Methodist Message: Jan 2022

THE METHODIST CHURCH IN SINGAPORE Vol 124 No 1 JANUARY 2022 The MSepthhoedisrteSoociafl PtrhinecipClehs: urch ISSN 0129-6868 MCI (P) 044/11/2021

Contents Methodist Message 1 Bishop’s Message needs your help! Do you have a way 2 Events—Coming Up with words? Can you draw—on paper 3 Church Life—Presidents’ Greetings or in digital media? Can you design? Do 4 News—ETAC 46th Session you like writing? Do you take photos? 6 News—CAC 46th Session 11 News—TRAC 46th Session We’re looking for volunteers! 15 Methodist Heritage—Everything you’ve always wanted to know about MCS Writers: to help cover events, write book 19 Church Life—TPMC Have a Meal on Us reviews / poems / any other article 20 News—MSM CCW Course 2021 22 News—TRAC WSCS Christmas contributions Sub-editors: to edit articles 24 Reach Out—Welfare Services Proofreaders: to help check out layouts 26 Reach Out—Missions Photographers: to contribute photos of events 28 Relationships—You & Your family they have attended Illustrators: to draw comics 29 Hymns & Songs / infographics / anything else that might be 30 Opinion—Soundings 32 Poem inspiring 33 What does being a Methodist mean to you? 34 Events—Looking Ahead If you have these skills, or any others that might make MM a better read, contact us! [email protected] EDITORIAL BOARD The official monthly publication of The Methodist Church in Singapore. Published material does not necessarily reflect the official view of The Methodist Church. Adviser and Publisher All Scripture quoted is based on the English Standard Version unless otherwise stated. Dr Anthony Goh Chairperson 70 Barker Road #06-04 Singapore 309936 Council on Communications 6478-4793 | 6478-4763 message.methodist.org.sg | www.methodist.org.sg Editor [email protected] Sheri Goh fb.com/Methodist.SG @methodist.sg Sub-editor Tan Chiu Ai Design & Production by Londonbob Design — Printed by Adred Creation Print Pte Ltd Have something to say or share? Email us at [email protected] Communications Executive Jason Woo Proofreader Tan Sheng Ling

BISHOP’S MESSAGE Bishop Dr 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. The Sphere of the Church? A Sphere of Grace I write these words on a date on which C. S. Lewis was born 123 years ago. Lewis, who taught English Literature at both Oxford and Cambridge Universities, is said to have walked into a room of religious academic experts who were discussing whether there was anything unique to the Christian faith. They ruled out the concept of incarnation since other religions had various versions of gods who appeared in human form. Similarly, the resurrection was not considered unique since other faiths also envisaged a return from death. “What’s the rumpus about?” Lewis asked as he entered the room. His colleagues replied that they were debating if Christianity had any unique contribution among world religions. Lewis said, “Oh, that’s easy. It’s grace.” We are told that the conferees, after some discussion, agreed that Lewis was right. Most, if not all religions, offer advice on how to earn divine approval—but it is Christianity alone, at least in the consensus of those present that day, that championed the teaching that God’s love is extended with no strings or conditions attached, a concept of pure grace that goes against the almost universal instinct of meritocracy.1 Whether or not Lewis and those religious academics were fair in their assessment, surely it is correct that the notion of God’s unmerited grace and unmerited love is a prominent, if not the preeminent, emphasis in the Christian Scriptures? And if this is true, then may we who are the Church of Jesus Christ be known, pre-eminently, not as a fraternity of conditions and laws, but as a family of welcoming grace and unconditional love for everybody—regardless of race, language or religion. May we who are the Church of Jesus Christ always remember and reflect the amazing truth that “from his fulness, we have all received, grace upon grace” (John 1:16). May the Church be a Sphere of God’s grace. 1 Scott Hoezee, The Riddle of Grace: Applying Grace to the Christian Life (Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 1996), 42. |METHODIST MESSAGE — January 2022 1

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Church Life ¢ Presidents’ greetings 2022 Rev Dr Gregory Goh Nai Lat Rev Philip Abraham Rev Stanley Chua President of the Chinese Annual Conference President of Emmanuel Tamil Annual Conference President of Trinity Annual Conference I believe the pandemic “The Lord himself goes before Just when we thought we had turned has brought many changes you and will be with you; the corner in our fight against COVID-19, to the rhythm of our lives. He will never leave you nor Life may have gotten busier we received news that the virus has and more stressful, but I also forsake you. Do not be afraid; mutated again. At the point of writing, believe that the pandemic do not be discouraged.” this news has sent shivers all over the has helped us to crystallise (Deut 31:8) what is essential and eternal world with noticeable panic-selling as we reflect on what we We praise God for sustaining our in markets across Asia as investors Church through a very challenging take a wait-and-see approach in the had been doing day in face of emerging information on and day out in the past. 2021. Indeed, the COVID-19 pandemic has forced the Church the Omicron strain of the virus. May we never forget to reflect on the sovereignty of what we have learnt God. These tumultuous times have What do we do especially for those of us and always remember who have already been badly affected strengthened our trust in that God’s grace our Lord. He remains King and suffered much because of the is sufficient for us.  and Lord over this world. ravages of this disease? How do we overcome our fear of the future?   2022 will definitely bring new I believe the best way is to always “Glory to God challenges. Will we use these remind ourselves of what God’s Word in the highest heaven, opportunities to draw near to God promises us when Jesus says, “and and on earth peace and sit in His peaceful presence? behold, I am with you always, to the to those on whom For the character of God can never end of the age” (Matt 28:20b). And his favour rests.” change. May we, the Church, rise up whenever we feel afraid, let us also be (Luke 2:14 NIV) to take our place in spreading His reminded of what the Psalmist says, love to our hurting world. Our God “When I am afraid, I put my trust in   is powerful and mighty to save! you” (Ps 56:3). And so, as we go into Merry Christmas this new year, let us hold on to these two and Blessed New Year! I wish all of you a Christ-filled 2022. Scripture verses and pray to our Lord to keep us strong and hopeful. To God be the glory! Here’s wishing everyone a blessed new year. |METHODIST MESSAGE — January 2022 3

News ¢ Emmanuel Tamil Annual Conference 46th Session Jason Woo is Communications Executive at MCS Comms. / Screenshots courtesy of Emmanuel Tamil Annual Conference (ETAC) Praying for and seeking workers for the harvest Bishop Emeritus (top right) (bottom left) ETAC President Rev Philip Abraham presenting Dr Robert Bishop Dr the President’s Review Solomon Gordon Wong delivering the delivering the sermon at the sermon at the closing service opening service O riginally planned as a physical conference to be is actually “malicious talk” or rumour-mongering that held at Pasir Panjang Tamil Methodist Church, the exacerbates ill-will and bitterness. “A grumbling spirit is a Emmanuel Tamil Annual Conference (ETAC) 46th very serious problem. When we grumble, we hear our own Session took place online over Zoom in the interest of frustrations and fail to hear what others are saying. When the delegates’ well-being and safety. we grumble, other people avoid us, and are afraid to tell us what they think,” warned Bishop Dr Wong. Over two days between 12 and 13 Nov 2021, the Session was the first in the new 12th quadrennium (2021–24) The other way is to “hold firmly to the word of life” (Phil which Rev Philip Abraham helmed as President. Rev 2:16). The Greek verb for “hold firmly”, Bishop Dr Wong Philip Abraham was elected into office after the General explained, can mean both holding on or holding out, as seen Conference session in 2020. in some Bible translations. “So did Paul mean for us to ‘hold on’ firmly to God’s wonderful Word of life? Or did he mean Holding on and holding out that we should ‘hold out’, hold forth God’s Word of life for other people to receive? We can’t be sure,” said Bishop Dr In his sermon to all three Annual Conferences, Bishop Dr Wong. He added, “Both translations make good sense.” Gordon Wong preached from Philippians 2:14–16: “Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may “So maybe we should learn from both translations. We hold become blameless and pure, ‘children of God without fault on firmly to God’s Word and this will enable us to hold out in a warped and crooked generation’. Then you will shine or hold forth God’s wonderful Words of life for others to among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the taste and see,” concluded Bishop Dr Wong. word of life. And then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labour in vain.” A new quadrennium, a new vision Highlighting Paul’s reference to the “warped and Upon assuming office as ETAC President at the start of 2021, crooked generation” of his time, Bishop Dr Wong drew Rev Philip Abraham made sure to hit the ground running. a parallel to today’s world, which is in the throes of the COVID-19 global pandemic. “How then should Christians In his President’s Review presented on the second day ‘shine like stars in the [dark] sky’?” challenged Bishop of the Conference Session, Rev Philip Abraham outlined Dr Wong. He offered two ways. his plans for ETAC to focus on the harvest of souls for Christ during his term of office until 2024. He likened The first is not to grumble or argue. Bishop Dr Wong the current quadrennium to that of an agricultural cycle explained that the “grumbling” to which Paul referred where ETAC will “Pray, Seek, Sow and Reap”. |4 METHODIST MESSAGE — January 2022

2021 was the year when ETAC prayed along the lines of Matthew 9:38: “Ask the PASTORAL Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.” APPOINTMENTS FOR THE YEAR 2022 For 2022, ETAC will be engaged in the “Seek” part of the overall vision. “Seek” is inspired by Jesus’ words in John 4:35, “Don’t you have a saying, ‘It’s still Ang Mo Kio Tamil Methodist Church four months until harvest’? I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest.” This no doubt creates a sense for urgency for ETAC Pastor-in-Charge to redouble its efforts to find workers to reap the harvest. Rev Philip Abraham Rev R Prabhu outlined one of the chief challenges for ETAC in the coming year in order to see its vision come to fruition—to attract and retain a critical mass of youth Jurong Tamil Methodist Church members within its church ranks. ETAC also announced that it will be actively looking to employ a youth worker to support the youth ministry. Pastor-in-Charge Rev Philip S Abraham “Some of the local Methodist Youth Fellowships (MYFs) are finding difficulties Part-time Approved Supply Pastor in getting leaders to lead their Youth Ministry. Due to this difficulty, some Mr Jesudoss Charles chapters have adopted the ‘Youth Coordinator’ setting. For a more sustainable ministry, there is a need to conduct in-depth study to understand the Pasir Panjang Tamil Methodist Church challenges of youth leadership,” revealed Rev Philip Abraham. As a follow-up, he will be initiating a meeting with the ETAC MYF leadership in early 2022. Pastor-in-Charge Rev Philip S Abraham In addition to giving a run-down of the events, projects and initiatives over the year, Rev Philip Abraham announced the re-engagement of Rev R Prabhu to serve Seletar Tamil Methodist Church as a pastor this year. Pastor-in-Charge God is always in control Rev Nagulan James Bishop Emeritus Dr Robert Solomon preached during the closing service of the Sembawang Tamil Methodist Church ETAC 46th Session. His message was based on Exodus 4:1–9, which describes Moses’ encounter with God in a burning bush. God told Moses then of His Pastor-in-Charge plan to liberate the Jews from Egypt and use Moses as His instrument for the Rev C Saravana Kumar mission. However, Moses tried to evade God’s call even as God showed him three, in the words of Bishop Emeritus Dr Solomon, “private miracles”. Short Street Tamil Methodist Church These miracles were the transforming of Moses’ shepherd staff into a snake, the Pastor-in-Charge healing of Moses’ leprous hand and the promise to turn the water of the Nile Rev Albert Vijay Joseph into blood. Associate Minister Rev Anil Kumar Samuel Likening the call of Moses by God to free his people from the land of Egypt to the work in which missionaries and clergy are always engaged, Bishop Emeritus Dr Toa Payoh Tamil Methodist Church Solomon hoped that the Scripture passage would serve as a reminder that God is in control over all the churches’ various ministries. Pastor-in-Charge Rev C Saravana Kumar The staff that was turned into a snake represents the gifts and experiences that we Part-time Approved Supply Pastor often pride ourselves over. However, if not consecrated by God—as seen with Moses Mr Stephen Shadrak where God personally transformed the staff—the ministry will not be fruitful. Telugu Methodist Church The healing of Moses’ hand in an instant shows that God alone has control over our earthly bodies. Only by allowing God to work through our mortal shells and Pastor-in-Charge sanctify our hearts can we see revival in our ministries. Rev Anil Kumar Samuel The third private miracle or promise, which came to pass as one of Egypt’s SPECIAL 10 plagues, shows God’s power and His control over any land He sends us to. APPOINTMENTS This includes times when missionaries and clergy might find themselves in FOR THE YEAR 2022 unsettling environments that are inhospitable and fraught with challenges. It is in times like these that they should take a step back and see that it is not who District Superintendent they are but Who is with them. Rev Nagulan James “As Christ Himself has said, in this world you will have trouble, but take heart, He Methodist Homes Coordinator has overcome the world,” concluded Bishop Emeritus Dr Solomon. Rev Anil Kumar Samuel Information is correct at time of printing.

News ¢ Chinese Annual Conference 46th Session Jason Woo is Communications Executive at MCS Comms. / Photos courtesy of the Chinese Annual Conference (CAC) Nothing to do but to save souls Deacon Ordination Elder Ordination T he rousing outro of “Give Us a Vision” faded away, Using those questions as a springboard, Rev Dr Goh which signalled the start of the 46th Session of reiterated that even amidst such a disruptive global the Chinese Annual Conference (CAC) held at Hakka situation, the Church is about being Christ’s disciples. Methodist Church from 15 to 18 Nov 2021. 2021 also marked “Our identity is not our church membership, not about the start of Rev Dr Gregory Goh’s second term as the CAC our serving in church ministries such as Sunday School President. His inaugural term in the last quadrennium saw teachers, cell group leaders, LCEC members, lay leaders significant progress for CAC, especially in sharing resources or clergy. Who are we? We are disciples of Jesus Christ. and increasing cooperation amongst its local churches with That is our identity when we stand before our Lord Jesus the implementation of Central Pooling. Christ,” reminded Rev Dr Goh. Giving an account of 2021 along with a forecast of what is A disciple-making Conference to be done in 2022 and beyond in his President’s Address, Rev Dr Goh quickly made it clear that the focus for CAC With that point made, Rev Dr Goh announced that a would be disciple-making. He quoted John Wesley, who Disciple Making Conference Task Force (DMCTF) had said, “You have nothing to do but to save souls. Therefore, been established in October 2021 with the goal to spend and be spent in this work. And go always, not only focus on and consolidate the various disciple-making to those that want you, but to those that want you most.” models of the local churches so that a consistent disciple-making pathway can be created for all CAC Rev Dr Goh started off with an introspective question churches to take reference from and follow. Rev Dr on the role of the Church after two years of a pandemic Goh stressed that this is especially crucial in the that has necessitated changes in how people gather to itinerant appointment and connectional system that is worship God. He asked the delegates present to think the bedrock of the Methodist Church. about how the changes thus far have impacted the ways ministries are run and if the Church will emerge stronger Rev Dr Goh further elaborated that the DMCTF is made up from the pandemic. of two working teams each looking into a specific area namely: Disciple Making Pathway (DMP) and Disciple “When many ministries and activities that we used to hold in Making Pastors and Leaders (DMP/L). These teams will church cannot be carried out as planned, we start to question be led by Dr Stephen Yeo and Khoo Hock Yun respectively. how we can continue to live out our faith. How can we be His The DMCTF is scheduled to meet quarterly beginning in disciples? Have I done what Jesus has commanded? Am I a 2022, whilst the two work groups will meet separately disciple of Jesus Christ?” challenged Rev Dr Goh. and report to the DMCTF on a regular basis. |6 METHODIST MESSAGE — January 2022

Localising the Sunday School curriculum Rev Dr Goh also raised the pressing need to localise the current Sunday School materials, which are produced in Hong Kong or Taiwan, where Chinese is the primary language and the different local contexts influence the curriculum development. He highlighted a recent forum that was initiated by Four Denominations Council of Chinese Churches, where it was identified that suitable Sunday School materials need to be developed for children for whom Mandarin is a second language. Rev Dr Goh sounded a call to action for CAC churches to collaborate and mobilise efforts to kick off the Explore the Bible in Chinese (EBIC) project. “This is a ground-breaking initiative aimed to support Bishop sermon Chinese churches and congregations to develop Sunday School materials in Chinese as a second language. This Rev Dr Goh emphasised that only by having Christ-like project is headed by Rev Dr Lim Teck Peng from Trinity humility can the Church enjoy true unity, for Christ came Theological College. The project has started and will not only to redeem humankind but also to restore the cover the curriculum for pre-school to Secondary 4,” God-like humility lost when sin entered the world. announced Rev Dr Goh. “There are plans to launch the Kindergarten 1, Primary 3 and Secondary 1 teaching “Christ’s humility in His service to man and also before materials in the second half of 2022.” To assist churches the Father is frequently displayed to us in the Scriptures. with forward planning, the EBIC team has organised an Multiple times in the holy Scriptures, Jesus shares that He online introductory session on 30 Oct. did not come to earth to accomplish His will, but the will of the Father who sent Him. In humility, He would always “Let us pray for the teams as they look into the pedagogy, give all glory to His Father in Heaven. design, contents, editorial, training and many more aspects of this project. May God use this project to bless “Indeed, we require more of God’s help and grace in the our future generations.” school of humility,” said Rev Dr Goh who reminded the congregation, especially the new elders and deacons Be ashamed of nothing but sin about to be ordained, that John Wesley once said that he would gladly have 100 preachers who feared nothing but In his sermon during the Closing and Ordination Service, sin and desired nothing but God while also exemplifying Rev Dr Goh spoke on the Biblical call for humility, which Christ-like humility. he felt is not often preached about in churches. “Do not misunderstand humility for weakness. People “Many a times in our service and work…we may encounter with true humility are courageous people. A person who times when we feel ashamed to do something, or feel is truly humble before God fears only sin and nothing that we are of too high of a status to do them,” observed else. Such a person would be willing to do anything for Rev Dr Goh. “We often emphasise our individual worth, God,” elaborated Rev Dr Goh. or the potential to live out our dreams. In this society, we put too much weight on individualistic achievements and “I want to encourage you who have just stepped into the self-actualisation.” school of humility. Be ashamed of nothing but sin. Be afraid of nothing but sin. Desire nothing but God.” Sharing his honest self-reflection, Rev Dr Goh described his personal journey in humility since serving as CAC President for several years. “As I come to experience more, lead more meetings, manage more matters, I’m finding myself less and less humble. If humility is a measure of the progress of my spiritual life, then I have made no progress,” admitted Rev Dr Goh. |METHODIST MESSAGE — January 2022 7



Information is correct at time of printing. |METHODIST MESSAGE — January 2022 9

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News ¢ Trinity Annual Conference 46th Session Sheri Goh is the Editor of Methodist Message. / Photos courtesy of Daniel Lie Remember who we are The TRAC 46th session was held on-site at AMKMC as well as online Bishop Dr Gordon Wong Retiring pastors recognised: (from left to right)）： Elders being ordained: (from left to right) Rev Timothy preaching at the opening service Rev Dr Peter Wong, Rev Dr Lorna Khoo, Rev Paul Nga Yong, Rev Jacob Lim, Rev Collin See, Rev Anthony Phua “Lord, what happened to all these churches? How in the having the form of religion without the power. And this undoubtedly will be the case unless they hold fast world did they end up losing their passion for you?” both the doctrine, spirit, and discipline with which they first set out.”1 It was 2001, and Rev Stanley Chua was on a study trip with a team of Methodist pastors led by Rev Dr Isaac “But what about our Singapore Methodists?” Rev Chua Lim, then President of the Trinity Annual Conference continued. “It appears to me that many are ignorant (TRAC), to observe and understand first-hand the work about the background and reasons as to why Methodist of the Methodist churches in the UK. are known to be methodical. Neither can they articulate the significance of John Wesley’s “strangely warmed” Rev Stanley Chua, who is now TRAC President, recounted experience at Aldersgate, as they have no idea of what how he felt in his President’s Address during TRAC’s 46th this means in our Methodist doctrine or what significance session held at Ang Mo Kio Methodist Church (AMKMC) it might hold for their own experience.” and online from 22 to 25 Nov 2021. He recalled how deeply shocked and saddened he was during his church The membership of churches under TRAC have only grown visits in the London, Guildford and Manchester areas to at an average of 1.68 per cent annually over the last see that the majority of the Methodist churches were 10 years. In 2019, 12 churches registered a decrease in struggling to survive. After all, the UK is the home baptism numbers for youths and adults; many youths country of John Wesley, who founded the Methodist and young adults have gone over to younger churches. movement and set the nation on fire for God. Furthermore, there are many “missing members”, i.e. those who are registered church members but do not Doctrines, spirit and discipline attend church. This will result in an extrapolated shortage of pastors in 10 years’ time, because the pastors joining One reason, Rev Chua believes, the Methodist churches the ministry are fewer than ones who are retiring. in the UK, and also in the US, are experiencing declining membership is that they have largely forgotten the Our Singaporean society is becoming more polarised prophetic words of John Wesley to hold fast to their along age lines, as the younger people in Singapore— doctrines, spirit and discipline: including those in the Church—are developing more liberal views on sex and gender issues. These issues “I am not afraid that the people called Methodists could potentially divide the church, like what has should ever cease to exist either in Europe or America. happened to the American and British Churches. But I am afraid lest they should exist as a dead sect, |METHODIST MESSAGE — January 2022 11

Trinity Annual Conference 46th Session “If we remain complacent and do nothing about these The TRAC Building Projects Committee has been approved challenges and looming threats, I’m afraid our Methodist to administer the application of the TRAC Lease Renewal Church in Singapore may not exist 100 years from now,” Fund. The Conference was assured that churches that said Rev Chua. “I don’t claim to have a grand solution to apply for the TRAC Lease Renewal Fund will be judiciously all these challenges […] but I feel a good step forward and prayerfully processed by the TRAC Building Projects is by going back to our basics. We do this by going back Committee. to recover our Methodist heritage and our founder’s teachings. Perhaps, by relearning our past, it can tell us Also, as we have learnt over the last two years, the digital what to do in the present.” space offers a valuable place to grow the Christian ministry, and churches should continue to explore how we can grow Back to basics and more fully utilise online platforms. Rev Chua proposed that the theme for TRAC for the A heart after God’s heart next three years should be: “Remember Who We Are: Rediscovering our Methodist Heritage of Spirit, Doctrine The opening and closing services were live-streamed, with and Discipline”. To that end, he invited all delegates on-site participants at AMKMC limited due to COVID-19 safe to recover our understanding of our Methodist history, management measures. During the opening service, new doctrine, spirit and discipline with him, starting with a local preachers received their preaching licences while the weekly two-hour study of The Burning Heart by Arthur retirements of Rev Dr Lorna Khoo, Rev Paul Nga and Rev Dr Skevington Wood. This will run from May to June 2022, and Peter Wong were recognised. later to reflect and draw practical lessons to implement in our churches in their respective districts with their District At the closing service, Bishop Dr Gordon Wong presided Superintendents from July to Aug 2022. over the ordination of the following Deacons: Pastor Emanuel Goh, Pastor Jeremy Yap and Pastor Tay Li Ping. The three-year strategy will cover the following topics: Rev Anthony Phua, Rev Collin See, Rev Jacob Lim and Rev Timothy Yong were ordained as Elders. The appointments • 2022—Recovering our Spirit (Heritage) of Pastors and District Superintendents were read out and Study of our historical roots will take effect from 1 Jan 2022. • 2023—Recovering our Doctrines In his sermon at the closing service, Rev Stanley Chua Studies in the essential doctrines of Methodism preached a sermon based on 1 Samuel 16:1–13 entitled “A Heart after God’s Heart”. He reminded the Annual • 2024—Recovering our Disciplines Conference about God’s tremendous love for us, as shown Studies in the disciplines of the early Methodists in the way God displayed his love for the shepherd (and (prayer, searching Scriptures, the Lord’s Supper, later king) David from the Bible. fasting, Christian conferencing [classes and bands]) “I believe with all my heart that God is still looking for Church growth and sustainability a David and a people like John Wesley and the early Methodists—men and women after His own heart in our Over the four days of the TRAC 46th session, pastors generation. and lay leaders discussed the issues their churches were facing, and prayed for one another’s needs. The General “I believe when God finds such people after His own Conference Councils and the TRAC Boards also presented heart, He can do it again like what he had done through their yearly reports to the Conference members. John Wesley and the early Methodists,” Rev Chua said, encouraging TRAC to continue the legacy of spreading Notably, the Church Growth and Sustainability Task Force, scriptural holiness, like John Wesley did during his lifetime. which was formed to guide local churches who wished to apply for support from the TRAC Lease Renewal Fund, “The hope of Methodism,” said Rev Chua, “lies with our emphasised the need for the accountability of churches as generation.” well as good stewardship. Of the 21 TRAC churches, a third have fewer than 500 attending their weekly services. The 1 John Wesley, “Thoughts Upon Methodism”. task force recommended that the minimum optimal weekly attendance for Churches that are affected by the land lease renewals should be 500 for best sustainability. |12 METHODIST MESSAGE — January 2022

Trinity Annual Conference 46th Session PASTORAL APPOINTMENTS FOR THE YEAR 2022 District 1 District 2 District 3 District Superintendent District Superintendent District Superintendent Rev Dr Jonathan Seet Rev Reuben Ng Rev Alvin Chan Barker Road Methodist Church Ang Mo Kio Methodist Church Agape Methodist Church Pastor-in-Charge Pastor-in-Charge Pastor-in-Charge Rev Wendy Watson Rev Anthony Lee Rev Dr Chiu Ming Li Pastors Pastors Pastor Rev Dr Daniel Koh Rev Lee Yam Kai Rev Jason Phua Rev Lawrence Chua Rev Nga Mee Hee Rev Lai Kai Ming Cairnhill Methodist Church Rev Benjamin Fong Assistant Pastor Rev Emanuel Goh Pastor-in-Charge Assistant Pastor Rev Dr William Sam Pastor Gilbert Lok Living Hope Methodist Church Pastor Bedok Methodist Church Pastor-in-Charge Rev Ling Kin Yew Rev Joel Yang Pastor-in-Charge Fairfield Methodist Church Rev Dr Aaron Tay Pastor Rev Joshua Loo Pastor-in-Charge Pastors Rev Wendy Tay Rev David Gwee Methodist Church of the Incarnation Rev Timothy Yong Assistant Pastor Pastor-in-Charge Pastor Reginald Chan Christ Methodist Church Rev Edmund Koh Toa Payoh Methodist Church Pastor-in-Charge Assistant Pastor Rev Dr Edwin Wong Rev Allan Lee Pastor-in-Charge Rev Benjamin Lee Pastors Paya Lebar Methodist Church Rev Dianna Khoo Pastors Rev Barnabas Chong Pastor-in-Charge Rev Ming Feong Ching Rev Daniel C Tan Rev Dr Kow Shih Ming Rev Poh Zhi-Hui Christalite Methodist Chapel Pastors Wesley Methodist Church Rev Vincent Goh Pastor-in-Charge Rev Christopher Chin Pastor-in-Charge Rev Shaun Chong Rev Jacob Lim Rev Raymond Fong Assistant Pastor Assistant Pastor Pastors Rev Tay Li Ping Rev Joey Chen Rev Lim Jen Huat Rev Michael Tan Kampong Kapor Methodist Pentecost Methodist Church Rev Lilian Ang Church Rev Chia Chin Nam Pastor-in-Charge Rev Gladwin Lee Pastor-in-Charge Rev Dr Jonathan Seet Rev Adrian Ng R ev Kenneth Huang Rev David Ho Seng Hian Pastors Pastor Rev Tay Kay Leong Rev Collin See Assistant Pastors Rev Anthony Phua Rev Benjamin Lau Assistant Pastor Pastor Clement Ong Pastor Isaac Tan Trinity Methodist Church Pastor-in-Charge Rev Alvin Chan Pastors Rev Paul Nga Rev Sng Chong Hui Rev Byron Teo |METHODIST MESSAGE — January 2022 13

News ¢ Trinity Annual Conference 46th Session District 4 SPECIAL APPOINTMENTS FOR THE YEAR 2022 District Superintendent Director, Truthmin Rev Dr Edwin Wong Rev Byron Teo Assistant Directors, Youth Ministry Aldersgate Methodist Church Rev Benjamin Fong Rev Timothy Yong (Schools) Pastor-in-Charge Rev Allan Lee (Trackers) Rev Dr Lynette Sathiasingam Director of Young Adults Ministry Assistant Pastor Rev Adrian Ng Rev Jeremy Yap Director, Lay Equipping and Development Institute (LEAD) Rev Ming Feong Ching Covenant Community Methodist Church Assistant Director, Lay Equipping and Development Institute (LEAD) Rev Ling Kin Yew Pastor-in-Charge Director, Seniors’ Ministry Rev Dr Malcolm Tan Rev Irene Thung Pastors TRAC Crisis Relief Coordinator Rev Daniel Terence Yeo Rev Jason Phua Rev David Ho Gim Pin TRAC Chaplains to TRAC TTC Students Rev Dr Chiang Ming Shun Faith Methodist Church Rev Dr Bernard Chao Lecturer, Trinity Theological College Pastor-in-Charge Rev Dr Chiang Ming Shun Rev Reuben Ng Rev Dr Bernard Chao Pastors Rev Wendy Tay Rev John Benedict Foo On Sabbatical Leave Rev Peter Koh Rev Gabriel Liew Rev Eddie Ho On Short-Term Sabbatical Leave 1 Jan 2022 – 30 Jun 2022 Assistant Pastor Rev Ivan Tan Rev Chan Mei Ming Study Leave Rev Chan Siew Chye Holland Village Methodist Church Rev Ian Lee Coordinator Peranakan/Indonesian Ministry Pastor-in-charge Rev Jimmy Wong Rev Jeremy Ong Pastor Coordinator Peranakan Ministry/Indonesian Ministry Rev Loretta Lim Rev Christopher Chin Living Waters Methodist Church APPOINTMENTS MADE THROUGH Pastor-in-Charge THE BISHOP’S OFFICE Rev Khoo Kay Huat Assistant Pastor Director, Ministry in Schools Rev Alex Chew Rev Dr Aaron Tay METHODIST MISSIONS SOCIETY 2022 Associate Director, Ministry in Schools Executive Director Rev Derrick Lau Rev Dr William Sam Missionary Pastor (East Asia) Rev Tan Cheok Kian Rev Anthony Lee Missionary Pastor (Thailand) Rev Clarence Lee Missionary Pastor (Vietnam) Rev Leslie Lim Information is correct at time of printing. Area Director (Timor-Leste) Rev Teresa Wilborn Missionary Pastor (Timor-Leste) Rev See Swee Fang

Methodist Heritage ¢ Dr Anthony Goh is Chairperson of the Council on Communications, and a member of Bedok Methodist Church. He and his wife, Hui Ling, are passionate about Marriage Enrichment and Preparation Courses, and enjoy ballroom dancing. / Photos courtesy of MCS Comms EVERYTHING you’ve always wanted to know about The Methodist Church in Singapore (but were afraid to ask) General WSCS MMS MWS Schools Other Conference Agencies (Bishop) ANNUAL CONFERENCES CAC ETAC TRAC (President) (President) (President) The Malay Mission in 1902 46 LOCAL CHURCHES (Pastors) W e sometimes forget that we are not a loose association of independent churches, but part of The Methodist Church in Singapore (MCS), which comprises not only of 46 churches but also schools and various agencies such as the Methodist Missions Society, Disciple Agency and the Methodist Welfare Society. We are much larger than most realise, and serve the community in and outside of the church in many ways. The Annual Conferences After Oldham founded the church mission in Malaya in 1885, we became the Malaya Annual Conference in 1902. In 1976, we became The Methodist Church in Singapore. We are autonomous; we are affiliated with but do not report to nor come under other worldwide Methodist churches in the World Methodist Council. Rev William F Oldham |METHODIST MESSAGE — January 2022 15

EVERYTHING you’ve always wanted to know about The Methodist Church in Singapore As a local church, you would fall under the oversight of one of our three Annual Conferences (called Annual because they meet every year): namely the Chinese Annual Conference (CAC); Emmanuel Tamil Annual Conference (ETAC); and the Trinity Annual Conference (TRAC). Within each Conference, churches are grouped into Districts, and report to a District Superintendent (DS) who is an Elder of the Church. The Annual Conferences were initially organised along The Council of Presidents of MCS for 2021–24: (from left to right) language lines, but these distinctions have been blurred Rev Stanley Chua (TRAC), Bishop Dr Gordon Wong, Rev Dr Goh Nai over time and local churches now conduct services and Lat (CAC), Rev Philip Abraham (ETAC) meetings in various languages. The General Conference, Agencies Each Annual Conference has an elected President and and Social Principles Vice-President who hold the responsibility for a term of four years in each quadrennium. This four-year period is The General Conference oversees the three Annual because the highest governing body of MCS, the General Conferences and their churches (a local church is called Conference (GC), meets once every four years. At these a Local Conference) as well as various schools and quadrennial meetings, a new Bishop of the General agencies.  Many members have attended the Disciple Conference is elected, as well as Annual Conference Bible Study, which is administered by the Disciple Presidents and other office-bearers of the Church. Agency (DA) and serves as a common Christian education curriculum for MCS. The Disciple Agency recently The Bishop guides and represents MCS as well as commemorated 30 years of ministry in Singapore with a represents her in various non-Methodist organisations Thanksgiving Service at Faith Methodist Church.1 and meetings. He or she is also concurrently the overseeing Bishop for some regional countries. (He oversees the overseas!) Bishop Dr Gordon Wong was consecrated as the Bishop for the 12th The Disciple Bible quadrennium of MCS in December 2020 Study series Another Agency you may have interacted with is the Methodist Missions Society (MMS), which looks after all our missionaries sent out by Methodist churches here. Appointment, training, safety and ministry of the missionaries is coordinated, deliberated and prayed- over, and medium- to long-term planning is done for our various mission fields here. We in Singapore are the fruit of missionary work by Methodist missionaries. |16 METHODIST MESSAGE — January 2022

Our Social Holiness is served by the Methodist Welfare For early childhood education, the Methodist Preschools Services (MWS), which runs nursing homes, a hospice, (MPS) manages several kindergartens in church premises family service centres, active ageing centres, senior and seeks to provide holistic preschool education and care activity centres, student care, a girls’ residence, as well whilst constantly maintaining high standards through as home care services. You may have participated in their review, training and upgrade of staff and facilities. many initiatives, such as Get Out of Debt (GOOD). …and more You would also be familiar with the Social Principles which have been updated and adopted by the General Conference. We also have a Christian Columbarium at the Garden of Remembrance at Choa Chu Kang, where our ashes may Methodist Schools and Preschools be interred, or meetings and retreats held in beautiful meeting rooms amidst the serenity of the venue. To develop the skills and liturgical knowledge of how to use music in churches, the Methodist School of Music (MSM) runs courses for musicians, dancers, worship leaders and pastors, choirs, as well as audio-visual team members. It is co-sited with the Trinity Theological College premises at the John Wesley Centre in Bukit Timah. Our well-known schools come under the Ministry of The Garden of Remembrance Education, but we maintain a church in each school’s premises, and have at least one chaplain for each school. There are also ministries organised at the Annual These chaplains are augmented by the Christian Ministry Conference (AC) levels; ETAC and TRAC have AC-wide Staff (CMS) who work with the students in character, Youth Ministries. ETAC Methodist Youth Fellowship emotional and spiritual development. Religious Emphasis conducts a service for all youth on every third Sunday Week, Prayer Meetings and other nurturing activities are of the month at Ang Mo Kio Methodist Church. Apart organised for students, staff and parents and are the from organising retreats, it seeks to develop youth into unique characteristic of our Mission schools. leaders of tomorrow within the church as well as in the community.  Each local church in ETAC has its own The Methodist Schools Foundation (MSF) helps in to MYF committee and regular fellowship gatherings. TRAC raise and administer funds to maintain the facilities has TRUTHMIN, which is known for its three-month-long and infrastructure of our schools, as well as provides TRACkers Youth Discipleship Programme and the annual bursaries, teaching equipment and other teaching aids to Fusion Conference. These have been instrumental in supplement our schools. setting the hearts of participants on fire for the Lord. MMS celebrating its 30th anniversary in Nov 2021 |METHODIST MESSAGE — January 2022 17

EVERYTHING you’ve always wanted to know about The Methodist Church in Singapore The seniors are not left out, and CAC Seniors’ Ministry conducts weekly bible study and fellowship for seniors at both AC and local church level. Glowing Years Ministry (GYM) by TRAC also organises gatherings, worship and activities such as karaoke and outings to encourage fellowship and Christian growth for self, socially, spiritually. All Methodist women are automatically members of If you would like to find out more about the history the Women’s Society for Christian Service (WSCS), of MCS, we have a rich collection in the Archives and which is organised from the GC level down through the History Library with materials and objects of historical AC and the local churches. It has various programmes significance in the Methodist Centre at Barker Road. and activities across the three conference levels for women to be equipped in the areas of leadership and Methodists are also represented in the National Council servanthood for the general ministry of the church. of Churches (Singapore), the Trinity Theological College, the Inter-Religious Organisation of Singapore, and various Methodist Message is a publication of the General inter-denomination and inter-faith associations. Conference, and produced monthly in both hardcopy and web-based media to keep all Methodists abreast Together with the work of the local church such as Social of development and plans in the body. Our website and Concerns and Evangelism, Family Life, and what most social media presence on Facebook and Instagram are readers would be more familiar with, MCS as a whole also managed, in parallel to those of the local churches, seeks to be the salt and light of the world. It is good to ACs and other ministries. know that we do not operate independently in a silo, but are part of a greater connexion in God’s kingdom. Did you know that the annual Aldersgate SG event at the end of May is one of the highlights of the General For more information about The Methodist Church in Conference? It is open to all, especially Methodists. Guest Singapore, visit us at preachers and speakers are invited to speak, and the event culminates in a celebration service in which all the local churches from the three Annual Conferences participate. The Methodist Festival Choir and Orchestra at Aldersgate SG 2019, the www.methodist.org.sg last time the event was held in person and without restrictions before fb.com/Methodist.SG the COVID-19 pandemic struck @methodist.sg https://www.youtube.com/c/MethodistSG |18 METHODIST MESSAGE — January 2022 TO SUBSCRIBE to our WhatsApp broadcast channel for updates, information and prayers, save +65 6478 4786 in your phone contacts as “MCS”. (Please note that you will not be able to receive broadcast messages without saving the number.) Then complete the form at tinyurl.com/mcswhatsapp 1 Methodist Message, December 2021, https://message.methodist.org.sg/disciple- celebrates-30-years-of-gods-faithfulness

Church Life ¢ Audrey Ong is a Pastoral Staff member of Toa Payoh Methodist Church (TPMC). / Photos courtesy of TPMC Presenting HAMOU vouchers to SBS TransitLink Some of the participating stalls displaying HAMOUR posters Have a meal on us TPMC Gives W hat happens when Toa Payoh Methodist We were able to enlist 48 hawkers to join us in serving Church (TPMC) worshippers exhibit one of up at least 100 meals each to 50 beneficiaries. TPMC our core values—that of generosity? We get worshippers were challenged to give towards this an overwhelming response from our worshippers who cause, because we want to be a blessing in the midst gave so that we can bless the food business operators, of the pandemic. low-income families and bus captains who operate and live in Toa Payoh. What warmed our hearts was the generosity of TPMC worshippers who gave beyond what we targeted. With the Have A Meal On Us, or HAMOU, is one of the many TPMC excess funds received, we were able to do more. Gives initiatives in which we serve and are a blessing to the community around Toa Payoh. Every year, as part Around the same time, news broke of the COVID-19 cluster of our church anniversary celebrations, we look for at Toa Payoh Bus Interchange. Staff at Toa Payoh Bus ways to bless our neighbours. These are organisations Interchange, especially the bus captains, had to put in extra that serve the Toa Payoh community—for example, the effort and time at work. Business at the eateries at the bus healthcare organisations, schools, transport workers interchange was also affected as there was generally less and food business operators. foot fall in the area. During the COVID-19 pandemic, we have heard of how To encourage our neighbours, the bus captains and the food food and beverage (F&B) businesses were affected. operators at Toa Payoh Bus Interchange, TPMC extended F&B operators at the coffeeshops around Toa Payoh HAMOU to the Interchange. We pre-paid 2,500 meals at Central shared that revenue was down, with some the bus interchange eateries and SBS TransitLink staff could months going as low as 30 per cent since the pandemic redeem these meals using the specially-printed HAMOU started. So in 2020 and 2021, our anniversary projects vouchers in the months of Oct and Nov 2021. were to bless the operators in these coffeeshops. In total, we were able to bless at least 100 low-income This year, we began with an initial plan to bless the beneficiaries and 400 bus captains with 7,600 meals. One stallholders by pre-paying at least 100 meals at each participating hawker shared with us through a simple text stall. These meals were served to low-income families message: “I thank your church for the light shone to us supported by Care Corner Family Service Centre, Toa during these difficult times.” Payoh. The beneficiaries could redeem a meal at the participating stalls by presenting HAMOU vouchers We thank God for those who contributed to HAMOU from Aug to Dec 2021. and for being a blessing to those in our Toa Payoh community. May TPMC be a blessing and enable others to encounter God’s love. |METHODIST MESSAGE — January 2022 19

News ¢ Amelia Leo is a Programmes Executive at the Methodist School of Music (MSM) Worship & Church Music Department. / Screenshots courtesy of MSM Certificate in Christian Worship (CCW) Course 2021 E very year, the Methodist School of Music (MSM) runs a CCW class of 2021 six-module course on Christian worship called CCW. At MSM, we believe that worship leaders cannot merely Particularly, two lessons from the various lectures be skillful in singing or playing an instrument. They must and practicums resonated with me. Firstly, I learnt be grounded in the biblical, theological and historical that worship is a significant discipleship tool that foundations of worship, in addition to being skilled in shapes the congregation towards Christlikeness. their service. They must also be acutely aware of the Previously, I had only thought of worship merely as impact that worship has on the congregation’s spiritual an “appetiser” to the sermon, preparing the hearts formation, and the pastoral aspect of being a leader in the of the church to receive and listen to the message. worship ministry. However, through the course, my perspective has shifted. Realising that worship songs themselves are The course is conducted over six months, with one lecture imbued with theology, I have now come to see the series and one practicum session per module. This year, worship set as an extension of the sermon, helping MSM plans to launch an Intermediate Level of the course the congregation remember scriptural messages, for those who have attended CCW previously and would God’s character, story and calling for us. like to pursue worship studies at a deeper level. Beyond this, I have also gained clarity into the Here are what some of last year’s participants have to say differences between a performer and worship musician. about the course: While both seek the attention of the audience, the worshipper redirects this attention towards God and His Timothy Goh, Wesley Methodist Church, word instead of the self. Working towards excellence, CCW class of 2021 (English), Worship Leaders’ Track the worshipper also seeks to bring their best offering to the Lord; but in humility, does not seek to manipulate As someone relatively new to the worship ministry, I the congregation into a response but recognises that took up this course in hopes of learning more about God is ultimately the one who convicts and moves worship—its heart, significance and forms. However, hearts. These lessons have transformed me, helping through the course, I have come to discover so much me be more aware and intentional in my personal more, broadening my understanding of praise and worship and ministry. worship: in learning about the relational habits embedded in songs; history and trends of worship; This course was really insightful and useful. I would different types of services (i.e. thematic, liturgical, definitely recommend it to those serving in the worship experiential); and discipleship through music. ministry. Whether one is an experienced leader or new like me, the course is rich in content and there are takeaways from which everyone can benefit. |20 METHODIST MESSAGE — January 2022

Jasmine Loh, Charis Methodist Church, made my spiritual journey sweet again in the midst of CCW class of 2021 (Chinese), Worship Leaders’ Track all this bitterness. Through the six modules of study, as well as through The six modules of CCW equipped me well and expanded attending MSM’s first episode of Conversations, titled my understanding of worship more. Since I came from “Online Worship: Reflections & Insights”, I discovered a Baptist background, we normally give importance to that we can only learn to worship through worship. the sermon alone. After attending this course, I realised that the entire worship order is equally important: The most enjoyable part of the course was the morning gathering; word; table; and sending. worship services, as this was where I experienced first- hand the sacredness of worship, and witnessed what a Though I am not from the liturgical tradition, now I am smooth flow of worship looked like. starting to understand how all these worship styles can be blended: liturgical worship; thematic worship; My favourite module was “Worship and Spiritual and experiential worship. Liturgy brings worship into Formation”. How can the congregation’s spiritual daily life as the work of the people in the service life be nurtured and cared for in corporate worship? of God. Worship can shape us, transform us and It is through reading Scripture and understanding make us disciples. We Baptists do not observe the God’s Grand Story, as well as through remembering liturgical year; however, I have come to understand what God did in the past, what He is doing in the how it helps us recall and celebrate the mysteries present, and what He will do in the future. Now when of Christ—His life, death, resurrection, ascension and I worship on Sundays, it is as if I had an extra pair of impending return. eyes and ears to listen to what God is saying to me, as well as what He is saying to the congregation. I now As a musician, I have learnt that we must first worship experience personal worship and corporate worship in God personally before we lead others to worship. Even a different way. preparing for the worship must be the actual, personal worship, and not just technical preparation. The song CCW class of 2021 choices we make must magnify who He is, what He has done and how we can respond to Him. Salai Nay Lynn Htun, Chin Baptist Church (Yangon, Myanmar), Sacred musicians focus not on themselves but totally CCW Class of 2021 (English), Church Musicians’ Track on God. Like Ethan and Heman of King David’s time, we must have a worship life, the attitude of training The year 2021 did not start well for me and my country. ourselves daily and training fellow musicians in order As you all know, the COVID-19 virus still threatens us to produce excellent sound in worship. The most and the military coup has hurt us physically, mentally important thing is to let God speak through us (e.g. and spiritually. Questions have been raised among the how Psalm 88 and 89 were composed by Ethan and Christians: Where are you, Lord? Are You not working? Heman). Does God still exist? Does prayer work? In spite of the importance of worship elements and We are like the Israelites when they were in the place excellent music, the heart of worship is the most of Marah. Everything seems bitter for us. But as the important. I have come this far not only because of tree made the water sweet, the CCW is the tree that the lecturers have taught us, but also what we, as participants, have learnt from each other. Module 5 Worship |METHODIST MESSAGE — January 2022 21

News ¢ Text and photos courtesy of TRAC WSCS God rest ye merry gentlewomen “A merry heart does good, like medicine, A group joining the TRAC WSCS Christmas celebrations from the Philippines but a broken spirit dries the bone” (Prov 17:22 NKJV) T his was an especially appropriate verse chosen by TRAC WSCS base their Christmas celebrations on in the midst of a long-drawn pandemic. “Power of a Merry Heart” was held on the afternoon of 11 Dec 2021 (Saturday), with more than 200 ladies in attendance, eager to hear the message of joy and hope. In addition from individuals who had signed in to the online programme, there were two groups from the Oikos Helping Hand in the Philippines. The time of worship began with two young ladies from Bedok Methodist Church (MC) who sang two lovely songs: “Great is the Measure of Our Father’s Love” and “So You Would Come”.

This was followed by Jemima Ooi’s sharing about “Joy in the THE LORD. “Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, Mission Field”. She testified of joy in the midst of abject rejoice” (Phil 4:4). Our unchanging Lord Jesus, who is poverty and suffering in a refugee camp in East Africa ever-present, promises that on His return, He will wipe where she has spent eight years. Many families who had away every tear from our eyes. God knows what pains escaped war lived in squalid tents. While visiting a family, and trials we face. But there is hope, for Emmanuel, God she was badly bitten by fleas and through her discomfort, with us, has come. This is not head knowledge but a God spoke to her of His compassion for those who had reality He gives to our hearts. suffered so much more than flea bites. Their needs were so basic—merely blankets and walls to keep out the chill. Jemima helped build a simple house and with the support of Singapore friends, more than 250 such homes were built. This is what joy is—He is with us, no matter how horrendous our circumstances! Jemima Ooi sharing Rev Wendy Tay about her refugee work in East Africa Pastor Wendy shared a well-known photo of a horrifying scene during the Vietnam War in 1972. A young girl, naked and screaming after a napalm attack in her village, is seen running down the road in a Pulitzer Prize-winning image captured by a photographer. The girl, Phan Th Kim Phúc, survived but was physically and mentally scarred. She was bitter and enraged by the unfairness of life that left her in pain. Original refugee shelter In 1982, Kim Phúc read about Jesus. God, who took on human flesh, was mocked, tortured and killed. He understood her pain. As she invited Christ into her life, her inner anguish was released. She learnt to forgive. Her heart was healed. Though she still bears the scars, she experienced peace and now actively advocates for children who are victims of war. New home for refugee family Similarly, God offers us healing. Our dry bones can be replaced by a merry heart. Such joy and gladness cannot be taken away, for the power of the Resurrected Christ is the key to a merry heart. Pastor Wendy invited those who have yet to put their trust in Jesus to commit their lives to Him. As we prepared our hearts for God’s message, we were With the words of encouragement and gladness ringing serenaded by a team of young musicians from Bedok MC. in our ears, TRAC WSCS President Neo Lay Tin closed the This was followed by a word game, enjoyed by the ladies session, thanking all who attended. as they typed fast and furiously to be the first to answer. Remember, Christ, our Saviour Rev Wendy Tay, Pastor-in-Charge of Fairfield MC, shared Was born on Christmas day… God’s Word based on Proverbs 17:22. Joy, gladness and a O tidings of comfort and joy, merry heart is the medicine to heal our physical, mental Comfort and joy, and spiritual wounds. In contrast, a broken spirit wounds, O tidings of comfort and joy. afflicts and saps our strength. What determines or limits our joy? Are the concerns about family, health, jobs and “Jemina Ooi’s sharing on her mission in East Africa the future eating us up? surely must have touched many hearts.” —Pauline Yeo, Paya Lebar MC God tells us that we need not live in such a joy-less state. Some may try putting away negative thoughts but “This virtual event is honestly one of the best I’ve the failure to do so will only cause guilt. We may find attended because I could see that it was specially temporary happiness in possessions, people or good crafted with so much joy, fun and God’s presence!” health. However, the only lasting source of joy is IN —Theodora Ho, Bedok MC |METHODIST MESSAGE — January 2022 23

Reach Out ¢ Welfare Services By the Methodist Welfare Services (MWS) Communications Team / Photos and visuals courtesy of MWS LIFE STORY: MWS 40TH ANNIVERSARY THANKSGIVING SHOW A CELEBRATION of positive change, transformation and hope I n what was the culmination of a year-long celebration of Methodist Welfare Services’ (MWS) establishment 40 years ago, MWS held a virtual thanksgiving show on 3 Dec 2021 that showcased some of the classiest acts in Asia to raise funds for MWS’ critical services. LIFE STORY was a celebration of MWS’ Life Story of empowering people to have life to the full, and the many stories of positive change, transformation and hope witnessed through the hundreds and thousands of lives MWS has cared for.

Deborah Koh, caregiver to her late Veteran powerhouse performer husband, a former patient of MWS Home Frances Yip Care & Home Hospice More than 300 in the audience witnessed captivating Methodist Festival Choir performances by Kit Chan, one of Singapore’s most established and beloved artistes, and a rare Kit Chan, one of Singapore’s appearance by veteran powerhouse Frances Yip, both most beloved artistes of whom specially recorded their performances for MWS. In particular, Kit Chan shared how she learnt Loaves & Fishes Auction of artworks co-created by MWS to “let go and let God”, and among several songs, CEO Junie Foo, staff and beneficiaries performed one entitled “A Time for Everything”, which was inspired by Ecclesiastes 3:1–8. Special guests who graced the event included Rev Dr Gordon Wong, Bishop of The Methodist Church in Other performers included the Methodist Festival Singapore; Mr Tan Kwang Cheak, CEO of the Agency for Choir, the non-profit arts group The TENG Ensemble, Integrated Care; and Mrs Fong Loo Fern, Chairperson of and Loaves & Fishes, a quartet comprising mother and MWS Board of Governance. son duo Imelda Teo and Joshua Low, and their good friends Chan Xingwei and Michelle Yap. 40 years ago, a few Methodist volunteers were moved by the growing needs of the sick and poor in Singapore. If the music was a balm for the soul, the beneficiaries’ That seeded the establishment of MWS’ first centre—the life stories were faith-affirming. Especially powerful Methodist Home for the Aged Sick—that admitted its first was the story of 64-year-old Mdm Deborah Koh, six elderly sick in 1983. 40 years on, even with 21 centres who was caregiver to her late husband, a former and programmes and over 8,000 beneficiaries, what has patient of MWS Home Care & Home Hospice (MWS not changed is the mission to keep empowering those in HCHH). Her story of overcoming fear and doubts, need so that they may find life to the full. reconciliation in a broken marriage and a life set free in Christ is testament to the power of MWS’ Truth be told, every life empowered translates to holistic care and commitment to our mission.1 improved circumstances for a whole family, a whole community and potentially a whole generation. By God’s To help raise funds, staff and beneficiaries from seven grace, may MWS continue to make lasting impact for the MWS centres and programmes co-created unique art next 40 years and more. pieces that were put up for auction. In addition, MWS CEO Ms Junie Foo, whose art is treasured by collectors in different continents, contributed six artworks specially created for this event. Audience could also donate for Thanksgiving Packages that comprise curated culinary delights from the celebrated kitchens of Les Amis Group restaurants, gifts from social enterprise partners, and donor acknowledgement. 1 Read Mdm Koh’s story at https://mws.sg/mws40th-40-stories. |METHODIST MESSAGE — January 2022 25

Missions ¢ Rev Derrick Lau is the Executive Director of the Methodist Missions Society (MMS). / Photos courtesy of MMS Reflection on the Missiology Landscape in the new year, 2022 Digital missions trip held between Gen4C, the Youth ministry at LHMC, and Song Roi Phee Preaching Point@Thailand Group photo of COSY hostelites P raise God for the dawning of a new year. 2022 Faith of our fathers! living still offers new challenges and possibilities for In spite of dungeon, fire, and sword; the Missio Dei.  O how our hearts beat high with joy. Whenever we hear that glorious word! The early disciples, filled with the anointing of the Holy Faith of our fathers; holy faith! Spirit, spread the Message of redemption, reconciliation We will be true to thee till death. and restoration in Christ across vast lands and stormy seas in an almost insatiable manner. Alongside Today, the Gospel has penetrated every conceivable the  kergma  [i.e. proclamation], the converts were nation on this planet. We praise God for missionaries, taught the Word of God [didache]  through the process pastors, preachers, tent makers, churches and mission of contextualisation that made the Message relevant to organisations that relentlessly spread the Good News. the prevailing culture and heritage.  The Methodist Missions Society (MMS) continues to While the disciples’ missiological endeavours conquered play her role in mobilising the Methodist community old mindsets and brought about a new and fresh to collaborate and support the twin strategy of church understanding of the Kingdom of God, they also faced planting and community development in this region fierce opposition and hostile resistance. Through the with a single focus on lives being impacted by the love ages, the pages of missiological enterprise in places and of Christ and their transformation serving to lead their communities unfavourable towards the Gospel revealed families, communities and nations to the Lord too!  sadly the price of propagating one’s faith, including the   messengers’ martyrdom, e.g. Stephen, Peter and Paul, Our Lord Jesus proclaimed: “The harvest is plentiful, but to name just a few. Notwithstanding that, the spirit of the labourers are few” (Matt 9:38). According to the Joshua mission continued unabated. Project, out of a world population of 7.84 billion, 41.8 per cent remain unreached.1 And a significant percentage is The hymn writer Frederick W. Faber (1814–63) penned found in our region! Will you pray about God’s call to go the spirit of those who remained faithful and persisted and share the Good News? Will you commit resources to through fiery trials: advance the Kingdom of Christ to the least, lost and last? |26 METHODIST MESSAGE — January 2022

QCMC session with COSY youth@Cambodia A game the COSY hostelites played to select who should be the next Also, a first MMS Training Committee facilitated to share during the session interactions between Queenstown Chinese Methodist Church (QCMC) Missions and Young Adult leaders as well Will you prepare yourself to act decisively in response to as the COSY youth@Cambodia. The online befriending God’s invitation to “tell it to the nations”?  programme spanning eight weeks in nine small groups   of four or five (COSY youths between Grades 10 to 12 Practically speaking, due to travel restrictions associated and QCMC young adults) for an hour each week produced with the COVID-19 pandemic, it might not be feasible to benefits far beyond our imagination. visit the fields that we are fairly used to. Nevertheless, we can provide resources for churches to do digital missions. We thank God for His amazing grace and the diligent   efforts of QCMC Young adults who were highly creative in For example, in partnership with Living Hope Methodist engaging and building relationships with the Cambodian Church (LHMC), a digital missions trip was held between youths through games, music, quizzes and more. While Gen4C, the Youth ministry at LHMC, and Song Roi Phee they learnt about Cambodian culture, they empowered Preaching Point@Thailand. The objective of the digital varied aspects of learning with different talking points missions trip was to simulate a missions trip which each week. The COSY youths gave positive feedback on included cultural exchange, exposure and meeting a how they learnt to be courageous and overcome fear need in the community. in sharing; to be honest and become more self-aware; to trust, respect and value others as well as to forgive, exercise self-control, make decisions and be a leader. The Gen4C youth and the youth at Song Roi Phee had In other words, while doors are closed in the traditional a wonderful time of fellowship and games, sharing ways of doing missions, new doors have opened for the stories of their culture and learning from one another people of God.  despite the language barrier. The Gen4C youth took ownership in leading games, conducting English As MMS celebrates her 30th anniversary, we are reminded lessons and hosting the session. We thank Ps Watit, the of God’s faithfulness in leading us through the seasons Pastor-in-Charge of the Preaching Point, and his wife of growth and maturity. I challenge you to seek God’s for helping with the translation and sharing a devotion heartbeat for the world and welcome you to come during this digital mission trip. alongside in developing new and creative avenues to reach the vast unreached peoples for Christ! This trip’s takeaway is that missions is still possible even with the pandemic going on in the field. There are Be connected with MMS still possibilities to explore in this digitalised world to continue touching lives and advancing the Gospel.  www.mms.org.sg/sign-up 1 https://joshuaproject.net/people_groups/statistics |METHODIST MESSAGE — January 2022 27

Relationships ¢ You & your family Benny Bong has been a family and marital therapist for more than 30 years, and is a certified work-life consultant. He was the first recipient of the AWARE Hero Award, received in 2011, and is a member of Kampong Kapor Methodist Church. Belonging to a community “I don’t mind the Christian God, it’s the Christians that I many believers seem to adopt a similar view of their have a problem with!” A statement like this is unfortunate, being in a church.  since Christ’s followers are supposed to be the earthly expression of God’s compassion and His presence. Clearly, Service in one’s community arises out of a natural many of us are not doing a good job of it. extension of being served by it. Membership in a spiritual family implies being prepared to serve as well as being Not only do some Christians turn people off from the served. Such service can take many forms. Some are more faith, we sometimes find the company of some believers public, such as in teaching or ushering, while others are so disagreeable that we remove ourselves from their more private, such as showing concern to a member who presence. Some believers leave one church for another, looks downcast. And as we find our niche and serve, this hoping to find it more welcoming and supportive. Some becomes another reason for staying on in that community.  hop from one church to another when their favourite pastor leaves or is reassigned. Being part of and serving in a community often calls for getting along with people who are easy to be with as A commonly-held notion is that the community we join well as with others who are challenging. Service does not should meet our needs. Yet such expectations cannot confer immunity from negative experiences in relating always be satisfied. After becoming a parent, I felt that the with others. Service may even open up areas of conflict— Sunday School ministry in the church we were attending some may challenge your teaching or wonder if your was lacking and we then looked for a church that could service is a declaration that you are holier than others. cater to the needs of both adults and children. I sometimes wonder why God, knowing that it can at Yet, a “consumeristic” view of church-going—to be times be disappointing and painful, wants us to remain spiritually fed, to get the weekly pick-me-up from a in community. Is it a training ground so that when we rousing worship service, or to have social needs met get to Heaven we are better able to live with others for by a community of caring like-minded folks—falls short eternity? Or is it a lesson for us that unlike us, His love and of what it means to be in a community.  Belonging to a acceptance of us is unconditional. Even when we complain, community is also about sharing in its mission, work and protest or even rebel, He never withdraws His love. responsibilities. So, the next time we are upset with a fellow member It is like being in a family. If a family is only about what or find ourselves losing patience with another, just it does for me, then during hard times, do I opt to be remind ourselves quietly that God has a plan for us in adopted by another family? Or if I have a falling out with our community. His plan is for our good, no matter how a sibling, do I quit my family and move to another? Yet challenging it may feel. |28 METHODIST MESSAGE — January 2022

Hymns & Songs ¢ Amelia Leo is a programmes executive at the Methodist School of Music, Worship & Church Music Department. Build Your Kingdom Here The Methodist School of Music (MSM) equips and edifies both the individual and the church through music and the performing arts. Find out more at msmusic.edu.sg. Take a look around your neighbourhood’s hawker centres, and you Build Your Kingdom Here will realise something—more stalls are operating for shorter hours and for fewer days each week than compared to pre-pandemic Come set Your rule and reign times. At one level, this may seem unsurprising given the extent to In our hearts again which COVID-19 has affected businesses as a whole. Increase in us we pray But at a deeper level, this trend—coupled with another trend of Unveil why we’re made increasing resignations at the workplace—could be a manifestation of the Come set our hearts ablaze with hope “existential crisis” that has hit many during these times. More people Like wildfire in our very souls are asking themselves: Who am I? What is my purpose in life? Is it just to Holy Spirit come invade us now work hard and get rich, or is there something more? We are Your church This “existential crisis” has not spared the Church. With congregants forced We need Your pow’r in us to adopt online church and avoid almost all manner of church-related physical gatherings since early 2020, many may be getting accustomed We seek Your kingdom first to living insular lives, with the “out-of-sight” Church community slowly We hunger and we thirst becoming “out-of-mind”. This has caused many Christians to ask Refuse to waste our lives themselves: Who is the Church, and what is the Church for? What is the For You’re our joy and prize point of the Church, especially if I can worship God at home? To see the captives’ hearts released To address these questions, songs about the Church’s identity and mission The hurt the sick the poor at peace need to be sung regularly. All of us need to be reminded that our calling We lay down our lives for heaven’s cause as Christians is not merely to be individual followers of Jesus, but to collectively be the body of Christ—the Church. Furthermore, God’s plan We are Your church is not just for the Church to have sweet communion with God through We pray revive this earth Christ. His plan also has a far-reaching, “horizontal” dimension, i.e. that of building His kingdom on earth, of renewing and restoring whatever is Build Your kingdom here broken in this world. Let the darkness fear The song “Build Your Kingdom Here” by the Northern Irish band Rend Show Your mighty hand Collective brings across this point for us, and serves as a prayer asking Heal our streets and land God to empower His Church to fulfill its calling. In the first verse, the song starts off by asking the Holy Spirit to revive each of our hearts, so that Set Your church on fire our lives can collectively be used for heaven’s cause of reviving this earth Win this nation back (verse 2). Change the atmosphere Build Your kingdom here we pray Gareth Gilkeson, the leader of the band, had this to say: “This is such an important song for us because we are asking God to build His kingdom Unleash Your kingdom’s pow’r here—which isn’t somewhere else…it’s in our hearts, but it’s also in our Reaching the near and far churches and in our community, and in our families.”* No force of hell can stop Many worship services may have gone online, and gatherings limited to Your beauty changing hearts small groups, but the Church’s identity and mission have not changed. You made us for much more than this Whether gathered or scattered, we are the body of Christ, tasked and empowered to be like Christ in the world. Awake the kingdom seed in us Fill us with the strength and love of Christ *emphasis added We are Your church We are the hope on earth Words & Music: Chris Llewellyn, Gareth Gilkeson, William Herron (Rend Collective © 2011 Thankyou Music) Listen at https://youtu.be/sbdJXKqVgtg or scan the QR code >> |METHODIST MESSAGE — January 2022 29

Opinion ¢ Soundings Dr Roland Chia is Chew Hock Hin Professor of Christian Doctrine at Trinity Theological College and Theological and Research Advisor at the Ethos Institute for Public Christianity (http://ethosinstitute.sg). / Photos courtesy of Benjamin Lee Wesley on the Church “Soundings” is a series of essays that, like the waves of a sonogram, explore issues in society, culture and the church in light of the Gospel and Christian understanding. F or many Methodists, John Wesley is a theologian of Church. For Wesley, the Christian life cannot be properly the Christian life par excellence. Wesley’s entire understood if it is not set within the context of the teaching and writing ministry may arguably be said to ecclesial community, the Church. be focused on answering the question “What does it mean to be a Christian?” or, to put it differently, “What makes a Wesley developed his understanding of the nature and ‘life’ Christian?” mission of the Church throughout his adult life and ministry. As a number of scholars have noted, Wesley’s What is often missed is the enormous contribution that ecclesiology is rich and complex because it was shaped by Wesley has made to ecclesiology or the doctrine of the a variety of theological and spiritual traditions. “Serving families for a decade and more...” 24-HR HOTLINES PAUL & DANIEL +65 8321 3355 TOLL-FREE 1800-777-2422 www.AmazingGraceFunerals.com Amazing Grace has prepared these few measures to allow families to have a meaningful and dignified farewell for their loved ones: A. Online Ticketing Complimentary online ticketing system to allow visitors to reserve a visiting time slot and plan their visits, allowing families to keep within the regulated maximum number of persons at any one time with minimal coordination. B. Online Memorial allows friends to find updated information and offer their sympathies to bereaved families C. Live Streaming this option is available to enable friends and families to participate in the wake/vigil and funeral services online D. Donations families may appoint a PayNow account of a family member to receive donations. This will be posted on the online memorial. Christian Funeral Packages • International Repatriation • Pre-Planning Seminars

The main source which informed Wesley’s conception Besides these traditional characterisations of the Church, of the Church is the Catholic tradition, but filtered and there are several other distinguishing features in Wesley’s mediated through the Anglicanism of his day. In addition, ecclesiology that deserve our attention. there was the believers’ church tradition (typified by the con-conformist Christian communities)—especially in the For Wesley, the Church must be both evangelistic and way it was instantiated by the Moravian Brethren, whose prophetic. By “prophetic”, Wesley has in mind concrete influence on Wesley is undeniable. displays of unconditional love (agape) for the neighbour, a profound concern for the common good. Finally, Wesley’s concept of the Church, especially with respect to church order, was also profoundly shaped by Thus, the Church must not only proclaim the Gospel to the writings of the early fathers of the Church, of which the world. As part of her prophetic witness, she must he was a lifelong student. also serve society by reaching out to its most vulnerable members and by standing fast against all injustices. For Wesley’s clearest definitions of the Church are found in Wesley firmly believed that “the making of an open stand his Explanatory Notes on the New Testament, which he against all the ungodliness and unrighteousness which started in 1743 and completed in 1754. Commenting on overspread our land as a flood, is one of the noblest ways relevant New Testament passages, Wesley described the of confessing Christ in the face of His enemies”.3 Church variously as “the believers in Christ”, “the whole body of Christian believers”, “the whole body of true Finally2,4-fHoRr HJOohTLnINWESesley, the Church of Jesus Christ is believers, whether on earth or in paradise”.1 unequivPoAcUaLlly& DAaNIsEaL cramental Church. Baptism and the Eu+ch6a5rist8a3re2in1te3gr3al5to5the life of the Church and that of the Wesley’s biblical conception of the Church is perfectly Ch1r8ist0ia0n b-Te7OcL7La-Fu7RsEeE-2th4ey2a2re sacraments—the means by which in line with the ecclesiology of the great ecumenical creeds such a“sSetrhveinNgifcaemneilieasnfdorAapodsetcleasdeCraeneddms.oWree..s.”ley wthwew.gArmaaczeinogfGrGaocedFiusnemraalsd.ceompresent, real and efficacious.2 Ocould therefore say that the Church—that is, the “whole Theologian Robert Martin has helpfully pointed out that body of Christian believers”—nliys obny ethliefeg,raacfeewof bGroiedfaytears“,Baptism and Eucharist, taken together, refer us beyond once one, holy, catholic and Eapaocshtowliict.h its burdens, hopesth, eanSdunfedaayrs;ritual…to the much deeper sacramental CWheusrlcehy’sreifnletecrtps rethtaetioinnfloufentcheesoeEfatlirtcvOahhidennOitwglidnyoiilfntvoyoheanrlrwisetsmehselaaidltffrhteak’oes,syor‘dstloiow,onfgIniitHlmchleaeislusfooswotrnifClmdul;behlofieervpileslpl,mytawe(sBntial,tlpoltafisslmtif.e) .inFotrheit is a movement of abiding more divine life (communion)”. and spiritual traditions that have informed his ecclesiology. This is c-eCrt.aTi.nSlytutdhde emphasis of John Wesley’s sacramental Albert Outler has provided this helpful summary: ecclesiology. • The unity of the Church is based upon Christian As the means of divine grace, the sacraments enable fellowship (koinonia) in the Holy Spirit. Christians to live the ecclesial life, which is established • The holiness of the Church is grounded in the discipline in Christ and energised by the Spirit—a life lived for the of grace which guides the Christian and brings him glory of God. Oto maturity from justifying faith to the fullness of sanctification. nly one life, a few brief years, Each with its burdens, hopes, and fears; • The catholicity of the Church is deEfianecdhbwy itthhe iutnsivdearsyasl, I must fulfill, H1PisrJeoshwsn, i1Wl9le;5s8le),y,6E8x0p(laGnaalatotiraynsNo1t:1e3s )o,n43th0e(ANcetws Testament (London: Epworth reach of God’s salvation and the eslisveinntgialfocor msemlfunoirtyin 9:31), 850 (Hebrews 12:23). of all true believers. Only one life, ‘twill 2sCoiteodninbHoewaprdaSsnty,der, Signs of the Spirit: How God Reshapes the Church • The apostolicity of the Church is detOermnliynewdhbayt’sthde one3a(EWnfudoegsLerlunekCeye,, hEO7xR:rp2:il2saW.ntiap-wtfoC&riyl.STlNt.oloacStkestsPutuo.dbnlditshheerNs,ew19T9e7s)t,a2m1e1n–1t;2n. otes on Matthew 11:5 succession of the teachings of the apostles in those 4 Robert K. Martin, “Toward a Wesleyan Sacramental Ecclesiology”, who have been faithful to their witness.2 Ecclesiology 9 (2013), 33. |METHODIST MESSAGE — January 2022 31

Poems ¢ Leong Kwok Thye is a member of Kampong Kapor Methodist Church and has been involved in the ministries of Scripture Union, the Bible Study Fellowship and the pastoral care programme of Anglo-Chinese School (Primary) and Anglo-Chinese School (Barker Road). God is Our Refuge The psalm is a prophecy of God’s response to turmoil that will occur. Psalm 46 Mountains may shake with fury. Nations rage, kingdoms will fall. He makes wars to end that the earth may have peace. Be still as God is in control. God is our strength and refuge, Amidst the earth’s deluge. Though turbulent waters roar, And the earth is no more. Nations of the earth fall, God is aware of all. He makes wars to cease, To give the world peace. There need be no alarm, God saves the world from harm. He will act and address The world’s awful mess. Nations need to just behold, The Lord is in control. Be still and know he is God. He is the Almighty Lord. MCS Careers ¢ Join our team The MCS Communications department is looking for a DIGITAL MEDIA STRATEGIST  Do you love connecting with people, have lots of creative ideas, and want to help to tell stories of Methodists and Christians in Singapore?  Can you plan and create digital content for a wide audience?  Are you able to help Methodist Message go digital?  Can you create videos and podcasts?  Are you familiar with Search Engine Optimisation (SEO)? Check out details for this job opportunity at https://tinyurl.com/dmsatmcs or scan the QR code >> ABOUT MCS The Methodist Church in Singapore (MCS) is a connectional church comprising the General Conference, three Annual Conferences, local churches, and various agencies and organisations. The General Conference (GC) is the highest body of the MCS, responsible for legislation, policy, and the overseeing of its various agencies, including the programme agencies responsible for education, missions, and welfare services. w w w. m e t h o d i s t . o r g . s g

People ¢ Joshua Khoo is a member of Telok Ayer Chinese Methodist Church. What does being a Methodist mean to you? I am blessed to have grown up in a family of Methodists. But being raised and rooted in a Methodist community does not make me the most “Methodist” person out there. I do not regard Methodism as a denominational difference but rather, it is about growing the one Kingdom of God. What matters most to me as a millennial is having a supportive community of people who are accountable to each other, where real relationships can flourish, and we can grow to be more Christ-like. To me, being a Methodist means I am part of a large and exciting movement that believes we are the salt and light to the nations. This brings meaning to what John Wesley said: “Light yourself on fire with passion and people will come from miles to watch you burn.” My life revolves around the Christian community, being a faithful disciple of Christ and the values I portrait as a Child of God. I am blessed to be equipped with spiritual gifts to be able to serve in various capacities in church. It has given me an opportunity to grow and enjoy the connectional relationship within our Methodist family. It is a great honour to serve as a photographer at MCS or CAC events, and a reminder that I am Methodist not just within my local church. That’s why I feel that Aldersgate SG is an important event in the MCS calendar, as it is an annual keynote event that celebrates our heritage and sets our hearts on fire. Through the event, I have come to recognise how it is heart-warming to be in the presence of God, and the privilege of being able to worship Him in different languages. It is one Church coming together to celebrate and testify to the greatness of our Lord Who has blessed us with a rich history and heritage.

Looking Ahead ¢ Scan to see events online! February CHRISTIAN DOCTRINE (EQUIP COURSE) 6, 12, 20, 27 Jan / 3, 10, 17 Feb 2022 (Thursday evenings), 7.30 p.m. to 9.30 p.m. Online via Zoom. Register at https://tinyurl.com/ytw4cpdh $100 per head. Fees waived for TTC Alumni (registration required). Christian doctrine is an articulation of our beliefs that shape and characterise us as the people of God. It is our collection of shared beliefs that enable us to say “This is us!” The lectures will cover the following doctrines: i) Revelation and Scripture; ii) Creation and Covenant; iii) the Trinity; iv) the Person and Work of Christ; v) Salvation; vi) the Last Things and Christian Hope; and vii) the Church. The coverage of these doctrines will be grounded in Holy Scripture, guided by Church tradition(s), and geared towards engaging contemporary issues and challenges. Students will gain a broad overview of the Christian faith and appreciate the importance of Christian doctrines for understanding our identity and spurring our practical living. Organised by EQUIP February DRAWING CLOSER TO GOD THROUGH THE PSALMS 8, 15, 22, 29 Jan / 12, 19, 26 Feb 2022 (Saturdays), 4.00 p.m. to 6.00 p.m. Online via videos published on above dates. Register at https://tinyurl.com/5emn8744. (The link to access the videos will be under the “Additional Information” section of your registration confirmation email.) Believers have been drawn to the Psalms because the Psalms express their feelings—both positive ones like joy and hope as well as negative ones, like despair and fear. But the Psalms cover more than emotions. They may be inspired by personal experience but they contain important teachings about God and how to lead a godly life. The course will include the first three psalms as they lay the foundation for understanding the whole book of Psalms. Some favourite psalms will also be appreciated in a new light. For example, Psalm 23 as the “filling” of the “psalm sandwich” comprising Psalms 22, 23 and 24. These and other psalms have been selected to stretch our minds, stir our hearts and draw us closer to God in praise. Organised by Eagles Communications January FROM GENERATION TO GENERATION (VIA ZOOM) 19 Jan 2022 (Wednesday), 2.30 p.m. to 4.00 p.m. Online via Zoom. Register at https://tinyurl.com/BOSMPS-0119-Reg Whatsapp Priscilla at 9220 8954 Find out how to declare God’s work from generation to generation as Mrs Lai Kheng Pousson shares from Psalm 145:4-7. Organised by TRAC Seniors Ministry July D6 FAMILY CONFERENCE 2022: RECALIBRATE 29 and 30 Jul 2022 (Friday and Saturday), 9.30 a.m. to 3.00 p.m. Online via Zoom. Register at d6family.sg Early bird price at $50 per head (until 13 Jun 2022). Thereafter $60 per head. Registration closes 17 Jul 2022. Join this year’s line-up of speakers as they share D6 principles, strategies and best practices on generational discipleship and Family Ministry. Embark on a journey where you will learn to identify and establish healthy practices, and to honour God in the way you lead the families in your church. Organised by SOWER Institute for Biblical Discipleship