Methodist Message: May 2021

THE METHODIST CHURCH IN SINGAPORE Vol 123 No 5 MAY 2021 ISSN 0129-6868 MCI (P) 027/11/2020

Church life 3 Contents Methodists in the world 18 1 Bishop’s Message Christian living 22 2 Coming Up MwCWWaiaecthnrehErhItatrilf’eisteyvcRhwceyealeokeEordooutsuah,ocLr:ndtoddaOuchttoneteosetaOint?nwmsvslrhKatidieCatebgyimIegaclNuotnpdMthhntum?GiteuctoIyssDolsbe@nlFeo!veuoPsOseumsshiSyrRstknoduroieesaaltrbVpluvtotsa-gieOho,grwelniroiLornedskt—aUrgds:iept,aNnoitohnwsowenTretyserEr.drpi:ooiEdtsrteattaR:sriohpnwgtbSyeoeeg.o!orsdrc?oscugoiokottDrmhnrarohateirircettvniysibilcmoepudl/ewui!tigsegiDsthnPiapot/tfrokhamoypgoeloooratmafopuekrpshemeehhaoodMsiacdftivsa/oMeee?srv/a?saean:anybtwntoesoyatthtttyhheheeirelnpryg 3 News—Interfaith Dialogue 4 One MCS—CAC Highlights 6 One MCS—The Rev Dr Gregory Nai Lat 10 Home—Geylang Methodist Schools’ Founder’s Day 12 Home—The Church and COVID-19, one year on 16 News—A brief overview of COVID vaccines 17 Home—Kum Yan Methodist Church’s 103rd anniversary 18 Welfare Services 20 Missions 22 Happenings—Judicial Council decisions 23 You & Your Family 25 Hymns & Songs 26 Soundings 27 News 28 THINK 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. Methodists and the month of May “I felt my heart strangely warmed.” I preach the plain, old Christianity, renouncing and detesting all other marks of distinction.” T hese are the words which John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, used to describe his In other words, Wesley said that the fundamental spiritual encounter with God on the evening of characteristics of Methodists should be the fundamental 24 May 1738. That spiritual heart-warming experience characteristics of all Christians, plain and simple. took place in a small group gathering somewhere along Aldersgate Street, London. Methodists celebrate So let me say again that I am happy to be called a 24 May each year as Aldersgate Day. Methodist, for I am happy to be called a Christian. We are a people called Methodists, and I am happy But what does it mean to be a Christian? There are to be called a Methodist. But what is a Methodist? different meaningful ways one can answer that John Wesley gave us his answer in one of his question. My favourite answer is to say that to be sermons entitled “The Character of a Methodist.” He a Christian is to commit oneself to what Jesus Christ began by describing several central characteristics said was the most important thing in life and all of of a Methodist, and then said: (and here let me Holy Scripture: to love God with all our heart, and to paraphrase): love our neighbour as ourselves (Matthew 22:37–39). “If [anyone] should say, ‘Why, these [characteristics] I wish us all a blessed Aldersgate Day this May, are only the common fundamental principles of and I pray that we may renew our commitment to Christianity which you have listed!’ be Methodist Christians who love God with all our “strangely warmed” hearts by loving our neighbours I reply: Indeed. This is the truth. I know they are… as we love ourselves. and I would to God that you, and everyone, would also know that I, and all who like me are called “For the entire law is fulfilled in Methodists, do vehemently refuse to be distinguished keeping this one command: from anybody by anything but the common principles of all Christianity. ‘Love your neighbor as yourself’.” (Gal 5:14, NIV) 1 J. Wesley, “The Character of a Methodist” (para.17 in the Thomas Jackson edition of The Works of John Wesley, 1872.) |METHODIST MESSAGE — May 2021 1

Coming Up CAC FAMILY LIFE WEBINARS 2021 FROM MARCH TO DEC 2021, CAC’S BOARD OF FAMILY LIFE (BOFL) WILL BE HOLDING A SERIES OF FAMILY LIFE WEBINARS, THEMED “BUILD UP YOUR FAMILY: STEP- BY-STEP”. TEN CAC PASTORS AND OTHER EXPERIENCED SPEAKERS WILL JOIN US EVERY LAST THURSDAY OF EVERY MONTH. THE TALKS WILL COVER THE AREAS OF: MARRIAGE; PARENTING CHILDREN; PARENTING TEENS; FATHERING; AND MOTHERING. THEY ARE CONDUCTED IN EITHER ENGLISH OR MANDARIN. THE NEXT WEBINARS ARE 27 MAY 2021 放任时代的睿智家教： 儿女好像勇士手中的箭 24 JUNE 2021 HEART-TO-HEART COMMUNICATION WITH YOUR CHILD |2 METHODIST MESSAGE — May 2021

News ¢ Pastor Jeremy Yap is an Assistant Pastor at Aldersgate Methodist Church. / Photos courtesy of Ps Jeremy Yap Interfaith dialogue hosted by Covenant Presbyterian Church (From left to right) The Rev Joey Chen, the Rev Joshua Ong, the Rev Jeremy James, the Rev Glenn Tan and Pastor Jeremy Yap Nasi briyai diplomacy “In times of crisis, targeted by the radicalised teenager. We shared candidly the wise build bridges our reactions to the incident. This started a conversation and the foolish build walls.” about how we could reach out to and educate the young people in our communities. Muslims and Christians alike —T’Challa, King of Wakanda. struggle with interpreting hard teachings of our respective faiths and difficult passages in the Bible and Quran. O n 27 Jan 2021, it was reported that a 16-year-old Christian had been detained for planning an attack We had the opportunity to discuss topics ranging from how on two mosques in Woodlands. It was intended as our faiths seek to live in peace with one another and how a copycat crime of the Christchurch mosque attacks, which we view diversity and division. We also had the opportunity killed 50 people, and planned for 15 March 2021, the to pose questions to Bishop Terry Kee (Bishop of the second anniversary of the attacks. Lutheran Church in Singapore and Vice-President of NCCS) and Ustaz Dr Md Hannan Hassan (Deputy Mufti, MUIS), the On the sidelines of a press conference by religious and guests-of-honour of the event. government leaders denouncing the attack, a few young Christians and Muslim leaders decided that it was time to Difficult topics were discussed, including how to deal with build bridges from the ashes of this crisis. The first Interfaith a convert out of our respective faiths. A Christian convert Dialogue between young Christian and Muslim leaders was from Islam asked Bishop Terry and Ustaz Hannan how convened on the 27 March 2021, a day before Palm Sunday faith leaders could help our faith communities relate to and the Muslim holy day of Nisfu Syaaban. people who have converted out of our respective faiths in a loving and respectful way. While answers to these issues I was one of five young Methodist pastors from all three are difficult to find, the goal of interfaith dialogue is not Annual Conferences to meet with Christian leaders of other to come up with answers but to build understanding and denominations and our young Muslim counterparts in the empathy, to live in harmony and stand together against event jointly sponsored by the National Council of Churches conflict, and to show love and respect to one another. Singapore (NCCS) and Harmony Center, Masjid An-Nahdhah. The group of about 50 young leaders, sitting in groups of No interfaith activity is ever complete without fellowship six or seven, were hosted by Covenant Presbyterian Church, over a meal. The morning event came to a fitting end with located on the fringe of Little India. most of the small groups continuing the dialogue at one of the many Little India eateries over nasi briyani and teh It was my privilege to be at a table with a leader from Masjid tarik kurang manis. Yusof Ishak, one of the mosques in Woodlands that was |METHODIST MESSAGE — May 2021 3

One MCS ¢ CAC Highlights By the Chinese Annual Conference (CAC) Communications Team / Photos courtesy of CAC CAC Social concerns sunday 2021 21March 2021 was CAC’s Social Concerns Sunday, when churches collected a Second Offering for beneficiaries identified by the Board of Social Concerns and Outreach (BOSC). BOSC supports various social concerns programmes hosted by Methodist Welfare Services (MWS) or CAC churches. They include befriending programmes and social activities to engage seniors; school ministry through the Boys’ and Girls’ Brigades; free tuition for low-income families; mentoring and character-building programmes for students; as well as food blessing and community projects. On top of supporting the organisations providing help to persons struggling with drugs, gambling and other forms of addiction, BOSC is also involved in prison ministry. For 2021, the beneficiaries and allocations are: 10% each 10% each 1. Ang Mo Kio Chinese Methodist Church-MWS Kebun Bahru Senior Activity Centre (SAC) 10% each 2. Changi Methodist Church Punggol Preaching Point Ministry 10% each 3. Charis Methodist Church MWS-Charis Activity Centre for Elders (ACE) 10% each 4. Geylang Chinese Methodist Church-MWS Greentops SAC 10% each 5. Sengkang Methodist Church (MWS SAC and Oikos Ministry) 10% each 6. One Hope Centre 20% each 7. Prison Fellowship Singapore 5% each 8. MWS Chaplaincy 5% each 9. Breakthrough Missions Ltd 10. BOSC General Fund Two CAC churches, Queenstown Chinese Methodist Church Watch our Social Concerns Sunday 2021 (QCMC) and Charis Methodist Church (CMC), share about video to learn more about these 10 recent outreach efforts. beneficiaries and their ministries! tiny.cc/SCSunday2021 QCMC’s pastor, preacher and several staff paying a visit to migrant Visit to a foreign worker dormitory workers at a dormitory Initiative of CAC BOSC and QCMC |4 METHODIST MESSAGE — May 2021 The COVID-19 pandemic thwarted the plans of many to travel home for their Chinese New Year (CNY) family reunions. Even though they missed their loved ones and felt lonely, they could not return home due to pandemic restrictions, soaring air travel costs, family burdens and other factors. Among them were people who have contributed greatly to the construction of Singapore, the people we call “migrant workers”. God commands us to love others as ourselves, and we chose to respond by showing care and concern for these workers. On the evening of 7 Feb 2021, and with BOSC’s coordination and encouragement, QCMC’s pastor, preacher and several staff paid a visit to the 300 migrant workers in a dormitory at Neythal Road.

In the spirit of CNY, we expressed our well wishes and Development (MSF), and Project Samaria’s first two blessings for them with tangerines. Gift bags were also guests arrived on 7 May 2020. specially prepared for the 90 Chinese workers there. The gift bags included items such as tangerines, cookies, We thank God for providing us the right contacts at MSF, Lao Gan Ma chili sauce, bak kwa, peanuts and more. and to the local charity Homeless Hearts of Singapore, as well as Pasir Panjang Hill Brethren Church’s Pastor As they received their gift bags, we could sense their joy Tang Kok Fai, who shared with us their ministry of from their smiling eyes and courteous nods of thanks, housing the homeless. even though we were all masked and could only greet each other with a simple “Happy Chinese New Year”. Project Samaria supported up to eight guests. Our primary While no gift can eradicate their homesickness, there purpose was to show God’s love by providing safe housing was no doubt the little gift could help them feel a sense and food in the hope that they may encounter Jesus and of warmth, comfort and love from God! come to salvation. God is love, His children are loved, and we are called to Our medical and volunteer befrienders also offered respond to His love by sharing it. Our dear brothers- and healthcare assistance and fostered a sense of well- sisters-in-Christ, who can you share God’s love with today? being, connection and community support. The medical team screened the incoming guests before admittance Note: This initiative fully adhered to the COVID-19 regulations and was on call for ad-hoc medical consultations. Our and Ministry of Manpower guidelines, thereby ensuring volunteer befrienders provided social support and everyone’s health and safety. shared the Gospel with our guests, some of whom were even open to our pastors, the Rev Lui Yuan Tze and the Rev Daniel Teoh, praying for them. We pray that the seeds planted will continue to grow in their hearts and bear fruit one day! Charis MC’s Project Samaria Due to the renovation schedule for the House of Peniel, we had to bid farewell to our guests on 1 July 2020. Project Samaria At the farewell dinner, our guests were given a surprise treat of durians and a video featuring messages from our Charis Methodist Church’s ministry to the homeless church, songs by our Sunday School children, as well as On 18 Apr 2020, the Social Concerns Ministry of CMC prayers of blessings. They were visibly touched by the sought the Lord’s guidance as we considered the request love and warmth they received. from BOSC and the Government’s appeal to help house the homeless during the COVID-19 circuit breaker. All glory to God for all that He has accomplished through Project Samaria. We thank God for His hand of protection Acts 1:8b (“and you shall be witnesses to Me in and keeping our guests and volunteers safe and healthy Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to throughout the period. the end of the earth”) was the Lord’s answer. He impressed upon our hearts to reach out and share the Though our guests have moved to other S3P locations, Good News with family (Jerusalem), friends (Judea) God has given us a foretaste of the homeless ministry and strangers (Samaria). Thereafter, Charis derived the through Project Samaria. Many from the team sensed name “Project Samaria” for our initiative to assist our that God may intend for Charis to build this as a long- homeless brothers. term ministry after we return to our redeveloped church premises in 2022. In February 2021, the Samaria When the Lord calls, He is faithful to provide resources. Ministry was approved by the LCEC as a new initiative Project Samaria took shape swiftly. Charis’ House of for Charis’ Social Concerns Ministry. Please pray with Peniel building was approved as a Safe, Sound Sleeping us that as we expand the Samaria Ministry in time Place (S3P) by the Ministry of Social and Family to come, that God will transform CMC, both physically with the church redevelopment and also spiritually as a disciple-making church, and that we may grow to be a more attractive faith community! |METHODIST MESSAGE — May 2021 5

One MCS ¢ Jason Woo is the Communications Executive at MCS Comms. / Photos courtesy of the Rev Dr Goh Nai Lat. Meet the Annual Conference Presidents: The Rev Dr Gregory Goh Nai Lat (CAC) “I once tore apart a Bible!” In the company of his friends The Rev Dr Goh was re-elected as at the youth retreat. President for a second term during A nyone who knew the Rev Dr Gregory Goh Nai Lat the CAC 45th Session in 2020 when he was young might not have imagined he would one day become the President of the the universe?” recalled the Rev Dr Goh. Despite not having Chinese Annual Conference (CAC) and provide spiritual a clear idea of God at that time, he asked God for healing. leadership for 17 Chinese-speaking churches under The Methodist Church in Singapore (MCS). And he did it for “God did heal me,” said the Rev Dr Goh, “but it was not two terms (2017–20 and 2021–24). total. That said, I have come to experience being asthma- free, barring the rare episode here and there.” Rejecting Christianity Even as he sees the partial healing as a blessing from Born into a dysfunctional household where he saw God, the Rev Dr Goh feels the lingering asthma serves as his mother continually interacting negatively with his a reminder that God is faithful and He alone is more than Christian grandmother, the Rev Dr Goh came to hate the sufficient to keep him. faith. So deep was his disdain for Christianity that he ripped apart a Bible he received in school. Finding faith in pre-university But God did not let go of him. His deeply personal faith Being totally Chinese-educated, the Rev Dr Goh’s poor journey with the Almighty has brought both spiritual and English O-level results made it difficult for him to get a physical healing, for the Rev Dr Goh suffered from chronic place in a local educational institution. This was in the early asthma since childhood. days of Singapore’s nationhood, when the Government decided to close Chinese-medium tertiary institutions. He He endured many sleepless nights of struggling just to eventually secured a seat in the Pre-University classes breathe. One such night, the young Rev Dr Goh’s thoughts held at the Seventh-Day Adventist Church. drifted to life after death. There, he met Mr Tan Hua Joo from Telok Ayer Chinese “From my earliest days, I would often ask myself: Who is this MC (TACMC), who would turn his fledgling Christian life voice speaking inside me? Will this voice continue to exist around. Mr Tan invited him to the TACMC Youth Fellowship when I die? Where do I stand in the entire magnitude of year-end retreat where he was ministered to and learned more about Christ. |6 METHODIST MESSAGE — May 2021

“It was at Telok Ayer [CMC] where I joined the carolling group From then on, the Rev Dr Goh had no peace. He found even though I still did not see myself as a Christian at that himself grappling with God’s direction for his life, which he time. But it didn’t matter as I found it fun. However, what was sensed was to become a pastor. God continued to impress different this time is that I developed a habit of prayer.” His will for the Rev Dr Goh to put aside his qualifications in Economics and pursue a theological degree instead. After about two years in TACMC, the Rev Dr Goh was baptised. “Predictably, I started to bargain with God,” chuckled the Rev Dr Goh. “I told Him that this path was not The Rev Dr Goh (first from right) as a fresh graduate from TTC. Pictured possible because as the only Christian and the only with him is the Rev Huang Ao You (first from left), who now serves in the son in my family, I had a responsibility towards my Anglican Diocese family.” He pleaded with God to give him a decade, later reduced to five years, in banking to get his family A hand on the plough, but with an eye financially stable before returning to serve God. He also looking back tried to convince God that he could serve Him in other capacities, like as a social worker. His university years were most challenging to his faith. It was the start of a tumultuous spiritual tug-of-war At his wits’ end, the Rev Dr Goh approached his pastor between the opportunities of the world and the ones God for help in discerning God’s direction for him. Surprisingly, would lay in front of him. the pastor affirmed it and even offered monetary support for his theological education. “I should have known that my entry into university was only possible with the grace of God. To be frank, I was but But this still did not sit well with the Rev Dr Goh, even an average student and with my terrible English results, though he realised that he was just making excuses and it would have been impossible to secure a place had I not God’s patience was wearing thin. been accepted on provisional grounds based on my good scores in Economics. God has indeed been gracious to me.” “Here comes the dramatic part—God actually scolded me,” said the Rev Dr Goh, recalling his experience near “As my family was not financially well-off, being able to the end of his final term. When alone on the rooftop of graduate to a well-paying job would be the ideal ticket the National University of Singapore library, the Rev Dr to help my family out of all our monetary problems,” Goh heard the Lord yet again, except this time it was explained the Rev Dr Goh. anything but a gentle reproach: “You, who have a hand on the plough but an eye that constantly looks back, are It was indeed an alluring path towards financial security not fit for My kingdom.” but one that God was adamant for the Rev Dr Goh not to take. While he was preparing to send out job applications Stung by the Lord’s words, the Rev Dr Goh immediately to the major banks, God made Himself heard in asking prayed for forgiveness and decided to go to Trinity Theological him pointedly: “Where am I?”, clearly wanting him to College (TTC). After registering at TTC, he was offered a place seek Him more wholeheartedly. in the Economics Honours degree programme. But this time, the Rev Dr Goh knew there was to be no turning back. Spending a good day out with his family |METHODIST MESSAGE — May 2021 7

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“I once tore apart a Bible!” PRAYING for the CAC Challenges for ministry in the new PLEASE PRAY FOR: quadrennium • The effectiveness of the Central 2021 marks the 29th year of the Rev Dr Goh’s service to Pooling initiative kickstarted last the Lord. quadrennium, that it will be a conducive platform for CAC churches Embarking on his second term as the CAC President, he is to come together more closely as mindful of the challenges ahead of the CAC. In particular, a family and for greater synergy in there is the urgency to formulate a framework for the their collective ministries. CAC churches to engage in a consistent and sustainable programme for disciple-making and evangelism. • God to bring in the right talents and minds, especially from the youths, Evangelism is an area close to the Rev Dr Goh’s heart. He to serve as fulltime pastors in order is constantly thinking about how CAC’s Chinese churches to sustainably replace outgoing can best reach out to the non-Christians in their respective members of the clergy. communities and not just work in silos. • An effective strategy to be drafted “I think the Church is doing very well in reaching out to the to create a cohesive disciple-making least through our extensive social concerns arm but much process so as to help CAC produce more can be done in engaging the lost because you cannot more disciples, thereby leading to the win souls through social concerns,” mused the Rev Dr Goh. growth of the Annual Conference. “You have to spend time and effort to build relationships with them.” • God’s wisdom, discernment and strength to rest upon the Rev Dr Goh as he leads the CAC. The Rev Dr Goh as a young father who had to juggle ministry work and his family Enjoying his first church experience in the presence of other young Christians |METHODIST MESSAGE — May 2021 9

Home ¢ Beverly Low is Head of Department of Character and Citizenship Education at Geylang Methodist School (Primary) and, together with her husband and children, worships at a Paya Lebar Methodist Church. / Photos courtesy of Geylang Methodist School (Primary) and Geylang Methodist School (Secondary) A beacon of light in the Geylang community GEYLANG METHODIST SCHOOLS’ 97TH FOUNDER’S DAY Some of the GMS(P) staff members student leaders N inety-seven years ago, with a class of 27 girls, Ms Emma Eaton Walker. Without these two individuals, Geylang Methodist Girls’ School (GMGS) began in the foundations of the school would not have been laid. a small classroom carved out from some space at Geylang Methodist Church. The setting up of this school The Rev Sullivan came to Malaya as a missionary in 1909 for girls was an initiative of the Methodist Episcopal when he was 24. He served in various appointments Mission in pre-war Singapore. across Singapore, Malaya and Indonesia. It was while he was District Superintendent for Singapore that he oversaw Although GMGS ran primary classes for children in the the development of schools and outreach activities of the Geylang area from around 1924, it was only three years Methodist Mission in Singapore. With his strong support, later that it got its own building, located behind the church GMGS was set up, the start of a lasting legacy for the building. It was run as a small private school up till 1949 Geylang community and for Singapore. The Rev Sullivan when it became a government-aided school. In 1984, the personally read the dedicatory service of the new building school relocated to its current site, and was separated of the Geylang Methodist Church and GMGS at its founding. into a primary and secondary school. Both schools then became co-educational. Ms Walker, an established professional and well-educated lady who was ahead of her time in many ways, was a GMGS was very fortunate to be built upon the hands and teacher and school principal in the USA before coming hearts of many pioneering missionaries and educators to Singapore. Ms Walker was introduced at the 1926 who arrived in Singapore under the commissioning of the Methodist Missions Conference and went on to serve Methodist Episcopal Mission. Of the many who supported in important roles, including teaching at the Anglo- the building of the school, one missionary and one Chinese School and overseeing women’s work at Geylang educator stand out as having played pivotal roles in the Chinese Church. In 1927, she was also appointed the school’s humble beginnings—the Rev Floyd Sullivan and Superintendent of the Sunday School at the Geylang |10 METHODIST MESSAGE — May 2021

Methodist Church, Principal of the Oldham Hall Day School Mr Josiah Ng (extreme left) at the GMS(S) Founder’s Day celebrations and Principal of GMGS. Her contributions to deepening the fledging roots of the school in the Geylang community I n line with the school’s theme to “Connect. served to further establish the school. As a result of Nurture. Inspire”, our guest-of-honour, Mr her significant contributions, Geylang Methodist School Josiah Ng, Head of Film and Social Content at (Primary) and Geylang Methodist School (Secondary) Tribal Worldwide, shared his personal life story to continue to reap so much from her faithful service as an encourage the students to not give up, to believe educator and leader in the school’s early years. in themselves and to aspire to grow their talents— not for themselves, but to make a difference to Through this year’s Methodist Walk, the primary school those around them. embarked on a campaign to help the school’s rich heritage come alive to the students. Through simple Mathematics Josiah spoke about how he had struggled with activities, Physical Education lessons and Social Studies dyslexia as a student. Students were touched by activities held during the month-long fundraising period, how he had used his gifts and talents to comfort the school sought to bring home to the students the his extended family members in a season of grief message of how extensive a legacy the founding individuals through a video clip he put together. He reminded created, that made it possible for 27 young children to gain the students of God’s love for them for who they access to basic education and skills training. are and encouraged them to fix their eyes on God. The month’s programmes culminated in the highlight event He aptly reminded the school of her history and of Founder’s Day 2021, which was held both online and the Founders’ hearts to provide youths at that on-site, with safe management measures in place. At this time access to good education; he also encouraged 97th Founder’s Day, we continued to reinforce the sense the school to continue the school’s heritage and of living the legacy of our founders. We were privileged the Founders’ example “to love others, bless the to have Mrs Grace Heng, our founding principal of the community and inspire your peers”. primary school section, join us as the Guest-of-Honour Wee Tat Chuen is the Principal of Geylang Methodist School for the celebrations for our primary school section. Mrs (Secondary). Heng shared her thoughts and hopes for the GM family to shine bright as a beacon of light to all in the school, student leaders the neighbourhood and our community. Ms Mabel Wee, another pioneer principal, was also present to inspire the |METHODIST MESSAGE — May 2021 11 young minds and hearts of the students with whom she interacted during the event. In the twinkling of an eye, the school, comprising of both the primary and secondary sides, is soon approaching its 10th decade. We are very grateful to God for establishing and sustaining the school through the years, growing the GM family to become a wonderfully close-knit community of alumni who continue to be guided by the mission to be a beacon of light to the Geylang community and beyond. As a school, we treasure every milestone as a step forward in building on the legacy of our founders and the many helping hands and hearts who gave their love, service and faithfulness. This legacy will and must continue to live on through our words and deeds, our thoughts and aspirations. As a GM family, we will continue to GROW, SERVE and LEAD with joy, through Friendship, Body and Mind! To God be the glory for 97 years today and counting!

Home ¢ Sheri Goh is the Editor of Methodist Message. This article was written with input and photos from Ang Mo Kio (AMK) Chinese MC, Barker Road MC, Covenant Community MC, Faith MC, Paya Lebar MC, Tamil MC (Short Street), Telok Ayer Chinese MC and Toa Payoh MC. Sing like never before The Church and the pandemic, one year on We did not know it then, but on Sunday, 15 Mar DEC 2019 2020, Methodists left their church buildings after worship services and would not return Novel coronavirus first reported in Wuhan, China for at least three months. This was the first time since World War Two that church buildings in Singapore 23 JAN 2020 would be shuttered for such an extended period. First confirmed nCoV-2019 case reported in Singapore One year on, Methodists have emerged from the hiatus, and churches have had to grapple with 7 FEB how to resume their activities safely and within government-mandated guidelines. Methodist Case related to Paya Lebar MC reported. DORSCON level Message looks at church life over the last year and raised to orange considers what might lie ahead. 8 FEB The virus that shook the world First church cluster in Singapore In Dec 2019, a mysterious outbreak of viral pneumonia with unknown aetiology was reported 11 FEB in Wuhan city in China. WHO declares pandemic. Disease is named COVID-19 On 23 Jan 2020, the first case of this illness was confirmed in Singapore. Within the next two 20 MAR months, clusters of the illness, then known as nCoV-2019, began appearing. Two church clusters Bishop Dr Chong announces closure of Methodist churches were confirmed in early February. 3 APR On 7 Feb, the government raised the DORSCON level to orange. This reflected a situation where the “Circuit breaker” implemented disease was severe and spread easily, but was still contained. That same day, Paya Lebar Methodist 2 JUNE Church (MC) was closed for deep cleaning because an active case had visited its kindergarten premises. Phase One begins. Churches remain closed It was re-opened after several days when no other cases were reported. 19 JUNE With the virus was spreading like wildfire Phase Two begins worldwide, the World Health Organisation declared it a pandemic and renamed the disease COVID-19 26 JUNE on 11 Feb. Congregational services are allowed to resume with a On 20 March, then-Bishop Dr Chong Chin Chung cap of 50 people announced that, in view of the rising numbers of COVID-19 cases in Singapore, all Methodist churches 3 OCT would cancel their in-person services for two weeks Cap is raised to 100 people in zones of 50 |12 METHODIST MESSAGE — May 2021 28 DEC Phase 3 begins. 250 worshippers and live singing on stage are allowed 5 APR 2021 Worshippers allowed to sing with masks on

as a precautionary measure. There were plans to resume Covenant Community MC’s Vacation Bible School 2020 on Zoom services by Palm Sunday (5 Apr). Tamil MC’s Sunday School on Zoom Then the government multi-ministry taskforce announced the most drastic virus-mitigation measure yet—the The Methodist Church in Singapore (MCS) Communications national “circuit breaker”—to last from 7 Apr to 1 June. team helped to disseminate information about various Only essential services were to continue. Schools— church services on its website, with the hope that kindergartens and childcare centres included—shifted everyone with an Internet connection could worship God to home-based learning. Non-essential workers were to at home. work from home. Migrant workers were confined to their dormitories. Only takeaway food was allowed. Mask- Musicians sang and played from home; and pastors wearing in public became mandatory. preached from home. Congregants were patient when there were glitches. Offerings were collected via We were in unknown territory. Case numbers were rising internet banking apps. Virtual choirs sprang up, with exponentially. Many were fearful. We did not know congregations embracing new ways to worship God. It when church—and life as we had known it—would go was a steep learning curve, and church members gave back to normal. Church camps and ministry plans were feedback that they missed meeting in person, but they cancelled. Many missionaries were recalled to their soon got the hang of worshipping from home. home countries. Places of worship remained closed during the circuit breaker as well as through Phase One Worship is of the heart and not just an external of re-opening on 2 June. They were eventually allowed gesture. Just continue to worship the Lord to resume services, subject to very strict limits, on 26 in spirit and in truth. June, a week after Phase Two commenced. Covenant Community MC The “new normal” Not being able to go to church for worship, I worshipped via online services. It was At the time of writing, there have been more than 141 million reported cases of COVID-19 worldwide, and 3 comforting to know that we as a Church were million people, including 30 in Singapore, have lost still able to come together as a family for Sunday their lives to the virus. The long-term effects on the health of those who have recovered from the virus are worship from our homes via the Internet. still unknown. Tamil MC (Short Street) Everyone has been deeply affected by COVID-19— There is a missing element of impact without socially, financially, emotionally and logistically. We corporate worship. But we can share our struggle have had to learn to live, learn, work and worship while adhering to government-mandated restrictions. Collective and support our friends or cell group members responsibility has had to trump personal freedom. And in prayer, or worship in smaller groups. churches, like everyone else, have had to evolve to AMK Chinese MC continue feeding their flocks and reaching out to those in their neighbourhoods and beyond. Worship Faith MC was one of a few churches who had begun live- streaming their services long before COVID-19 struck. Their first such service was the Watchnight Service in 2017. By the time DORSCON Orange was announced, their media infrastructure was well in place. They held a sharing session on 20 Feb 2020 for 80 attendees from 51 Methodist and non-Methodist churches on how to live- stream services. This proved to be useful when church buildings were closed and many churches had to go online for the very first time. Communications |METHODIST MESSAGE — May 2021 13

Sing like never before Remember the paper bulletins and the handshakes, community. Some church members partnered with and sometimes hugs, when attending worship services organisations such as Willing Hearts to cook and distribute in person? Or the personal sharing and prayer in a free meals to the disabled, low-income families and corner of the church? These vanished once the circuit migrant workers, many of whom were confined to their breaker started. dormitories during the circuit breaker. Congregations had to adapt when their churches went Even after the circuit breaker ended, Methodists online: worship service, Sunday School, cell groups and continued to reach out. The Interact Club of ACS other ministries had to be done with the help of various (International) collaborated with Wesley MC to distribute video-conferencing apps. Pastors and church staff kept care packages to workers living in dormitories that the in contact with members via telephone, such as calling church is supporting. Toa Payoh MC partnered with members and setting up helplines. WhatsApp/Telegram neighbourhood hawkers to provide 2,500 free meals broadcast channels were also set up. We thank God for for the community. Volunteers from Emmanuel Tamil the technology enabling churches and their members Annual Conference churches held Christmas and Chinese to stay connected, even though it was no substitute for New Year events for migrant workers in the dormitories, meeting in person, due to technical difficulties and the recognising that they have had a very difficult year with fact that not everyone is tech-savvy. COVID-19 lockdown and movement restrictions. MCS Comms also started a webpage with COVID-19 Behind the scenes as Faith MC’s media team updates,4 such as letters from the Bishop, statements livestreams their service from churches that had cases linked to them, and church- related COVID-19 news. Honest communication is the key in the smooth operations of the church, especially in a crisis. Never try to hide or downplay anything that needs to be communicated to the congregation. And time is always of the essence. Paya Lebar MC Although we had a lot more work and did overtime to plan, while learning to use new technologies, our faith was still strong during that time. The value of communication is not to be taken for granted in relationship building and uniting the church. Telok Ayer Chinese MC Loving God by loving our neighbour What does tomorrow hold? Even while staying home and staying safe, churches Barker Road MC’s socially-distanced Holy Communion Service reached out to love our neighbours. in March 2021 AMK MC, AMK Chinese MC and AMK Tamil MC registered with Homeless Hearts of Singapore to open a shelter for the homeless. Faith MC and Queenstown Chinese MC, who share a building, opened a Safe Sound Sleeping Place (S3P) for rough sleepers, as did Toa Payoh MC and Aldersgate MC. Toa Payoh MC conducted an Easter Sunday blood drive in 2020 and collected 98 packs of blood. Churches also reached out to the migrant worker |14 METHODIST MESSAGE — May 2021

Blood donation drive at Toa Payoh MC during Easter 2020 Churches in Singapore re-opened to their congregations on 26 June, with a cap of 50 people at Covenant Community MC’s outeach to TransitPoint a time. Mask-wearing and SafeEntry were mandatory, @ Margaret during Christmas 2020. and no live singing was allowed. Restrictions were slowly and cautiously raised by the government; the cap was raised to 100 people in two separate zones on 3 Oct 2020, with no inter-mingling between zones; on 26 Dec, a maximum of 250 people and live worship were permitted. From 5 Apr 2021, worshippers were allowed to sing with their masks on for a maximum of 30 minutes in a single service. Bishop Dr Gordon Wong has encouraged vaccination for all who are willing and able so that we can protect each other from the virus, and church life can go back to normal sooner. As a member from Tamil MC (Short Street) shared: “This whole COVID experience has opened my eyes to see how faithful God is, how He is ever-present in our lives. He constantly provides us with ways and means to overcome all obstacles we may face.” The COVID-19 situation is still evolving in the world, with some countries experiencing their third or even fourth waves. New variants of the virus are also emerging. But as the old praise chorus goes: “Many things about tomorrow I don’t seem to understand / but I know who holds tomorrow, and I know who holds my hand.” May we sing these words with good courage, for God’s presence goes before us and He knows what lies ahead. 1 For more information on Disease Outbreak Response System Condition (DORSCON), a colour-coded framework that shows the current disease situation in a country, see https://www.gov.sg/article/what-do-the-different-dorscon-levels-mean. The framework provides us with general guidelines on what needs to be done to prevent and reduce the impact of infection. 2 https://www.methodist.org.sg/livestream 3 https://www.methodist.org.sg/covid-19 4 Tamil MC (Short Street), Pasir Panjang Tamil MC, Seletar Tamil MC and AMK Tamil MC. 5 In zones of 50 people, with the maximum size of the congregation also dependent on the size of the worship hall. |METHODIST MESSAGE — May 2021 15

News ¢ Ooi Eng Eong attends Wesley Methodist Church. He is a Professor of Emerging Infectious Diseases at Duke–NUS Medical School. A brief overview of COVID-19 RNA vaccines: for beginners V accines are, without doubt, one of the most COVID-19 RNA vaccines contain the genetic code for powerful tools available for disease prevention. the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes It was through vaccines that the world eradicated COVID-19. The spike protein is the virus’ key to enter smallpox and is now at the brink of eliminating polio— our cells. Training our immune system to recognise this some of us have even lived through periods where these key would enable the immune system to block infection diseases were dreaded. and get rid of infected cells swiftly, so as to prevent any illness despite infection. It is thus not surprising that, during the COVID-19 pandemic, many longed for a vaccine for the virus. Through Although RNA vaccines have not been licensed for use unprecedented partnerships in science, several vaccines in humans previously, they have under development have now been licensed for use, with two available in for at least 20 years. Clinical trials on the COVID-19 RNA Singapore at press time. vaccines have all shown excellent safety profiles. Despite, or perhaps because of, this record-breaking feat in Will RNA vaccine change our DNA? speeding vaccines from concept to application, some are perhaps worried if these new COVID-19 vaccines are safe. No. Just as it is hard to insert and bind a photocopy of a Here are some answers to common questions. page back into a reference book, conversion of RNA back into DNA and then integrating that piece of DNA into our What is a RNA vaccine? Is it safe? chromosomes require very special enzymes that are not present on RNA vaccines. Ribonucleic acid (RNA) is a form of genetic material. All of us have RNA in our bodies. Although our genetic code Is the vaccine safe when it is being developed is stored in the form of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), an so quickly? activated gene would be read and copied in the form of RNA. Think of DNA in the nucleus of a cell as a reference All the studies that need to be done to ensure the safety books in a library—these books cannot be removed from of these vaccines have been carried out. No shortcut has the library. The information within these books (DNA) been taken. would thus have to be copied (RNA) in order to be brought out of the library to instruct cellular functions. RNA as a The clinical development of many COVID-19 vaccines molecule is thus not foreign to our bodies. were sped up through parallel processing. Conventionally, vaccine (and drug) development conduct studies and trials one after another, i.e. in series. Serial processing reduces the financial risk of companies as, if the results of any of these studies are not up to expectation, companies can terminate the project and cut their losses. Due to the major public health need, many of the vaccine development efforts have taken on the financial risks and conducted clinical development studies in parallel, wherever possible, rather than in series. Source: WHO COVID-19 Dashboard. Geneva: World Health Organization, 2020. https://covid19.who.int/ |16 METHODIST MESSAGE — May 2021

News ¢ Priscilla Pearly Tan is member of Kum Yan Methodist Church and Kum Yan Youth Connection / Photos courtesy of Kum Yan MC A church with a heart for His people Kum Yan MC celebrates 103 years I n Kum Yan Methodist Church’s (KY) rich heritage of Installing the foundation stone of KY, that was found after it had 103 years, I have been here for the most recent three. gone missing during renovation works in 2005 While I may not have as much to share as those who have been part of much more of KY’s history, I do really As the congregation grew, they eventually needed a enjoy hearing the amazing stories that the older ones, place to worship and so he began a Sunday worship especially Pastor Lilian and Uncle KC (Wong Kok Choon, service at the school. Other ministries like the one at KY’s former LCEC chairman of KY), share about the church Woodlands also started with the leaders answering the and their own experiences. call to meet the need for a ministry to the community there. The Rev Philip Lim put it so beautifully, in the Some of their stories—illustrating KY’s DNA and heritage foreword of the commemorative book given out at the —that have stuck with me were of the elders and founding Anniversary Service: “From the very beginning, the generation of the church. Those who served were so on church was established with outreach as its mission.” fire for God and His people. One of Pastor Lilian’s stories that really stood out for me was about a church leader With each season that followed, every generation of who was hospitalised. The first thing she said to those leaders faithfully came together to seek God’s direction, who visited her was neither about her condition nor about to discover the need for that time and the context to the pain she was experiencing. Instead, she asked about apply the responsibility, mission and vision that God has how the church was and how the people were doing. ordained for the church. Stories like these inspire me to consider my priorities and to constantly place God and His heart for people at the centre of His Kingdom’s work. During the anniversary celebration, I discovered another With a deeper understanding of KY’s spiritual heritage, part of KY’s rich heritage and an important part of its DNA. and therefore mine, I am inspired to consider where and It ties very closely to how the church was started and to whom God is calling us for outreach in our time. In how several ministries were birthed. During the sermon, a powerful sermon about the Macedonian Vision at KY’s I learned how KY’s founding father, Mr I. C. Lam, started 103rd Anniversary Service, the Rev Khoo Cheng Hoot the church because he sensed the needs of the people helped us see parallels between Lydia, a recipient of the around him. As a teacher at Yeung Ching School, his heart Gospel, and those around us in our time. Lydia was one was stirred and filled with compassion for the Cantonese who perhaps lived in abundance as a dealer in purple migrants who did not know Christ. So he started a cloth. Like many of us in Singapore, I am learning that, fellowship and reached out to them with the Gospel. despite our abundance, the one thing needful remains. KY’s 103rd anniversary service |METHODIST MESSAGE — May 2021 17

Welfare Services ¢ By the Methodist Welfare Services (MWS) Communications Team / Photo and visuals courtesy of MWS 2021 invites you to be a friend to someone in need E very year, The Giving Methodist, spearheaded by The Methodist Church in Singapore (MCS) and Methodist Welfare Services (MWS), provides a platform to galvanise all Methodists for acts of love. Against the backdrop of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s theme encourages every Methodist to “Persevere in Doing Good”. As part of the Methodist family, we have the opportunity to do good by giving generously especially during the current circumstances. “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up” (Gal 6:9). Let us answer the call to do good by rallying our family and friends to reach deep into our hearts and extend warmth and friendship to someone in need during these tough times. We invite you to join MWS’s Persevere in Doing Good campaign by befriending those who are disadvantaged and distressed for a period of six to 12 months. MWS will connect you with distressed families and individuals, socially isolated seniors, and disadvantaged children in need of meaningful, longer- term friendship, advice and emotional support in their lives. Go to https://thegivingmethodist.sg/ or scan the QR code to sign up as a befriender or find out more about The Giving Methodist. JOIN THE GIVING METHODIST CAMPAIGN IN THESE THREE WAYS: GIVE TIME Volunteer your time to be a befriender and walk alongside our beneficiaries who need help. You can offer some companionship to someone in need. Journey with a befriendee from a participating MWS centre or Methodist church ministry today! Registration has been extended to 30 October 2021. GIVE A DONATION Uplift those whose circumstances remain dire with a regular giving of $40 a month, or a one-time donation. Your giving could potentially impact the lives of more than 8,000 we serve through our MWS centres and programmes. GIVE VOICE Lend your voice to the disadvantaged and distressed by spreading the word about The Giving Methodist on your social media channels or group chats. Do get others involved too! For further enquiries on The Giving Methodist, please email [email protected]. |18 METHODIST MESSAGE — May 2021

HELP HELP US TO HELP AT EVERY LEVEL AT EVERY LEVEL Make a big-hearted donation to support the running of MWS’ holistic Asafe and homely place to live in; love, care and support from family and the community. Many consider these to be the essentials for a happy, healthy and fulfilling life. programmes. Besides offering services and programmes to address But the sad reality is that these basic needs for a dignified life are beyond the grasp of some presenting problems, we also provide individuals, for reasons or circumstances outside of their control. psychosocial and emotional support, and pastoral care to work through deep-seated issues. Scan the QR code or visit mws.sg/help-at-every-level to donate. Atprnraodugrmeraaam-himnafseobrametneMedfWitthSteeGdrairfplrseo’umRtiecasidence Giving hope to a youth in crisis On behalf of those we serve, thank Take 16-year-old Andrea*, for example. Neglected by her you for your kindness and generosity. single mother who struggled to make ends meet, she sought comfort in the wrong places in her younger days—such as “Before this, I didn’t have anyone to talk to. taking drugs, stealing and playing truant. Her situation was Now I can share my problems with my friends worsened by a neighbour who sexually exploited her. She was here, and listening about their problems has eventually referred to the MWS Girls’ Residence (GR) which is somehow made me feel that mine aren’t the managed by Methodist Welfare Services (MWS), where she worst; instead, it makes me feel grateful,” was diagnosed with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). said Saras. The MWS GR care team took almost two months to gain A long helping journey Andrea’s trust, and helped her learn coping strategies and Andrea and Saras are just two of the many regulate her emotions. Andrea discovered her love and talent we serve at MWS. As the social concerns arm for music, and was encouraged to enrol in an Arts Incubation of The Methodist Church in Singapore, we programme. While the path to recovery is long, she knows are here to provide help at every level—the that she is not alone, and expresses more hope for her future. disadvantaged young or a vulnerable and isolated senior, the sick and frail or a distressed Saras with an artwork she “I am really proud of myself and thankful for the support that family. Our holistic and person-centred made during art class I have received from MWS GR. Without their guidance, I would approach empowers our beneficiaries to take Photo by Agency for Integrated Care have been lost,” shared Andrea. critical steps out of poverty brought on by financial distress, emptiness, trauma, illness, Caring for a senior under duress dysfunctional relationships or neglect.  It is Another struggling individual is Mdm Saraswathy, 73. Saras, as she likes to be known—was a often a long arduous journey that requires former nurse who cared for patients for 45 years. While she has retired, the nursing role never left perseverance, patience, love and kindness. her as she became a full-time caregiver to her ailing 94-year-old mother and 82-year-old husband. As a Methodist family, consider partnering When her mother had a hip replacement surgery, Saras was there to nurse her back to health. with MWS in helping those in need. Her husband, who had a heart bypass surgery, is also reliant on her for many daily activities such as walking and bathing. Under the immense strain of full-time caregiving, Saras felt greatly *Not her real name. stressed and totally alone. |METHODIST MESSAGE — May 2021 19 When MWS Charis Activity Centre for Elders – Geylang East opened below Saras’ flat in 2014, she decided to join as a member. There, Saras is able to enjoy respite from her daily caregiving responsibilities by participating in various activities that engage her mind, keep her healthy and enable her to connect with friends and family.

Missions ¢ By Caroline Ng-Cheng, Jessie Yong, Cara Chiang and Tan Li Diang are members of Barker Road Methodist Church (BRMC) / Photos courtesy of BRMC Flourish in Cambodia 2012: Cambodia-wide crochet outreach led to more than 200 learning to crochet Flourish’s first group of ladies from Prek Toal Methodist Church Women’s Ministry learning to crochet, 20 Feb 2011 The seed of Flourish Today, Flourish is a volunteer-run ministry supporting more than 20 ladies in Cambodia and seven ladies in Flourish is a ministry God has provided for women in need Singapore. to build livelihoods that impact and transform their lives and that of their families. It is also a ministry where God enables How you can help the volunteers to witness the seed of His faithful providence, to grow the seed of our faith and giftings and to enable us to • Buy our products share the seed of His Word, His light and hope. Check out our webstore at www.craftedtoflourish.com. Every product you purchase will enable more to be made, Flourish was started in 2011 by Barker Road Methodist which will provide more jobs for our artisans. Custom Church (BRMC) as a Missions Livelihood Project. Then called or bulk orders are always welcome. 100 per cent run “Project Love Cambodia,” Flourish’s first group of ladies by volunteers, and all proceeds go towards healthcare, were from Prek Toal Methodist Church, Steung Meanchey, education and community development for our artisans. Phnom Penh. In 2012, the BRMC Women’s Society of Christian Service • Volunteer (WSCS) placed a large order for crochet crosses for Mother’s Are you someone who believes in our mission? We need all Day/WSCS Sunday. This started us on a nation-wide the help we can get. We are calling for befrienders, product crochet outreach campaign where we taught crochet in all designers, sewers, crochets, social media storytellers, Methodist institutions across Cambodia. All glory to God, photographers, videographers, models, content creators we managed to fulfil more than 1,600 pieces of crochet and business development professionals. As long as you crosses and provided jobs for more than 20 women. have a willing heart to serve, come alongside us and join the Flourish family. In 2014, God extended our mission field to Chress Church, Community Outreach Services–Immanuel (COSI), Post-COSI • Gift Resources Integration Programme (PCOSIIP) and the area of Odem. If you own a factory with raw materials such as fabric, yarn and leather to donate or have a company seeking When COVID-19 struck in 2020 and Singapore went into its corporate social responsibility projects, or are someone Circuit Breaker, Flourish evolved to include local artisans who shares our vision and would like to support our referred by BRMC’s Outreach & Social Concerns (OSC). mission, we would love to hear from you! Thanks be to God for opening more doors as we went through the Circuit Breaker. |20 METHODIST MESSAGE — May 2021

How you can pray for us When illness strips us of every dream With a grateful heart of praise and joy, we give thanks to the Lord for birthing the Flourish ministry. Do pray we’ve dared to dream. alongside with us for the Lord to enable: When our families remain • the beneficiaries and families to be healed physically only to remind us of the hurts we carry and emotionally and to transformed lives redeemed by His grace and hope the losses we bury and the brokenness we try so hard to mend. • the beneficiaries’ families to witness the new dawn in their lives and together as a family seek to know When we live and accept the Lord as their Saviour only so our children won’t need to face the darkness alone. • the volunteers to serve as one united body emboldened by God’s love, be faithful in following the Lord’s leading With heads to the floor and wisdom, and be strengthened to journey with the we weep beneficiaries and to share the Good News until our bodies feel like nothing • provision of new volunteers including artisans, donors but the smoke of materials or partners to journey with the beneficiaries of unanswered prayers. • that all involved in the Flourish community will rejoice always in whatever we do, pray continually And then, one day for all involved and give thanks in all circumstances on a day unlike the rest so that God’s light shines forth in all the lives we touched and His Name be lifted high and glorified. a window opens. “How beautiful on the mountains are the And hope begins to make its way feet of the messenger who brings good back into our fractured hearts. news, the good news of peace and salvation, the news that the God of Israel reigns!” Our fellow women arrive with hearts open (Isa 52:7) and hands raised for service. Cambodia Group And we begin a beautiful exchange of time, talent and stories. The journey with our artisans Our hands BORN INTO LIGHT formerly cusped in perpetual prayer Who do we turn to now in service when life becomes to craft something beautiful. unbearable? Hope is the fabric of healing When happiness is nothing that we weave— With every stitch but a hope whispered in the dead we become stronger. of yet another sleepless night. Together, we dream of When the person who promised to love us and build a community committed to all creeds, convictions becomes the very reason we lose colours, cultures and conditions. our faith. We work towards a vision of G o d ’s e ud ai m o n i a— United by our love for each other and our Creator. Building a world where ‘light in darkness’ is not just another idea; I t ’s w h o we are i t ’s w h at we’re m ad e of i t ’s w h at we we re b o rn to d o. This poem describes the Flourish manifesto of how Flourish reaches out to women going through challenging situations in our broken world. Many are single mothers struggling to raise their children on their own, after going through difficult relationships. Others may be going through difficulties due to critical illnesses. Whatever their situation, Flourish is committed to journeying with them, providing a sustainable livelihood for them and a life of dignity for them, their families and community, that they may see the hope and light of our Creator. |METHODIST MESSAGE — May 2021 21

Happenings ¢ JUDICIAL COUNCIL JUDICIAL COUNCIL DECISION NO 1 OF 2021 DECISION NO 2 OF 2021 DIGEST (BOD ¶713.1) DIGEST (BOD ¶713.1) In a written decision handed down on 22 March 2021: In a written decision handed down on 22 March 2021: 1 The Judicial Council (by a 8-1 majority) affirmed 1 The Judicial Council unanimously decided “members present and voting” would the decision of the Presiding Officer of the 45th Session not to vary or reverse the decision of the mean in the context of the e-Ballot voting of The Emmanuel Tamil Annual Conference (“ETAC”) to Presiding Officer of the 45th Session of The system, prior to the e-ballot being taken. (i) dispense with the casting of ballots; and (ii) declare Trinity Annual Conference (“TRAC”) to include the sole eligible candidate for the office of President “Abstain” e-ballots in the 4th e-Ballot vote d He did not wish for the election of the new as the 12th Quadrennium ETAC President. count as part of the total of “members present President to be decided under any cloud and voting” on the election of the 12th of dispute and hence ruled that “Abstain” 2 In arriving at its decision, the Judicial Council Quadrennium TRAC President. e-ballots (there were three such e-ballots) ruled that ¶582 of The Book of Discipline calling for would count as votes cast. the election of the President of an Annual Conference 2 The Judicial Council noted that the by secret ballot is ambiguous as to whether ballots Presiding Officer’s decision had been guided by 3 The Judicial Council observed that in the would still have to be cast and a formal vote taken the following considerations: present case, there is nothing to suggest that where there is only one eligible candidate for the the inclusion of the three “Abstain” choices office of President in a particular election. a This was the first time that balloting was changed the ultimate outcome of 4th e-Ballot. carried out using the e-Ballot voting system. 3 The Judicial Council ruled that in the face of 4 The Judicial Council also agreed with the such ambiguity and on the facts, the decision made b The e-Ballot voting system had listed Presiding Officer that in the interest of clarity, by the Presiding Officer was neither unreasonable, “Abstain” as one of the options available should an “Abstain” choice be included in arbitrary nor improper. The Judicial Council further for selection without differentiation in future e-ballot forms, it would be prudent to noted that the Annual Conference, which had the appearance from the other options. explain, prior to the casting of votes, that an ability to challenge the Presiding Officer’s decision, “Abstain” choice is a choice not to cast a vote. had not mounted any challenge. c No explanation had been given or ruling made as to what the requirement “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

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. Blissful indifference R ecently, many were unsettled, if not shocked, by I find it refreshing that those who demonstrated compassion news reports of a family’s cruelty to their domestic did so not because they knew or hoped that their kind helper, who was abused and tortured to the point of deeds would be noticed or rewarded. They saw the needy death. Then there was the case of a son who abused his for who they were, the hungry as those who needed food elderly mother for years. Fortunately, she survived, but her and the homeless as people without shelter. physical and psychological wounds will probably be severe and long lasting. Mother Teresa, when asked why she helped those rejected by society, said: “I see Jesus in every human being.” If only How did no one know or act? The old lady had sought we shared her perspective. treatment for her injuries and the medical staff surely saw that her injuries and wounds did not match the description But we do not, do we? We turn our gaze away from people of how they were sustained. Yet, no one could or would do who are obviously sad and downtrodden. We deafen our more to help. ears to the cries and screams of those who are being hurt and abused. We tell ourselves to mind our own business.  In Matthew 25:31–­ 40, we are told that when Christ comes again, all of us will stand before His throne to receive But what is our “business” if not to love the world? Are we our reward or punishment. We will be judged by how we not to be the hands and feet of our loving Father and be the lived our lives on earth, especially with regard to how we expression of His love to a world broken by division and strife? responded to the needy, less privileged, disadvantaged and even to prisoners. Or, are we like the people who justified themselves with “When did we see you?” Living in this age of social A constant refrain in the account were the words, “When media and information overload, saying we are unaware did we see you... (hungry, naked, lonely)?” Besides those of the needs around us is to pretend not to know and be condemned by their selfishness, even the charitable ones indifferent. Have we become, in the words of a song by asked this question. Jesus’ response was that God, even Pink Floyd (1979), “comfortably numb”? if not seen, is present in each needy individual. Our Lord, the King of kings, the Creator and Master of the universe, On the Day of Reckoning, on which side will we be found? Will identifies with the least of these individuals. He is willing we be numbered among the righteous or will we be in the to be like them. group offering the weak excuse, “When did we see you...?” |METHODIST MESSAGE — May 2021 23

ACS (International) Singapore is a ACS (International) distinctive international secondary Admissions Seminars school open to all Singaporeans & other nationalities, offering an all- for 2022 round English-based education for students aged 12 to 18 years leading to Pre PSLE Seminars the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) and the 9 July, 2pm International Baccalaureate Diploma 6 August, 2pm Programme (IBDP). 17 September, 2pm 1 October, 2pm Senior Leadership Team RSVP [email protected] Mr Gavin Kinch Mrs Tan Siew Hoon Post PSLE Seminars Principal Vice-Principal 24 November, 2pm & 4pm Dr Kristopher Achter Mr Chia Choong Kiat 25 November, 9am & 2pm Vice-Principal Acting Vice-Principal 26 November, 9am & 2pm 27 November, 9am RSVP [email protected] Seminars will be held on Campus with School Tour Attendance is limited and by reservations only Venue: Oldham Chapel, ACS (International) 61 Jalan Hitam Manis, Singapore 278475 For earlier appointments, please contact Joseph Ng or Serene Lim at +65 6472 1477 or [email protected]

Hymns & Songs ¢ Jesu, Jesu Judith Laoyan-Mosomos is the Director for Worship and Jesu, Jesu, Fill Us With Your Love Church Music at the Methodist School of Music, and a member of Kampong Kapor Methodist Church. (UMH 432) “Love your neighbour!” Over and Jesu, Jesu, fill us with your love, show us how to serve the neighbours we have from you. over we are reminded to do this through sermons, articles and even campaigns about showing acts Kneels at the feet of his friends, of kindness. But what will it take for us to practice silently washes their feet, this mandate that Jesus has given us? Master who acts as a slave to them. Refrain Through the song “Jesu, Jesu” we hear Tom Colvin’s exhortation. Colvin describes: how Jesus Neighbors are wealthy and poor, manifested his love and servanthood; who our varied in color and race, neighbours are; and how we should embody the neighbors are near us and far away. love of Jesus Christ. Refrain The act of kneeling is emphasised and used to These are the ones we should serve, exemplify Jesus’ servanthood, which brings to these are the ones we should love, light the disposition we should keep in following all these are neighbors to us and you. Jesus. Refrain Kneeling signifies humility. It is a posture taken Loving puts us on our knees, when praying to God. Abraham, Daniel, Isaiah, silently washing their feet, Peter, Paul and even Jesus Himself knelt to pray. this is the way we should live with you. We, too, kneel when we come to the altar rail for Refrain Holy Communion. It is not a comfortable position. That is why the altar rails have kneeling pads. WORDS: Tom Colvin, 1969 If loving puts us on our knees, does that mean loving may also be uncomfortable? Definitely! © 1969, 1997 Hope Publishing Company These are the subtexts of “Jesu, Jesu”. Soon |METHODIST MESSAGE — May 2021 25 we will be back in church, kneeling at the altar rail, communing with Jesus and the Body of Christ. Where will this kneeling lead us to? Jesus interacted with the outcast, the poor, the marginalised. He saw and loved them in the image of God our creator. We carry judgment, prejudice—some are unfortunately common and acted upon. Can we change that? Will we see the way Jesus did? Will that perception then move our hearts to bend our knees to love and serve? So much has changed for us today. We need this mandate—these reminders to help put ourselves in place. And if we want the love of God to prosper, I think it starts by loving our neighbour.

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). Real faith John Wesley’s “Aldersgate experience” of 1738 is a Wesley explains this difference well in his 1741 sermon: constant reminder of just how important it is for those who call themselves Christians to have a vital faith in Jesus The right and true Christian faith is […] not only to Christ. On the flip side, it also alerts us to the fact that there believe that Holy Scripture and the Articles of our Faith are people in our churches today who have all the outward are true, but also to have a sure trust and confidence appearances of being genuine disciples but who in fact do to be saved from everlasting damnation by Christ. It is not have a genuine relationship with Christ. a sure trust and confidence which a man hath in God, that, by the merits of Christ, his sins are forgiven, and Three years after his life-changing experience at he is reconciled to the favour of God; whereof doth Aldersgate, on 25 July 1741, Wesley himself addresses follow a loving heart, to obey His commandments.4 this subject in a university sermon he preached at St Mary’s, Oxford, entitled “The Almost Christian”,1 where In other words, the “almost Christian” merely has external he famously describes the “almost Christian” as someone religion. In contrast, the “altogether Christian” has a real, who merely has “the outside of a real Christian”. deep, and transformative relationship with God through faith in Jesus Christ. On the surface, it is difficult to discern an “almost Christian” from a true believer (or, to use Wesley’s expression, a The Reformers, following the medieval theologians before person who is “altogether a Christian”). them, taught that biblical faith has three essential aspects: notitia, which refers to the truths of revelation, the content The “almost Christian” may attend Sunday worship services of the Christian faith; assensus, which has to do with the regularly. He may be a member of a small group, and may conviction that the claims of faith are indeed true; and even lead Bible study. He may tithe faithfully and give fiducia, which is personal trust in God. generously to the church building fund. He may be active in the ministries of the church and, because of his talents and The “faith” of the “almost Christian” is incomplete because competencies, may even prove to be effective in some ways. it is nothing more than just an intellectual assent to the truths of the Bible and the creeds of the Church. The “almost Christian” may know his Bible well. He may be quite knowledgeable of the teachings of the evangelical Real faith is not just about knowing and believing the church, having read famous Christian writers such as J. I. truths of Scripture—important though this is—for as James Packer, John Stott, John Piper and Tim Keller. reminds us, even the demons do that (James 2:19). Real faith is fundamentally about trusting in Jesus Christ. In addition, the “almost Christian” can appear to live a godly life. As Wesley puts it, “the almost Christian does Wesley ends his great sermon of 1741 with some nothing which the gospel forbids. He taketh not the name penetrating questions: of God in vain; he blesseth, and curseth not; he sweareth not at all, but his communication is, yea, yea; nay, nay.”2 The great question of all, then, remains. Is the love of God shed abroad in your heart? Can you cry out, “My God, and The “almost Christian” may display Christianly behaviour, my All?” Do you desire nothing but Him? Are you happy with especially in his relationship with others. Wesley writes: God? Is He your glory, your delight, your crown of rejoicing? “He avoids as much as in him lies, all strife and contention, […] And doth his Spirit bear witness with thy spirit, that continually endeavouring to live peaceably with all men. thou art the child of God?5 And, if he suffers wrong, he avenges not himself, neither returns evil for evil.”3 Blessed is he who can answer these questions with a confident and resounding “Yes!” But there is one vital thing that distinguishes the “almost Christian” from the “altogether Christian”. There is one 1 John Wesley’s Forty-Four Sermons (London: Epworth Press, 1991), 11-20. important difference between the truncated and incomplete 2 Ibid., 12. 3 Ibid., 11-12. 4 Ibid., 17. 5 Ibid., 18-19 “faith” of the “almost Christian” and genuine faith. |26 METHODIST MESSAGE — May 2021

News ¢ Xavier Tan worships and serves at Ang Mo Kio Chinese Methodist Church. He is currently pursuing an LL.B. at NUS Law / Photo courtesy of Jerry Tay What does being a Methodist mean to you? “Religion is the love of God and our neighbour; that is, every man under heaven. This love rul[es] the whole life, animat[es] all our tempers and passions, direct[s] all our thoughts, words, and actions”. To me, being a Methodist means emulating Wesley and loving God and our fellow man. The love of God and that of man are not mutually exclusive. Rather, as the Apostle reminds us, “whoever loves God must also love his brother” (1 Jn 4:21). Wesley similarly advocates for “lov[ing] thy neighbour for God’s sake”, describing said love as “pure and universal”. The converse is also true: an absence of love for one’s neighbour is no love for God at all (1 Jn 4:20). Thus, loving God is inextricably linked to loving our neighbours, and it is at the core of Methodism. Two examples of loving our neighbours are evangelism and encouragement. God’s will and love for the world are the reasons we have the Gospel. What greater love can we show apart from sharing God’s love? Wesley preached everywhere he could, even out in the open, to reach as many as he could. Like Paul, he went out of his comfort zone to save souls. As Christians and Methodists, we should do the same. The Word tasks us to encourage and build each other up (1 Th 5:11). Wesley did so as he ministered to the poor and encouraged honesty and prudence, resulting in great improvements in their economic lives. Today, we have the same “Swiss Army knife” Wesley had—Scripture. Being rooted in God’s Word, we can minister to, encourage and bless those around us, especially the less fortunate, in love. Therefore, to me, loving God through tangible love for our fellow man is what it means to be a Methodist. 1 John Wesley, “The Important Question”, The Sermons of John Wesley – 1872 Edition, ed. Thomas Jackson, Wesley Center Online, http://wesley.nnu.edu/john- wesley/the-sermons-of-john-wesley-1872-edition/sermon-84-the-important-question/. 2 John Wesley, “On Love”, The Sermons of John Wesley – 1872 Edition, ed. Thomas Jackson, Wesley Center Online, http://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-sermons-of-john-wesley-1872-edition/sermon-139-on-love/. 3 John Wesley, “1 John 4:21”, Explanatory Notes Upon the New Testament (1755–1756). Public domain. 4 Carles White, “John Wesley’s Church Planting Movement: Discipleship That Transformed a Nation and Changed the World”, https://www.missionfrontiers.org/issue/article/john-wesleys-church-planting-movement.

THINK ¢ Dr Marcus Ong is a member of the Methodist Church of the Incarnation. He is an Emergency Physician and Clinician Scientist who has been on the frontlines fighting COVID-19 since January 2020. / Photo courtesy of Dr Marcus Ong Ten reasons for getting vaccinated A s Singapore’s COVID-19 vaccination programme is than 60,000 recorded cases and 30 deaths, has not been underway, the campaign faces challenges from vaccine spared. Fortunately, we have so far been able to protect our scepticism or rejection. A recent study of more than healthcare system and vulnerable patients, unlike countries 30,000 people in Singapore revealed that roughly 40 per cent where hospitals have been overwhelmed. However, we should were agreeable to vaccination, 20 per cent rejected it and the not take this for granted. remaning 40 per cent were undecided. 2 COVID-19 preys on the elderly and the weak I have already received both doses of the vaccine and would like to offer 10 reasons why I strongly encourage my parents, COVID-19 impacts especially the elderly and those with chronic family and friends to get vaccinated. medical conditions. These groups have many times the death rates compared to younger people. There is also a condition 1 COVID-19 is a serious and deadly disease called “long COVID”, where people who recover continue to feel unwell for weeks or even months. Ironically, the young The COVID-19 global pandemic has claimed more than 3 and healthy may have mild, or even no, symptoms but are million lives worldwide and caused unprecedented personal, very effective at unknowingly spreading the disease to others, social, economic and health impact. Singapore, with more as they may feel well. We need to protect the vulnerable. Registration at our Columbarium Office (Level 5) Monday to Friday, 9.00am to 5.00pm (Closed on Public Holidays). Tel: 6479 8122 HP: 9670 9935 or Fax: 6479 6960 Email: [email protected]

3 Beyond impacting health, it has had Dr Ong with family at an outing to Gardens by the Bay devastating effects on people, society and 7 We should not subscribe to misinformation nations and conspiracy theories As a frontline doctor, I have seen how COVID-19 has impacted our patients. This is not just on those who contract Unfortunately, vaccine acceptance has been challenged the disease, but also those impacted by indirect effects by inaccurate and even fake news, conspiracy theories on the healthcare system due to strains on manpower, and misinformation. Some of these have even claimed treatment capacity and delays to routine care. There is also religious/ethical sanction. Understandably, many are the mental health, economic and social impact. This impact uncertain, worried and confused. In times such as these, is magnified in countries that were already struggling the Church should be a beacon of truth and light, to help before the pandemic. Everyone needs to play their part to protect our people and communities. help in this fight. 8 We can overcome our fears and anxieties 4 There is a safe and effective treatment for All medications have side effects. After my second dose COVID-19 of the vaccine, I had a slight fever, muscle aches and lethargy. However, I was able to work with the help of The good news is that there has been a breakthrough in some paracetemol and did not need medical leave. Some our fight against COVID-19—the advent of safe and effective patients may have allergic reactions. However, the MOH has vaccines. Based on real-world experience in Israel which has clear eligibility guidelines for vaccination and has ensured now vaccinated the majority of its vulnerable population, that vaccination centres are well equipped to handle any the vaccine is more than 90 per cent effective in reducing serious allergic reactions. We can encourage each other to serious complications. There is also good evidence that help overcome our fears. even if you get infected, vaccination reduces the chances of you transmitting the disease. 9 We honour the sacrifices others have made 5 Vaccinations are one of the most proven This is actually the second time I am going through a pandemic. I was a junior Emergency Physician during treatments in medicine the 2003 SARS outbreak, when my friend and mentor, Dr Alexandre Chao, gave his life protecting others. We honour There is overwhelming evidence for the effectiveness and his sacrifice, and the sacrifices of countless frontline workers safety of vaccinations. Consider the eradication of smallpox around the world, when we choose to get vaccinated. and control of polio globally in the recent past. Currently, more than 225 million people worldwide have received at 10 We love God by loving our neighbour least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, with comparatively few reports of major adverse events. Singapore’s Ministry of Choosing to get vaccinated is an act of love. Jesus said: “A Health (MOH) has also been careful to review all vaccines new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved before approving them for local use. There is actually more you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will data proving the safety and effectiveness of vaccines than know that you are my disciples, if you love one another” all the over-the-counter medications, and the traditional (John 13:34–35, NIV). When we choose to get vaccinated, and “herbal” remedies we use. we are demonstrating we love our neighbour and love God. 6 Vaccination reduces our personal risk as well as the risk to others Besides protecting ourselves, vaccination also protects those who are not able or eligible to be vaccinated. This is the concept of “herd immunity”, which is that we can break the chain of infection if a sufficient proportion of the population is immune. So far, more than 500,000 people in Singapore have received at least one dose of the vaccine. In order to reach herd immunity, experts advise aiming for 80 to 90 per cent of our population to be vaccinated. We are still far from that target. |METHODIST MESSAGE — May 2021 29