt discouraged by the low number of new believers, and by a poor turnout of volunteers contact [email protected]. for the prayer walks. 6 Methodist Message — December 2022

Zachary Yong is a full-time national serviceman who worships at Wesley Methodist Church. He is part of the Kopikaki comics team and loves his coffee with milk and no sugar. ways to put Christ in Christmas Christmas evolved from the Middle English 3. Write a Christmas letter Christemass, which means Christ's Hebrews 10:24-25 instructs us to \"consider mass.1 As 'mass' refers to a church service, it how to stir up one another to love and good should come quite naturally to most that the works\". Penning Christmas letters has been primary reason for Christmas would be Christ's a longstanding tradition in my family, where birth. However, Christmas today is a far cry we reflect on the year that has passed from our Saviour's humble beginnings in and tell our loved ones how he/she has a manger. The dazzling lights, abundance done well. Bible verses in the letters have of shopping promotions and Santa Claus reminded me that one's source of strength commercialise this occasion—leaving many, and hope lies in Christ alone. Just the act myself included, thinking about how we can of penning a letter forces us to think more place the emphasis on Jesus, the reason for the deliberately about what we want to say. season. Let me share five ways we can do so. Perhaps there is someone God is leading you to re-connect with. 1. Serve others this Christmas Matthew 25:40 reads: \"And the King will 4. Share the true meaning of Christmas answer them, 'Truly, I say to you, as you did it There are many whose notion of Christmas to one of the least of these my brothers, you is what they see at department stores, filled did it to me.'\" Why not start this Christmas by with images of Santa Claus. Let's take some helping your local church in their outreach time to remind ourselves of the Christmas efforts to bless others? You can play a part to story, and marvel at how the Lord descended spread Christmas cheer. to Earth \"for me, who Him to death pursued\".5 2. Go for a round of carolling 5. Exercise self-control at the dining table One unique aspect of our Methodist heritage I know this is particularly difficult for a nation is a rich musical tradition undergirding our of food-lovers to accept, because I enjoy food theology. John Wesley instructed Methodists tremendously too—in particular Peranakan to \"Sing lustily2 and with a good courage… food—and the social calendar is filled with lift up your voice with strength.\"3 The word long-awaited catch-ups. But I have learnt that 'carol' actually means a song of praise and over-eating can dull one's capacity to seek joy!4 So let us sing lustily, and spread the and experience the Lord. This year I intend joyful news that the Lord has come. to take care of the temple God gave me, my body, and focus on meaningful conversation and gift-giving this Christmas! 1 Merriam-Webster. (n.d.). Christmas definition & meaning. Merriam-Webster. Retrieved November 2, 2022, from https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Christmas 2 This adjective describes how one does something in a way that is healthy, energetic, and full of strength and power. Courtesy of the Cambridge Dictionary (https:// dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/lustily). 3 United Methodist Pub. House. (1989). Directions for Singing. In The United Methodist Hymnal (pp. vii-vii). 4 JPC-DESIGN, whychristmas?com /. \"The History of Christmas Carols on Whychristmas?com.\" Why Christmas. Accessed November 7, 2022. https://www. whychristmas.com/customs/carols-history. 5 And Can It Be That I Should Gain, Words by Charles Wesley. (UMH 363). December 2022 — Methodist Message 7

ANG MO KIO METHODIST CHURCH Christmas Cheer @ AMK PAYA LEBAR METHODIST CHURCH 17th Ang Mo Kio Central Stage (outside 22nd The Christmas Tale FairPrice Finest Ang Mo Kio Blk 712) 23rd from 1.15 p.m. to 4.15 p.m.; 24th 22, 23, 24 December Carolling at AMK Hub 8 p.m. from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. At PLMC Sanctuary FAITH METHODIST CHURCH 16th Mini Games Christmas at Faith 2022 17th like Tag Snatch, At Faith MC Bucketball and 16 December Taboo. 3 p.m. to 10.30 p.m. Every Saturday 17 December afternoon till 17 10 a.m. to 10.30 p.m. December. TOA PAYOH CHINESE METHODIST CHURCH 17th Community Christmas Talkshow (In Mandarin) Featuring special guest speakers 小容哥 and 周初明. At Toa Payoh Chinese MC 17 December 3 p.m. 8 Methodist Message — December 2022

Feature O Come All Ye Faithful METHODIST CHRISTMAS EVENTS IN DECEMBER 2022 This is the first Christmas since Covid-19 restrictions have been lifted. Many churches have resumed outreach activities in the form of carnivals, concerts and markets. Have a look at which church event you might attend with your friends! For more information, please visit the respective church website or social media pages. METHODIST SCHOOL OF MUSIC LEGEND Advent 2022: Concert Performance 1 1 th Watch Wait Work Talk Show (Onsite and livestream) 11 December, 5 p.m. Pentecost MC Speaker: Dr Ed Pousson Movie CHRIST METHODIST CHURCH Carolling 21st \"My Father's House\" Bazaar 23rd Market Place 24th 21, 23, 24 December At Christ MC Sanctuary Café Tickets are free, reservations required. Outreach Gifting December 2022 — Methodist Message 9

ANG MO KIO METHODIST CHURCH Christmas Service 25 Dec Christmas Cheer @ AMK 9.00 to 10.00 a.m. (Mandarin) 17 Dec 10.30 to 11.30 a.m. (English) Ang Mo Kio Central Stage (outside FairPrice Finest Ang Mo Kio Blk 712) from 1.15 p.m. to CHRIST METHODIST CHURCH 4.15 p.m.; AMK Hub from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. Christ Methodist Church will be having a Christmas Production entitled \"My Father's House\". Christmas Cheer @ AMK is an inaugural outreach event by Ang Mo Kio Methodist Church for all pre-believers, especially Synopsis: \"This house is mine too!\" Growing up, Keith is those who live in Ang Mo Kio. Attendees can look forward to challenged by the absence of a parental figure. As questions participating in a quiz with prizes, Christmas carols, dancing, and disappointments begin to arise over the years, he is led ukulele performance, a Christmas skit, as well as a sharing to make a brave choice that will change the course of his by our Pastor-in-Charge Rev Anthony Lee. At the end of the life. But when faced with new challenges, will past mistakes event, seated attendees at Central Stage will also receive stand in his way? Based on a true story. goodie bags and snack boxes. 21 Dec, 8.00 p.m. (Wednesday – Preview) Gift @ Christmas 23 Dec, 8.00 p.m. (Friday) Through its annual Gift @ Christmas donation drive, Ang Mo 24 Dec, 3.00 p.m. (Saturday) Kio Methodist Church aims to extend the message of Love Christ Methodist Church Sanctuary, Level 2 & 3. during the Christmas festive season to the needy within Tickets are free, reservations required. Ang Mo Kio. There are about 420 programme beneficiaries, Visit https://cmc.org.sg/production including the elderly from Active Ageing Centre (AAC), needy families in the Ang Mo Kio area, as well as children from the church's tuition programme. BARKER ROAD METHODIST CHURCH FAITH METHODIST CHURCH Advent Chorale Finale Mini Games like Tag Snatch, Bucketball and Taboo. by the Methodist Festival Choir Every Saturday afternoon till 17 Dec. 18 Dec, 5 p.m. Sanctuary Christmas at Faith 2022 16 Dec, 3 p.m. to 10.30 p.m. Advent Sermon Series: The Long-Awaited Saviour 17 Dec, 10 a.m. to 10.30 p.m. Every weekend from 19 Nov - 18 Dec What you can expect: Christmas Eve Carol Service Live Bands & Performances including singer-songwriter, 24 Dec 5 p.m. Juwita Suwito, Food and Beverage stalls, Merchandise Sanctuary stalls, Handicrafts, Children's programmes (include movie screening and play areas), Arcade and Carnival Games. BEDOK METHODIST CHURCH GEYLANG CHINESE METHODIST CHURCH 'The Greatest Gift' Christmas Eve Services A musical presented by Bedok Methodist Church Choir 24 Dec, 7.30 p.m. and Children's Ministry. Includes testimony by Levan English service - Geylang Methodist School Wee, former lead singer of rock band, Ronin. (Secondary), Living Stones Chapel on L2 Mandarin service - church hall on L2 17 Dec, 2 p.m. (Bilingual) Register by 16 Dec at 23 Dec, 7.30 p.m. (English) tinyurl.com/EWSChristmas2022 Includes door gift and supper CAIRNHILL METHODIST CHURCH Gospel Movie Screening KAMPONG KAPOR METHODIST CHURCH Documentary《郁火新生》by True Love Blog 真情部 Christmas at the Kampong 落格 (in Mandarin) 17 Dec, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Part 1 of screening: 4 Dec, 10.15 – 11.45 a.m.  A Christmas celebration with our neighbours. Part 2 of screening: 25 Dec, 10.15 – 11.45 a.m.  Free food, drinks, ice-cream, groceries, Christmas The Chinese documentary shares the testimony of a gifts, caroling and Christmas light decorations. Taiwanese diplomat who came to Christ as a result of his wife's post-natal depression. Subtitles in Traditional Chinese. 10 Methodist Message — December 2022

PASIR PANJANG TAMIL METHODIST CHURCH TELOK AYER CHINESE METHODIST CHURCH The Miracle of Christmas Christmas Evangelistic Services 10 Dec, 6.30 p.m. 18 Dec, 11 a.m., @TA2, Bahasa Indonesia Join us for our Christmas celebration event that will 25 Dec, 9 a.m. @TA2, Mandarin have a skit. 25 Dec, 11 a.m. @TA2, Hokkien 25 Dec, 1.30 p.m. @TA2, English (with Children's PAYA LEBAR METHODIST CHURCH Christmas programme) The Christmas Tale TOA PAYOH CHINESE METHODIST CHURCH 22, 23, 24 Dec, 8 p.m. Community Christmas Talkshow PLMC Sanctuary (In Mandarin) Synopsis: Three Peranakan ladies retell the Christmas story Featuring special guest speakers 小容哥 and 周初明 according to the Peranakan tradition and love for storytelling, song and dance. As they share and build the story to its 17 Dec, 3 p.m. anticipated eventful climax, they discover that this familiar Get your tickets via 97702330 (WhatsApp) story they thought they knew so well is not what they or 6353 3284 (Office number) expected it to be... WESLEY METHODIST CHURCH Reservation for free tickets starts on 20 Nov, Carols by Candlelight 9 a.m. at https://reservation.plmc.org. (on-site / online) For more information: Christmas Tale IG page 23 Dec, 8 p.m. https://www.instagram.com/plmcmusical2022/ and PLMC TODAY https://today.plmc.org Christmas Combined Worship Services (on-site / online) Outreach activities to the last, the least and the lost within the 5-km radius of the church, as detailed: 25 Dec, 8.30 a.m. and 11 a.m. ▶ Blk 223A Serangoon Ave 4 / 17 Dec morning Wesleyan Watchnight Covenant Renewal Service Special breakfast; Christmas gifts; for all households in this (on-site / online) block of rental flats. ▶ Blk 8 Lor Lew Lian / 24 Dec morning 31 Dec, 10 p.m. Special breakfast; Christmas gifts; for all households in this block of rental flats. TRAC BOARD OF SENIORS MINISTRY ▶ Homeless and Rough Sleepers / 13 Dec night Songs of Christmas Special meal; Christmas gifts. ▶ Anglican Family Centre / 12 Dec night 14 Dec, 2.30 p.m. to 4 p.m. Special meal; Christmas gifts for the women and their children. Faith Methodist Church ▶ Hope Student Care Centre / 16 Dec afternoon Guest speaker: Bishop Emeritus Dr Robert Solomon Christmas Party. Come and discover anew the wonders and joy of celebrating Christmas in song! ▶ St Luke’s Eldercare Centres / 13 Dec morning Christmas Party (Hybrid on-site and Zoom). METHODIST SCHOOL OF MUSIC ▶ Angel Tree Project / Nov-Dec Advent 2022: Watch Wait Work In partnership with Prison Fellowship Singapore (PFS) to send (on-site / livestream) Christmas gifts and well wishes to families of the incarcerated. 11 Dec, 5 p.m. QUEENSTOWN CHINESE METHODIST CHURCH Pentecost Methodist Church YouTube Livestream: bio.link/msmusic Christmas Gospel Event held in Mandarin at Speaker: Dr Ed Pousson Queenstown Chinese Methodist Church Level 1 Come join the Methodist Festival Choir as it celebrates Sanctuary on 17 Dec at 5 p.m.. Admission is free. the story of Advent and embarks on a time of watching, Gifts, songs, games, dance, drama and sharing by Pastor Koh waiting, and working till the coming of the Promised One. Nam Seng of Glory Presbyterian Church, former host of Good No registration required. Morning Singapore. Register at https://bit.ly/3Wrf6QH. For enquires, contact Raymond @82009357.  December 2022 — Methodist Message 11

Crossword puzzle by Janice Khoo Illustrations by Favian Ee, from the book John Wesley: The World, My Parish 1 Many Methodists would be familiar 5 4 7 with John Wesley, the founder of Methodism who led a revival movement in the Church of England. Just how well do we know the man? Find out with this crossword puzzle. 11 12 13 15 16 [ ACROSS ] 4 John Wesley's birthplace in Lincolnshire, England. 5 He persuaded Wesley to preach in the open to the unchurched masses, when the pulpits of churches were closed to them. 6 After narrowly escaping a fiery peril as a child, John Wesley described himself as \"a brand plucked from the _____\". 7 At Aldersgate, John Wesley's heart felt _____ _____. 8 John Wesley often travelled on this mode of transport on his preaching circuit. 12 First female missionary sent to Singapore by the Woman's Foreign Missionary Society in 1887. 14 John Wesley's mother. 15 John Wesley served as vicar in this colony in America.

2 3 John Wesley 6 The World, My Parish Retails at $20 inclusive of GST. Bulk discounts available. To read about John Wesley and see his story unfold with historically faithful images, get your copy here https://www.methodist. org.sg/graphicnovel 8 9 10 [ DOWN ] [ ACROSS } 14 1. Methodist 4. Epworth 2. Annual Conferences 5. Whitefield 3. Oxford 6. Burning 9. Short 7. Strangely warmed 10. By my spirit 8. Horseback 11. Moravians 12. Blackmore 13. Charles 14. Susanna 16. Oldham 15. Georgia ANSWERS: [ DOWN ] 10 The first Methodist sermon preached in Singapore by Dr James Thoburn featured this 1 What John Wesley and his friends were called verse from Zechariah 4:6. \"Not by might, nor by because of the methodical way in which they power, but __ __ _____.\" practised religion. 11 German-speaking people who demonstrated 2 These yearly meetings among John Wesley faith and peace in God to John Wesley. and the travelling preachers allowed them to discuss and coordinate their ministry. 13 John's younger brother, who travelled with him throughout Britain, converting followers 3 John Wesley's college in England. through preaching and hymns. 9 John Wesley escaped injury from the mob who 16 He brought Methodism to Singapore and opposed his preaching because of his stature, started the first English-language boys' which was not tall but ____. school here. December 2022 — Methodist Message 13

Once upon a time God created the heavens and the earth. On the first day God said, “Let there be light,” and he placed all the stars in the sky—all but one. This Little Star was hurt, and it began to cry because God had not given it a chance to shine like the others. But when it went to him and wondered why, God replied, “I'm not ready for you, Little Star; you must grow some more before I can use you.” Many years went by. Then, down on earth one day God's favourite people, the Israelites, escaped from their bondage in Egypt. Their leader was a man named Moses, and he led the Hebrews between the walls of the river on toward the land of Canaan. God was very happy about this. He said, “I need three million stars to form a pillar of fire, to lead my children to the promised land. Who will volunteer?” The Little Star thought, “Now is my chance to shine—I'll volunteer.” But when it came to God, God shook his head and told it, “Not yet, Little Star; you must become brighter before I can use you.” More years passed. All the while the Little Star was growing larger and brighter. “When will my time come?” it wondered. On the nights when the clouds hid the other stars from earth the Little Star tried to steal beneath the clouds and light the way of the travellers who were lost and could not find their path home. But each time God would stop it, saying, “I am not ready to use you, Little Star; have patience and some day I will give you your chance.” “How much I am missing,” the Little Star complained, as it watched the bigger stars keeping their vigil over David as he slept in the fields at night. “How I would like to inspire the poets to write their Psalms as the other stars do,” the Little Star sighed as centuries rolled past without a chance for it to shine; but all the while it was growing larger and brighter. Then one day God called to it, “Little Star, 14 Methodist Message — December 2022

the time has come; I am ready to use you.” ABOUT THE AUTHOR The Little Star began to twinkle with anticipation. What did Rev Richard Blanchard God have in store for it? As it beamed with satisfaction God was born in Chungking, China, to took the Little Star in his hand, and placed it in the sky. Methodist missionary parents in 1925. His family returned to the “Now, shine, Little Star,” God said. And shine it did! United States, and lived in Indiana and then North Carolina. He While the star was shining it noticed that three wise men served as a minister in The United were looking at it with exceeding joy, as if it held the Methodist Church for 40 years. He is answer to some question in their minds. Strange to say, the known for writing the song, Fill My Little Star felt that it must lead them somewhere. It began Cup, Lord, which became a classic in to move, and wherever it went, the wise men followed. the 1970s. He died in April 2004. As it glided across the sky, the Little Star noticed that it was ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR headed for a town that lay in the distance. The closer it came to the town, the brighter it beamed. When it reached the edge Kristen Kiong is a speech therapist, of the town, the Little Star burst into radiance which was illustrator and mother of two. She more beautiful than any other star had ever possessed. worships at Church of Singapore Marine Parade. Suddenly it stopped, directly over a stable*. And, as it hovered there, the three wise men stepped down from their camels, and they hurried into the stable. “What are they looking for?” the Little Star pondered. From the heavens it heard God's reply, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” Suddenly, a wonderful peace came over the Little Star. It knew that soon God would call it out of the sky, for its task was done. But it was happy. It had served its purpose, and it was ready to give way to a greater Light, a Light which was the life of men. *The ʻstableʼ is most likely the living room of a humble home. See Bishop's Message on page 1. This story was published in the November/December 1953 issue of The Methodist Message (the old name of this publication).

ACS (International) Admissions Seminars for 2023 ACS (International) Singapore is a Post O-Level Seminars distinctive international secondary school open to all Singaporeans & 12 January 2pm other nationalities, offering an all-round 13 January 10am English-based education for students 16 January 2pm aged 12 to 18 years leading to the 10am International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP). Senior Leadership Team Mr Gavin Kinch Mrs Tan Siew Hoon Principal Vice-Principal Mr Christopher Hayward Dr Kristopher Achter RSVP [email protected] Vice-Principal Vice-Principal Seminars will be held on Campus with school tours where possible. Attendance by reservations only Venue: Oldham Chapel, ACS (International) 61 Jalan Hitam Manis, Singapore 278475 For earlier appointments, please contact Joseph Ng or Serene Lim at +65 6472 1477 or [email protected]

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. A theology of Christmas carols Ihope lovers of Christmas carols will forgive Gnosticism …\"2 The lyrics are also suggestive me for saying that not all carols are of a docetic Christology, which implies that created equal. Some carols contain the most the Son of God did not really become flesh, profound theology of the Incarnation— which but only \"appeared\" to be a human being. is what Christmas is all about—while others border on the sentimental. Both Gnosticism and Docetism were condemned as heresies by the early fathers The much-loved carol \"Away in the Manger\" of the Church. unfortunately belongs to the second category. Another favourite carol, \"Hark! The Herald For some time, many have thought that the Angels Sing\", composed by Charles and 16th century Protestant Reformer Martin John Wesley, is a hymn of a totally different Luther was the author of the lyrics of this carol. theological calibre.3 This hymn is shot But as C Michael Hawn, Professor of Sacred through with the high Christology of the Music at Perkins School of Theology, notes, Nicene and Chalcedonian Creeds. hymnologists are now of the view that the famous carol is wholly an American product.1 The hymn is a celebration of the Incarnation of the Son of God, the second person of The hymn paints the most idyllic picture the Trinity. It speaks of the pre-existence of of the first Christmas night: the baby Christ who is \"by highest heav'n ador'd\", and Jesus sleeps in the surreal tranquillity of a who in the fullness of time (\"Late in time manger, beneath a bright starry sky and in behold him come\") became the \"offspring of the company of gentle lowing cattle. But the virgin's womb\". the carol's most concerning aspect is its conception of Christ, which can be gleaned Wesley's carol reflects penetratingly on the from the seemingly innocuous statement in profound mystery of the Incarnation. Jesus the second stanza: \"the little Lord Jesus, no is the \"incarnate deity\", and it is through crying he makes\". his humanity that the eternal and invisible God himself is revealed (\"Veil'd in flesh, the \"If the suggestion in the hymn,\" writes Hawn, Godhead see, Hail th' incarnate deity!\"). \"is that the baby was a kind of super infant whose divinity overshadowed his humanity, The hymn upholds Christ's full deity and full then we may be moving into the realm of humanity in concert with the statement of December 2022 — Methodist Message 17

A theology of Christmas carols The original lyrics of the Charles Wesley carol, the Chalcedonian creed that the incarnate Son is \"perfect in Godhead and also perfect \"Hark! the Herald Angels Sing\", in manhood; truly God and truly man… simply titled \"Hymn for Christmas Day\". coessential with the Father according to the Godhead, and consubstantial with us HYMN FOR CHRISTMAS DAY according to the Manhood.\"4 Hark how all the welkin rings Both the revelatory and soteriological \"Glory to the King of kings, significance of the Incarnation are underscored in this hymn (\"Light and life to Peace on earth, and mercy mild, all he brings, Ris'n with healing in his wings\"). God and sinners reconcil’d!\" The revelatory and illuminative significance Joyful all ye nations rise, of the Incarnation is stressed in the Patristic Join the triumph of the skies, dictum that \"God can only be known by God\". Thus, only in and through the eternal Son can Universal nature say we come to know the triune God. \"Christ the Lord is born to day!\" The soteriological significance of the Christ, by highest heav’n ador’d, Incarnation is alluded to in the very first Christ, the everlasting Lord, stanza (\"God and sinners reconcil'd\"), and Late in time behold him come, developed more fully in the sixth. By his self- Offspring of a virgin’s womb. emptying or kenosis (Philippians 2:6-8), the eternal Son became a human being in order Veil’d in flesh, the Godhead see, to bring salvation to sinners. Hail th’ incarnate deity! Mild he lay his glory by, Pleas’d as man with men t’ appear Born—that man no more may die, Jesus, our Immanuel here! Born—to raise the sons of earth, Born—to give them second birth. Hail the heav’nly Prince of Peace! Hail the Sun of righteousness! This is the true significance of Christmas! Light and life to all he brings, This is the reason why the hymn invites every Ris’n with healing in his wings. nation to join in heaven's triumph: Mild he lay his glory by, Joyful all ye nations rise, Born—that man no more may die, Join the triumph of the skies, Born—to raise the sons of earth, Universal nature say Born—to give them second birth. \"Christ the Lord is born today!\" Come, desire of nations, come, In a culture in which Christmas is routinely Fix in us thy humble home, and brutally secularised and commercialised, Christians must be selective in the carols they Rise, the woman’s conqu’ring seed, choose to sing. For only theological carols Bruise in us the serpent’s head. such as Wesley's Christmas hymn can bring home the true meaning of Christmas and Now display thy saving pow’r, underline its true significance. Ruin’d nature now restore, Now in mystic union join Thine to ours, and ours to thine.5 1 Michael Hawn, \"History of Hymns: 'Away in a Manger'\", https://www.umcdiscipleship.org/resources/history- of-hymns-away-in-a-manger. / 2 Ibid. / 3 Although John and Charles Wesley composed the original lyrics, their friend George Whitefield (1714-1770) made several changes to the hymn and added it to his Collection of Hymns for Social Worship in 1753. / 4 The Chalcedonian Creed (451 AD), https://www.ccel.org/creeds/ chalcedonian-creed.html. / 5 Hymns and Sacred Poems (1739), 206-207, https://divinity.duke.edu/sites/divinity. duke.edu/files/documents/cswt/04_Hymns_and_Sacred_Poems_%281739%29.pdf. 18 Methodist Message — December 2022

Mrs Lui met \"God's gift\" to her, John Lui, \"It all happened so suddenly, and I couldn't on a bus when she was 26 years old. The accept it. I had to attend to his daily needs two started dating not long after, eventually 24/7, and had no time for myself. Sometimes, married, and led simple yet contented lives I felt so tired and overwhelmed,\" shared Mrs while raising two children. Lui as she broke down in tears. \"At night, I couldn't sleep well because I was afraid that (left) he would fall off the bed and injure himself. Mr and Mrs Once, he slipped and fell at home, and my Lui in their daughter and I couldn't lift him up. We had younger days to ask a neighbour for help to bring him to the hospital.\" (right) Mr and Mrs To ease her Lui at MWS caregiver burden, Mrs Bethany Lui sent her Nursing husband to Home – Choa day care. But Chu Kang in two years September after his diagnosis, Mr 2022 Lui lost his mobility, and \"My husband is well-loved and known to it became many as responsible and generous. Back too much when our son was in primary school, he for Mrs Lui would tutor not just our son, but also his to continue friends, for free. At work, he would treat caring for clerks and office boys regularly to drinks him. and meals,\" recounted Mrs Lui, now 73, with a smile on her face. \"In the earlier stages when my husband could still walk, I could manage bringing him to the A sudden turn day care centre by myself, while caring for his meals and other daily needs at night,\" Mrs Lui The couple enjoyed decades of ordinary shared. \"However, he got weaker over time bliss. But that bliss was shattered when Mr Lui, 75, had a stroke and was diagnosed with December 2022 — Methodist Message 19 early onset vascular dementia in 2019. As his condition deteriorated rapidly within the span of a few months, Mrs Lui struggled to come to terms with her new reality.

Turning darkness into light and could no longer walk. It became impossible \"During her initial visits to our nursing home, for me to care for him or bring him around.\" Mrs Lui was quite stressed. But after seeing that her husband is better taken care of here, That was when Mrs Lui's search for a nursing she became assured, and is more cheerful and home began. But as her search stretched on for at peace,\" shared Eva. \"We also referred Mr Lui months with no end in sight, Mrs Lui began to to our MWS chaplains, who often visit and pray despair. Despite the help of the couple's daughter with him.\" who lives with them, the bulk of caregiving still fell on Mrs Lui. It was during this time that Mrs These days, while Mrs Lui still wrestles with Lui's daughter and friends began sharing the feelings of guilt about placing her husband in love of Christ with her. This trial opened Mrs Lui's a nursing facility, she knows that it is the best heart to accept Christ. Whenever caregiving course of action. \"I feel like I am abandoning became overwhelming, Mrs Lui would turn to God him, but I know that is not the case. I really in prayer. Subsequently, Mr Lui also gave his life to miss him and want to care for him, but since I Christ when Mrs Lui and their daughter brought am not able to, I am very thankful and assured him to church. that he is well taken care of here.\" Prayer for respite answered \"You, Lord, By God's divine timing, Mrs Lui was introduced to keep my lamp burning; MWS Bethany Nursing Home – Choa Chu Kang (BNH) through a leader in her daughter's small my God turns my group at Wesley Methodist Church. She was darkness into light.\" impressed by MWS BNH's holistic, person-centred care and sincere staff. Her prayer for respite (Psalm 18:28 NIV) was answered when the family admitted Mr Lui to MWS BNH smoothly in June 2022. Mrs Lui's This Christmas, join MWS in shining God's relief, however, was quickly overshadowed by the light into the dark corners of the lives of our financial pressure of placing her husband in long- over 9,000 beneficiaries and their families. term nursing home care. Through your generous giving, you can shine Darkness turned to light as beacons of light and hope and Again, Mrs Lui chose to cast her burden on make the nights warmer for the God, who proved faithful once more. As Mr Lui's disadvantaged and distressed like Mrs Lui. family was not eligible for government subsidies, his medical social worker Eva Yeo helped them To donate, visit to obtain financial assistance, significantly mws.sg/product/darkness-into-light alleviating Mrs Lui's financial worries. Through these trials and answered prayers, Mrs Lui's or scan the QR code. conviction in her Christian faith grew stronger and she is now preparing for baptism. Eva, Mr Lui's medical social worker, has been a steady pillar of support to Mrs Lui since her husband's admission into MWS Bethany Nursing Home 20 Methodist Message — December 2022

Alvin Tan is the chairman of Methodist Missions Society (MMS). / Photos courtesy of MMS Towards being the agency of choice (left to right) CCMC Nepal Medical Mission Team Charis MC Thailand Mission Team TACMC As a denominational missions agency, the Cambodia sustainability of the Methodist Missions Society’s ministries, and indeed, the rationale for COSI our very existence, depend on how deeply the Mission Singapore Methodist churches and community are invested in what we do. The key distinction Team between us and an interdenominational agency is the deliberate choice of a narrow but potentially more accessible denominational About support base. For a denominational agency like us to remain viable, however, we must be METHODIST MISSIONS SOCIETY seen as relevant and integral to achieving the missions objectives of our support base. The Methodist Missions Society (MMS) was established in 1991 as the missions agency of We may be positioned as the missions arm The Methodist Church in Singapore (MCS). It of The Methodist Church in Singapore but is the first homegrown denomination-based we do not take our denominational support missionary-sending agency in Singapore. for granted. We need to earn that support, which requires good engagement with our MMS seeks to establish indigenous stakeholders to understand their needs and churches supported by mission endeavours expectations and conversely, for them to in communities across our region where understand our mission and objectives. It goes there is no Methodist presence. Through without saying that we should display good MMS, MCS is positioned at the forefront of governance, stewardship and accountability. reaping in God's harvest fields. We have been around for more than 30 MMS is committed towards encouraging, years and partnered some 21 (out of 46) enlisting, engaging, and empowering Singapore Methodist churches. We have left Methodists to serve in missions by and continue to leave footprints of ministry in partnering, praying for, and participating seven countries. It is now time for us to re- with MMS to reach those whom Jesus evaluate our role. How may we become the died to redeem. MMS also addresses social missions agency of choice for the Methodist concerns, through healthcare, education, churches in Singapore? Should a strong top- livelihood projects, and practical assistance. down leadership to spearhead and establish our ministries while rallying the support of the The current focus is on the Asian region, Methodist community and churches remain particularly Cambodia, East Asia, Laos, as our key approach? How can we reach the Nepal, Thailand, Timor-Leste and Vietnam, goal of being in partnership with all Singapore owing to their proximity to Singapore and the immense opportunities to reach the large numbers of unreached people groups in these countries for Christ. December 2022 — Methodist Message 21

Towards being the agency of choice Methodist churches in missions, recognising In fields with potential, our emphasis is (left to right) that vibrancy in missions often resides at the to play a significant role in the passing TRACers local church and Annual Conference levels? down of the Methodist legacy, with Timor-Leste institutions such as churches, schools, Mission Team Having accumulated many useful charitable foundations, Bible schools, experiences and practices, perhaps it is church governing bodies etc. For us to do ACS (Indep) time for us to go beyond spearheading so requires not only a disciplined strategic Laos CIP Team field initiatives, defining strategy, and approach, but sustained partnerships and developing missions roadmaps. Rather, we support across all levels of our Methodist should additionally leverage our resources denomination. to promote a healthy and robust missions culture in our Methodist churches. It is not It is crucial for our existence that we actively realistic to expect all of them to focus only strive to become the missions agency on our MMS ministries. In fact, the more of choice to the Singapore Methodist established Methodist churches have been community. involved with other agencies for longer than we have been in existence, and in fields where we are not present. Therefore, for us to thrive, our challenge is to communicate our vision, mission and culture to the local churches to align our missions objectives, and to support and facilitate missions initiatives within the churches and Annual Conferences.

Worship Justin Chan is a Programme Executive at Methodist School of Music, Worship & Church Music Department. This Christmas, try a new arrangement to old Wesleyan carols What new carols do we have to sing for the shape and form of our human clay. And Christmas this year? Consider a \"new\" he did so, as decreed by Scripture, mostly Charles Wesley song. unnoticed, as \"unmarked by human eye, the latent Godhead lay\". Because of the \"Let Earth And Heaven Combine\" is a incarnation, not only may we now understand Christmas hymn well-known to Methodists, our lives and physical presence as good in the and its text was among the Charles Wesley eyes of God who has shared the experience texts that were given to local composers at with us, we can also experience \"the life of the annual \"The Faith We Sing\" songwriting God\" in a whole new way because God has and singing retreat, where they were been made \"manifest below\". challenged to set new music to well-known, traditional texts. How so? In keeping with the Wesleyan concept of Christian Perfection, Verses So be it traditional or contemporary—there's 5 and 6 touch on the end goal of the one for you! For those who prefer something lifelong pursuit of holiness. God makes more contemporary, Nigel Goh has set the us \"all divine\" through the process of lyrics to an upbeat synth pop and re-titled sanctification—\"made perfect first in love, it \"God With Us\". Others may prefer the and sanctified by grace\". However, the contemplative choral arrangement by Joy Nilo. rising crescendo of theological thought climaxes not on man, but on God's vision Whichever version you choose, the text for the whole creation: brings you the theology behind the wonder and paradox of incarnation, presented in a His love shall then be fully showed, robustly succinct yet poetically accessible And man shall all be lost in God. manner. Verse 1 summarises the doctrine which serves as the springboard from which Let me encourage you to give one of these it is further explored: new arrangements a try at the upcoming Christmas service (or the week after, as it is Our God contracted to a span, still within Christmastide) to complement Incomprehensibly made man. your usual Christmas worship songs. In Verses 2 through 4, the image of the Sing it with a fresh view of the Christmas nativity is transformed into a statement narrative. In doing so, may we find signs of of God's humility and nearness. God is not Jesus' presence in our own life and in the distant but \"laid His glory by\", taking up world around. December 2022 — Methodist Message 23

Let Earth and Heaven Combine Words: Charles Wesley, Hymns for the Nativity of Our Lord (London: Strahan, 1745). 1. Let earth and heaven combine, 4. Unsearchable the love Angels and men agree, That hath the Saviour brought, To praise in songs Divine The grace is far above The' incarnate Deity, Or man or angel's thought; Our God contracted to a span, Suffice for us, that God we know, Incomprehensibly made man. Our God is manifest below. 2. He laid His glory by, 5. He deigns in flesh to' appear, He wrapp'd Him in our clay, Widest extremes to join, Unmark'd by human eye To bring our vileness near, The latent Godhead lay; And make us all Divine; Infant of days He here became, And we the life of God shall know, And bore the mild Immanuel's name. For God is manifest below. 3. See in that Infant's face 6. Made perfect first in love, The depths of Deity, And sanctified by grace, And labour while ye gaze We shall from earth remove, To sound the mystery: And see His glorious face; In vain; ye angels, gaze no more, His love shall then be fully show'd, But fall, and silently adore. And man shall all be lost in God. You may find these songs and more on our resource portal, after creating a free account and following this link: https://portal.msmusic.edu.sg/items/210

Responding to \"a-changin' times\" Bob Dylan's folk song \"The Times They Individuals experience or cope with change Photo by Weston m on Unsplash Are a-Changin'\" was released in 1964 in different ways. Some may be bewildered but still speaks to the times we are living and anxious. Others may find change in. In the last three years, one big change exciting and welcome it. There may be we all had to adjust to was Covid-19. The some areas where we welcome change pandemic disrupted almost every aspect of and others where we want greater stability. our lives such as how we study, work, travel, For example, after eating the same food socialise and practise our faith. for several days, most people would want a change while with good friends, we would For many, these dramatic changes may rather that they not change their character have coincided with others such as too unexpectedly. There is also the matter marriage, moving homes, coping with of whether we initiate the change or others ageing or care of ageing parents. Even as impose it on us. If we choose to change (like we try to adapt to \"living with Covid\", the taking on a new job), we would be more likely coronavirus keeps mutating and testing to play a more active role in adjusting to it. our capacity to manage it. In addition, life seems to have conspired and thrown more As believers, we ask: what does God say unexpected disruptions our way, such as about change and how are we to cope with the war in Ukraine, climate change, raging it? We must first recognise that he never inflation and a slowing world economy. promised that our circumstances will never December 2022 — Methodist Message 25

14 METHODIST MESSAGE, JULY 2013

Responding to \"a-changin' times\" change. He also never assured us that only being cynically resigned to his fate. Instead, changes for the better will be our lot in life. like him, we too can question why these Indeed, the account of Job experiencing one things are happening but we need not calamity after another shows how Job, whom question God's purposes and intent. To we are told was blameless and upright (Job do so is to question the very nature and 1:8), was not spared personal tragedy. character of God. Although God may allow an unexpected thing in your life, we are Job's response to all his afflictions—losing reminded that he \"is the same yesterday all his riches and all his offspring—was one and today and forever\" (Heb 13:8). Moreover, of quiet acceptance. In Job 1:21, he put it \"... his compassions never fail. They are new very succinctly: \"Naked I came from my every morning; great is your faithfulness\" mother's womb and naked shall I return.\" He (Lam 3:22-23 NIV). recognised how puny mankind is in relation to the power of God. This perspective is also To remind ourselves of the perspective to evident in Ecclesiastes 3:1-3 (ASV), which take and therefore allow it to shape our says \"...a time for every purpose under response to change, may we draw on the heaven\". Every purpose includes a time to Apostle Paul's words to \"... fix our eyes not be born and a time to die, a time to heal on what is seen, but on what is unseen, and a time to kill, a time to weep and a time since what is seen is temporary, but what is to laugh. These verses affirm the complete unseen is eternal\" (2 Cor 4:18 NIV). In short, sovereignty of God over all things, whether not to allow present changes to obscure our we perceive them as good or bad for us. view of the eternal realities of our faith. So, are we to respond to difficult life As we encounter all the changes around changes by throwing our hands in the air us that seem, in Dylan's words, to \"... shake and saying, \"So be it, God wills it\"? To hold your windows and rattle your walls\", may the view that who are we mere mortals we not be despairing but have confidence to question what God wants to do? I do in the unshakeable love and compassion of not think that Job's response was one of our Lord. [email protected] Volunteer with Methodist Message • Are you always on the lookout for a juicy story? • Do you silently correct other people’s grammar? • Can you spot a typo in an instant? • Are you a sharpshooter—with your smartphone or DSLR? • Is doodling or illustration your passion but you have nowhere to publish your art? Consider putting your skills to use to make Jesus known and be part of the team behind Methodist Message, a publication that started more than 130 years ago. Let’s talk! Write to [email protected] December 2022 — Methodist Message 27

Holy Land Tours - Israel & Turkey 20 Years of Experience in Organising Bible Land Tours ‫ָשׁל ם‬ Shalom Tour [email protected] (65) 9777 3721

Lynette Loo Lynette Loo is a member of Grace Methodist Church, and sings in its choir and co-leads a Connect Group. She also serves on the Senior Fellowship committee and Church Governance committee. / Photo courtesy of Lynette Loo Doing good works and witnessing to the lost Ihave been a member of Grace Methodist Church (GMC) since 1989. Before then, I had many opportunities to hear about God and salvation from different people of different denominations. By God’s grace, I was eventually led to a small group of Methodists that met in my neighbour’s home. This small group is now one of the Connect Groups of Grace Methodist Church. My family and I joined the group, and we felt welcomed and comfortable in the home setting. After a few months, we started attending GMC services and we are now serving in different ministries at GMC. All glory to God. One of the things that appealed to me about the Methodist church was the systematic way of doing things. While studying at Oxford, Charles and John Wesley led \"The Holy Club\"—a group of men who maintained strict rules of Bible study, prayer and good works. Others called them \"Methodists\" because of their discipline. This model is similar to how the Intentional Disciplemaking Roadmap adopted by Grace Methodist Church methodically sets out what a true disciple of Christ looks like. I especially see how doing good works and witnessing gels with being a Methodist. by Kopikaki team

STORIES FROM THE FIELD: BUDDHISM IN THAILAND 3 January 2023 (Tuesday), 8.00 p.m. to 9.30 p.m. Online via Zoom Register before 2 January 2023 via www.tinyurl.com/sff2023-buddhism About 93.6% of the population in Thailand are Buddhists, the majority being Theravada Buddhists. What can we learn about their beliefs? How can Christians better understand the worldviews of Buddhists? Dr Satanun, author of A Christian Theology of Suffering in the Context of Theravada Buddhism in Thailand, shares his insights as to how we can stay rooted firmly in Scripture and grounded in a theology of the cross while engaging with Buddhists. Organised by Wycliffe Singapore EQUIP – CITY OF GOD, CITY OF MEN: AN INTRODUCTION TO CHRISTIAN POLITICAL THOUGHT 5 January–16 February 2023 (Thursday evenings), 7.30 p.m. to 9.30 p.m. Online via Zoom https: //ttc .edu.sg/english/study-at- ttc/equip -registration/ $100 (Free for TTC Alumni and TTC Matriculated Students-Registration required) The playwright George Bernard Shaw is dubiously quoted as saying that \"politics is the last resort for the scoundrels\". Boies Penrose, a former US Senator, once said \"public office is the last refuge of the incompetent\". Though tongue-in-cheek, these quotes suggest why politics is often considered a dirty word. There is a sense of cynicism, frustration, and even despair whenever politics is mentioned. Yet this was not always so. Celebrated thinkers in the Christian tradition have seen politics, if disciplined and informed by a robust Christian faith, as a vocation of high dignity and nobility. This course examines politics from biblical and theological perspectives. Participants will read key figures in the Western Christian political tradition and attempt to recover a theological vision of the good of politics and also consider how this vision might shape political ethics, such as issues of law, justice, human rights and the common good. Rev Dr Nathanael Goh is a pastor from the Chinese Annual Conference of The Methodist Church in Singapore. He is pastoring at Sengkang Methodist Church. An advocate for the importance of Christian ethics and moral formation, his interests are at the intersection of Scripture, theology and ethics—especially a retrieval of Christian theological visions of the common good. Organised by EQUIP MAN OF IMPACT (MOI) – JANUARY TO MAY 2023 INTAKE 31 January–9 May 2023, Tuesday evenings, 7.30 p.m. to 9.30 p.m. Cru Centre, 18 Verdun Road Register before 19 January 2023 at https://mde.cru.org.sg/Event $43 for MOI Participant Guide Are you seeking to live a life of purpose and significance, one that is empowered by God? Join us for this 8-session course and learn what it means to be a man of impact for God's kingdom. This is a primarily online-facilitated course, with up to three face-to-face sessions at Cru Centre. Organised by Cru Singapore