Methodist Message: Sep 2022

ISSN 0129-6868 MCI (P) 044/11/2021 Vol 124 No 9 SEPTEMBER 2022 S377A repeal pg 10

Editorial Board Contents Adviser and Publisher / Bishop’s Message / Dr Anthony Goh / News / Chairperson 3 Foochow Methodist Church rededicates clinic for migrant workers Council on Communications 5 Homecoming to God Communications Manager 8 Launch of Chinese Alpha Film Series Lynn Tan / Feature / Managing Editor 13 How does meritocracy fit into our Christian worldview? 16 Discovering my gifts in the Arts Alvin Tay / Opinion / Editor 10 THINK: A Christian response to the repeal of Lianne Ong Section 377A of the Penal Code Sub-editors 20 Soundings: A sacrament of divine love Lucy Cheng / Outreach / Janice Khoo Tan Chiu Ai 22 Bridging the gap between seniors and sports 23 Giving every child an opportunity for a future Proofreaders / Relationships / Kenneth Lee Christabel Tan 25 You and Your Family: Breaking free from a legacy of wrath The official monthly publication / Worship / of The Methodist Church in Singapore. Published material 27 Faith exists in the community does not necessarily reflect the official view of The Methodist / People / Church. All Scripture quoted is based on the English Standard 29 He Sihao-How to gain, save and give all that I can Version unless otherwise stated. 70 Barker Road #06-04 Singapore 309936 6478-4793 | 6478-4763 message.methodist.org.sg 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] Design & Production 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 2013–2020. Arts, Education and Health The Soul, Mind & Body of Community The Bible book Ezra-Nehemiah describes rebuilding of the walls around Jerusalem three priorities in the development of the (Nehemiah 1-7). By highlighting these three community after the ravages of war had left major themes together in one book, the Jerusalem in ruin for 70 years. inspired writer suggests three priorities in the development of the community in Jerusalem Referring to Ezra-Nehemiah as a single book, after the war had left it in ruins: the rebuilding of following the custom of the Hebrew Bible (unlike the temple for communal Worship, the teaching the Christian tradition which counts Ezra and of God’s Word, and the restoration of the walls Nehemiah as two separate books), the ancient for the protection and Welfare of the people. Hebrew scribes (scholars call them Masoretes) These are still three important priorities in the included notes at the end of every Bible book, development of any community: summarising the total number of verses in every • Worship (which attends to one’s spirit or soul), book and indicating which verse marked the • Word (which attends to the mind), and book’s mid-point. These notes are found at the end • Welfare (which attends to the body). of Nehemiah (but not at the end of Ezra), and the mid-point of the book is indicated as Nehemiah We give thanks for all who serve well in the 3:32, which would be accurate only if one regards Arts (poets and pastors, musicians and artists). Ezra-Nehemiah together as one book. We give thanks for teachers and writers and administrators in the Education sector. We give Taking Ezra-Nehemiah together, we can see thanks for nurses, doctors and attendants in three major themes: the re-building of the the ministry of Health. They are God’s servants Temple in Jerusalem (Ezra 1-6); the teaching in attending to the soul, mind and body of of God’s Torah or instructions (Ezra 7-10); the community life. An earlier version of this article was published in Harvest Force 2022 Issue 1. September 2022 — Methodist Message 1

Coming up 2 Methodist Message — September 2022

News By Lianne Ong, Editor of Methodist Message with assistance from Ps Raja Thomas, Lay Ministry Staff at Foochow Methodist Church. / Photos courtesy of Foochow Methodist Church Foochow Methodist Church rededicates clinic for migrant workers (top) Foochow Methodist Church (FMC) held a Bishop Dr Gordon rededication service on 7 August 2022 Wong (fifth from left) for its Caring Community Clinic (CCC)—a with FMC pastoral clinic that was set up on the church premises staff, ministry staff and specifically for migrant workers in 2003. FMC is located at Race Course Road in Little India, leaders and is the second oldest church under the Chinese Annual Conference (CAC). (middle) Bishop Dr Gordon The clinic is open every Sunday evening, from Wong (right)and Rev 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. and is manned by volunteer Andy Goh during the healthcare professionals, church members clinic re-dedication from FMC and other churches. For a nominal fee of $5, migrant workers can consult a (bottom) medical doctor about their health problems. Ps Raja Thomas (sixth from right) with The clinic, which suspended operations during migrant worker friends the Covid-19 pandemic, was renovated in May 2022, and resumed operations in June after Safe Management Measures were lifted. Before the pandemic, the clinic saw up to 100 patients queuing to see a doctor. The newly renovated clinic has two consultation rooms and a reception area. \"We are very pleased to welcome our migrant worker brothers again to the clinic,\" said Ps Raja Thomas, lay ministry staff overseeing the Tamil Ministry at FMC, which celebrated its 27th anniversary on the same day. Bishop Dr Gordon Wong was the guest-of-honour at the thanksgiving service and clinic rededication service. \"The ministry of the medical clinic is a wonderful way of showing love to others,\" Bishop Dr Wong said during his sermon about faith expressing itself through love and loving our neighbours as Christ commanded. He thanked the doctors and volunteers who served in this ministry. September 2022 — Methodist Message 3

Foochow Methodist Church rededicates clinic for migrant workers Shining star of the migrant worker The CCC is now a major part of the Tamil ministry Ministry in FMC. \"When I see something Dr Tan Seung Po was one of the medical that is meaningful and purposeful, it fills professionals who mooted the idea of an on- my heart with joy and makes me excited to site clinic and has served with the ministry continue and persevere in service,\" said Dr since its inception. Tan on why he has been able to serve for two decades in the ministry. He recalled that on Sunday evenings, there would always be big gatherings of migrant Call for volunteers workers outside the church. \"[The late] Rev On the same day that the clinic was Ding (former Pastor-in-Charge at FMC) rededicated, an information session was held would invite them to come into the church. for those interested in volunteering with the As some of the workers got to know me clinic. Currently, there are seven doctors and better, they would approach me about five clinic assistants on the volunteer roster, medical issues they faced. It was hard not to some of whom are members of FMC. do anything about their medical problems [as a doctor]. So I thought, how could we \"It's important to groom a younger help them with their medical needs?\" generation of doctors and volunteers to continue the work,\" Dr Tan said. Dr Tan consulted other doctors and by God's grace, FMC set up a clinic on the church TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT premises after successfully obtaining a FMC's migrant worker ministry, or licence from the Ministry of Health in 2003. volunteer with the Caring Community Clinic, \"Since then we have been able to expand contact Ps Raja Thomas at the services of this clinic. The clinic became so popular that it was overwhelmed and [email protected] strained manpower capabilities. We had to limit the consultations to 30 patients on Sunday evenings in the two hours that the clinic is open,\" said Dr Tan. (left) It was common to see a long queue of patients before the pandemic (right) Renovated clinic 4 Methodist Message — September 2022

News Loo Ming Yaw is the Principal of Anglo-Chinese School (Barker Road) and worships at Aldersgate Methodist Church. / Photos courtesy of Homecoming Organising Committee Homecoming to God It was a night of exuberant worship and Mr Low Wee Teck, a Fairfield alumnus, spoke prayer that crossed generations. It was a of the role of The Boys’ Brigade and Fairfield time when hearts of fathers turned to their Methodist Schools in his faith journey and children, a time where those called by God how he was led to serve God as Principal of truly came home to him. The Homecoming the Methodist School in Cambodia. Next up event on 22 July 2022 brought together was Mr Evan Lim, who described how he was over 1,000 Anglo-Chinese School family and providentially given a place in ACS (Primary) friends, and was the culmination of months of when his parents returned from God’s service hard work and God’s answer to much prayer. in China and how his ACS years shaped him as a person in his journey to serve the Lord. Dr Shirleen Chee, Principal of Anglo- Mr Isaac Cheng, a current ACS (Independent) Chinese Junior College (ACJC), kicked off student, testified how opportunities to the evening’s programme by sharing the serve in his church and in Christian ministry vision that the principals of ACJC, ACS in school transformed him into someone (Barker Road) and ACS (Independent) passionate for the Lord. received for the event. The combined schools worship band then led the opening The congregation watched a segment of set of worship songs. REVIVAL 1972, which documents a revival movement that began in schools, and Pastor Edric Sng of Bethesda-Bedok- spread to churches and the nation. It was Tampines Church, who is also the Editor of a reminder that God’s desire to impact the Thirst Collective, facilitated the testimonies generations did not end with the revival by Mr Low Wee Teck, Mr Evan Lim and Mr in 1972 and continues when the hearts of Isaac Cheng on how the school ministry each generation turn to him in despair and impacted their lives. repentance. September 2022 — Methodist Message 5

ACS (International) ACS (International) Singapore is a Building Through Belief, this school of choice provides distinctive international secondary school open to all Singaporeans • Exceptional examination results, strong value-added achievement and an all-round & other nationalities, offering an holistic education all-round English-based education for students aged 12 to 18 years • 50:50 mix of local and international teachers who uphold the dual Methodist ethos leading to the International General and ACS heritage Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) and the International • Small class sizes with overall student-teacher ratio of 8.7 : 1 Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP). • 40 different CCAs – 16 Sporting, 12 Visual and Performing Arts, 12 Special Interest Groups Senior Leadership Team • Over 200 formal student leadership positions • Scholarships for four Singaporeans to undertake the IBDP Mr Gavin Kinch Mrs Tan Siew Hoon Achievements include Principal Vice-Principal • Students with perfect score of 45 points in IBDP Mr Christopher Hayward Dr Kristopher Achter • 23 “Top in the World” awards in IGCSE examinations over each of the past twelve years Vice-Principal Vice-Principal • Students accepted to Oxford and Cambridge universities for the past eight years For more information, please contact Joseph Ng or Serene Lim • Admissions to top universities in the UK, the US, Australia and Singapore at +65 6472 1477 or • PSLE and GCE ‘O’ Level students obtaining outstanding value-added examination results [email protected] for the IBDP and improved pathways to good universities • Successes at national level in Athletics, Touch Rugby, Debating, Orchestra, Volleyball, Taekwondo, Ice Hockey, Fencing, Swimming, Artistic Swimming, Rhythmic Gymnastics and Wushu.

Homecoming to God Mr Joseph Chean, National Director of Youth who experienced the 1972 revival as a With A Mission Singapore, brought a simple student, shared a blessing for the current but powerful message about being \"Part of generation of young people. When the call the Whole\" in God’s plan and purpose for for prayer was issued, many worshippers Singapore and beyond. As each worshipper came forward for prayer and renewed their had received a piece of a 1,008-piece commitment to the puzzle of the map of Singapore, Mr Chean Lord. exhorted all present to see themselves as part of the larger puzzle God is putting The event also together in the history of Singapore and his featured booths for providential plan for Christian witness on photography and the our shores. He shared his belief that God’s sale of merchandise, plan includes the events of the 1972 revival including \"Unfolding and God’s purpose is for Singapore to know His Story: The Story God intimately, his character and his ways. of the Charismatic Propelled by this authentic relationship, the Movement in Singapore\", a book covering Church will rightly represent God and speak the 1972 renewal that swept through the Good News to the unreached, the last, Singapore. The book records the ACS clock the least and the lost, both in Singapore and tower revival based on archived materials in other nations. and interviews with some of those involved. The teachers’ band led the next segment Preparations for the Homecoming event of worship and prayer. Time was given for began in April with the formation of the the younger ones to pray for the adults organising committee. It included students present and vice versa. Rev Wendy Watson from ACJC, ACS (Barker Road) and ACS also led in a time of repentance for the role (Independent), supported by the Christian of the Church since the 1972 movement Ministry staff from the three schools and of the Holy Spirit. Mr Quek Peck Leng, Barker Road Methodist Church. September 2022 — Methodist Message 7

A preview of Koh Geok Cheng worships at Wesley Methodist Church and episode 1 of the serves as the Treasurer for Wesley GYM. She is also the TRAC Chinese Alpha WSCS Treasurer. / Additional information and photos from Film series Alpha SG and Alpha Asia Pacific Speaking to the hearts of Mandarin-speakers with the Chinese Alpha Film Series The Alpha film series is a collection of videos featuring interviews with public figures and people with inspiring stories, providing an opening for introducing the Christian faith in an accessible manner. The series was produced in English and dubbed in 52 other languages, enabling more people groups to be reached. With Mandarin speakers constituting a significant proportion of the world’s population, the Alpha team responded to God’s prompting to produce the Chinese Alpha Film series (CAFS). More than a dubbed version of the original Alpha film series, the CAFS is Alpha’s first fully contextualised version of the Alpha series in a

language other than English. This allows sbCeaSrthnispiidTnrntAgmehghe(essCesaeeieseapspnAcCsAneotuaCerhlrlgcrpf)teoieesuhncncrttaaotetooanlesFsllxltadaeiaaatlbCiugAnmaonnehdnrntSciaetdlnnhoreitneeuvrftpesdiighareeaeuelewswta.isuCmsieusFrttn,oduihiitctnlinchmeAhtggfenh-eealCceaspdrpeewheghs.wri,noiaanieasictepsntheseedeidln a Mandarin-speaking audience to hear gmoTeoofCtafhwpftkihHephneiwruonreetereirelgCtcdMtnhahuohtalonfiaisotonroitnpnetTheiarase3oteebeolsa1sslAaeeefLJPornblutiiarpotfoelayehuytslohta,,tteihehatoacFhanrnrCCieenndlhhaomcTiimfwtonnitSnhnoeeeheirfrgssesereeee?rie-f”eeMeaivs.xsrnpbaA,sehcoentttteoauihtgertketkopeltiniedtleincihddsdiskgoseete“ttdiedIocses about the Christian faith in a language that they are comfortable with and in a community in Singapore. cultural context that is familiar to them. CAC and ALPHA SINGAPORE The entire film series was filmed and will be initiating the Mid-Autumn pilot produced during the Covid-19 pandemic. run of the Chinese Alpha Film Series Amid lockdowns, travel restrictions and on Saturday, 10 September 2022. Covid-19 infections, God provided and If you wish to know more about how enabled the team to focus on their work to be a part of this run, or how to start and complete the series despite the an Alpha run for the Chinese-speaking obstacles faced. It was officially launched community within your church, email in Kuala Lumpur on 10 July 2022. [email protected] Reverend Miles Toulmin, Executive Director of Alpha Asia Pacific and Vicar of Holy Trinity Bukit Bintang (HTBB), said, \"I am hugely excited at the potential of this new, contextualised CAFS. I believe this is a powerful tool for evangelism for the Chinese speaking churches in Singapore and for reaching Chinese people with the gospel around the world.\" Mr Kenneth Yap, a member of HTBB which hosted the launch, said, \"The CAFS could potentially be a big catalyst in the world of Christian evangelism in Asia. With all of the content now contextualised, the CAFS should find broader appeal among Mandarin- speakers as viewers would be hearing the message from people that look like them and sound like them.\" An interview with Pastor Andrew Chai (middle), illustrator and presenter for the Chinese Alpha Film Series, together with Steve Chao (right), director for the series. September 2022 — Methodist Message 9

THINK Rev Dr Nathanael Goh is the Assistant Pastor at Sengkang Methodist Church. Rev Dr Daniel K S Koh is a Pastor of Barker Road Methodist Church overseeing Oasis BRMC Mission at Bukit Batok. Both writers received their PhD degrees in Theology and Religion from Durham University, UK and specialise in Christian ethics. A Christian response to the repeal of Section 377A of the Penal Code At the National Day Rally this year, Prime Engagement with public policy for the Minister Lee Hsien Loong announced common good the Government’s intention to repeal Even though our consistent position on Section 377A of the Penal Code (\"377A\") and marriage, education, and religious freedom decriminalise sex between men. PM Lee is shared by people of different faiths or also announced that the Government would none, there are some who criticise the protect the definition of marriage between Church for commenting on issues of law. a man and a woman from being challenged Others may accuse Christians of a sinister constitutionally in the courts and would desire to impose Christian morality as law. amend the Constitution in order to protect it.1 Some construe any move to enshrine the traditional understanding of marriage as an We would like to reiterate that The Methodist undermining of the secular character of the Church in Singapore has not changed our Constitution. The truth of the matter is that stance, as outlined in our response to the correlation is not causation. Just because announcement,2 Methodist Social Principles,3 the Government intends to enshrine the as well as our agreement with the statements traditional definition of marriage does not made by the National Council of Churches mean that it has arrived at that decision by Singapore (NCCS) on this matter.4 way of specifically religious reasoning. 10 Methodist Message — September 2022

Only Parliament has the authority to As Christians, we are called neither to promulgate laws and has the responsibility privilege nor pliancy. We do not want to of doing so. However, like any citizen and participate in either religious or secular local association, Christians and our Church sectarianism. Rather, we believe it is have an equal right and responsibility to our God-given responsibility to seek the express our concerns on matters related to common good and the welfare of our our country and social well-being. Our public country. We are committed to public statements are guided by a fundamental engagement for the sake of the good of all. principle: to serve the common good of our This vision of communion—of a good that nation. There is a well-documented tradition would truly be common—is what energises of Christian theology that counsels the our engagement on substantive matters of Church to direct political reasoning towards public interest. the good of the community. Christian faith, in this sense, does not supply a political There is no doubt that our Christian vision agenda. Rather, it compels us to exemplify a of human flourishing may be at odds with care for our common life and future. Thus, the ideals or priorities held by others. We do safeguards we urge are not because we want not claim to be the sole arbiters of what is to preserve Christian morality for its own sake, good for society. We do not seek to be the but for the sake of the well-being of society. main actor on the national stage. We also do not deny the right of others to express Our Church does not believe that their views and ideas, even when it is in individualism, writ large, seen for example opposition to what we believe. However, in what Charles Taylor et al has critiqued we do strongly disagree with attempts as atomistic individualism, is the standard to mischaracterise Christian beliefs as of human flourishing by which to measure harmful discrimination. Furthermore, we public policy.5 Our beliefs are grounded in a are concerned that our right to share our vision of human flourishing that stands apart convictions stemming from (but which are from, but does not deny, personal choices definitely not exclusive to) our Christian and benefits. In this vision, every institution— beliefs, may be excluded on the ground like marriage, family, or schools—exists for that they cross over into politics. As our the common good. Our request that the Social Principles state, \"decision making Government put in place safeguards in these by consensus is fair and effective only areas is based on the conviction that Christian if the people have sufficient and safe morality can serve the common good of all. channels opened to them to participate in meaningful and honest discussion, without The distinction is important: we believe that fear of reprisal\".6 How we engage in dialogue what serves the common good is ultimately and public reasoning, even when we are beneficial for all individuals; conversely, opposed to begin with, may be as profound not every freely chosen individual choice is a priority as what we profess. beneficial for all. Our expressing this is not an attempt to impose a specifically Christian We therefore affirm the Government's call morality. It is rather to engage in a robust to exercise restraint, and to avoid extreme conversation about differing visions of the demands. We fully agree on the need Good drawn from shared morality. There will to protect our capacity to live together be differing views and emphases, but it is peacefully and render mutual assistance to obvious that one does not need, in principle, each other. to affirm any specific religion to concur with these broader concerns. September 2022 — Methodist Message 11

A Christian response to the repeal of Section 377A of the Penal Code Repealing 377A: What Methodists can The repeal of 377A and the safeguarding and must do in response of marriage and other aspects of law, The recognition that we need each other though vitally important and deserving of recalls the Wesleyan commitment to our attention and representations, are not, social holiness—holiness that is pursued finally, our highest priorities. The world will and achieved in community, not solitarily. not end if, or when, 377A is repealed. The We welcome anyone who wrestles with God of our Christian faith is sovereign over sexuality into the hospitality of the Church. the universe, and the arc of history bends True freedom is found not in atomistic inexorably towards his throne. We appeal for individualism, but in bringing our desires all Methodists to keep everyone involved in into accordance with our Creator’s design. this discussion—the Government, members We will not abandon anyone to the vagaries of Parliament, community stakeholders, of human experience and desire. Let us be advocacy groups, and all the inhabitants of unequivocally clear: our Methodist churches this city—in prayer. are open to everyone. In all things, we are empowered by the love The reminder of the Methodist ethicist Paul of God to manifest his love through our Ramsey is wise: \"Let the church be the church concrete acts for others. Expressing our and let the magistrate be the magistrate.\"7 concerns about 377A is one, but not the only, The Bible teaches us that the hope of the expression of our love for our neighbours. Let world does not lie in the realm of legislation us not become weary in doing good. When or public morality, but in the advent of a new the dust on this debate settles, may it be said creation in Christ. We do not expect God to of Methodists in Singapore that it was not save the world through our human reason, coercion but rather the conviction of the holy our pursuit of justice, our struggle for human love of God that illuminated our response to rights, or even by our best efforts to order the the repeal of 377A and that in our response world for the better, important as they are. But we have reflected the God whose Nature and while we live in the world, we submit to the Name is love. God-given authority bestowed on a legitimate Government, for the ways of judgment. We will 1 https://www.todayonline.com/singapore/ndr-2022- not project our hopes for public life upon the section-377a-repeal-constitution-1974206 world by sheer force of will, or by drowning out other voices in the public square. 2 https://methodist.org.sg/index.php/what-s- happening/789-mcs-response-to-repeal-of-section-377a- A Wesleyan voice in public affairs is not penal-code just a voice per se, but \"action… in the form of community\".8 A genuinely Methodist 3 https://methodist.org.sg/images/mcs/pdf/methodistsg- response to developments surrounding social-principles-2020.pdf 377A will neither consist primarily of public proclamations of our moral stand, 4 https://nccs.org.sg/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/NCCS- nor merely in seeking to influence the Statemt-on-Repeal-of-S377A-20220821.pdf. See also https:// Government to instantiate our moral vision nccs.org.sg/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/NCCS-Response- or policy goals. The call for Christians to to-Minister-K.-Shanmugams-parliamentary-speech-on- love God by loving our neighbour remains. the-Court-of-Appeal-Ruling-on-Repeal-of-Section-377A-. Methodists must, through the Spirit’s help, pdf, or https://nccs.org.sg/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/ demonstrate a community of love to the NCCS-Statement-Retain-377A.pdf world. It is our joy to remind all, regardless of sexual inclinations, of their sacred worth 5 See, for example, Charles Taylor, Sources of the Self: The before God. It is also our duty to surround all Making of Modern Identity, Cambridge: Harvard University persons with the love and support needed to Press, 1989. live faithfully before the face of God. 6 Methodist Social Principles, \"The Sphere of Politics\", §1c. 7 Paul Ramsey, Who Speaks for the Church? (Nashville, TN: Abingdon, 1967), 157. 8 Ryan Nicholas Danker, \"Early Methodist Societies as an Embodied Politic: Intentionality and Community as a Wesleyan Political Vision\", in Exploring a Wesleyan Political Theology (Nashville, TN: Wesley’s Foundery Books, 2020), 65. 12 Methodist Message — September 2022

Dr Morgan Zhou is the Chairperson of the TRAC Board of Children's Ministry and the Children's Ministry Coordinator at Fairfield Methodist Church. How does meritocracy fit into our Christian worldview? The Merriam-Webster dictionary refers to Since Singapore’s independence, a meritocracy as a \"system, organisation, meritocratic system has been the nation’s or society in which people are chosen main principle of governance and this and moved into positions of success, has allowed many Singaporeans to move power, and influence on the basis of their up the social ladder, resulting in high demonstrated abilities and merit\". In public standards of living and the nation’s very discourse, the promise of equality in terms high GDP per capita figures1 in the world2. of social mobility, opportunity, recognition While Singapore is recognised as a global and social justice embedded in merit is financial hub, there are growing concerns generally agreeable with people’s basic about social mobility and the perpetuation moral understandings; in recent times, of class divides. For instance, academically widening social inequality (perceived or gifted students in Singapore move along otherwise) in Singapore has renewed calls a certain pathway and are more likely to for a rethink of meritocracy. benefit socio-economically from scholarship September 2022 — Methodist Message 13

and career opportunities. After attaining homes to increase chances of enrolling some measure of success, these individuals into a particular school. The danger arises invest heavily in their children’s educational when we work hard for and take credit pathways compared to others and a for achievements and success in school, cycle of socio-economic achievement is ministry and career. perpetuated within certain segments of society. Jillian Lee, Principal of Sterling Campus, a Christian organisation that offers resources There is a temptation for those of us for faith-life integration, worldview to come out thinking that we are the development, and redemptive action, \"winners\" of this meritocratic system teaches her students about their role (as primarily because we have made the people redeemed by God’s grace) in society: right choices and are more disciplined \"I got my students to fold paper airplanes in and hardworking than others. Christian a competition to see whose plane would go author and minister Morgan Guyton shares the furthest but rigged it by telling a few of that such statements should never come them in advance to look up how to fold the out of the mouth of a Christian because best planes. The game highlights how some our most basic theological conviction get an advantage over others (through is that everything in life is a gift from tuition, enrichment classes and social- God: \"The moralistic meritocracy that so cultural capital) in standardised tests (or the many Christians today proudly espouse is equivalent) which does not consider other exactly what the Christian doctrine of our strengths like compassion and the ability to justification by God’s grace is supposed to relate well to others.\"4 protect us against.\"3 After the exercise, the students discussed The goal of a meritocratic endeavour is to how they were so much a part of the system ascend a ladder, to work your way up to (that they were blinded to the fact that the successful outcomes. This is clearly at odds odds were stacked against those from a with the notion that we are sinners saved lower socio-economic stratum) and made by grace through faith, revealed by Jesus’ a commitment to partner God to image death on the cross for our sins—we cannot justice into the world imago Dei and not earn our salvation; it is entirely God’s grace, rely on the government alone to fix things. his free, undeserved favour to mankind. The Gini coefficient, used to analyse Some of us might even consider Ephesians income inequality (where a coefficient 2:8-9 (NIV), \"For it is by grace you have of 0 reflects total income equality and been saved, through faith—and this is not a coefficient of 1 reflects total income from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not inequality), in Singapore has decreased by works, so that no one can boast,\" only from 0.41 in 2012 to 0.36 in 2021.5 Data from for salvation, and revert to a meritocratic Oxfam’s Inequality Index (which measures mindset for everything else. These a country’s commitment to reducing could include overloading children with inequality) indicates that Singapore has unnecessary enrichment classes or moving moved up the index significantly in recent 14 Methodist Message — September 2022

times6. The improvement in scores reflects Have we bought so deeply into the governmental commitment and policies meritocratic mindset that we have in public services, tax and labour rights forgotten to be more open and to reducing inequality, but will that be compassionate to meet the real needs of enough? What is the Church's and, more people who have not benefitted as much importantly, our response to the inequality from society’s progress? As God’s elect, we see around us in society? let us remember Ephesians 2:10 (NIV), \"For we are God’s handiwork, created in Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong Christ Jesus to do good works, which God recently called on Singaporeans to offer prepared in advance for us to do.\" We have ideas to shape the future of Singapore as been saved from the wrath that we rightly part of a Forward Singapore road map to deserve and are being made into something be released in the middle of 2023 that will beautiful—becoming active in good works— set out both policy recommendations and for his purposes and glory and as a united how various parts of society can better church community. contribute to the nation's shared goals, based on its values of a united people and a Let us consider how we may catalyse society that is just and equal. conversations in church and society to spur one another on toward love and good He shared: \"I hope to see a society and deeds, living as righteous people under system that benefits many, not a few; grace for the benefit of others instead that rewards a wide variety of talents, of self-glorification. What do we need to not a conventional or narrow few; that repent of and what work is the Lord stirring values and celebrates all individuals for in our hearts to undertake today? who they are and what they can achieve; and provides all with opportunities to do 1 https://www.singstat.gov.sg/find- better throughout their lives… We cannot data/search-by-theme/economy/ abandon meritocracy, but I believe we can national-accounts/latest-data improve it and make ours a more open and 2 https://www.worldeconomics.com/ compassionate meritocracy.\"7 Wealth 3 https://um-insight.net/in-the- church/practicing-faith/why- moralistic-meritocracy/ 4 From personal interviews with Jillian Lee, shared with permission. 5 https://www.statista.com/ statistics/951976/singapore-gini- coefficient-after-tax/ 6 https://www.inequalityindex.org 7 https://www.straitstimes.com/ singapore/lawrence-wong- launches-forward-spore-to-set- out-roadmap-for-a-society-that- benefits-many-not-a-few September 2022 — Methodist Message 15

Feature By Lianne Ong, Editor of Methodist Message / Photos courtesy of Josef Lee, Teresa Chiok, Wesley Loh and Valerie Tang-Yong Discovering my gifts in the Arts We speak to Methodists from the Arts sector on how they were led to their careers and discovered their God-given gifts. Josef Lee, 43 | Owner of a design and animation studio, published illustrator and author My father passed away when I was very young and my mum had to bring me and my two brothers up single-handedly, working two jobs. We were aged 12, 11 and 8 at the time. Today, all three of us are in the media and arts industry and doing well in our respective areas. This wouldn't have been possible without God's grace. My artistic skills and any talents that I have are all gifts from God, but practice and striving for excellence is necessary too. Even after being in the creative field for so long, I'm still learning. Right now, I'm pursuing a Masters in Design part-time. My choice to enter this field is not because academic pathways were closed to me. I did pretty well in in school actually. For my O-Levels, I got 10 points for L1R5 and that made me eligible for most schools. In fact, I had already decided on this path as early as Secondary 2. My elder brother (just one year older than me) was probably an influence as well as his grades were good too but he decided to pursue a diploma in the media and arts field. My mother had no objections at all— she was open-minded and never questioned our choices. Temasek Polytechnic's School of Design was the most well-known in this area during my time, so that's where I went. To young persons who are thinking of their career choices, find your passion and continue to work hard on becoming better at whatever you are doing. You can all find success in whichever field we are in, so long as you are passionate and really good at your craft. 16 Methodist Message — September 2022

Teresa Chiok, 32 | Ballet teacher Ididn’t do well in school. While I was an average student, I had always been interested in the Arts, whether it was fine art, music or dance. Since I was young, I put in a lot of time and effort into my interests. I guess it's not surprising that I did better in the humanities subjects in school and also in music and dance. But this was not the reason why I pursued dance as a career. It never occurred to me that I could venture into dance education. I embarked on a career in photography first. I started to think about ballet as my career only after realising I didn’t enjoy taking photographs of people I didn't know. The turning point came after I became an assistant teacher for my mentor. I realised I really enjoyed teaching ballet and seeing improvements in my students, no matter how big or small the improvements were. God has blessed me by giving me the younger generation. Parents these days are opportunity to meet the right people at the also more open-minded in allowing their right time. Dance education would never children to pursue the Arts as a career. have been an option for me if I had not met my mentor. By God’s grace, things just fell Everyone has their own path to take, at into place after I started my journey as a their own pace. Having a career is not ballet teacher. about racing against others. It’s more about choosing something that you can envision Being in the Arts sector is amazing and yourself doing for a long time. so fulfilling, but it's not easy, especially in current times. However, I’m glad the Arts is gaining more awareness amongst the September 2022 — Methodist Message 17

Discovering my gifts in the Arts Wesley Loh, 51 | Photographer I didn’t know what \"it\" was supposed to be, but I received it in faith. If it’s something from God, it must be good right? I was surprised, happy and slightly ashamed for being impatient with God. After the service ended, I walked back to my hotel room. I looked down the corridor and as I did so my mind began to abstract the corridor into graphic structural lines. I was stunned. My first years of work were in the I had never seen things that way before. information technology (IT) field. I realised God was super interested in my After three years of going through systems photography. This gift of abstraction is analysis, database and web design, I foundational in my photography. Without it, I was bored. During those years I was wouldn’t be here today doing the work I do. freelancing in photography, so I thought I’d try doing it full-time as a professional As of today, I’ve been doing photography for photographer. I fell in love with the business 33 years. It's been such a wonderful journey of photography, and decided to continue and I’m content and happy. with it. In my youth, I was not sure if God was Photo credit: School of the Arts Singapore (SOTA) interested in my photography hobby. I didn't think of photography as a pursuit in spiritual matters and it had no bearing on my studies. It never occurred to me to ask God to bless my photography. However, when I was about 30 years old, I had a spiritual experience that directly impacted my photography. At that time, I had plateaued in my journey as a photographer, and much as I tried to study and research, I knew I was missing something. At a Methodist camp in Malacca, I remember quite vividly the speaker asking if there was anyone who needed prayer, and I went up to the altar. \"God says you are impatient,\" the speaker told me. \"But he says he will give it to you now.\" 18 Methodist Message — September 2022

Photo credit (top and bottom): Valerie Tang-Yong, 37 | Makeup artist The Beautiful Moment Photography My academic path was smooth. I went to a SAP school and Junior College, trained to be an accountant, and obtained a degree with distinction. I worked in one of the largest business consultancies for many years. That's like the 'ideal' Singapore education pathway. However, I didn't find job satisfaction. When my then-boyfriend decided to embark on theological studies, I decided to take up a makeup course. At that time, I was running an online clothing store as a side hustle, so it made sense to learn makeup so that I could save money on hiring a makeup artist for photoshoots. I had no intention to work full-time as a makeup artist, but once I became a qualified makeup artist, God provided work right from the start. I was so overwhelmed doing both jobs I had to choose one to focus on. I had no idea I would enjoy doing makeup and hairstyling so much. I believe God led me to pick up this particular set of skills! I enjoy interacting with my clients very much and finding out about their lives. When my husband and I got married, we quit our jobs. Timothy left his job as an auditor in PricewaterhouseCoopers to work in a church and I became a full-time makeup artist. His parents were a bit shocked but mine were quite chill as they are very entrepreneurial by nature. To any young person thinking about your career path, just go with God’s flow. Don’t be hung up about the job you have in mind, because God might lead you elsewhere! September 2022 — Methodist Message 19

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. A sacrament of divine love As I write this article, many churches in Singapore are welcoming the return of their members to on-site Sunday services as Covid-19 measures are further relaxed by the government. The excitement of being able to gather physically in the sanctuary in such large numbers for worship is palpable, as many Christians experience a renewed sense of togetherness—the joy of being a community. The Church is indeed an assembly (ecclesia) and a fellowship (koinonia) of believers. However, it is a special and unique community that can never be reduced to a social club. Neither is it an association formed on the basis of common human desires, interests or cause, however noble. Indeed, the Church as the assembly of God’s people defies all sociological, cultural, political and phenomenological definitions. It can only be understood theologically. WE ARE HIRING! FINANCE MANAGER To apply and view other Employment Opportunities at MCS, visit bit.ly/mcsjobs Alternatively, send your resume to [email protected]

The magisterial reformers of the 16th As God’s people gather to worship and to century—Martin Luther and John Calvin— listen to God’s Word read and proclaimed, described the Church as the creatura verbi, they are continually being transformed by a creature of the word of God. The Church, in the truths and the values enshrined in the other words, came into being because of the Holy Scriptures. They become a \"community divine initiative—it is the product of God’s grace. of character\", to borrow Stanley Hauerwas’ arresting expression, manifesting love for God Gathered in the name of Jesus Christ, the and for one another, and displaying authentic Church is so profoundly and intimately joy, peace, freedom and justice.4 united with her Saviour by the power of the Holy Spirit that she is described in Scripture The Christian life is not just about personal as the body of her Lord (1 Cor 12:27; Rom 12:4- devotion to God. It has to do also with that 5; Eph 4:4). profound sense of what John Wesley calls social holiness—that genuine agapic concern \"The image of the body of Christ\", explains for each other. theologian Millard Erickson, \"emphasises the connection of the [C]hurch as a group of This includes making a deliberate effort to believers, with Christ. Salvation, in all of its embrace those in the Christian community complexity, is in large part a result of union whom we have consciously or unconsciously with Christ.\"1 marginalised—and there are such persons in every church! The Christian community, There is a real sense in which the Church—as shaped by God’s Word and energised by his Christ’s visible body—is where the Saviour Spirit, must embody the undiscriminating can be found. In his \"Sermon on the Gospel and self-giving love of Jesus Christ. for the Early Christmas Service\", Martin Luther explicates this profound truth in this And as the Church becomes by God’s grace way: \"The Christian [C]hurch… keeps all the what it has been created to be, it can reach words of God in her heart and ponders them, out redemptively to the world. It becomes \"a compares one with the other and with Holy kind of sacrament of divine love\" (Wainwright), Scriptures. Therefore [anyone] who wants a means of divine grace, a witness and an to find Christ, must first find the [C]hurch. instrument of God’s mercy and love. How would one know Christ and faith in him if one did not know where they are who For as Luther asserts, \"The church is not believe in him?\" wood and stone, but the assembly of people who believe in Christ.\" The Church is the Echoing the teaching of the early fathers communion of believers living the cruciform of the Church, Luther adds that the Church (cross-shaped) life and being transformed has \"Christ in [her] midst, for outside the into the image of their Lord (2 Cor 3:18). Christian [C]hurch there is no truth, no Christ, no salvation.\"2 It is the body of Christ, where the Saviour of the world can be found. Furthermore, as a community of believers united with Christ, the Church is a 1 Millard Erickson, Christian Theology (Grand Rapids, providential sign and symbol, indeed a Michigan: Baker House, 1985), 1037. mediator of God’s grace and love for the world. As the Methodist theologian 2 Martin Luther, “Sermon on the Gospel for the Early Geoffrey Wainwright has put so well: \"It Christmas Service”, in Church Postil (1522), in Luther’s is as men and women find, with the help Works, 55 Vols., ed. Jaroslav Pelikan and Helmut of the liturgy, 'centre of gravity and value' Lehman (Philadelphia and St. Louis: Fortress and in God that they are able to orient their Concordia, 1955-1986), 52:39-40. lives, as themselves a kind of sacrament of the divine love, towards the welfare of all 3 Geoffrey Wainwright, Doxology: The Praise of God persons created in the image of God and in Worship, Doctrine and Life (New York: Oxford called to his likeness.\"3 University Press, 1963), 123 (emphasis added). 4 Stanley Hauerwas, A Community of Character: Toward a Constructive Christian Social Ethic (Notre Dame, In: University of Notre Dame Press, 1991). September 2022 — Methodist Message 21

By the Methodist Welfare Services Communications Team / Photo courtesy of Methodist Welfare Services Bridging the gap between seniors and sports Currently, six different types of adaptive sports are played in MWS, including archery, darts and badminton. In the case of badminton, slower-descending balloons replace shuttlecocks, giving seniors more time to react, explained Brendon. For basketball, a modified 'hoop' created using a cluster of chairs arranged in a wide circle, makes it easier for seniors to score. Brendon Andy*, a resident at MWS Christalite \"Our aim is to remove barriers to sports guiding a Methodist Home (CMH), who is in the last participation for seniors. Being able to senior at MWS stages of life, had been in low spirits, feeling achieve goals like hitting the winning shot Senior Activity bored and aimless. during a basketball game, especially for the Centre - Teck frail seniors, improves their self-esteem and Ghee Vista But his days brightened with the introduction mood,\" shared Brendon. in adaptive of adaptive sports at the Home. Now, he has darts, where something to look forward to every day— Finding joy in helping seniors thrive the distance playing balloon badminton and other sports Brendon, 50, started his journey with MWS as between with his peers. a volunteer in April 2021, introducing adaptive dart board sports to seniors. and player The man behind the initiative is Brendon Yam. is adjusted As the programme development manager He became a full-time staff member five according to at MWS, he develops and oversees the months later. \"I have always been interested his or her ability implementation of adaptive sports activities for in engaging seniors directly at the ground seniors at MWS CMH and MWS Senior Activity level. My past work experiences in policy and Centres (SACs). These activities are aligned planning work did not allow for that,\" shared with the MWS Allied Health team’s mission to Brendon, referring to his senior management maximise rehabilitation potential and optimise stints at a non-profit and an aged care agency. quality of life for the elderly beneficiaries through integrated and holistic programmes. \"Engaging seniors and helping them grow in various areas of wellness through adaptive Making sports accessible to all seniors sports brings me great joy. Seeing their smiles Sports that have been modified to enable when they overcome the challenges in the people of differing physical abilities to activities motivates me to keep going.\" participate, also known as adaptive sports, means that all seniors can get involved, be they *Not his real name fit, pre-frail or frail, including wheelchair users. PARTNER US \"We promote adaptive sports because they are inclusive. Unlike typical sports, adaptive sports TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE allow seniors of different levels of fitness and frailty to play together,\" said Brendon. \"Adaptive Looking for ways to positively impact the sports are also a great way for seniors to stay community? Build a meaningful career with active and healthy, and make new friends.\" us and join us to engage, enrich and empower the lives of the disadvantaged and distressed. View our job openings at mws.sg/join-us. Alternatively, email [email protected] to join our pool of volunteers. 22 Methodist Message — September 2022

Outreach Daniel Loo has been a missionary with Methodist Missions Society (MMS) since 2016 and is the Pastor-in-Charge of Little Candles Methodist Church, Phrao, Thailand. / Photos courtesy of Daniel Loo Giving every child an opportunity for a future (top) L ittle Candles School (LCS) stems from Little Candles School as a ministry Mother’s Day a vision to bring the gospel to the Thai platform people in the sub-district of Phrao, Chiang in 2015 Mai. When my wife, Sharon, and I arrived in LCS has provided a platform for ministry to Phrao as missionaries in 2008 with a heart the students, staff, parents, and community (right) for church planning, we quickly discovered over the years. This has included Christian Ground a means of connecting with the local people teaching to the students through weekly -breaking through the universal desire for education. Bible activities, daily praise and worship, and ceremony on We found that many non-Christian Thais prayers before meals. The staff participate 10 November readily embraced the idea of a Christian in bible study lessons once a week, and join education, even though they were hesitant the Little Candles Methodist Church Sunday 2021 to join a church. worship service at least once a month. By faith, we started a three half-day per The school reaches out to the community week child-care programme in a rental through holiday events such as Christmas, apartment with six students (which included Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, and graduation two of our own) and two staff. Within where the children often do Christian two years, this expanded into a full-time presentations tied to the preaching of the registered nursery of 80 students and six gospel. staff. At that point, it became clear that new facilities were needed to accommodate The success of the school through its awards the growing ministry, so we registered the has been recognised by Thailand's Ministry Smart Kids Foundation in 2010 in order to of Education, and the achievements of its purchase land and build the Little Candles students have also made a positive impact on Kindergarten, which commenced operations the community. All these have enhanced the in 2012. image of the church in Phrao. As of 2021, LCS had 168 students at kindergarten level and 30 students at nursery level, giving it the highest enrolment of all kindergartens in Phrao. September 2022 — Methodist Message 23

Giving every child an opportunity for a future Expanding the school Christmas presentation in 2019 to include primary level education will influence the receptivity of future generations In 2020, after several years of discussion and of community leaders to the Christian mission. planning, Sharon and I oversaw the transfer of land and facilities of LCS from the Smart Kids Foundation Funding targets for the building project have to the Muangthai Mettakij Foundation, a subsidiary been reached in spite of increases in steel prices. of Methodist Missions Society (MMS), in Thailand. However, the School Board is considering raising This was done to ensure the long-term oversight of additional funding for furnishing requirements LCS under the accountability and support of MMS, including tables and chairs, and improved facilities and to expand the school to primary level education. such as science and computer lab equipment. Construction of the new facilities began in Will you help to give the children of Phrao the November 2021 and is expected to be completed for opportunity for a future? Primary 1 intake from May 2023 (Phase 1), with the final building completed by 2024 (Phase 2). However, For information on how with Covid-19 restrictions, rising steel prices and to make a donation, write to labour shortages, it has been challenging. [email protected] Nevertheless, with no other Christian schools in Phrao, we envision that LCS will play a vital role. Not only will it serve the spiritual needs of the Christian community, but also provide quality education to the wider public while introducing them to the Christian faith. The presence of LCS

You and 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. Breaking free from a legacy of wrath In last month’s issue of Methodist Message, that the angry outbursts are neither accidental I shared about three men seeking to nor spontaneous. Instead, it is volitional and free themselves from the legacy of harsh goal-directed behaviour—either to get what parenting. In their childhood households, we want or to help deal with unwanted love and care was only shown, if at all, when feelings like loneliness or shame. they met parental expectations. Violence was used to resolve problems. Sadly, although When I speak with men about this, many unhappy with this way of relating, they found protest. They say they cannot help how themselves repeating the same patterns they feel, for example getting offended or with their spouses and children. This article angry when others push their hot buttons. will focus on how to break free from such a They may also experience quick changes of legacy and break the cycle of family violence. emotions like being calm one moment and going ballistic the next. The first step is to recognise it for what it is. Relating to others in an overly controlling This is when I clarify that feeling upset differs fashion and using abuse or violence to get from acting aggressively. The former is an one’s way is wrong and sometimes, even emotion, which occurs quickly and may take criminal. It is also morally and spiritually a long time to master. The latter, however, is a unacceptable. behaviour. For instance, if a car cuts into our lane we may feel angry and sound the horn or What often prevents us from changing is our flash our headlights. However, if it is a police denial or justification of our behaviour, such car with lights flashing and siren wailing, as \"I lost control\", \"It’s out of (my) character\", \"I we usually find it in ourselves to restrain our can’t help it\", or \"I’ve been under lots of stress responses. The annoyance is the same in both lately\". Calling it a behaviour is to acknowledge cases but the actions are very different. September 2022 — Methodist Message 25

Breaking free from a legacy of wrath Recognising one's emotions You will notice that the process of change The road to change involves recognising and healing begins with the self before when one’s emotions are stirred up and focusing on the relationship. Do not expect taking action to manage one’s behaviour forgiveness while the abuse and violence before it is too late. Taking action involves is still ongoing. Full reconciliation is not learning a range of responses that match possible when abusive partners’ actions keep the intensity of the emotional escalation and driving the victims away. one’s capacity for control. Patience from the victims is necessary but Time out: Move away from the trigger should be matched by perseverance to Very high emotional escalation and low self- change by the other. If you are living under control may call for a contingency response. the tyranny of a person with an explosive The \"time out\" response—moving away temper, do speak with someone for advice from what is triggering the emotion and on how to protect yourself and once safe, going somewhere to cool down—is best. begin the process of personal and relational While this does not fix the problem, it limits healing. If you need help to break free from further damage. Time out is like applying an abusive legacy, speak with someone you the emergency brake to prevent a crash. This respect and trust or call a helpline. step of disengagement should be followed by steps to de-escalate one’s feelings. Know that we are not meant to live in such misery and help is available. Active problem-solving When the emotional state is at mid-range RESOURCES FOR HELP and one has some control, active problem- solving may be attempted. This may involve National Care Hotline: expressing oneself clearly and offering 1800-202-6868 suggestions to resolve the situation. Before doing this, it is advisable to be calm and Society Against Family Violence: think through what to say in a measured www.safv.org.sg way. If the attempt at problem-solving [email protected] gets protracted or runs into a roadblock, stop before frustration sets in. If the causes (resources for both men and women) of the problems are historical in nature, it may be time to find a mediator or a Samaritans of Singapore: counsellor. Problem-solving is not about 1800-221-4444 winning arguments and proving you are [email protected] right. It is about finding a way forward that works for both. When others’ actions annoy us and we are in a good state, we can choose to ignore them. Using healthy distraction or focusing on what is good in the relationship may be sufficient to diffuse our feelings. We need not fix everything that does not go our way. Learning to master and apply these three categories of responses may be challenging but it helps to recognise that the journey of change can be long, with ups and downs. 26 Methodist Message — September 2022

Worship Amelia Leo is a Programmes Executive at the Worship & Church Music Department of the Methodist School of Music. She and her husband, Joshua Loke, share a passion for writing new songs and retuning old ones for the edification of the church. Faith exists in the community \"I love you, Lord, oh your mercy never fails me\" (Goodness of God, Bethel Music) \"I will build my life upon your love\" (Build My Life, Pat Barrett) \"Hallelujah, praise the One who set me free\" (Living Hope, Phil Wickham) Abrief look at the top ten worship songs has a purpose: we are called, so that all the on Christian Copyright Licensing communities around us will be blessed (Gen International's list reveals what many of us 12:2-3); so that we may proclaim the good sing in church today—heartfelt songs to God news of Christ (1 Pet 2:9b). about how he saved each of us, and how we each resolve to live for him. While there is The communities around us will see God, nothing wrong with such songs, they tend to and thus be blessed, when we love one dwell on our individual salvation experiences another (1 Jn 4:12). But how does loving each and responses. If these are the only songs we other look like? Charles Wesley’s hymn, \"All sing, we will be missing out on a vital part of Praise to Our Redeeming Lord\", expounds God’s redemptive plan—that God has called on this. By grace, we are first reconciled us to be \"a holy nation, a people for his own to God and to each other. On this basis, we possession\" (1 Pet 2:9). are commanded to build each other up and journey together. Every individual gift is to be That God calls us primarily as a community lovingly offered to the service of the whole, is well-established in Scripture. God’s and unity is preserved through Jesus’ name. covenant to Abraham involved him as well as his descendants (Gen 17:7); and God’s The church today is surrounded by call on the nation of Israel to be a holy communities, societies, and nations wrecked people (Deut 14:2) is also echoed in the by division and strife. What a powerful New Testament (1 Pet 2:9). Furthermore, testimony it would be if, in Wesley’s words, our calling as a faith community always \"our fellowship below in Jesus be so sweet\"! September 2022 — Methodist Message 27

Faith exists in the community ALL PRAISE TO OUR REDEEMING LORD Words: Charles Wesley / Music: Joshua & Amelia Loke All praise to our redeeming Lord, who joins us by his grace, and bids us, each to each restored, together seek his face. He bids us build each other up; and gathered into one, to our high calling’s glorious hope, we hand in hand go on. The gift which he on one bestows we all delight to prove; the grace through every vessel flows, in purest streams of love. Even now we think and speak the same, and cordially agree; concentered all, through Jesus' name, in perfect harmony. We all partake the joy of one, the common peace we feel, a peace to sensual minds unknown, a joy unspeakable. And if our fellowship below in Jesus be so sweet, What height of rapture shall we know When round his throne we meet. Note: This hymn was retuned in 2020 by local composers in the hope YouTube link that more will sing these texts in churches today. 28 Methodist Message — September 2022

He Sihao worships and serves at Ang Mo Kio Chinese Methodist Church. He is currently pursuing a Bachelor's degree programme in Communications at Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS) and working at Spartans Boxing Club. / Photo courtesy of Jonathan See How to gain, save and give all that I can Being a Methodist is to love God and our or others and Creation. To \"Save\" means to live neighbours in all aspects of life, including simply and forego an extravagant lifestyle. through the good stewardship of wealth. This occurred to me when I started working recently. This leads to us being able to \"Give all you can\", where the act of giving is an expression of our John Wesley viewed stewardship as an integral love for both God and our neighbour. In Wesley's part of discipleship. In his sermon on \"The Use words, \"(money) is an excellent gift of God, of Money\", Wesley stated that Methodists ought answering the noblest ends. ln the hands of his to \"Gain all you can\", \"Save all you can\", and children, it is food for the hungry, drink for the ultimately, \"Give all you can\". thirsty, raiment for the naked. It gives to the traveller and the stranger where to lay his head.\" I was proud of myself for having fulfilled two out of the three exhortations. To work hard and to This is how I can love my neighbour. I can express save diligently is exactly what I have been doing. my love by ensuring that my neighbours, as children of God, do not lack for anything, while I On closer reflection, I learnt that Wesley meant am content with what I have. for us to \"Gain\" without harming our body, soul by Kopikaki team

DISCIPLESHIP: HELPING PEOPLE BECOME FULLY MATURE IN CHRIST  19, 26 Sep / 3, 10, 17, 31 Oct / 7 Nov 2022, (Mondays), 7.30 p.m. to 9.30 p.m. Wesley Methodist Church / via Zoom (TBC) Visit https://ttc.edu.sg/english/study-at-ttc/equip-course-details-1/ $100 (Free for TTC Alumni and TTC Matriculated Students / Registration required) The gospel is not just about saving people from hell. God is saving people to be a new humanity, people who bear the image of Jesus. Most churches have some discipleship programme but this course will not focus on programmes. We will re-examine, from the context of Scripture and the realities of life today, how to help our people grow in Christlikeness. We will look at what Christlikeness looks like, and at the resources God has given us to help people to be more like Jesus. Our focus is not on some group of spiritual elites but on helping all of God’s people become “fully mature in Christ” (Colossians 1: 28–29). The class will become a learning community where instructor and class members will seek the Lord together for His wisdom on this critical subject. Organised by EQUIP VOCATIONAL CONVERSATIONS: DISCERNING YOUR PASTORAL CALL 1 October 2022, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Toa Payoh Methodist Church  Visit tiny.cc/TRAC_discern Vocational Conversations is an interactive session where you can explore more about your calling into full-time pastoral ministry. Hear stories and testimonies from various pastors about their journeys into the vocation and how the Lord has led them. This session is especially suited for those who have an interest or are discerning their call into the pastoral ministry. Come join the conversation. Organised by TRAC Board of Ministry THE FAITH WE SING: CHARLES WESLEY FOR THE CHURCH TODAY 8 October 2022, Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Holland Village Methodist Church Register by 30 September at https://msmusic.edu.sg/events/tfws2022/ Come and discover the richness of our Methodist tradition, and its relevance to the times we live in! Join ST Kimbrough, the founding President of the Charles Wesley Society (USA) as he sheds light on Charles Wesley’s theology and its importance in today’s world. Thereafter, expand your horizons with a series of skills training workshops and a song festival based on locally-composed tunes and Charles Wesley texts. Organised by Methodist School of Music PASSING ON FAITH 15 October 2022, Saturday, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. ACS (Barker Road), Mrs Lee Choon Guan Concert Hall Register at https://tinyurl.com/passingonfaith2022-MFM In today’s climate of uncertainty, our children will need tools to face the challenges that come ahead. In this season, the role of fathers as spiritual heads of the home has never been more important. How can fathers pass on faith and anchor our next generation for the future? The Methodist Fathers Movement aims to build up fathers so that they can raise strong families. Come and find out what the new season of fatherhood and son-/daughter-ship entails. Be encouraged by God’s Word and receive an impartation of blessing to become the best father you can be. Hear from our speakers Bishop Emeritus Dr Wee Boon Hup, Mr Jason Wong, and a panel of pastors and young adult leaders. This event is open to all fathers, spouses and families. Organised by Methodist Fathers Movement