Methodist Message: Apr 2022

ISSN 0129-6868 MCI (P) 044/11/2021 THE METHODIST CHURCH IN SINGAPORE Vol 124 No 4 APRIL 2022 INCLUSIVE DANCE: DANCERS WITH DISABILITIES WELCOMED HERE HOW CAN ONLINE WORSHIP BE MEANINGFUL?

Contents 1 Bishop’s Message 2 Events—Coming Up 3 From the Editors 4 Church Life—ETAC Highlights 5 Church Life—ETAC Highlights 6 News—What do I do if I’m Covid Positive? 7 News—Building OneMCS 7 News—Global church communions gather to pray for Ukraine on Ash Wednesday 8 Opinion—THINK 10 News—Changing of the guard at six Methodist Schools 14 News—Online worship: Technology and the arts 16 People—Marcus See 17 People—Rev Saravana Kumar 18 People—Sharon Liew 22 Books—Making missions a vision for children 24 Opinion—Soundings 26 Reach Out—Missions 28 Reach Out—Welfare Services 31 Relationships—You & Your family 32 Hymns & Songs 33 What does being a Methodist mean to you? 34 Events—Looking Ahead 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 Kenneth 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. Good is better than Great! “And we know that in all things God works together with those who love him to bring about what is good—with those who have been called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28 (NIV)1 “Don’t have a good day—have a great day!” This is how the lead character in the 2021 movie Free Guy greets his colleagues and customers each morning. It is his catchy way of wishing everyone a positive start to their day. I affirm his enthusiasm but propose another rhetorical twist: “Don’t have a great day—have a good day!” The apostle Paul in the Scripture verse above tells us that God wants to work together with us “to bring about what is good”. There is a lot that is not good in our world today. As I write, the Russia-Ukraine war has brought much suffering, death and fear. Covid-19 continues to afflict everyone. More common but no less crippling are the challenges caused by disease and dementia, floods and fires. But in all these things, the apostle Paul tells us that God wants to work together with those who love him to bring about whatever good we can. Or in another memorable phrase which Paul writes in the same letter, “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good” (Romans 12:21). This paraphrase of John Wesley’s words gives a similar exhortation: Do all the good you can by all the means you can, In all the ways you can, In all the places you can, At all the times you can, To all the people you can, As long as ever you can. So don’t worry about trying to win great and mighty victories for God. Just work together with God to bring about a little bit of good to all neighbours in our troubled world. Don’t have a great day—have a good day! 1The more well-known translation of this same verse makes a different point: God works for the good of those who love him. But since the Greek verb (lit. “to synergise”) normally implies working or synergising with something rather than for something, it is more likely that the NIV footnoted translation cited above is closer to what the apostle Paul intended. |METHODIST MESSAGE — April 2022 1

Events ¢ Coming Up |2 METHODIST MESSAGE — April 2022

From the Editors ¢ “Oh, magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together!” Psalm 34:3 I n the world of authors, our storytelling prowess is based on how INTRODUCING OUR well we entertain, tickle the imaginations of the reader and bring them on an emotional journey. Our duty is to use fiction to NEW EDITORS tell a truth. I come from such a world. Lianne Ong | Editor However, when we are telling God’s stories, it is no longer Lianne is an award-winning children’s author, fiction. And in fact, the storyteller is not us, but God himself. The and has published 16 children’s books. protagonists in the stories are you and me. He is the author of our As a freelance writer, her work ranged from lives, and the perfecter of our faith. writing human interest stories and video script-writing for clients such as Singapore This age-old publication we call Methodist Message has been the Kindness Movement and Singapore Chinese collective voice of the Methodists in Singapore (and for a time, Orchestra. In her free time, she conducts Malaya) for more than a century. What a precious heritage and school visits and writing workshops. She what a serious responsibility we have in putting out God’s stories and her husband worship at Kampong Kapor to inspire, edify and affirm. Methodist Church, and have two children, age 15 and 10. Lianne actively serves in the Going forward, we would like to position Methodist Message as the choir and until recently, served in the Media ‘go-to’ publication of The Methodist Church in Singapore, reaching & Communications Ministry as editor. out to all Methodists and reflecting God’s heartbeat not only in the General Conference, but also the three Annual Conferences and our Alvin Tay | Managing Editor 46 churches. Church communications, we feel, is not a function but Alvin Tay was previously the Editor of The a ministry. Through our coverage, we hope to share God’s love and Business Times and then Managing Editor amazing grace for all, and point readers to God. of the English/Malay/Tamil Media Group at Singapore Press Holdings. He retired in In this issue, Victorious, we have stories of Methodists who have 2018 following a silent retreat at Seven struggled against the norm, and overcame hurdles that were so Fountains in Chiangmai where he discerned overwhelming, only because God was there. Every victory that we God’s call to leave the corporate world and reap in Jesus’ name should be shouted out from the mountain top, focus on voluntary church and charity work. and I’m glad they did. He and his wife, Wendy, worship at Wesley Methodist Church, and have two sons, age There are plans to take Methodist Message to greater heights, 32 and 29. Alvin is currently Wesley MC’s starting with a major website revamp and refreshed print Associate Lay Leader for Communications newsletter. But a new website or stylish newsletter will only and Missions, and is volunteering as garner repeated visits and grow in readership when we are able to Managing Editor of Methodist Message. keep our content fresh—and for that, we need your support. The Methodist Message team—led by Alvin Tay, the Managing Editor and myself—wants to help you tell God’s stories that are happening in your churches, and in your lives. If you have good stories to share, write to us at [email protected]. Or better still, join our team as a volunteer writer, reporter, copy editor, proofreader, photographer, or videographer. So come, magnify the Lord with us. Let us exalt his name together! Lianne Ong Editor |METHODIST MESSAGE — April 2022 3

Church Life ¢ ETAC Highlights Benita Vincent is the Coordinator of Archives & Communications at Jurong Tamil Methodist Church. / Photos courtesy of Benita Vincent Worship service in Jurong Christian Church (Old Building) Sowing in love 45th Anniversary Service J urong Tamil Methodist Church (JTMC) celebrated her 45th Anniversary on 27 - Bishop Rev Dr Gordon February 2022. It was a celebration of God’s faithfulness and guidance towards His church, especially during these recent years of pandemic. We were not able Wong, Rev Philip Abraham to sing His praises but every heart in the sanctuary was filled with gratitude and awe & Pastor Charles at how far God had led us. JTMC was one of the daughter churches of Tamil Methodist Church (Short Street), planted in the Jurong residential area. The church, under the faithful care of Mr & Mrs JCD Pandian, started with weekly worship services and prayer meetings held at their residence. Over the years, we moved to various locations and each time, God added to our numbers! Christmas Hybrid During the Anniversary Service, Bishop Dr Gordon Wong preached on how Jesus’ food Celebration - A Gracious was to do the will of the Father and how we, as believers, ought to do the same, to reach the lost and hurting through God’s love! This has been the heartbeat of Christmas our church. Through Project Care, an initiative by the Outreach and Social Concerns Committee and our partnership with Lakeside Family Services, we have been able Christmas Outreach to reach out to those in need, especially those from the Tamil speaking community. Discussion with Lakeside God has strategically placed us where we are to fill a need, to reach out and to sow His seeds of love. Family Services “One sows and another reaps.” This is especially true when we look back at our church history. Much of what the church is now reaping is because of the generous sowing of the pioneers who went before us. Many men and women tirelessly shared the gospel with those around the Taman Jurong area, where we are still located today. May our generation continue to sow in love so that in the years to come, we may reap a great harvest. May these lyrics, from the song that was composed and written for our 45th anniversary, be the prayer and the hope for the coming years. Through faith, let hope arise Spreading His love throughout the nation May we sow love by the word of His testimony With one heart and one mind, Let us build His Kingdom. |4 METHODIST MESSAGE — April 2022 |4 METHODIST MESSAGE — April 2022

Church Life ¢ ETAC Highlights Rev Vijay Joseph is the Pastor-in-Charge of Tamil Methodist Church (Short Street). / Photos courtesy of IFF, Tamil Methodist Church (Short Street) (TMCSS) Migrant workers ministry Fellowship becomes friendship even after workers return home T he Indian Friends Fellowship (IFF) of Tamil In addition, Bible studies and cell group meetings Methodist Church (Short Street) (TMCSS) spent the are held every week. Prayer, medical and counselling first day of the Lunar New Year (1 February 2022) support have been provided. Basic computer classes, at JTC Space@Tuas, a dormitory for migrant workers. AutoCAD and English classes are also conducted. Due Games and motivational talks were organised for the to the Covid-19 pandemic, these classes are now brothers from India as well as those from Bangladesh taking place via Zoom, which has allowed the brothers and Myanmar. Everyone received a door gift and got to to attend from their dormitories. At the end of each take part in lucky draws. course, the participants receive certificates, helping some of them to get promotions at work. On 26 February, IFF, in collaboration with The Salvation Army, organised a river cruise for 150 migrant workers. Along with Chinese New Year Day programme, This was a programme initiated by the Ministry of IFF organises May Day, Easter and Christmas Day Manpower (MOM) for workers living in dormitories. programmes as well as a Graduation Day for those who complete the computer and English classes every year. Since it was started in September 1992, the IFF IFF and TMCSS have been recognised for their work ministry has been conducting Tamil worship services among migrant workers by MOM with a Certificate of every Sunday evening. Packed dinners are distributed Appreciation on Migrant Workers Day. after the evening service, giving IFF members the opportunity to get to know the migrant workers better As it approaches its 30th anniversary, IFF is thankful over a shared meal. IFF members regularly keep in to God as well as TMCSS leaders and members, and all touch with these brothers, even after they return to other supporters who have helped with their precious their home countries. time, talent and treasure. |METHODIST MESSAGE — April 2022 5

News ¢ As a follow-up to I Can Recover at Home, an e-book that was produced last year to explain Ministry of Health (MOH) Home By the MCS Communications Team. Recovery Programme to kids and families, Emily Lim, together with / Image courtesy of Emily Lim illustrator, Josef Lee, have once again teamed up to publish What Do I Do If I’m Covid Positive? The e-book was released on 20 February What do I do if and is free. I’m Covid Positive? This second e-book aims to let families know that their children can Emily Lim tells you be cared for by family doctors and neighbourhood clinics for mild in a second Covid-19 Covid-19 symptoms. Its contents are now updated with the inclusion children’s book of the latest medical input and health protocols from the MOH as well as having a paediatrician’s perspective provided by Dr Darryl Lim, who also worked on I Can Recover at Home. “Josef and I were happy to produce both e-books as our voluntary initiative for our community and we are so encouraged to see God’s invisible hand move this in a big way after we played our small part,” said Emily, who told Methodist Message that What Do I Do If I’m Covid Positive? was downloaded over 20,000 times from her blogsite at mummumstheword.wordpress.com within two days of the book’s low-key release. Emily, Josef and Darryl are Methodists; they worship at Barker Road MC, Foochow MC and Wesley MC respectively. Scan this QR code to download What do I do if I’m Covid Positive? >> “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

News ¢ Henry Tan is the Conference Lay Leader of TRAC. By the MCS Communications Team / Photos courtesy of Henry Tan Building OneMCS Global church communions Church leaders meet to gather to brainstorm collaboration ideas pray for It all begins with conversation.  Over two Saturdays in February, 71 Lay Leaders Ukraine and Local Church Executive Committee Chairpersons across the three Annual Conferences got together for worship, prayer, fellowship and conversation. At the on Methodist Centre Sophia Blackmore Hall, they formed groups of five—based on proximity of their church Ash Wednesday locations—to brainstorm ways and areas of working together under OneMCS, much like what the local More than 3,000 Christians around the world gathered online to rally in solidarity with the church pastors have been doing. It was a fruitful time. Among the ideas put forth Ukrainian churches and pray for peace to prevail in was reaching out to migrant workers by churches th2e4-oHnRgHoOinTLgINREuSssian-Ukraine war. The global prayer able to speak their native languages. Another group +6ev5enP8AtU3tLo2&oD1kA3NpIlE3aLc5e5on Ash Wednesday (2 March 2022, suggested producing a musical together to bless 8g10l7o00b0a-hTl7OrsLC7L-hFC7RrEEiE-sT2t)i,a4na2nc2do wa s jointl y organise d b y nin e their neighbours. Another thought of providing 1 mm u nions, i ncluding t e Worl d h www.AmazingGraceFunerals.com tuition in “dSiefrfveirnegnftamlailniegsufaogreasdefocradsetuadnednmtsorien...”their Communion, Baptist Methodist Council, Anglican Oneighbourhoods. Others suggested a dedicated World Alliance and Lutheran World Federation. The OneMCS microsite for infnolrymoantieonlifeab, oauftewevbenritesf aynedars, ecumenical service included prayers for peace, programmes across all 46EaMEceahtchhwodiwtihsitthitcsihtbsuurdcrhadeyessn., sI,mhoupstefsu,lafinlrle,dcoferdaerds; songs, Lenten reflections and personal The February sessions followliveidngfrfoomr stehlef oirnainugHuisrawl ill; testimonies from the various Christian bodies. eLtarhyaatnLedtOhaepdnOyrelanyrdysloyemtncwoieedghteelaidtfoteh’nste,o‘rdZt.woionIotniclmllewusdfatooeosornCbheriRospeftav-wtsChDtile,.rTl .lHaSWastnoutn.rdlsdd one in 2021 when the Lessing, the A cti ng General Secretary get to know one anoth Communion of Reformed Churches such an encouragement (WCRC), reflected on Micah 4:3, saying peacemaking LCEC chairpersons for subsequent meetings.  is “hard work” but all churches are called to this Moving forward, the hope is now that the conversations task today. are off to a good start, the groups of five will keep them going. The highlight of the event was the “Voices of O Ukraine” segment, where the gathering Zoomed to nly one life, a few brief yeasrisx, different cities in Ukraine, including the capital Each with its burdens, hopeKsy,iva, nadndfehaearsrd; from one Christian leader in each city, Each with its days, I Hmiusswteifilult;hlfielrl, living for self or in in a pre-recorded video or live. They shared Only one life, ‘twill soodnetbaeilspaosnt,what was happening on the ground and Only what’s done forpCrahyreirstrweqilul elastsst,. with many thankful for the help from va-riCo.uTs. SCtuhdridstian organisations. Taras Dyatlik from the World Evangelical Alliance said that God is “building the church even in times of trial”, and gave thanks for the spiritual gifts required to mobilise the evacuations. |METHODIST MESSAGE — April 2022 7

Opinion ¢ THINK Alvin Tay is the Managing Editor of Methodist Message and a member of Wesley Methodist Church. / Photos courtesy of Goh Cheng Joo for Wesley TIDINGS, Wesley Methodist Church Sermon on the Mount Intentional discipleship at its best! Rev Stanley Chua preaching at Wesley Methodist Church at their 137th Anniversary Worship Service A ny pursuit of happiness that focuses on material Best-known of Jesus’ teachings but least obeyed possessions is bound to disappoint because these But how do subjects of a kingdom align themselves to things simply don’t last. the kingdom’s principles? Returning to preach at the 137th Anniversary Worship Rev Chua said he is keenly aware of the challenges and Services at Wesley Methodist Church, where he was difficulties that most Christians have in understanding Pastor-in-charge before becoming President of the and obeying the teachings found in the Sermon on Trinity Annual Conference, Rev Stanley Chua preached the Mount. He agreed with what the late Dr John Stott Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount and what it means to be a observed in his commentary: “The Sermon on the truly happy disciple of Christ. Mount is probably the best-known part of the teaching of Jesus, though arguably it is the least understood, The Sermon on the Mount is regarded by most Bible and certainly it is the least obeyed.” commentators to contain the central tenets of Christian discipleship and essential principles for living a “One common challenge that most Christians have is genuine Christian life. It’s intentional discipleship at that they find the values and demands of the Sermon on its best! Setting the context, Rev Chua said, “Jesus the Mount out of the world as it completely reverses the declared and proclaimed ‘the kingdom of heaven is at values of what our world teaches,” said Rev Chua. hand’ in Matthew 4:17. In the Sermon on the Mount that follows (Matthew 5 to 7), Jesus made clear how For example, in the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:1-12), Jesus all who belong to his kingdom should live and conduct gives happiness a new definition. He includes within themselves as his subjects.” |8 METHODIST MESSAGE — April 2022

its boundaries experiences such as mourning, suffering silent retreats or in holy isolation. On the contrary, Jesus and persecution, elements that ordinarily we would expects all his disciples to live out his Kingdom’s values never consider as happiness but as curses in life. and ethical teachings here on earth,” Rev Chua said. How can this be? “… Jesus promises that even our It is only in this way, we can be the salt and light so mourning, suffering and persecution have power to lead that when others look at us, they may glorify God and us to true happiness and experience the blessed life if we believe in him. believe and live out what he has taught us.” Not poor evangelism but poor discipleship Jesus challenges our narrow understanding of the laws Rev Chua said the greatest failure of the church is not and conduct and broadens their applications; it is truly our poor evangelism but our poor discipleship. “You see, confronting as we surrender our daily worries and things when Christians fail to be true disciples of Christ, they that we hold dear. become just like the world, behaving and living their lives that are no different from unbelievers. “The daily issues that drive us to worry become quite trivial in Jesus’ teachings. “And in so doing, they become indistinguishable from unbelievers as they have lost their light and saltiness and “The excuses with which we always justify our conduct, become poor witnesses to those around them. Jesus uncovers them, and he reveals how shallow our thinking and conduct are.” “And in the worst-case scenario, they stumble others and prevent them from knowing God.” Another common challenge that many Christians have is that they perceive the Sermon on the Mount to be Rev Chua cited Mahatma Gandhi, the great Indian civil impractical and irrelevant as it is an impossible ideal to rights leader, to bring home this point. It was reported achieve and obey. that Gandhi greatly prized the spiritual and ethical ideal presented in the Sermon on the Mount and he held While we may not be able to “perfectly live out the values it in great esteem. And he considered Jesus as one of and ethical teachings of the Sermon on the Mount”, Rev the greatest among the teachers of humanity and an Chua challenged us to think of its relevance and consider excellent example of the perfect man. why Jesus would teach it in the first place. But in spite of his deep admiration and high regard for Indeed, over the last 2,000 years of Church history, Christ, Gandhi never became a Christian. Why? This was there have been men and women who have shown to what Gandhi said, “I like your Christ, I do not like your us that it is not an impossible reality to live out the life Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ.” and ethical demands that Jesus teaches in the Sermon on the Mount. “Think about the millions of people in the world who, like Gandhi, have rejected the Christian faith because they Two good examples are Damien de Veuster, a Catholic have been stumbled by Christians who bear no evidence Priest who served the lepers of the Hawaiian Islands in of any Christ-likeness to those who know them. We might the 19th Century for 16 years; and Maximilian Kolbe, who know some of them personally. is probably best known as the Catholic priest who gave his life for another man in Auschwitz in an act of ultimate “So let me underscore again, if Christians were to live self-sacrifice. Other well-known examples are Mother out their discipleship values and ethical teachings in the Teresa and Francis of Assisi. Sermon on the Mount more demonstrably different from our daily culture, perhaps much of evangelism would So we need to be fully present and cognisant that this is happen through the attractiveness people would find in meant to be applied in the here and now. our lives instead of just our words,” said Rev Chua. “The Sermon on the Mount is not to be discussed to “To put it another way, the world is not going to see Jesus death in learned assemblies nor is it to be pursued in unless they first see him in our lives.” |METHODIST MESSAGE — April 2022 9

News ¢ By the MCS Communications Team Tahbiosuytetahre, isrixscMhoeothl’osddiisrtescctihoonolfsorhtahvee had a change tinheleBaidbelircsahlipin. sWpieraatsioknthbeehnienwd principals new year and it. Build to Last “Love one another deeply. Honour others more W e hope to develop each boy into a young gentleman than yourselves.” of character, ready for the future, to lead and to serve. It is our wish that the theme for 2022 will guide Romans 12:10 (NIRV) our boys in the day-to-day activities they participate in and the interactions they have with one another. W hat will set us apart as a ‘good school’ and bring Every learning experience, every shared moment they glory to God is if we obey Jesus’ commandment have with their peers, and every obstacle they face in to love one another just as he has loved us. ACS learning or working together, is a building block which already has a reputation for excellence, and my prayer helps them to become the persons they are called to is that our excellence will go beyond academic results be. Every skill they master, every piece of knowledge and Co-curricular Activities (CCA) achievements to they acquire, and every value they learn to demonstrate, “excelling” in loving the people around us and the helps to strengthen the foundation upon which they will wider community, because “by this all people will build enduring traits that will aid them as they progress know that we are his disciples, if we have love for through the six years in primary school and beyond. one another” (John 13:35 NIV). With the support of the Anglo-Chinese School (ACS) In these Covid times, I also desire for our school to family, we are committed to helping our boys build strong be a place of rest and a haven for strong relationships relationships in their primary school years. We appreciate with teachers and peers. Regardless of any pandemic that each child is different and can contribute to his or storms in life, we pray that our boys will be rested community by harnessing his own strengths and being a and resilient for the road ahead. Our boys must rest loving and loyal friend to his peers. As our boys manage secure in the fact that they are loved and accepted by change and embrace new challenges together, they learn God, their parents and teachers for who they are. Their to build one another up and forge relationships that last. identity and worth as a person does not depend on their academic performance, Direct School Admission (DSA) As our school is being rebuilt, we are reminded that we outcome or CCA achievement, but simply because they are God’s workmanship, created for good works to give him are a child of God. We need to help them understand glory. We have the assurance that God’s grace is sufficient that in the process of learning, they do not have to to help us in every situation and to surmount even the be afraid of making mistakes, because it is through most difficult circumstances. As a community of God’s mistakes that we grow. There may be ongoing efforts people, we build each other up by being inclusive and by MOE to de-emphasise academic results, but it would encouraging one another, trusting that God will empower be mission schools like ACS where biblical truths about and equip us for the works of service that will last. our identity in Christ put us in a strong position to lead the way in how we educate and raise our children. “Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit, Mrs Leong-Ho Hil May Principal says the Lord Almighty.” Anglo-Chinese School (Primary) Zechariah 4:6 (NIV) Miss Cheryl Chee Principal Anglo-Chinese School (Junior) |10 METHODIST MESSAGE — April 2022

Enriched to face life’s To Grow in Friendship, greatest call Body and Mind S chool leadership is a privilege to learn and serve. Istudied in ACS for 10 years and my first stint I thank God for the learning and growth in my last as a principal was at Fairfield Methodist School school as Principal at Greendale Secondary. I trust (Secondary) from 2007 to 2014 for 7 years. and seek God’s purpose for this renewed privilege to So, I am glad to return and to serve God in the serve in his school, Paya Lebar Methodist Girls’ School Methodist community where I have received so (Secondary) (PLMGSS). It is a school with a long history, many blessings. strong heritage and traditions, one that has been abundantly blessed by the Lord. I am humbled to learn At Geylang Methodist School (Secondary), we from its past leaders, staff and key stakeholders. With affectionately refer to our students as GEMS their support and understanding, I will have courage (which is the acronym for our school values of to seek God’s purpose and will for the school and our Godliness, Excellence, Mastery and Service). This students in this new chapter of our school’s history. resonates deeply with my personal belief that every child is precious and a gift from God to be Unlike my previous school, PLMGSS is an all-girls, treasured. As a leader, my key guiding principles government-aided school. The role of girls and women include, firstly, being student-centred in our has evolved and will continue to evolve. To ensure that school programmes and decisions and secondly, our girls are future-ready, we will continue to uphold developing our staff while providing a caring our H.E.A.R.T. values—Honour God, pursue Excellence, work environment. be Adaptable, Respect one another, and be filled with Thankfulness always. I am excited to lead and journey My belief is that each school is unique and the with the entire PLMGSS family to nurture the desired starting point must be to appreciate its origins, its school culture of care, innovation and excellence with journey and the people that make up the school the H.E.A.R.T. values demonstrated. With this in place, and the community it serves. It is only through and with the support of our key stakeholders, our girls grace that we can humbly serve God by loving will be ready for the future as “a Confident PL-Lite, the staff and students that he has placed in our Passionate Learner, Active Citizen and Inspiring Leader”. schools and help them to grow. “Be strong and courageous. “And Jesus grew Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and men.” for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Luke 2:52 (NIV) Joshua 1:9 (NIV) Miss Amy Ng Mr Victor Owyong Principal Principal Geylang Methodist School Paya Lebar Methodist Girls’ School (Secondary) (Secondary) |METHODIST MESSAGE — April 2022 11

Methodist Church Members ENROLMENT PROMOTION Pre-Nursery, Nursery & Kindergarten 4hr & 6hr classes Promotion Website Email Us 8723 2163 @methodistpreschools

Stronger as Here, for a Purpose ONE Fairfield I believe God calls us to serve him in his time and place, according H aving being a student at Fairfield to his plan, and for his purpose. To be able to serve Methodist Methodist School (Secondary) (FMSS) Girls’ School (MGS) is truly a joy and privilege—MGS has been and also having started my teaching career instrumental in growing and shaping me in the most formative here at FMSS, I am excited for this God-given years of my education and teaching career, and I feel humbled and opportunity to be back in FMS(S) to lead and blessed for this opportunity to give back and to pay it forward. serve the Fairfield community. MGS turns 135 this year, a long time by any measure. I thank God I can see how the caring culture and the for his faithfulness and goodness to MGS. It is by his grace and to Christian ethos of the school continues to be his glory that MGS has continued to grow and to develop our girls, evident and flourishing in FMSS. The learning providing quality holistic education in a Christian environment that environment and possibilities have naturally prepares them for their future of leadership and service. evolved with the times and I am excited that our Fairsians now have access to a wide However, in response to the needs of students of today, who live range of learning opportunities that did not in a much more connected, complex and ever-changing world, exist in the past. That said, the same spirit of education has evolved significantly. Through the emphasis on innovation and enterprise is evident amongst the development of 21st century competencies, there is greater the staff community and there is a sense intentionality in preparing our students to be future-ready. There of humble confidence amongst the student is a move away from an over-emphasis on academic grades leaders as I interacted with them in the past towards a sharper focus on promoting lifelong learning. few months. For such a time as this, it is important that all of us find and A good school is one where there is a strong stay anchored on a larger, enduring purpose that empowers us culture of care, where staff and students to stay the course and to be able to face challenges with hope, are challenged and supported to be the best faith and confidence. The pursuit of purpose provides youths with versions of themselves. As a mission school, meaningfulness that is much more sustaining for lifelong learning that culture of care has as its source the and service. Enduring purpose drives a person to work towards great care of God himself—loving each one something over a longer term that is not only meaningful to self, but of us and filling us up with his grace and also leads to engagement that benefits the wider world beyond self. presence so that we can pour out into the lives of one another. In finding their purpose, we also challenge our girls to be fully “here”—wholly present in body, mind and spirit—ready to listen “And let us consider to others and themselves, and ready to offer and seek support how we may spur one another in timely ways that build a stronger, more loving and caring on toward love and good deeds.” community. Hebrews 10:24 (NIV) “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, Mr Wee Tat Chuen Principal to those who are the called Fairfield Methodist School according to His purpose.” (Secondary) Romans 8:28 (NKJV) Mrs Valarie Wilson Principal Methodist Girls’ School |METHODIST MESSAGE — April 2022 13

News ¢ A medical doctor, Dr Low Wye Mun serves with the Worship & Music team at Holland Village Methodist Church. He was the moderator of Episode 2 of Conversations. / Illustration by Lau Peng Leong Online worship Technology and the arts W hen attending an online church service at home The basis for our online church worship in front of your laptop, TV or tablet on a Sunday Following Conversations Episode 1: Insights & Reflections morning, have you been “sitting around in your on online worship (Methodist Message, November 2021), singlet, with one leg up and coffee in hand”? Episode 2 explored the relationship between worship and technology and the arts in the ‘digital sacred space’ that Dr Mark Chan may have painted an extreme picture but his the pandemic has compelled us to embrace. joke encapsulated the purpose of Conversations Episode 2: Technology & the Arts, a session hosted by Methodist Indisputably, the online worship (OW) space allows School of Music (MSM). It was a rich and lively discussion, inclusiveness and outreach access when we are unable to focused on music and language in the context of the attend on-site church services. Whatever the form of the televisual platform, and how these might be harnessed to: OW service, the speakers agreed it must be underscored • enhance worship in a deeper and more meaningful way by two things: • bring about a more cohesive worship experience. • the common purpose of worshipping and glorifying God • the desire to gather as the people of God in worship. The panel speakers were: Dr Mark Chan, Ernest Lau Professor of systematic A deeper and more meaningful worship theology at Trinity Theological College. He teaches Stressing the importance of ensuring a firm theological hermeneutics, homiletics and intersection of theology foundation for online worship, Dr Mark Chan shared OW and contemporary thought. He worships at Covenant experiences that impacted him. Those experiences were Community Methodist Church. “personal, moving, spiritually enriching, I felt I was seated in the sanctuary, a part of the corporate worship… the Rev Raymond Fong, Pastor-in-charge of Wesley Methodist worship was not a performance for me, I was a part of Church. He has more than 25 years of involvement in the worship.” The recordings were simply made with just a church worship as leader and musician. In the 2020 MSM camera, but they embodied the ideal that “worship is the Certificate of Christian Worship, he encouraged all to “do people of God gathered to perform for an audience of One.” less, and go deep”. He raised the matter of arts in worship as being part Ms Shirley Bong, head of the Media Communications & of a larger issue of arts in Christianity. In this, Dr Chan Youth department at the Chapel of the Resurrection. Her questioned whether churches were giving enough MLitt studies in Theology & the Arts focused on the place attention to the aesthetics of the worship space, and if of emotions in Christian contemporary worship. they could do more with the digital tools available to creating meaningful OW. Suggesting that orchestrating an OW is a “production” just as much as “preaching is a performance”, he stated that technology has its own language and it is not neutral. If we are conditioned to appreciate high quality videos, but the church has a very different (lower) standard, it can detract from the worship experience. We must always remember the “God-ward dimension” of true worship. To prevent the danger of OW becoming merely the consumption of a religious programme rather than participative worship, it is better to present a de-centred but synchronised worship where congregants gather at the same time instead of viewing a pre-recorded service. |14 METHODIST MESSAGE — April 2022

Still, in putting together an OW service, there is value The speakers also addressed the importance of posture. in not having a fully-live service but also to integrate Besides the choice and delivery of words spoken, pre-recorded segments. The other speakers showed and another aspect of posture is the physical expression shared examples of how dance, dramatised readings of (“body language”) of the worship team. To improve Scripture and painting captured on video can engage on the posture of the worship leaders and team seen gathered worshippers in a creative way. online, pre-viewing and post-service reviewing of live-streamed and recorded worship sessions were Ms Shirley Bong responded enthusiastically to the discussion resoundingly affirmed. on creative thinking in developing OW. Of central importance to worship is a sense of community and coming together as In conclusion, while OW could be seen as a “tele-visual a worshipful body of Christ; thus the church must adopt the art,” there is the danger of such church service offerings liturgy and form that is most appropriate and effective in being treated as spectator events. Acknowledging that bringing this about in different age groups. congregants are accustomed to “consuming” web- based music and messages of significant professional, For example, congregants like the elderly were drawn to technological and artistic levels, the speakers had OW when they saw the familiar faces of friends although important messages to share: the productions were kept simple due to resource constraints. Whereas the virtual connections for younger • Knowing and addressing the worship needs of worshippers were better achieved through Zoom where specific groups of congregants is more important the ability to interact was maximised with animated than delivering what may be seen as a high-end activity that held onto shorter attention spans. OW product In a unique bridging of worship groups divided by age, • Having OW services shown at times synchronous Ms Bong recalled an event when the church youth with the on-site church service creates an recorded songs to bless their parents and grandparents. It intentional, planned sense of communal gathering substituted for the temporary physical separation caused on the part of those worshipping from the digital by Singapore’s earlier circuit breaker period. sacred spaces of their homes Towards a more cohesive worship experience • Congregants who join the OW service should be Reiterating the fundamental need for robust theology as asked to prepare themselves spiritually, adopt the basis of all OW services, Rev Raymond Fong shared a respectful posture in keeping with the church his personal experience and guiding principles. service, and participate alongside congregants on- site when invited to stand, sing, clap, raise hands When his church settled on the hybrid mode of both on-site and simply praise God. and online services, they had to address the question of connectivity—should the OW be pre-recorded or streamed From the ideas aired we look forward to further exciting live? Then, resource allocation had to be considered. explorations of the arts, technology and church worship services in both the physical and digital realms. Ultimately, the church’s purpose and vision must be well- articulated and shared by the OW teams, to establish the The full recording of this session is available on YouTube best connectivity and to engage worshippers, drawing on the Methodist School of Music channel at them in to “join the liturgy to offer praises to God”. https://tinyurl.com/MSMconvo2 A key practical point he made was to “watch your transitions”. Small breaks in the on-site service (movement of worship leaders, changing positions) could be distracting and reduce the engagement of the online congregant. Thus, besides planning the service, production planning is equally important to bring about a cohesive OW service. Harnessing basic technical steps (video cameras, text or lyrics slides) will help with seamless transitions. |METHODIST MESSAGE — April 2022 15

People ¢ Marcus See is married to Ru-Tian and they are devoted parents to four children. Marcus serves in two ministries—Worship & Music, and Cell, at Ang Mo Kio Methodist Church. / Photos courtesy of Marcus See More than Marcus See burnt offerings and started to refresh and acquire various hardware and W hen I joined the Ang Mo Kio Methodist Church software. I was even able to carve out a space at home, (AMKMC) family in 2006, I took six months to get which enabled me to contribute to the music recordings for to know the people in church before plunging online service on Sundays. Only God could have made all into its Worship & Music Ministry. I was warmly welcomed these elements come together at the right time. from the start and over the years, I have been privileged to serve as Music Director and in the Core Team since 2016. Of course, we did not start off as experts able to leap over the digital hurdle effortlessly. We had to learn Whenever I look back at my life in Christ, I feel deeply how to make recordings of songs and videos. However, thankful for God’s gift of music, a gift which had not been it was heartening that many stepped forward without apparent to me in my early youth. But in God’s perfect fully knowing what to expect. It was wonderful to plan, he sent people to nurture me over the years: some hear of volunteers who responded because they were “planted”, others “sowed”, and I am grateful to “reap” the emboldened by the testimonies of others who had come blessing. It has been 25 years of service in all and I am still forward to serve. A couple of churches in the UK and US serving God and learning new things at AMKMC. chanced upon one of our online worship videos and used it at their own services. We had never dreamed that we A Music Director supports the team by working with the could bless the body of Christ beyond our shores. Worship Leader to plan the music for Praise & Worship, and to guide the band during practice and live worship. Life has taught me, so far, that while we are weak, God In the Core Team, we pray and plan for the ministry’s is always strong. He patiently loves us and bestows on us direction and initiatives. gifts and talents to do his Kingdom work. When Covid-19 struck in late 2019, the resultant multitude Pray and see what God can do through you to bless the of restrictions made it impossible to conduct regular Church which is the body of Christ, for it is never too early Sunday services on the church premises. It seemed as if or too ate, and you are never too old or too young! a mountain had risen up overnight between us and the church. But, like the words of the children’s song—“My “… I will not offer burnt offerings God is so big, so strong and so mighty, there’s nothing my to the Lord my God God cannot do”—we saw that God had already prepared us in advance. that cost me nothing...” 2 Samuel 24:24 To conduct Sunday Services online, a call was put out for members with the necessary skillsets to support the various *This story was first published on Ang Mo Kio MC’s website and functions. I can only attribute it to divine inspiration that reproduced with permission. in 2019 I felt an urge to revisit my hobbyist MIDI days |16 METHODIST MESSAGE — April 2022

People ¢ Rev Saravana Kumar is a pastor at Sembawang Tamil Methodist Church. / Photo courtesy of Rev Saravana Kumar Encounter with It was during this time that a friend’s grandmother, the True God who was my neighbour, shared Jesus with me. She shared about Jesus’ great love and his sacrifice for “He raises the poor mankind. Initially, I argued with her but she did not from the dust give up and invited me to attend her church. She had poor eyesight so she would ask me to read the Bible and lifts the needy to her. Out of respect, I would do it, but it invariably from the ash heap.” led to more questions and arguments. Psalms 113:7 One day, while I was debating with her, she suggested that I ask the “True God” to reveal himself to me. I took I praise and thank the Lord for his abundant grace in her suggestion as a challenge. Every day I sincerely my life. It is a joy to be part of the family of The desired for an encounter with this “True God”. As the Methodist Church in Singapore, and I am grateful for days went by, my yearning to know God grew. this opportunity to share my testimony for his glory. I was born into an orthodox Hindu family and my Later, as I was sharing about my restlessness with my forefathers were priests in the temple. From a young friend’s grandmother, she assured me that I would find age, I worshipped the family deities. I was very peace and purpose when I received Christ. As usual, pious and performed all the rituals daily. My father’s I ignored her. While walking home, I heard a voice alcoholism brought much suffering on the family. As the saying clearly in my ears, “I am the Way, the Truth and only son with three older sisters, responsibility for the the Life.” I rushed back to tell her about it. She took family fell on me at the age of 19. It was overwhelming out her Bible and showed me the exact verse from and I prayed fervently to the Hindu gods to help me. John 14:6. I was amazed! But things remained the same. I started to read different kinds of Christian literature—newsletters and magazines, testimonies of healings and miracles, biographies and life- changing experiences of servants of God. My friend’s grandmother introduced me to her pastor and he shared more about Christ and salvation with me. At the age of 21, I finally accepted Christ wholeheartedly and was baptised. My family initially opposed my attending church but gradually accepted it. God blessed me with a good job in Singapore and a fine Christian woman to be my wife. In the 23 years since my conversion, all my family members have received salvation and are faithful to God. Great is his faithfulness! I responded to God’s call to ministry in 2010 and God opened doors for me to study at Trinity Theological College. I graduated in 2014 and now serve as a pastor with Emmanuel Tamil Annual Conference. All glory to God! |METHODIST MESSAGE — April 2022 17

People ¢ Lianne Ong is the Editor of Methodist Message. / Photos courtesy of Sharon Liew with studio photos by Bernard Teo Sharon Liew Meet Sharon Liew, who runs an inclusive dance school W hen Sharon Liew embarked on a career in dance First steps in teaching children with disabilities in the 1990s, inclusive dance—that is, persons In 2003, DSI held a fund-raising concert in support of the with disabilities (PWDs) dancing alongside Autism Resource Centre (ARC), the pre-cursor of Pathlight School and the first autism-focused school in Singapore. persons without disabilities—was unheard of. Into her third decade of teaching community dance The fund-raising concert introduced her to a community classes, and running a private dance school that of parents with autistic children. Soon, Sharon found supports inclusive dance, she credits her victories in the herself volunteering at ARC, teaching dance to a select dance industry, in particular in inclusive dance, to God. group of students in an after-school programme, so “My dance journey is God-led. I wouldn’t say I was or that these students could improve in their physical am the best dancer. But God gave me a purpose in life coordination and artistic expression. with dance,” Sharon, a member of Wesley Methodist Church, says. Pathlight School officially began in 2004, and DSI and Pathlight worked towards its first collaborative performance Sharon, 51, studied dance in the UK at the London in 2006. This was a milestone for DSI in inclusive dance. College of Dance/ University of Buckingham, supported by a scholarship from the National Arts Council, Lee After volunteering and then working as the dance instructor Foundation and Shaw Foundation after her A-levels. for Pathlight’s Dance Talent CCA for 10 years, Sharon Upon returning to Singapore, she landed a job with the tendered her resignation to focus on DSI. Several students People’s Association where she brought dance education from Pathlight continued to take lessons at her school. to the heartlands, a role she still plays today. One such student is Alief Fiqhry Ayob, 23, who has danced At the same time, she started a dance school company, with DSI since 2017. Alief, who works full time at Professor Dance Spectrum International (DSI) so that her dancers Brawn Cafe as service staff, says dancing with DSI “feels could take on private performance engagements. like a family with all my friends”. |18 METHODIST MESSAGE — April 2022

Alief (left) and Nathan (right), in black Nathan Tan, 16, another dance student who has autism, Another dancer, Luo Mang, 16, is a ballet dancer with says, “It takes a lot of hard work and many hours of DSI. Although she is for the most part non-verbal, her practice to achieve a beautiful and flawless performance. expression in dance is “exceptional” according to Sharon. But performing well gives me joy and satisfaction.” Luo Mang’s mother, Xu Zeying, told Methodist Message, One of the younger dance students is 9-year-old Gideon “Luo Mang was diagnosed with autism when she was Kwek, who learns tap, jazz and ballet at DSI. Gideon, four. We tried many different therapies and classes to who is autistic, is following the footsteps of his three encourage as normal a lifestyle as possible but had older siblings, who are also on the autism spectrum little success except for dance and music. She started and have been students at DSI at various stages of dancing at the age of 8 and loves performing.” their schooling life. It was after watching DSI perform at the Purple Their mother, Michelle Kwek, says, “Dance is like therapy Parade for many years, that Xu decided to send Luo for them.” Mang to Sharon’s school in 2019. “I saw Sharon work with autistic children and was impressed with the “Most children on the autism spectrum struggle with high standard of dance they brought to the stage. movement and coordination. Poor posture and muscle tone The performances included children of all abilities are often the reasons behind the clumsy gait and tendency and provided the opportunity to demonstrate what to fall or trip over things. Dancing helps to improve the core they are capable of and show the world that they are muscles and train coordination of movement with rhythm more than their diagnosis. This brings dignity to every of music. The rigours of dance training also help develop single performer.” executive functioning—a set of mental skills that include working memory, flexible thinking, and self-control,” adds DSI currently has eight students who have disabilities Michelle, who heard about DSI through word of mouth. enrolled, four of whom have been diagnosed to be on |METHODIST MESSAGE — April 2022 19

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 |20 METHODIST MESSAGE — April 2022 “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

Meet Sharon Liew, who runs an inclusive dance school Luo Mang After a performance the autism spectrum. The school has consistently taken Sharon, who is an alum of Methodist Girls’ School, says, part in Purple Parade, Singapore’s largest movement “In a way, I do see that God has allowed me to live out to support inclusion and celebrate abilities of persons my school motto, ‘To Master, To Grow, To Serve’, as a with disabilities. dance teacher. To Master my craft, to Grow in love for others, and to Serve the community.” Inclusivity takes a village But what makes ‘inclusive dance’ work? Sharon says that But running the dance school has been challenging at building an inclusive culture in DSI was made possible times. Despite this, Sharon says God is always there because of the support from her non-disabled dancers guiding her. “God’s word keeps me grounded, and helps and their parents. me to persevere. One of my favourite verses is Isaiah 40:31, “They shall run and not be weary; they shall walk “It is their willingness to embrace dancers with disabilities and not faint.” that makes this work,” says Sharon. Sharon wants to continue creating awareness for Ruth Leong, whose children, Elyse, age 10, and Evan, age inclusive dance outside their immediate community. Her 8, are learning to dance at DSI, said, “Dancing alongside dream? “I want to grow the next generation of dancers peers with special needs has enriched my children’s who have worked with people with disabilities and build learning experience. It has helped them appreciate that a deeper understanding between them,” Sharon said. everyone learns differently, and has taught them to cheer their peers on and celebrate their progress. I’m grateful that both my children have had this opportunity through their classes with Dance Spectrum International.” In addition, it is the community of praying parents and the close-knit ties that have helped the school thrive. “It’s about showing love to them. These kids [with disabilities] would not come back and dance if they didn’t like the environment,” Sharon said. Praising Him with dance Sharon, who is a member of Wesley Methodist Church, became a Christian at age 13. “Sometimes it is a Bible verse or a song that inspires me, and that translates into choreography and performance. I’ve tried to rely on God to lead me in directing the school.” Sharon Liew |METHODIST MESSAGE — April 2022 21

Books ¢ Jason Woo is Communications Executive at MCS Comms. / Artworks courtesy of Singapore Centre for Global Missions Making missions a vision for children Daniel could not wait to tell the story of his recovery to others. As he shared his story, some who had knowledge of sorcery told him, “Even if you had died after two weeks, your God is still a great God, because this type of sorcery is so powerful that the day it hits you, you will die! - Clean Hands, Pure Hearts and Beautiful Feet, p69 The team that produced Clean Hands, Pure Hearts and Beautiful Feet Planting the seeds of The Great Commission example, a troubled man who was rescued from a suicide When Joseph Schooling won Singapore’s first Olympic attempt, to a life and death battle with indigenous gold medal in swimming in 2016, it set off more than just occultic practices. In all these stories, the overarching a wave of euphoria in the country. The young swimmer’s theme is God’s love and ability to save. life story and how he managed to make his personal childhood dream of being an Olympian a reality also Lawrence hopes that through the book and its stories, caught the imagination of Bishop Kuan Kim Seng of The children and even adults in local churches would Diocese of Singapore. appreciate that there are many Singaporean missionaries who are no less on fire for the Lord than their foreign Bishop Kuan made a phone call to Lawrence Ko, the National counterparts who often headline Christian news from the Director of the Singapore Centre for Global Missions mission field. (SCGM), who was quickly convinced of the need to instil God’s vision for missions in the minds of young children— Hands to write and illustrate the stories to create the same kind of drive in them to spread the When Lawrence embarked on this idea to publish a Gospel as the one Schooling had with his Olympic pursuits. children’s book about missions, the first task was to find a writer. SCGM had not published such a book before. That is how the idea of publishing a children’s book with true stories from the mission field was conceived. Flora had served for a year as part of a missionary team on board a ship with OM Ships International (a maritime First published in 2017, Clean Hands, Pure Hearts and outreach organisation). When she returned to Singapore Beautiful Feet features 10 stories in a 120-page hardcover in 2016, Lawrence happened to be preaching at her home book. It contains the accounts of 10 Singaporean church at Bedok Lutheran Church. Their chance meeting missionaries serving God and spreading the gospel in a kickstarted the project, which became the 34-year-old’s plethora of mission fields from the Amazon jungles in first foray into writing for a young audience. Bolivia to familiar countries like Hong Kong and Japan. It proved to be quite a challenge but the process of The stories are about the experiences that the missionaries recording the stories and meeting with the missionaries have encountered in their respective fields, experiences were memorable experiences for her. that children in Singapore would seldom encounter. For |22 METHODIST MESSAGE — April 2022

Among the 10 stories that were captured in the book, A resource for parents and Sunday Schools Flora recalled the experiences of the missionary couple, Daniel Jesudason and Wei Lei, who served in the remote Lawrence hopes that the book will serve as a valuable areas of Papua New Guinea. Another highlight was learning resource in the various children’s ministries the account of Mei Ching who stood up to soldiers at and Sunday schools in churches islandwide. “Parents gunpoint in the course of her dental ministry amongst can also use the book as devotional material with their war refugees in South Asia. children,” said Lawrence. He also hopes that the book can be adapted into other forms, saying that SCGM is greatly keen to work with local churches and other Christian organisations on this. “I would love to adapt the book in its current form into one that is suitable for pre-schoolers. I see the book being able to be presented in a smaller-sized format for little hands, in simple sentences,” added Flora who is also a mother to a young child. “Daniel and Wei Lei’s story is just amazing not for the fact that they chose to live amongst an unreached community in an extremely remote location, but that Daniel actually helped developed the indigenous community’s language into a system of alphabets and then proceeded to teach the villagers their own language so that they can read the version of the Bible that was written in their own tongue!” “As for Mei Ching, if you have met her in person, you would have never guessed that this pint-sized, frail- looking woman… would fearlessly confront Taliban soldiers in order to protect her neighbours during her ministry in Afghanistan,” added Flora. Flora was soon joined by another writer, Emily Soh and Clean Hands, Pure Hearts illustrator Jearn Ko. Together the trio would complete and Beautiful Feet the book in just 13 months from conceptualisation to print— which included interviewing, writing, illustrating Written by Flora Man & Emily Soh and editing. Illustrated by Jearn Ko Published by Singapore Centre for Global Missions “Jearn really went the extra mile in creating the beautiful illustrations you see in the book,” Lawrence told Clean Hands, Pure Hearts and Beautiful Feet was Methodist Message. “He researched the varied locales produced as a follow-up from the 2016 National that the missionaries served in and then translated the Christian Children Ministry conference organised vibrant colours, context and cultures into his drawings.” by SCGM in partnership with the 4/14 Window movement, TRAC Board of Children Ministry and The Diocese of Singapore. https://www.scgm.org.sg/shop/ $20 |METHODIST MESSAGE — April 2022 23

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). Just a hallucination? “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. I n the fifteenth chapter of Paul’s first letter to the Christians did not occur and that the disciples had either fabricated at Corinth, we find the earliest and most extensive it or that they were simply hallucinating. discussion on the resurrection in the New Testament. In recent decades, there appears to be a revival of the latter The integrity of the Christian faith, the apostle insists, hinges theory. While sceptical scholars now seem more inclined to on the facticity of the resurrection of Christ. believe that Jesus’ disciples really ‘saw’ what they believed to be their resurrected Master, this concession must conform “If Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is to a naturalistic worldview, where the supernatural is ruled in vain and your faith is in vain… And if Christ has not out as impossible. been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins. Then those who have fallen asleep in Christ have For example, in 2000, American Broadcasting Company perished. If in Christ we have hope in this life only, we aired a documentary called The Search for Jesus in which are all people most to be pitied.” 1 Corinthians 15:14, a number of scholars of early Christianity commented on 17-19 (NIV) what can be known about Jesus’ life, death and resurrection. The New Testament scholar, Paula Fredriksen, who is not a Throughout the history of the Church, various attempts Christian, opined that historical evidence showed that the have been made to show that the resurrection of Christ disciples were convinced that they saw their Master, who had died three days before, appear to them.

In fact, the disciples of Jesus experienced the very opposite emotions—they were gripped with fear, disillusionment and depression as the whirlwind of events unfolded in the days leading up to the crucifixion and death of their Master. Even on the day of Jesus’ resurrection, the disciples were hiding behind locked doors in fear (John 20:19). The disciples were therefore not waiting expectantly for their Master to return from the grave. In fact, when the risen Jesus appeared to them, they “were startled and frightened, thinking they saw a ghost” (Luke 24:37 NIV). Some disciples such as Thomas did not believe, despite witnessing the appearance of the resurrected Jesus. So, Jesus had to say to him: “Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe.” (John 20:27). “I know in their own terms what they saw was the raised Finally, we have the experience of Paul on the road Jesus,” Fredriksen said in the documentary. to Damascus. Paul was a sceptic par excellence. He was on a campaign to persecute Christians when he “That’s what they say, and then all the historic evidence dramatically encountered the risen Christ (Acts 9) and we have afterwards attest to their conviction that that’s became a believer and apostle. what they saw. I’m not saying that they really did see the raised Jesus. I wasn’t there. I don’t know what they The frequency and extent of the appearances of the saw. But I do know that as a historian that they must resurrected Christ must also be taken into consideration. have seen something.” According to the Gospels and Acts, the risen Christ Other scholars who have presented versions of the appeared to many different people, at different times hallucination theory include Gerd Lüdemann, Jack Kent and contexts: Mary Magdalene (John 20:13-17) and and Michael Goulder. According to these scholars, this two or more other women (Matthew 28:9), Peter (Luke theory should be favoured because it takes the claims 24:34), the disciples journeying to Emmaus (Luke of the disciples and the historical evidence seriously, but 24:13), the ten disciples (John 20:19), Paul (Acts 9:3- without ever conceding that Jesus’ resurrection was a 9), and those who witnessed his ascension (Acts 1:10). real supernatural event. In addition, Paul tells us that the resurrected Jesus appeared to 500 brethren at once (1 Corinthians 15:6) The hallucination theory, however, fails to convince for a and also to James (1 Corinthians 15:7). number of reasons. These facts must also be considered alongside other According to psychologists Leonard Zusne and Warren important pieces of evidence of the resurrection Jones, the prerequisites for such group experiences are of Jesus Christ such as the empty tomb and the ‘expectation’ and ‘emotional excitement’. But these remarkable transformation of the early disciples into necessary elements of “collective hallucinations” were bold witnesses. completely absent from the psychological state of the early witnesses of Jesus’ resurrection appearances. Taken together, they conclusively show that the hallucination theory is untenable and totally false. 1 Justin Bass, ‘What Skeptical Scholars Admit about the Resurrection Appearances of Jesus’, Christianity Today, April 13, 2020. https://www. christianitytoday.com/ct/2020/april-web-only/justin-bass-bedrock-christianity-resurrection-appearances.html (accessed 6 December 2021). 2 Gerd Lüdemann, The Resurrection of Jesus: History, Experience, Theology, trans. John Bowden (Minneapolis: Fortress, 1994). 3 Jack Kent, The Psychological Origins of the Resurrection Myth (London: Open Gate, 1999). 4 Michael Goulder, ‘The Baseless Fabric of a Vision’ in Gavin D’Costa (ed)., Resurrection Reconsidered (Oxford: One World, 1996), 48-61. 5 Leonard Zusne and Warren Jones, Anomalistic Psychology: A Study of Extraordinary Phenomena of Behaviour and Experience (Hillsdale, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum, 1982), 135. |METHODIST MESSAGE — April 2022 25

Reach Out ¢ Missions Col (Ret) Quek Koh Eng is the Field and Church Engagement Director of the Methodist Missions Society (MMS). He also served as the MMS Area Director of Nepal from 2008 to 2019. / Photos courtesy of MMS Col (Ret) Quek Koh Eng >> Annual Meeting and Ordination in 2010 One moment in time A lthough there have been many significant events during my long years of ministry with MMS, I can only describe them as “one moment in time”. Humbly, I acknowledge the hand of God working to shape my ministry as I have been privileged to work together with groups of faithful men and women who have committed their lives to serving our Lord. These were indeed journeys of extraordinary, supernatural experiences and close encounters with God. The ancient Greek word for such a defining moment is Students from Caleb Bible Institute in 2017 kairos, meaning the opportune or critical moment. In the New Testament, kairos is used to describe the appointed Looking back at the years I served in MMS’ mission fields, time or the God-ordained time. I especially remember the initial years of establishing our Nepal ministry, and seeing it grow from strength “You see, at just the right time, when we were still to strength. These were 13 years of great personal powerless, Christ died for the ungodly.” Romans 5:6 (NIV) experiences and defining moments. “The time has come,” he said. “The kingdom of God has Our Nepal ministry started when Rev Erick Tan and his come near. Repent and believe the good news!” Mark 1:15 wife Shanti heeded God’s call to be missionaries in Nepal (NIV) after graduating from Trinity Theological College. By faith, they ventured into East Nepal and struggled for three Indeed, there are God-given times such as when Jesus years before starting their first ministry in Kathmandu. walked this earth. For many Christians, the moment God provided two anointed servants (a pastor from India when we confessed Jesus as our Saviour and Lord and and a Nepali Campus Crusade for Christ-trained pastor received salvation will always be significant. We need from East Nepal) to work with MMS. After three barren to recognise these God-appointed times when his times years, the ministry of Nepal was birthed. intersect with ours. |26 METHODIST MESSAGE — April 2022

My first trip to Nepal in 2006 was very significant. I was fortunate to work with a very dedicated and Together with MMS leadership, Rev Dr Norman Wong committed team of missionaries in Nepal who contributed and Andrew Tay, we visited East Nepal, Kathmandu, immensely to the growth and development of MCN. and Phulbari in Kavre District. Seeing the needs for Together with them, we experienced faith, perseverance, our ministry, we purchased the land next to Mahimit and providence. Today, MCN has seven churches, five Methodist Church where a temporary bamboo shed was preaching points, and eight outreach points, including CBI used as a Bible school. Later on, a new building was and Sophia’s Home ministry. built for Caleb Bible Institute (CBI). Over the years, CBI has trained and graduated over 150 pastors and local But MCN’s ministry has had to go through periods of church leaders for the Methodist Church in Nepal (MCN) national crises. The devastating earthquake in 2015 and other Nepali churches. resulted in the loss of more than 8,000 lives and massive destruction of homes and property. Together with MCN, Whilst worshipping in a mud house church in Phulbari with MMS responded and provided funds to rebuild the homes a group of 15 believers, God released a word to my inner of our members and the community, and to repair our spirit that he would build his church at this exact site. churches and Sophia’s Home. Food and other essentials Immediately after the service, Andrew announced that were also provided to affected families. In early 2020, his church would sponsor the building of Phulbari church. disaster struck again with the worldwide Covid-19 Later, the church was rebuilt as the 2015 earthquake pandemic. Again, we were able to respond promptly by affected the building. The steadfast love of God never providing relief packages to 372 families and sharing ceases as Phulbari Methodist Church has grown in maturity God’s love with the community. By God’s grace and and strength. Today, it has over 80 regular worshippers. To providence, MCN will tide over this pandemic and any God be the glory. other crisis. Our Lord assures us: We then focused on training our pastors and church “For I know the plans I have for you. They are plans for planters to grow multiplying and disciple-making good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” churches. We prepared our national pastors and leaders Jeremiah 29:11 (NLT) through discipleship and equipping training, including Growing Healthy Church (GHC), Equipping The Saints (ETS), I am glad to have had this special “one moment in time” and T-NET. These training programmes provided a strong experience in my ministry with MCN. It was a God-given foundation, aligning Methodist teachings and disciplines privilege to work with the national pastors, leaders, and with the Church Planting (CP) movement. Today, CP has missionaries. It was a humbling and learning journey to matured with the increasing participation of youth and witness God’s faithfulness to MCN and her leaders. I am women. With the foundation established, our Nepal confident that they too will experience their “one moment ministry was officially recognised as the Nepal Annual in time” personal encounters with God. I firmly believe Meeting of the Mission in 2008. that with a strong spiritual foundation, MCN leaders are not only people of hope but of victorious faith. I pray that as Methodists in Nepal, they will show perseverance, faithfulness, and tenacity in their journey towards redeeming Nepal for Christ. *This article was first published in Harvest Force 2022 Issue 1. Phulbari Methodist Church building Food The new relief >> aid |METHODIST MESSAGE — April 2022 27 for the 2015 earthquake victims

Reach Out ¢ Welfare Services By the Methodist Welfare Services (MWS) Communications Team / Photos and visuals courtesy of MWS Serving in obedience Dr Peter Ng A s a newly wed doctor and a very young Christian back in 1991, Dr Peter Ng had the misconception that a person had to be ‘good’ before they could be a serious Christian. Christians are supposed to uphold high moral standards, Dr Ng thought, and he did not feel exceptional enough. However, a faithful encounter with a patient changed his mind. “Haven’t you heard of the prodigal son? You don’t have to be perfect to be God’s child, you simply need to believe,” the patient told him. Encouraged by his patient’s sharing, Dr Ng got baptised and eventually put his medical skills into good use by volunteering at MWS Christalite Methodist Home. “But I had thought then that volunteering and doing ‘good works’ would make me a better Christian.”

Over the years, God would continue to expand Dr Ng’s The testing of his faith and skills as a general practitioner heart for those in need through overseas mission trips, over the years also allowed Dr Ng to provide sound serving in the local church and the community. Through advice as a member of the medical sub-committee of these experiences, Dr Ng came to realise that deeds MWS Christalite Methodist Home. While there will still born out of faith would not earn him salvation. Instead, be new challenges and possibly even rougher seas in the service had a new dimension—“It is where Jesus’ days ahead, Dr Ng is confident that God will always be teachings come to life!” with him and not let any trial or experience go to waste. “All this time as a doctor, it did not occur to me that there was another way I could contribute to those in need. Just as Jesus had taught his disciples to help the poor and heal the sick, I now find that there is purpose for me to give back in this manner.” Dr Ng went on several mission trips with his home church, Christ Methodist Church, in his younger days, and served as a team doctor ministering to Karen people in Chiangmai. (Both photos from WITNESS, Jun-Jul 1998 issue). Stormy seas Step out of the boat —Join The Giving Methodist   While certainly fruitful, the journey was not always smooth sailing. There were times when Dr Ng faced “I have witnessed how God uses all of my experiences rough seas in his career, personal life, and faith. One to teach me to serve and love people better. Nothing such instance was when Covid-19 first hit Singapore. As is gone to waste each time I choose to heed the call a general practitioner in private practice, Dr Ng struggled to step out and serve. We need not be afraid. I believe to keep up with the volume of Covid-positive patients that as a body of Christ, we are all placed in strategic coming to his clinic. His stress was further compounded positions with unique gifts to bless others,” Dr Ng said. by the administrative work he had to attend to. At his lowest points, Dr Ng struggled with loneliness, fatigue “  Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” and thoughts of giving up. Matthew 14:27b (NIV) Witnessing several of his colleagues burn out and leave the profession, he recalled, “The work load was so bad    that in my heart I could understand why my colleagues left. But I held on because I believe God has a purpose   for me. I turned to God each time and felt him prompting me that I do not have to be perfect, but simply to do my Lent  , would you best. Doing this kept me from giving it all up totally.” This choose to recognise your God-given position and unique gifts by stepping out to serve just like Dr Ng and many others? Find out how you can be The Giving Methodist by visiting https://thegivingmethodist.sg  or scan the QR code >> Do email [email protected]  if you have any questions. |METHODIST MESSAGE — April 2022 29

14 METHODIST MESSAGE, JULY 2013

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. I picked a bone feels unworthy and this can in turn impact their self- image and their capacity to form close relationships. They adopt a “I am not OK but you (persons around them) are OK” perspective of self and others. For those who “pick a bone”, their interpretation of the world and of themselves is largely negative. It involves a “I am not OK and you are also not OK” position. It begins with thinking that the world is unfair or downright hateful to them. “Picking a bone”  is their attempt to confirm their negative assumptions and the subsequent anger outburst is their “protest” against such treatment. Unfortunately, after repeated rounds of such angry escalations, the negative self-perception of both others and self gets entrenched.  “I picked a bone,”  my client admitted with some What is the alternative to such a destructive cycle? When we experience an unpleasant exchange, we hesitation. should first pause and examine what happened. Could there be some misunderstanding? Is what I thought the We had been talking and trying to understand a recent other person may have said or done out of character argument with his wife. My work with him focused on or is there a repeated pattern?   Before responding, I helping him manage his propensity to escalate from might look for more evidence of any ill intent on the irritation to anger and then rage. part of the other person. That morning, he could not find something he wanted. If the unpleasant encounter is indeed part of a At the back of his mind, he knew that his spouse had pattern, we may choose to clarify and check if the probably put it away when tidying the home. Knowing hurt we felt was intentionally inflicted. The hope is this was, however, not enough to stem his rising that the conversation may lead to an apology or some annoyance. As they looked for the item, my client clarification. We may do this with relationships that acknowledged that he started bringing up other things matter to us and when we do not want to let the hurt that annoyed him—recent points of conflict as well as we feel spoil a good relationship.  things from long ago. While recounting their argument, “I picked a bone” came up. Another option is to drop it and not pursue trying to get an apology or redress. This may be in situations where This account may sound familiar to some of us. previous attempts have failed or the other stubbornly When unhappy with someone or something, instead holds their ground. Choosing to let the matter drop of picking ourselves up and moving on, we seem to does not equate to surrender. We recognise the fact of wallow in that emotional state. We let our disgruntled unjust treatment, but just because there is no apology, or unsettled emotions gnaw at us. Like a hungry dog it does not mean that we do not heal from the hurt. We with his bone, we keep chewing and chewing on it. take such a position because we treasure and want to In the process, our emotional state spirals downwards.  preserve our emotional and mental health.  Why we do it may be hard to understand. It could be To those who make it a habit of “picking bones”, is that our hurt feelings resonate with our particular way it time to stop doing it? Instead of being a rag and of seeing the world, of thinking about another and of bone person, a collector of hurts and disappointment, viewing ourselves. We may often have experienced being start collecting good memories and experiences. Recall hurt unjustly, perhaps even by family members or close Philippians 4:8 and “...whatever is true, whatever is friends we trust. We then try to make sense of it, even noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is if it means assuming that we somehow deserve such lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or hurtful treatment. When this happens, the individual praiseworthy—think about such things.” |METHODIST MESSAGE — April 2022 31

Hymns & Songs ¢ The Methodist School of Music (MSM) equips and edifies both the individual and the Amelia Leo is a programmes executive church through music and the performing arts. at the Methodist School of Music, Worship & Church Music Department. Find out more at msmusic.edu.sg. Our victory belongs to God V ictory is a sought-after but elusive commodity. People are Living Hope quick to claim it, only to realise that it is still out of their reach. In recent times, countries were quick to claim victory Verse 1 in the battle against Covid-19, only to discover that yet another How great the chasm that lay between us variant was about to hit them. In the past century, catastrophic How high the mountain I could not climb wars were fought more than once to gain uneasy victories over enemy states. Around the world, political parties pour much In desperation, I turned to heaven money and effort into claiming victory at the polls, only to be And I spoke Your name into the night voted out a few years later. Victory, even when it is attained in this world, seems transient, insecure, and finite. Verse 2 Then through the darkness Christians are not spared from this experience with victory. Each day, we strive to overcome temptation, only to yield to Your lovingkindness our impatience, anger, greed, and apathy. As a church, we Tore through the shadows of my soul strive to be obedient to God’s commands, but fail on many The work is finished, the end is written occasions. Victory over sin is sought after, but appears to elude us individually and collectively. Jesus Christ, my living hope But is this the end of the Christian’s experience? Surely not! The Verse 3 Bible assures us that true victory is available for all who trust in Who could imagine so great a mercy Jesus Christ (1 Cor 15:57). And, as the apostle Paul describes in What heart could fathom such boundless grace 1 Cor 15:50-57, this victory is eternal, secure, and imperishable The God of ages stepped down from glory —even overcoming death itself. To wear my sin and bear my shame Our victory in Christ is the theme of the song “Living Hope”. Verse 4 Verse 1 encapsulates our experience here on earth, where our The cross has spoken, I am forgiven striving fails to amount to anything. The remaining verses then The King of kings calls me His own remind us that “the work is finished” because of what Jesus Beautiful Saviour, I’m Yours forever has done in bearing our sin and overcoming death. The chorus erupts in praise to the One who has “broken every chain”. Jesus Christ, my living hope As we face the trials and temptations of this life, there will Chorus definitely be times of weariness and doubt. In such times, let Hallelujah, praise the One who set me free us remember the living hope that we have. And may this hope spur us to “be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the Hallelujah, death has lost its grip on me work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labour is not in You have broken every chain vain.” (1 Cor 15:58). There’s salvation in Your Name Jesus Christ, my living hope |32 METHODIST MESSAGE — April 2022 Verse 5 Then came the morning that sealed the promise Your buried body began to breathe Out of the silence, the roaring lion Declared the grave has no claim on me Words & Music: Brian Johnson, Phil Wickham; © 2017 Bethel Music Publishing (ASCAP) / Phil Wickham Music (BMI) / Simply Global Songs (BMI) / Sing My Songs (BMI). Scan the QR code to listen >>

People ¢ Sabina Molly Ismail is a member of Tamil Methodist Church (Short Street). She serves as the Secretary in the Local Church Executive Committee and Chairperson of the Outreach & Social Concerns ministry. / Photos courtesy of Sabina Molly Ismail What does being a Methodist mean to you? “But you, O Lord, reign forever; your throne endures to all generations.” Lamentations 5:19 M y Methodist lineage is one that transcends generations. My great-grandparents began serving and worshipping in Tamil Methodist Church (Short Street) (TMCSS) in the early 1930s. My great-grandfather also served in the Evelyn Seminary. I was raised by my maternal grandaunts and uncles. I am the fourth generation of Methodists in our family that have been baptised and confirmed in TMCSS. Salebfitn)aa(nsdechoenrdfafrmoimly Being a Methodist to me means being the “voice” of my Lord everywhere I go. I journeyed through Sunday School, followed by Methodist Youth Fellowship (MYF) and now I am fortunate that the Lord has enabled me to serve actively, together with my family, in TMCSS. The enthusiasm to always exemplify God’s hand throughout my life encourages me to reach out and serve people who are in need and in search of Christ. Thus, whatever situation I am in, even if it means having to step out of my comfort zone, I will make every action count in the name of the Lord. wSaobrsinhaipwpeitdhahteTrMgCrainndtahuen1ts93w0hso Our church is like a family, a home that connects us, and fills the missing gaps. I am blessed and grateful to be part of this rich Methodist heritage and I will pass the baton on to my daughters, Ynez and Zeta, to continue this journey. To God be the Glory! Kopi kakis by Kopikaki team

Looking Ahead ¢ Scan to see events online! April METHODIST SCHOOL OF MUSIC LENTEN SERVICE: INTO YOUR HANDS April 8 Apr 2022, Friday, 8.00 p.m. Ang Mo Kio Methodist Church (Live streaming via Zoom will be available) April to December May Register at https://tinyurl.com/4mfwu22t Admission is free. This Lent, let us learn to say to God two things: “I am sorry” and “I entrust myself to you, O Lord”. Come and join the Methodist Festival Choir as they lead us in a service that observes the season of Lent through the practices of confession and trusting the Lord. Organised by Methodist School of Music METHODIST GIRLS’ SCHOOL (MGS) OPEN HOUSE 2022 30 Apr 2022, Saturday, 9.00 a.m. to 12 p.m. www.mgsopenhouse.com Admission is free. If you are a P6 girl planning for 2023 Secondary One admission, MGS invites you to its Open House to learn more about the MGS brand of education and its special programmes to develop “every girl in a Christian environment in order that she may Master, Grow and Serve in every phase of her life.” Meet the MGS family in the “live” sessions online, Get inspired by the staff and students, and Soar with them to discover new possibilities at MGS Open House! You may also take a virtual tour around the campus. Registration is not required for this virtual visit. Admission to the Zoom webinar is on a first-come-first-served basis and will close once all the places are taken up. Organised by Methodist Girls’ School TRAINING THE YOUNG BRAIN 21 May 2022, Saturday, 1.00 p.m. to 3.30 p.m. Online via Zoom. Register at https://fathers.com.sg/programs/youngbrain/#register $50 per head. / Minimum 10 participants to start. Call/Whatsapp 6769 1238 for more information This is a workshop for parents of children from one to five years of age. Participants can expect to learn what are the essential skills and the different ways you can develop them in your child, delve into the importance of play, types of play and how to play well with your child. Decipher the difference between reading to your child and reading with your child. Parents can also find out if your child should be reading from a book, an e-book, or an animated video. Organised by Centre for Fathering THE GIVING METHODIST 2022: STEP OUT OF THE BOAT Give Donation, Give Voice and Give Time campaigns — now till Dec 2022 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.  Organised by Methodist Welfare Services