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Methodist Message: Mar 2022

Published by methodistmessage, 2022-02-23 03:49:06

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THE METHODIST CHURCH IN SINGAPORE Vol 124 No 3 MARCH 2022 SPEARHEADED BY ISSN 0129-6868 MCI (P) 044/11/2021 Putting into practice

Contents 1 Bishop’s Message 2 Events—Coming Up 3 News—40 Day Lent Prayers 4 Church Life—CAC Highlights 6 News—Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 9 News—Methodist Preschools 12 Reach Out—Missions 14 Feature—Putting Lent into Practice 16 Opinion—Lenten Reflections 19 People—Henry Chan and Mary Chan 22 Reach Out—Welfare Services 24 Relationships—You & Your family 25 Hymns & Songs 26 Opinion—Soundings 29 What does being a Methodist mean to you? 30 Events—Looking Ahead ERRATUM In the print edition of the January 2022 issue of Methodist Message under Special Appointments for 2022, Rev Wendy Tay was mistakenly listed as a lecturer at Trinity Theological College. Rev Wendy Tay is one of the TRAC Chaplains to TRAC TTC Students. We apologise for the error. 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 Council on Communications 70 Barker Road #06-04 Singapore 309936 6478-4793 | 6478-4763 Managing Editor message.methodist.org.sg | www.methodist.org.sg Alvin Tay [email protected] fb.com/Methodist.SG Editor @methodist.sg Lianne Ong @methodistsg Sub-editors Design & Production by Londonbob Design — Printed by Adred Creation Print Pte Ltd Lucy Cheng Have something to say or share? Email us at [email protected] Janice Khoo Tan Chiu Ai Communications Executive Jason Woo Proofreaders Melanie Lee Christabel Tan

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. Rituals should help, not hinder “May the LORD, who is good, pardon everyone who sets their heart on seeking God—the LORD, the God of their ancestors— even if they are not clean according to the rules of the sanctuary.” (2 Chronicles 30:18-19 NIV) 2 Chronicles 30:18-20 records a time when “most of the many people”, from non-Jewish families, “had not purified themselves”, and a strict literal enforcement of the rituals and rules of worship would have barred many from entering the sanctuary to worship God. But King Hezekiah prayed: “May the LORD, who is good, pardon everyone who sets their heart on seeking God … even if they are not clean according to the rules of the sanctuary.” Rituals and rules or traditions of worship are important because they help us draw near to God. They remind us that true worship inspires gratitude and humility, thanksgiving and confession, quietness and trust. True worship rekindles love for God and neighbour. But the Bible warns pastors and priests (and bishops!) against enforcing those very good rituals in such a way that they hinder rather than help people draw near to God. Hezekiah’s prayer in the Old Testament reminds us that God welcomes all people into his holy presence. It teaches us that divine rituals should never become human rules which hinder us from finding God. The New Testament records our Lord Jesus warning the devout Pharisees of the same thing (Mark 2:23-27). The Pharisees were zealous in enforcing certain rituals and rules which dictated how people should observe the Sabbath day in honour of God. Jesus teaches them, and us, that “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath” (Mark 2:27). God instituted the weekly ritual of a Sabbath day, not to bless himself, but to be a blessing for human beings. Or, to borrow St Augustine’s famous phrase, to help restless human beings find their rest in God. The celebration of Holy Week culminating in Good Friday and Resurrection Sunday is an annual ritual which churches worldwide observe. May this wonderful ritual remind all of, rather than restrict any from, the loving goodness of God. May our rituals and rules help, and not hinder. |METHODIST MESSAGE — March 2022 1

Events ¢ Coming Up |2 METHODIST MESSAGE — March 2022

News ¢ Remember what Jesus gave up for us Just one minute a day! Join our pastors and church leaders in prayer this Lent as we reflect, repent and thank the Lord for what he has done for us. O ur Lent prayers began in 2021 as a united effort by all three Annual Conferences–CAC, ETAC and TRAC–to remember this season as one community of Methodists. Pastors and lay leaders from 40 out of our 46 churches each contributed a prayer which was translated to Mandarin and Tamil, and sent out on our MCS WhatsApp Broadcast Channel daily at 10am and posted on MCS social media (@Methodist.SG). These prayers were so well-shared that we had almost 400 new subscribers to our WhatsApp channel. As we approach Lent again in 2022, we encourage you to pause and reflect. Remember what Jesus gave up for us. For 40 days (excluding Sundays) from Ash Wednesday (2 March 2022) to Holy Saturday (16 April 2022), take a minute daily to remember His sacrifice. Join us as we unite together in repentance, thanksgiving and praise. This Lent, remember Jesus. Join us in prayer. Our Lent daily broadcast is now available on both WhatsApp and Telegram. To subscribe to MCS Telegram Channel Download the Telegram app, visit @methodistsg and click on Join. Alternatively, visit this link: https://t.me/methodistsg To subscribe to MCS WhatsApp Broadcast Sign up for the MCS WhatsApp Prayer Broadcast by saving +65 6478-4786 in your phone contacts as “MCS”. (Please note that you will not be able to receive broadcast messages without saving the number.) Then complete the form found here: https://tinyurl.com/mcswhatsapp. |METHODIST MESSAGE — March 2022 3

Church Life ¢ CAC Highlights By the Chinese Annual Conference (CAC) Communications Team / Photos courtesy of CAC Servants of our heavenly father I n 2021, CAC welcomed 5 new Members-on-Trial (MOTs), celebrated the ordination of 6 pastors and witnessed the retirement of 2 pastors. We had them share some moments in their personal journey. Wherever you have been called to serve, be it in the church or marketplace, in a pastoral role or otherwise, we hope that their simple sharing can serve as bite-size insights and be an encouragement to you! Pr Joseph Chen | 2021 MOT Pr Gareth Yeo | 2021 MOT “I received my initial calling around the age “Through past ministry of 17. Through a time of seeking the Lord, involvements, I see a greater multiple experiences, and serving in Toa Payoh need in the Chinese-speaking Chinese Methodist Church as a Lay Ministry Staff, churches of the Methodist body I affirmed my calling from God.” in Singapore. I believe that I have been divinely placed by Pr Teh You Siong | 2021 MOT God to be in a Chinese church and to serve a Chinese-speaking “A Stephen Tong gospel rally sparked the idea of congregation.” full-time service to the Lord. The thought never left my mind as I continued serving in church in the few years that followed. With the support of my wife, I eventually took the step towards full-time ministry during a church gospel rally.” Pr Michael Lee | 2021 MOT “I received God’s calling to enter pastoral ministry when I was a youth. Despite being fearful and reluctant, God did not give up on me. Through years of preparation and equipping, God enabled me to obey Him and to learn to trust Him in the journey of discipleship.” Pr Sharon Lee | 2021 MOT Rev Shawn Koh | 2021 Deacon Ordinand “I grew up in a Christian family. “In these 2 years of pastoral ministry, Since receiving confirmation at I realised that in order to effectively feed the 15 years old, I have had the flock, a shepherd must have a relationship opportunity to serve in different with the flock. A sheep will only eat from church ministries. The many your hand if the sheep recognises you. years of serving in church grew So, in these 2 years, I have spent a lot of and spurred me on spiritually. time caring for all the people that are After leaving my HR profession entrusted to me.” in 2002, I enrolled into Trinity Theological College and began Rev Timothy Ang | 2021 Deacon Ordinand my journey to full-time ministry.” “I first sensed the calling during a church mission |4 METHODIST MESSAGE — March 2022 trip in the year 2000. It has been an experience of grace upon grace as our Heavenly Father led me each step of the way, assuring me inwardly, and blessing me with godly mentors and fellow sojourners along the way.”

Rev Jasper Ngoh | 2021 Elder Ordinand Rev Glenn Tan | 2021 Elder “The biggest lesson that I’ve learnt and must Ordinand continue to work on is the importance of humility. I see humility being modelled through my fellow “One of the most important bond servants of Jesus Christ, who have served lessons I’ve learnt and am still genuinely, and out of their humility very effectively learning in my ministry journey build up the body of Christ. It also humbles me is that people are invaluable. to observe God’s mysterious ways of building up To me, the people that God has His own body through unexpected persons and brought alongside us in the unexpected means.” journey of ministry are often forgotten means of grace. I think Rev Ong Bee Keow | 2021 that without them, ministry would be impossible.” Deacon Ordinand “Like the psalmist said: ‘I lift up my eyes to the hills, where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.’ Indeed, I thank God that He kept me focused on His Word. Through meditation and reflection, I am brought closer to God.” Rev Jacqueline Ho | 2021 Elder Ordinand “In my past few years of serving, the most unforgettable moments were that of witnessing God’s children being built up, receiving Jesus’ love, returning to Him and becoming devoted disciples of Christ.” Rev Poh Heow Lee | 2021 Rev Louis Chai | 2021 Retired As we acknowledge the faith and courage it takes each individual Retired Pastor Pastor to obey and to persevere in serving God, we continue to “There are times when I just don’t “Our Lord Jesus is worthy of our see how the Lord can and does understand why certain things whole life. I encourage you to serve call His workers from different or events had to occur. One thing Him passionately, be it in full-time backgrounds and at varying life I’ve learned and found true all the ministry or in the marketplace. stages. He also places unique time is that one day––could be a Even after my stroke in 2013 that ministry burdens in each of His month, a year, or even longer––the changed all my plans, God has children’s hearts, and affirms us reason for what had happened been faithful. Today, I’m officially of His calling for us through life’s will be revealed or discovered, retired. Nonetheless, I’ll follow in the circumstances, the people placed and I will find that God’s wisdom footsteps of my retired pastors and in our lives, and the work of the and love will be evident.” continue to do my part to accomplish Holy Spirit. the great commission—making disciples of all the nations.” We invite you to pray not just for all pastors and their family, but also for yourself. We are all servants of our Heavenly Father. What may God’s special call for you be? |METHODIST MESSAGE — March 2022 5

News ¢ Rev Ling Kin Yew is a pastor at Cairnhill Methodist Church. Additional reporting by Alvin Tay, Managing Editor of the Methodist Message. | Photos courtesy of Novena Novum, Covenant Community Methodist Church and Gerald Kong. WEEK OF PRAYER FOR CHRISTIAN UNITY We saw His star in the East, and came to Worship Him S ince 1908, Christians from different denominations globally have gathered in their respective countries annually to pray for the unity of the Church. The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity (WPCU), as it is called, is usually celebrated from 18 to 25 January. This year’s materials for the prayer services were prepared by the Middle East Council of Churches. The selection of scripture and liturgical texts was inspired by the visit of the Magi to the new-born King, as described in Matthew 2:1-12, particularly verse 2: “We saw his star in the East, and have come to worship him.” More than ever, in these difficult times, we need a light that shines in the darkness and that light , Christians proclaim, has been manifested in Jesus Christ. In Singapore, the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity was observed at the following five venues: • 19 Jan (Wed) / 8p.m.—Covenant Community Methodist Church • 20 Jan (Thu) / 8p.m.—Church of St. Alphonsus (Novena Church) • 21 Jan (Fri) / 8p.m.—St. John’s-St. Margaret’s Church • 24 Jan (Mon) / 8p.m.—The Salvation Army Singapore Central Corps • 25 Jan (Tue) / 8p.m.—Lutheran Church of Our Redeemer |6 METHODIST MESSAGE — March 2022

Our pastors who participated in the services share with us their reflections and highlight the significance of the rituals conducted. In Singapore, the first prayer service for 2022 was Pastor Mei Ming and I joined in the WPCU prayer held at Covenant Community Methodist Church service at Lutheran Church of Our Redeemer on 25 January. The service was inspired by the Magi’s visit with representatives from different denominations to the new-born Christ. We were led by stars stuck to leading various sections and Bishop Dr Gordon Wong the floor from the entrance right up to the sanctuary. And on the right side of the chancel, a large lighted preaching from Matthew 2:1-12. Just as how the star was mounted on a dark blue cloth symbolising Magi together worshipped Jesus, may we, the body the Star that led the Magi to the stable in Bethlehem. of Christ, despite difficulties and differences, unite There were representatives from the Roman Catholic Church, The Salvation Army and Trinity Theological together in worshipping the King of Kings. College. We used worship resources prepared by Rev Ling Kin Yew the Middle East Council of Churches. Most Eastern Orthodox, Protestant and Roman Catholic churches in I first participated in the WPCU in 2020 when I was the region are members of the council. The Nicene assigned to plan and organise one of the services Creed we recited was the form used in Orthodox that year. I found the experience to be meaningful churches as a gesture of goodwill. During the service, because it was a practical expression of doing we were invited to add paper stars to the blue cloth Jesus’ will and praying with him for the oneness of under the lighted Star. This signified our commitment believers in John 17, and I am glad to continue to to share Christ’s light. A star led the Magi to Christ. be part of it. The unity of Christ’s Church is crucial, if Today this star points to the presence of Christ, who not necessary, for true and effective witness to the has been revealed to us and shines on us. As the gospel (John 17:20 -23), and is the demonstration of its power of breaking down walls among humankind Magi followed the star to Bethlehem, we gather and bringing peace (Ephesians 2:13-22). under this star today, adding our own stars to the sky, uniting our gifts and prayers for the visible unity Rev Poh Zhihui of the Church. As we journey towards that goal, may our lives together give a luminous witness that leads others to know Christ. Rev Ivan Tan At least once a year, I am reminded, by the observance of WPCU, of Every year, I look forward to this Jesus’ prayer for His disciples that “they may be one so that the world sacred hour where I am inspired may believe” (John 17:21). This year, I was glad to be meeting up again and enriched by our siblings with ‘old’ friends; I also looked forward to meeting ‘new’ friends. My from the traditions of the various heart is touched when Christians come together to pray for our unity. Christian denominations. When Still, I wonder whether more could join us? Doing so doesn’t negate we are one, then the world will the fact that there are real-time significant differences in theological believe that God did send his son. understandings between the various ‘streams’ of Christendom. But this Let’s seek to build the kingdom always reminds me to consider more deeply what German theologian, and kin-dom (kinship) of God and Rupertus Meldenius, iterated, “In Essentials Unity, In Non-Essentials not our own religious empire. Liberty, In All Things Charity.” For me, it is also praying forward with a wistful smile as I see the day when all who are truly followers of Jesus Rev Gabriel Liew Christ will gather as one, united once and for all in spirit and in truth before Him. Even so, come Lord Jesus! |METHODIST MESSAGE — March 2022 7 Rev Chan Mei Ming

2022 Admissions Now Open ACS (International) Singapore is a distinctive Building Through Belief, this school of choice provides international secondary school open to all Singaporeans & other nationalities, offering an • Exceptional examination results, very strong value-added achievement and an all- all-round English-based education for students round holistic education aged 12 to 18 years leading to the International General Certificate of Secondary Education • 50:50 mix of local and international teachers who uphold the dual Methodist ethos (IGCSE) and the International Baccalaureate and ACS heritage Diploma Programme (IBDP). • Small class sizes with overall student-teacher ratio of 8.7 : 1 61 Jalan Hitam Manis, Singapore 278475 • 40 different CCAs – 16 Sporting, 12 Visual and Performing Arts, 12 Special Interest Groups • Over 25 overseas trips per year • Over 200 formal student leadership positions • Scholarships for 4 Singaporeans to undertake the IBDP Mr Gavin Kinch Mrs Tan Siew Hoon Achievements include Principal Vice-Principal • Students with perfect score of 45 points in IBDP • 20 “Top in the World” awards in IGCSE examinations over each of the past nine years • Students accepted to Oxford and Cambridge universities for the past eight years • Admissions to top universities in the UK, the US, Australia and Singapore • PSLE and Singapore GCE ‘O’ Level students achieve outstanding value-added examination results for the IBDP with improved pathways to good universities • Successes at national level in Athletics, Touch Rugby, Debating, Orchestra, Volleyball, Taekwondo, Ice Hockey, Fencing, Swimming, Artistic Swimming, Rhythmic Gymnastics and Wushu. Mr Christopher Hayward Dr Kristopher Achter What the parents say… Vice-Principal Vice-Principal “ACS (International) ignites students' passion to learn through building strong relationships For more information with deeply devoted and highly experienced teachers and excellent pedagogic and sporting infrastructure. The school has achieved a fine blend of academic rigour and holistic learning. Please contact Joseph Ng The emphasis on CCAs and community service as well as the ample opportunities for student or Serene Lim leadership makes ACS (International) a 'cut above' and the preferred choice for our children.” at +65 6472 1477 or [email protected] Larisa and Shivinder Singh “Sending our daughter to ACS (International) was the best decision we made. She used to be shy and introverted and has now become a confident, caring and motivated student leader.” Debra and Samuel Koh “We deeply appreciate the contribution ACS (International) has made towards making our son confident, capable and thoughtful. The school has provided an environment of personal care, support and encouragement to nurture him into a compassionate young man. We are also very proud of his academic, leadership, co-curricular and public speaking skill development.” Anju Uppal “We like the holistic learning environment of ACS (International). Apart from academics, the school gives the students plenty of learning opportunities outside the walls of the classroom through service trips in continents as far as Africa, school projects and events, CCAs, student leadership roles and more. Our children thoroughly enjoy the IB programme, the holistic environment of the school, and are very proud to be students of ACS (International). The school has helped our children to grow and mature in so many ways, whilst equipping them with the necessary skills needed for their university studies and future endeavours. We are very glad to have sent both of our children to ACS (International).” Steven and Pau Kim Kan

News ¢ By the Methodist Preschool Services Pte Ltd (MPSPL) / Photos courtesy of MPSPL GIVE YOUR CHILD a distinctive Methodist Preschool education BeeBot coding robot Space Buds programme Luka AI reading robot P arents in Singapore are spoilt for choice when joyfully and confidently, our dedicated team of educators deciding the preschool to send their children to are well-trained to adopt age-appropriate play-based, for that very first taste of formal education at a inquiry-based and project-based teaching approaches tender age of three! There’s no lack of research pointing to nurture every child with future-ready mindsets of an to the importance of early childhood education, both Explorer, an Innovator and an Entrepreneur. formal and informal, on a child’s development during those critical formation years. As Christians, we are Nurturing explorers, innovators, and guided by God’s word in Proverbs 22:6 to “Train up a entrepreneurs child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.” In addition to ensuring comprehensive coverage of the six learning domains in MOE’s Nurturing Early Learners The bedrock of education (NEL) curriculum our curriculum features several niches to support our commitment to nurture every child to Methodist Preschool education provided by our group of be a person of Good Character, who is an Explorer, an five preschools is undergirded by character development Innovator and an Entrepreneur. These include: based on Christian values. In line with John Wesley’s belief that “the heart of education is the education of Signature K2 Space Buds Programme the heart”, character development is an integral part of Developed in collaboration with Singapore Space Faculty, our curriculum. Asia’s first end-to-end space education specialist owned by Singapore Space & Technology Ltd, Space Buds is a Our unique character development programme focuses on S.T.E.M-based programme specially designed to introduce our core values of Love, Respect, Courage, Thanksgiving our K2 cohort to all things space through age-appropriate and Passion for Learning. Upon this bedrock of Good hands-on activities and fun lessons. Children will even Character as a critical foundation of holistic development, get to sample space ice-cream to get a taste of dessert we design a well-rounded curriculum that encompasses in space! A definite highlight of the programme is the intellectual, emotional, physical, social development. prized opportunity to meet with an astronaut (virtually) Within a caring and nurturing learning environment which will certainly go a long way to fuel children’s where every child feels loved, valued and secure to learn passion and curiosity to explore and learn. |METHODIST MESSAGE — March 2022 9

Enriching Applied Learning Programme (ALP) Every Child a person of Offered as part of our 6-hour programme, ALP aims to Good Character who is an Explorer, foster creative and critical thinking and practise the an Innovator and an Entrepreneur. skills necessary to excel in project-based environments through the application of S.T.E.A .M (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) education. Modules featured at Methodist Preschool’s ALP include: KHaseotgrynuuescisdttueaordbeLiploeirtfaoyorgtnbroajienmpcgltmasn(ei,Cnwoarrnhetiilsclateutrilluoaenctaetrtinoaoinnnodg)theteoxreabcnuloatcelykpspelaatnrhtsse.within SPECIAL 2022 PROMOTION Minecraft Education FOR METHODIST CHURCH MEMBERS Edition wdflcuaiiopstgoDnserriinmleo-trdwcfaavbipe.llecelllpeyeMlleoltmdswipacn,-oasshsenmcoiccSultlrreTpimveavEuiacfiMnetttotiagr-iemEavtrsdsiecipotkuyliylannice,lataaltsetnlith,ndidaoegnnd All children of Methodist Church members will enjoy S$250 savings on the initial term’s school fees and receive 2 complimentary sets of school uniform upon successful enrolment by 31 December 2022. Check promotion details today on our website : www.methodistpreschools.org/ methodist-promotion or scan the QR code: Strawbees VISIT OUR FIVE METHODIST Inpsrpoirbecloesnmaihsmn-tasdranuogdtclirv-tnaieinaniyngtgeiso3scfnkDion,iolesplrstrdrmotuihnmocrattoouotutirroeegns&sh. PRESCHOOLS TODAY! |10 METHODIST MESSAGE — March 2022 www.methodistpreschools.org [email protected] @methodistpreschools • Bedok Methodist Preschool • Faith Methodist Preschool • Foochow Methodist Preschool • Sengkang Methodist Preschool • Toa Payoh Methodist Preschool

Website Email Us 8723 2163 @methodistpreschools Distinctive METHODIST Education Pre-Nursery, Nursery & Kindergarten 4hr & 6hr classes Methodist Church Members enjoy SPECIAL PROMOTION! ~ Holistic Curriculum with Christian Character Development ~ S.T.E.A.M-embedded Applied Learning Programme ~ Education-Technology-enhanced Pedagogy ~ Proprietary Methodist School of Music Programme ~ Play- , Inquiry- and Project-Based Approach ~ Signature K2 Space Buds Programme Every child a person of Good Character who is an Explorer, an Innovator and an Entrepreneur

Reach Out ¢ Missions Prof Dennis Lee serves as Area Director in Methodist Missions Society (MMS). He is a Visiting Professor with Copenhagen Business School (CBS), a Fellow with Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS), and an alumnus of Regent College. He worships at Kum Yan Methodist Church. Lent and missions |12 METHODIST MESSAGE — March 2022

1 Rick Watts, “The ‘True’ Meaning of Lent”, Regent Chapel talk 4501H 2 https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/essay/the-mission-of-the-church 3 Lesslie Newbigin, The Open Secret: An Introduction to the Theology of Mission (Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 1994), 17. 4 P. T. O’Brien, Gospel and Mission in the Writings of Paul: An Exegetical and Theological Analysis (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 1995, 43).

Feature ¢ Alvin Tay is the Managing Editor of the Methodist Message and worships at Wesley Methodist Church. / Photos courtesy of Alvin Tay Putting LENT into practice G ood Friday and Easter used to be nothing more than a guaranteed long weekend that I looked forward to every year—for three straight days, no school or no work. When I was baptised in 1988, however, I began to understand the significance of Good Friday, Easter and Christmas; together they brought to life the first Bible verse that I managed to memorise as a young man from John 3:16, “For God so loved the world that he gave  his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” But Lent? I didn’t know much about it back then. I later found out, that Lenten rituals had nothing to do with lanterns, as I had thought. Anyway, being a busy young executive climbing the corporate ladder then, I struggled to observe anything outside work that lasted as long as 40 days. Tracing Jesus’ final week on earth When I started attending Bible Study courses from 2011, I began to attend Holy Week Services. Holy Week marks Jesus’ final week on earth as he walks in obedience to the Cross to fulfil his Father’s salvation plan for us. It starts from Palm Sunday where we recall our Lord Jesus riding triumphantly into Jerusalem on a donkey, to Maundy Thursday where he washed his disciples’ feet, and finally his crucifixion on Good Friday and resurrection on Easter Sunday. I will always remember Jesus’ sacrifice on the Cross which is the basis for the forgiveness of my sins; a massive debt that I will never be able to repay. I will also remember his humility in making his grand entry into Jerusalem on a donkey as well as his posture of servanthood in washing the feet of his disciples. These are traits that I try to emulate in my final years before retirement, and now that I am serving in church. |14 METHODIST MESSAGE — March 2022 Alvin Tay at the DISCIPLE 30th Anniversary book launch

The rituals of Lent drew me closer to God 3Rs: Remember, repent, respond As I grew older in the faith, I was finally drawn to Over time, I realise that while the ritual during Lent is observe Lent, which stretches over 40 days from Ash helpful, it is my personal response to God’s salvation plan Wednesday to Holy Saturday; 46 days if you include and Christ’s sacrifice on the cross that matters. I am to the six Sundays during this period. This year, Lent remember, repent and respond. starts on 2 March (Ash Wednesday) and ends on 16 April (Holy Saturday). Easter Sunday falls on 17 April. I will remember the suffering and sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross, as well as his obedience to his Lent, as I found out, is  a time of repentance, fasting Father. In a spirit of penitence, I will seek to repent and preparation for the coming of Easter. In the early of my sins. And I will respond to Christ’s sacrifice by church, Lent began as a period of fasting and preparation choosing to give up something or give of myself in for baptism by new converts and then became a time serving the Least, the Last and the Lost. of penance for all Christians. Come to think of it, I was baptised during the Season of Lent in 1988. This Lent, I will ask myself three questions: I remember attending my first Ash Wednesday Service 1. What is the one thing I will remember Jesus for? some five years ago, during which the pastor marked a His Obedience: I will remember Jesus for his obedience cross of ash on my forehead. I learnt that this signifies my to his father. I will reflect on my own obedience to mortality and penance for my sins. I didn’t erase the ash God; how I may be more of a doer of God’s Word than cross until I reached home. a hearer. It helps that my church’s Bible Reading Drive has always focussed on one Gospel during Lent. This My wife and I also followed the church practice of Lent, we will be reading the Book of Matthew, and I fasting once a week, not during Lent but in the 40 will be joining a band of brothers in weekly devotions. days of Prayer and Fasting leading up to National It will be a good opportunity for me to gauge how far Day. We fasted after dinner every Tuesday to after I have come as a disciple of Jesus. Or shall I say, “How the Prayer Service on Wednesday evening. It helped far more I need to go to be a good disciple of Jesus?” that I am not quite the foodie. Even then, I remember on one occasion while I was fasting, I received a text 2. What is the one thing that I will seek to repent from a friend showing a photo of a sumptuous dinner from? he was having with his family. This friend didn’t know My Impatience: Patience is listed among the character I was fasting. I suddenly felt a wave of hunger pangs. traits in the Fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23, Thankfully, I was fasting together with my fellow NRSV). I had unwittingly inculcated a bad habit of companions in Christ. And someone texted this verse impatience while working as a reporter and then to me: “Man shall not live on bread alone, but on editor of a daily newspaper before my retirement. It every word that comes from the mouth of God.” At was a fast-paced work environment where deadlines that moment, I overcame the temptation. were often expressed in terms of hours, and not days or weeks. But just as God has been gracious and very I’ve found that fasting together with fellow brothers patient with me, I will now need to slow down, be and sisters in Christ is helpful. We encourage one more patient, and also more accepting of others. another. I also find it easier to fast if I combine it with prayer and meditation of scripture. Together, these 3. What is my one response to Jesus’ sacrifice on disciplines help me to focus on God. the Cross? Love God and Neighbour: This year, my wife and I have decided to spend more time building spiritual relationships with my fellow companions in Christ, especially pre- believers whom God has placed in our paths. “Prayer, meditation on To God be the glory! Scripture and fasting help me to focus on God,” |METHODIST MESSAGE — March 2022 15 writes Alvin Tay.

THINK ¢ Views |16 METHODIST MESSAGE — March 2022

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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 ¢ Jackie Teo is a member of Wesley Methodist Church. Additional information by Lianne Ong. This article was first published in Wesley TIDINGS (January 2022) and is reproduced with permission from Wesley Methodist Church. Keep calm and carry on serving others A life gifted to serve hHeern7ry0TahndbiMrthadryaycelebrating “To serve others is to share Christ’s love,” shared Henry Chan. His active and lively enthusiasm to serve the lonely, poor and elderly in Wesley Methodist Church belies his age. Henry, who turned 88 in February this year, and his wife, Mary, who is 70, continue to work tirelessly for the Lord even in their twilight years. A life inspired by Paul Henry and Mary have been serving with the Wesley Committee of Christian Outreach and Social Concerns (COSC) since 2004. Initially, they helped out at Wesley Bethany Home, reaching out to no less than 30 beneficiaries for five years. Henry is particularly inspired by the apostle Paul. “I admire Paul for his transformation, sacrifice, love for God and people, humility and the reach of his evangelism. In all my voluntary work, I want to show Christ’s love to the people we serve and share the gospel.” The Chans’ younger days As a former Boys’ Brigade boy, he attended Prinsep Street Presbyterian Church and heard the gospel there. A Colombo Plan scholarship led him to Adelaide for his engineering studies. “As a student, I was an active member in the Students Christian movement, organising meetings and campfires,” recalled Henry. He went on to have an illustrious and lucrative career prefabricating houses in Sydney and for mining towns in central Australia. Henry had successfully built up a business that spanned Australia and Singapore. Henry was also appointed an Honorary Representative of the trade and development authority in the Northern Territories, Australia, to advise businessmen from Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia who were interested in buying Australian goods and investing in the Northern Territories for 8 years. Henry (front, 3rd from right) and Mary (back, 5th from right) with Rev Philip Lim (front, middle) at a DISCIPLE class |METHODIST MESSAGE — March 2022 19

Keep calm and carry on serving others Henry and Mary (extreme right, standing) at the Wheels D’Way outing in Changi Airport Terminal 4 in April 2018 Meanwhile, Mary, who was based in Kuala Lumpur, was But God was working behind the scenes and a friend working hard to build her own career. invited Henry and Mary to a beautiful church located at Fort Canning. “I come from a large, close-knit family in Kuala Lumpur. I worked for a company that provided company secretarial In 2003, Mary and Henry joined the Baptism and services. When my boss died in 1985, I took over the Membership class (BMC) at Wesley Methodist Church. The business,” said Mary, who was just 34 years old then. BMC ministry encouraged the newly-minted members to join the Befrienders’ Outreach Programme (BOP). In 1991, she met Henry through a mutual friend. Henry The Chans readily agreed. And so began their amazing made many trips to KL as he had an office there, and journey to serve the Lord in 2004. their relationship grew. But in the same year, a massive flood destroyed her business. “The whole office was flooded up to its roof and the business was irrecoverable.” It was literally a storm in Mary’s life. “But I accepted it as Henry and Mary (front a silver lining in my life as God’s will and purpose for me row, extreme left) to move to Singapore and find a job.” Ministry journey Henry and Mary eventually married in 1995 and have resided in Singapore since. “I was 41, and Henry was As volunteers with BOP, they visited Bethany Hall, a already a retiree by the time we married,” Mary said. home for the elderly, monthly. They mingled with the residents and helped to serve meals. Coming back to the Lord In addition, when COSC was looking for volunteers to Amid his heady days of setting up and growing his serve at the MWS Wesley Senior Activity Centre in Jalan business, Henry back-slid from his Christian faith. Berseh to distribute food to residents on a monthly basis, the Chans availed themselves. The busy-ness and success of his businesses got to Henry. “I fell by the wayside and stopped going to church.” |20 METHODIST MESSAGE — March 2022

Wherever there were activities organised by the Henry and community centre and COSC was involved, the Chans Mary (both in would be there. “We helped to pick up and accompany purple) with one or more residents. We were happy to do whatever Uncle Tong on we could to lend a hand.” Henry’s right Then the Prison Ministry came calling. It needed The side effects of each round of treatment were terrible volunteers to have regular meetings and Bible study and Mary suffered tremendously. “The effects started for with men who had been released from prison. Once one week, subsided somewhat the following week, and again, the Chans readily responded. then the cycle began all over again for the next round of chemotherapy.” The Chans are also active members of Wesley Glowing Years Ministry (GYM). Besides organising trips for the But God is good and He provides. “A kind Indian Muslim seniors to local places of interest, Henry also organised neighbour sent her helper with food to our house every trips to Kota Kinabalu in Sabah and other places in afternoon. Three Wesleyans visited us separately and Malaysia, with visits to local churches, old folks’ homes gave us prayer support.” and sightseeing. They helped out in a missions trip to Guangzhou, China. “Once I was in hospital the whole day for diagnosis but I felt a great peace. When I went home, Psalm 121 came They also assisted in Happy Hour, a seniors’ fellowship to my mind and these words stayed with me: ‘The Lord for both Wesley Methodist Church members and non- will keep you from all harm–he will watch over your life; members, as well as trips for wheelchair-bound Wesleyans. the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.’” One of the beneficiaries of the Chans’ acts of kindness is Uncle Ang Kok Tong, a former teacher, who had Mary has since been cancer-free a stroke and lives alone in Jalan Berseh. The Chans befriended him through COSC. They would pick him up Instead of accepting his doctor’s prescription of rest for regularly for a meal or a movie before Covid-19 struck . the full eight months, Henry sought a second opinion from Uncle Tong has difficulty walking on his own, but this another neurologist. A CT scan convinced the specialist did not faze them. that it was time Henry resumed an active life. He did. The ministry of Henry and Mary has no doubt reflected the plethora of ways and means to be God’s hands and feet. The trials, tests and trouble Faith over fear, compassion over challenges In October 2011, Henry suffered a fall and doctors later Today, Henry and Mary continue to live a life of faith over found that his brain was half clotted with blood. fear, of compassion over challenges. After his discharge from the hospital, Henry was The ability to serve together for many years means a bedridden for most of the time for eight months on lot to Henry and Mary. They are grateful to God for each doctor’s orders and he had medical check-ups every other and giving them time, means and grace to serve. fortnight. Mary was Henry’s sole caregiver. But, less than six months later, in March 2012, Mary herself was “Though Henry’s knees are weak, we continue to serve,” diagnosed with cancer. declared Mary. “It was the darkest hour of our lives,” said Mary. “Nothing “It is our joy to see the joy we bring to people we serve. could have prepared us for it.” Their joy is a gift to us.” |METHODIST MESSAGE — March 2022 21

Reach Out ¢ Welfare Services By the Methodist Welfare Services (MWS) Communications Team / Photos and visuals courtesy of MWS Unwavering in her walk with those in need W hen 72-year-old Fanny Chiang emigrated from Hong Kong to Singapore 30 years ago, she was determined to live out her family’s firm belief that they are blessed to be a blessing. Despite the challenges that came with settling down in a foreign land, Fanny stepped up as a volunteer befriender with MWS Christalite Methodist Home (CMH) in 1997, a home for the destitute, operated by Methodist Welfare Services (MWS). “Before the pandemic, whenever I visited the seniors, they called me Jie Jie and were so happy to welcome all the volunteers,” Fanny recalls fondly. Together with a group of Christian volunteers, Fanny would visit the seniors once a month. From enthusiastic performances and fun games to heart-to-heart chats, they constantly found new ways to bring cheer to destitute seniors. Fanny and family in Hong Kong “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

“Although I didn’t expect anything in return for volunteering, truthfully, I have received so much joy and have been so blessed by the seniors,” Fanny confesses. Unknown to Fanny back then, her faithfulness would have a ripple effect on people beyond MWS CMH. A ripple effect when stepping out in faith Fanny and Mary* In 2016, Fanny’s neighbour approached her one day with a $5000 cheque for Christ Methodist Church’s rebuilding fund. Surprised, Fanny asked this neighbour what prompted the kind gesture. “Mary*, a resident you befriended at MWS Christalite Methodist Will you heed God’s call, in faith and Home, is my aunt. I am so grateful to the church volunteers for courage, just as Peter did in Matthew visiting her regularly and being her family. This is my token of 14:22-29 by stepping out of the boat? Many appreciation to the church and God,” shared Fanny’s neighbour. in our community need your acts of love. Through Fanny and her church mates’ acts of love, the neighbour This Lent, place your trust in an omnipotent and her family saw the love of God. Encouraged that her service brought glory to God, Fanny has been serving people in24n-HeRedHOTLINEaSnd all-providing God. Let us remember the PAUL & DANIEL 5cmr5ayni nygwohuot are in t he same s tor m and are without ceasing over the years. + 6 5 for h el p. You ca n be The Gi ving 8321 33 TOLL-FREE Step out of the boat – Join The Giving Methodwiws1tw8.A0ma0zin-g7G7ra7ce-Fu2n4era2ls.2com Methodist in three ways: Volunteeri“nSgerivsinngoftamwiltiehsoufotr iatsdechcadlleenagnedsm, opraer.t..i”cularly in the last Otwo years living in the nColyviodn-1e9lifpea,nadefemwicb. rIiseffeyaerarkse,eping you Give Time from giving? Each with its burdens, hopes, and fears; Volunteer from March onwards with Each with its days, I must fulfill, a church outreach ministry, or at an MWS Centre, to provide vital support living for self or in His will; to those in need. Only one life, ‘twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last. - C.T. Studd Give A Donation Donate generously from now till end December 2022 and empower over 8,000 beneficiaries under MWS’ care. Only one life, a few brief years, Give Voice Share about The Giving Methodist Each with its burdens, hopes, and fears; campaign with your friends and Each with its days, I must fulfill, families, as well as on social media. living for self or in His will; OnO“lnTyaloyknweehlaciftoe’s,u‘dtrwoaniglleesfo!o orIntCbhiserispIt.a-wsCtil,.Tl .laSstut.ddthThotetspicsga:nm//upptahiogerng,fiivvniidnsigotmutemthoordei about st.sg Don’t be afraid.” or scan the QR code >>> Do email [email protected] Matthew 14:27(b) if you have any questions. *not her real name |METHODIST MESSAGE — March 2022 23

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. The Great Realisation A Sunday Times article on 30 January 2022 covered As human beings, we crave for some certainty. More a trend dubbed “The Great Resignation” (also importantly, we want to feel we have some control over known as “Lying Flat”) sweeping some countries. our lives. In counselling, we use the term “agency” to It noted that Singapore’s manpower data do not indicate speak of this sense of control.  that this phenomenon has hit our shores—yet. When we lack agency, some may feel despair. For “The Great Resignation” involves waves of employees instance, we may feel we have little control over our —primarily professionals, executives and even skilled studies or careers—that no matter how hard we study workers—quitting their jobs without plans for the next. or work, success is elusive. Or some may have little Many have reported that their decision was prompted by agency over their personal safety, such as those living feeling extremely fatigued and “burnt out”. Some do not in fear of their violent partners. They may feel totally make a conscious decision to quit; I heard a BBC World helpless or trapped, and see no way of escape. Service interview with someone who simply stayed in bed one morning instead of getting up and going to work. Of course, no-one has full control over every aspect of our That day was followed by more days, soon becoming lives. We cannot control the weather and its impact on weeks. For many who quit, there is a pervasive feeling our social plans. Neither can we control our friends and of being depressed, having nothing to look forward to loved ones and how they respond to us. Those who try to and resignation to whatever comes their way. control others’ behaviour and emotions can feel frustrated as well as cause others to be frustrated with them.   I want to turn our attention to another kind of resignation —a response to entering the third year of the Covid-19 Knowing what we can and cannot control legitimately pandemic, not seeing an end to it, and coming to grips and appropriately is an important ingredient to getting with the awareness that it may stretch indefinitely. I along with people. Learning to live with events that call it the Great Realisation. we cannot reasonably control also helps us not to be burdened by excessive fears and worries.  The Covid-19 pandemic has brought the realisation that we are not in full control over our lives—over how we work and play, or even how we worship.  But what if your wants are reasonable, when it is not about taking your usual overseas holiday but about being treated with respect and you are denied it? Or when you are saddled with caring for frail and needy family members but feel overwhelmed? When personal agency is unavailable or inadequate, there is an entire helping community, including social workers and counsellors, who can render support and assistance to those who feel alone and at their wits’ end.  Finally, as believers, we can and should tap upon the source of all help. As the hymn “What A Friend We Have In Jesus” reminds us, we have Someone to whom we can turn for “all our sins and griefs to bear”. This then is the realisation that we are not helplessly alone. |24 METHODIST MESSAGE — March 2022

Hymns & Songs ¢ Judith Laoyan-Mosomos is the Director for Worship and Church Music at the Methodist School of Music, and a member of Kampong Kapor Methodist Church. Hosanna T he author of this hymn, Jeanette Threlfall (1821-1880) was orphaned The Methodist School of Music (MSM) at a young age. An accident in her later life led to a leg amputation equips and edifies both the individual and the and another soon after left her a helpless invalid. Even so, she was church through music and the performing arts. eulogised after her death on 30 November 1880 as someone who brimmed with positivity to the end, having “a flow of gratitude for any act of kindness, Find out more at msmusic.edu.sg. however slight”, full of “eager hope”, and “a large heart… whose purse was ever open, unasked, to every good work of which she heard…”. Hosanna, Loud Hosanna By occupation a Sunday school teacher, she also wrote poems and hymns. Among her hymns, “Hosanna, Loud Hosanna” stood out, and is still widely-used today. (UMH 278) This hymn is commonly sung on “Palm-Passion Sunday” at the beginning of the Hosanna, loud hosanna liturgy re-enacting the entry of Jesus into Jerusalem. The children will process, the little children sang; waving palm leaves as they enter the sanctuary, while the congregation breaks through pillared court and temple out into the joyful strains of “Hosanna, Loud Hosanna”! the lovely anthem rang. To Jesus, who had blessed them, The celebratory mood of this hymn blazes through all three stanzas. The first close folded to his breast, and second stanzas portray an exuberant crowd, waving and shouting with the children sang their praises, excitement as they welcome Jesus riding in on the back of a donkey, while the the simplest and the best. third and last stanza proclaims the reason for it: Christ is our Redeemer and King. From Olivet they followed I feel that the hymn misses out, though, on an equally (if not more) important mid an exultant crowd, scene of Lent: the crucifixion and death of Jesus. Would another stanza bridging the gap between that triumphant, earthly herald of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem the victory palm branch waving, (stanzas 1 and 2) and the ultimate, divine triumph of the Resurrection (stanza and chanting clear and loud. 3) make the hymn feel more complete? The Lord of earth and heaven rode on in lowly state, In my view, we may fill that void with careful planning and conduct of the liturgy. nor scorned that little children In the liturgy, the congregation shifts from its celebrative to a more contemplative should on his bidding wait. spirit, from singing “Hosanna, Loud Hosanna” to a Passion hymn such as “To Mock Your Reign, O Dearest Lord” (The United Methodist Hymnal 285). “Hosanna in the highest!” That ancient song we sing, “Hosanna, Loud Hosanna” is an uplifting and meaningful hymn in the Palm- for Christ is our Redeemer, Passion Sunday liturgy which can be seen as the musical counterpart to the the Lord of heaven, our King. scripture reading of the Passion narrative (Luke 19:28-40 or Matthew 26:14 – O may we ever praise him 27:66). As Frances R Havergal, herself the author of some notable hymns, had with heart and life and voice, said, it is indeed “one of the brightest and most graceful hymns for the little and in his blissful presence ones” ever written. eternally rejoice. Words: Jeanette Threlfall, 1873 Bible references: Matthew 21:8-9, Mark 11:8-10; John 12:12-13 |METHODIST MESSAGE — March 2022 25

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). The Jesus Prayer “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. L ent is an important season in the liturgical year among the Protestant Christians, many have still not because it invites Christians to observe and heard of it. commemorate the passion, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It draws us away from our busy schedules According to scholars, the origins of the Jesus Prayer and urges us to pause and reflect on our relationship can be traced to the Christian monasteries in Egypt in with our Lord and Saviour in whom alone we find the the fifth century, although some have argued that it is meaning and purpose of our lives. much older. Lent is therefore a time of contemplation and prayer. The Prayer itself is remarkably simple and brief: ‘Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me’, and is One of the most enduring forms of prayer that is deeply said over and over again. It consists of just ten words rooted in the Christian spiritual tradition is the Jesus in English, and only seven in Greek or Russian. Yet the Prayer, which is used widely in the Orthodox Church. Prayer is complete and profound. Although this form of prayer is becoming more common |26 METHODIST MESSAGE — March 2022

The Orthodox theologian, Bishop Kallistos Ware has And finally, but most importantly, the Jesus Prayer has helpfully identified four strands or constituent elements to do with the veneration of the name of the Saviour. of the Prayer:1 “The name of the Son of God”, writes Hermas, the second century author of The Shepherd, “is great and • The cry for mercy; incomprehensible, and sustaineth the whole world.”3 • The discipline of repetition; • The quest for stillness (Greek: hesychia) The Prayer is therefore profoundly Christocentric. In this • The veneration of the Holy Name Prayer, the believer addresses Jesus Christ, the incarnate Son of God, the second Person of the Trinity. And in In imploring for mercy, the believer who prays this doing so, his or her attention is immediately directed to prayer recognises that he or she is a sinner in need the Triune God whom the Son has come to reveal. of God’s grace. This attitude of repentance is patterned after the prayer of the publican recorded in Luke:18:10- The Jesus Prayer can be easily incorporated into our 14, “God, have mercy on me, a sinner.” daily devotions by simply allocating just a few minutes to it. It can also be prayed throughout the day, as a form The cry for mercy not only signals sorrow for sin, but of ‘arrow prayer’ (Augustine) as we go about our daily also the confidence that divine forgiveness will be routines and attend to our various responsibilities. granted to the truly repentant soul. As Ware puts it, “It affirms that God’s loving kindness and compassion are Although the Prayer can be initially recited aloud, it greater than my brokenness and guilt.”2 should gradually be repeated silently—in our minds and in our hearts. The Jesus Prayer is the prayer of the heart Because the Jesus Prayer is repeated many times par excellence. (often with the aid of a prayer rope), some Protestant Christians may have reservations about using it. Didn’t But it must be stressed that the Jesus Prayer is not a Jesus tell his disciples not to use vain repetitions when form of Christian meditation, but a prayer. they pray (Matthew 6:7)? As Bishop Ware explains, “It is simply not a rhythmic The spiritual writers of the Christian East from John mantra, designed to enhance concentration, but a Climacus in the sixth century to Dumitru Staniloae in the personal invocation addressed specifically to the second twentieth have addressed this objection. They maintain person of the Trinity, Jesus Christ … what matters is not that the Jesus Prayer is not vain repetition if it is prayed how we pray but to whom.”4 in the fear of God, and with faith and love. As we observe Great Lent, may the Jesus Prayer direct The third element of the Prayer is the quest for hesychia our hearts and minds to the One whose name is above or stillness. every name (Philippians 2:9)— Jesus Christ, our Saviour and our Lord! In the Christian spiritual tradition, stillness or silence is not merely an absence of noise and activity. Silence is 1 Bishop Kallistos Ware, The Jesus Prayer (Catholic Truth Society, 2017), an attentiveness that ushers us into the very presence Kindle Location 43. of God. It brings awareness of the only One who is able 2 Ibid., Kindle Location 50. to still the storms of our lives. 3 The Shepherd of Hermas, translated by J.B. Lightfoot, 13[90]5. http://www.earlychristianwritings.com/text/shepherd-lightfoot.html By constantly invoking the name of our Lord, the Jesus (accessed 4 December 2021). Prayer enables the pray-er to push away the clamour 4 Ibid., Kindle Location 338. and the confusion, and to experience the refreshing Shalom of God. |METHODIST MESSAGE — March 2022 27

Volunteer with the Methodist Message AfDpoCrAseorIyaetmosronoayeypdauopjolyyrourueuuotoo’ipbpusscudaalihyllgilsasiwoserpsnshnnsaotaighooetmtytlnraohsaoymyrrerbotpc?maduynDosrrtph?rS?atoryoLhweooieRcintunt?leoahgroonatwckhdoioienmtnurshotitcwyasnohute?rre CmMwmoaeanaktnskhetiidonJtdeegorissMbuptesuecttkpohtnamionormdtgwiousynftnoaaMiutnrtyede!ssakCstmoaiolglnestetdhtaaoiafctybtuiestsuhetsctetoeifomryrmoeuaitdt.ed to Let’s talk!

People ¢ Kwok Wan Yee is a member of Charis Methodist Church and serves as the Education Secretary for the Methodist Church in Singapore. She is married and has two daughters. What does being a Methodist mean to you? S everal things mark my life as a Methodist. The first is the rich and meticulous teaching that I received from my pastors. Indeed, learning God’s word is a life-long endeavour. Any day of the week, in any of our Methodist churches, I am sure we can find courses or classes on any topic, for all ages. The second is prayer. Everything begins and ends with prayer, whether it is our day, a meal, a meeting, or a season. It is our way of committing and submitting to God. Kwok Wan Yee (second from left) and her family Third, music is a hallmark of our worship. When the congregation is united in song, there is oneness in spirit with each other and with the Lord. Many of the hymns and contemporary Christian songs are often full of theology and doctrine. I’ve found that useful for Sunday School teaching. Fourth, I’m proud of how every Methodist church supports missionaries. As part of growing up in a Methodist church, we are encouraged to be involved in mission trips, be sent to the mission field or help support missionaries in one way or another. Finally, our educational heritage and the good reputation of our schools. I can see clearly the love and care that our principals and staff put in, the strong alumni culture, parents’ involvement and prayer groups. The Church is very much involved through the chaplains, Christian ministry staff and prayer support. Through it all, being a Methodist is about loving God and loving our neighbours. Kopi kakis by Kopikaki team

Looking Ahead ¢ Scan to see events online! March SING THE WORD 14, 16, 18–19 March 2022, 10.30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Onsite at Methodist School of Music premises subject to prevailing safe management measures. Register at https://tinyurl.com/singtheword. Registration closes 11 March. $30 per child. Class sizes will be capped at 15. Registration will be on a first-come-first-serve basis Thinking of how to occupy the kids during the March holidays? Look no further! MSM has planned “Sing the Word”, a chamber singing camp for 10- to 12-year-olds. Spend the March holidays having fun, enjoying music, and learning singing skills all at the same time! Organised by Methodist School of Music March METHODIST FATHERS MOVEMENT: ICAN TRAINING 19 March 2022, 8.00 a.m. to 1.00 p.m; follow-up session on 30 April 2022. Online via Zoom. Register at https://forms.gle/9YZyFChydPH99eYk7 Free ICAN, which stands for Involvement, Consistency, Awareness and Nurturance, is a training programme designed to support and equip fathers for effective fathering. Fathers with children under the age of 12 will benefit from this training session that will be conducted in a conversational style, with materials from the Centre for Fathering. Class size is limited to 30. Organised by Methodist Fathers Movement March VIDEO GAMES, ESPORTS AND VIRTUAL WORLDS AS MINISTRY 21, 28 March / 4, 11, 18, 25 Apr / 9 May 2022 (Mondays), 7.30 p.m. to 9.30 p.m. Online via Zoom. Register at https://tinyurl.com/2j6ecxhj. Registration closes 14 March. $100 per head. Fees waived for TTC Alumni (registration required). The video games industry is now bigger than the music and film industry combined. Top Esports athletes are often more recognisable to young people than traditional athletes. Virtual worlds are fast becoming indistinguishable from real worlds. Our young people are being discipled in these spaces, with or without the Church. How can we incarnate Christ in these spaces? How can we make the Gospel relevant to a generation that is native to digital spaces? What are the theological, practical and spiritual considerations we should consider as we seek to redeem these spaces for Jesus, and what can we learn from them? This course aims to examine these digital spaces from a Christian perspective and provide participants with the frameworks to do practical ministry in these areas. Organised by EQUIP March to December THE GIVING METHODIST 2022: STEP OUT OF THE BOAT Give Donation, Give Voice and Give Time campaigns—from March onwards. thegivingmethodist.sg [email protected] Spearheaded by The Methodist Church in Singapore (MCS) and Methodist Welfare Services (MWS), The Giving Methodist takes place each year to galvanise Methodists to show acts of kindness and love to those in need. With the Covid-19 pandemic raging on, let us take courage to step out of our boat and uplift those who need help to ride out this storm. You can join in by “Giving Time” through volunteering with MWS or a Methodist Church’s social concerns ministry, “Giving A Donation”, or “Giving Voice” to the disadvantaged and distressed by spreading the word about this campaign.  Stay tuned for more information on The Giving Methodist 2022. Organised by Methodist Welfare Services


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