Methodist Message: Feb 2025

World Vision Singapore: A commitment to support learning needs of children in out-of-home care Soundings: Whatever happened to sin

MCI (P) 008/11/2024

Vol 127 No 2 FEBRUARY 2025

CONTENTS

Editorial Board / Bishop’s Message /

Adviser and Publisher Dr Anthony Goh Chairperson, Council on Communications

/ News /

Communications Manager

3 MCS 140th Anniversary celebrations

Lynn Tan

6 Rev Ho Chee Sin, a three-term Bishop,

Managing Editor

conferred the title of Bishop Emeritus

Alvin Tay

Editor

/ Feature /

Lianne Ong

7 What the GC WSCS women are made of:

Communications Executive

Sugar and spice, and everything nice?

Kathrynn Koh

Sub-editors

11 World Vision Singapore: A commitment to support learning

needs of children in out-of-home care

Lucy Cheng Janice Khoo Tan Chiu Ai Elliot Soh

/ Opinion / 13 Soundings: Whatever happened to sin?

Proofreaders Kenneth Lee Christabel Tan

/ Outreach / 16 Where are we going in global missions?

19 "I marvel at how God creates such beautiful souls who endure

excruciating pain without letting resentment take hold"

/ Relationships / 22 You & Your Family: When honouring one parent upsets the other Methodist Message is the official monthly publication of The Methodist Church in Singapore. Published material does not necessarily reflect the official view of The Methodist Church. All Scripture quoted is based on the English Standard Version unless otherwise stated.

25 At The Well

/ Worship / 30 Saying sorry to God

/ People /

70 Barker Road #06-04 S309936

33 Songwriting for the soul's sojourn

6478-4793 | 6478-4763 methodist.org.sg/message www.methodist.org.sg communications@methodist.org.sg World Vision Singapore: A commitment to support learning needs of children in out-of-home care

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Soundings: Whatever happened to sin Vol 127 No 2 FEBRUARY 2025

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Cover art features Methodist pioneers and historically significant Methodist buildings in Singapore.

Illustrated by Minnow's Mum.

Bishop's Message

The pursuit of scriptural holiness Bishop Philip Lim was elected Bishop of The Methodist Church in Singapore in 2024. Previously, he served as a missionary in Cambodia under the Methodist Missions Society (MMS), and as Executive Director of MMS from 2012 to 2018.

S

criptural holiness is a teaching prevalent

by man or in this world. To do so would be

among Methodist churches. John

to fall short of what God has called us to

Wesley believed that the unique design of

be. And as Jesus is the way, the truth and

Methodist preachers (and by extension, all

the life, the only way we can reach that

Methodists), is "to reform the nation, and in

standard is through his grace and sacrifice.

particular the Church, to spread scriptural holiness over the land".1

Hebrews 10:24-25 encourages us to pursue holiness together, "And let us consider how

To pursue scriptural holiness is to live our

to stir up one another to love and good

lives according to Scripture; to continually

works, not neglecting to meet together, as

be purified and consecrated by the reading

is the habit of some, but encouraging one

of Scripture. It is not an easy call to take

another, and all the more as you see the

up. As disciples of Christ, we must "deny

Day drawing near."

[ourselves] and take up [our] cross and follow [him]" (Matthew 16:24).

The journey to scriptural holiness is easier to walk when we are in a community

1 Peter 1:16 (NIV) encourages us in this

of believers. As one of the tenets of

pursuit of holiness: "Be holy, because I am

scriptural holiness is love for the Church,

holy." Holiness has already been set in our

we are, in turn, called to be a loving

hearts. As we are made in the image of

and safe community for our fellow

God, it is an intrinsic desire.

brothers and sisters in our own pursuit of scriptural holiness.

To this end, we need to first know the standard of holiness that we have been

So, in our pursuit of scriptural holiness, we

called to. That standard can only be found

should first read the Scripture to know the

in the one true God, and we learn it through

Way of Holiness, and then cover ourselves

reading Scripture. There is simply no other

in the blood of the Lamb to walk the Way of

standard we can follow, not anything set

Holiness, together.

1 John Wesley, 'Minutes of the Conference of June 28, 1763', The Works of John Wesley, vol. 10, ed. Henry D. Rack, (Nashville: Abingdon Press, 2011), p. 845.

February 2025 Methodist Message 1

Bishop William Fitzjames Oldham

William Shellabear

Sophia Blackmore

Bishop James M Thoburn

The MCS 140 logo commemorates 140 years of Methodism in Singapore.

•

The three windows represent the light that shines from our three Annual Conferences as we worship our Triune God.

•

The cross above all symbolises that Christ is above all.

•

The line before The Methodist Church in Singapore signifies our progress in the past 140 years.

•

The Red symbolises the fire of the Holy Spirit.

•

The Blue represents the royal priesthood of believers.

News

Photos courtesy of Methodist Archives & History Library, MCS

MCS kicks off 140th Anniversary celebrations this month

Methodist Episcopal Church on Coleman Street, the first Methodist church in Singapore

The Methodist Church in Singapore (MCS) will be celebrating its 140th Anniversary this year with several events and initiatives. "MCS 140" will be launched on 16 February 2025 as part of Wesley Methodist Church's Anniversary Service. Bishop Philip Lim sent out an official letter to the Methodist community to announce the special events and initiatives in the year, highlighting Methodist Welfare Services' lead in this endeavour. More information about these activities and others that are in the pipeline will be shared in due course. We reproduce Bishop's letter in full on page 5.

Former Methodist Headquarters, 23B Coleman Street

Telok Ayer Chinese Methodist Church

Tamil Methodist Church, Short Street

Wesley Methodist Church

February 2025 Methodist Message 3

Anniversary

LOVE the LORD your

GOD MARK 12:28-34

MCS kicks off 140th Anniversary celebrations this month

7 January 2025

Dear Pastors and Leaders, Brothers and Sisters in Christ, As we begin a new year, I am filled with gratitude as we celebrate 140 years of Methodism in Singapore, in conjunction with our nation's 60th Anniversary of independence. As we reflect on God's faithfulness to The Methodist Church in Singapore (MCS), let us remember how our Church was built. Our founders established MCS because they loved God and loved the community around them, in accordance with Jesus' command to "Love God by loving our neighbour" (Mark 12:28-34). This commandment will continue to be our theme for the new quadrennium, with a focus on loving God as the basis of scriptural holiness.

We will officially launch MCS 140 on 16 February 2025 as part of an Anniversary Service at Wesley Methodist Church, and I encourage all Methodists to come together that day to celebrate the occasion.

This year, MCS will also continue to do our part to serve and build our nation through our social concerns arm, Methodist Welfare Services (MWS). We want to rally Methodist church members to contribute 1.4 million hours (about 35 hours a person) to serve the community in any area of social concern in 2025 and beyond. These hours are not limited to MWS centres and local church programmes. MWS will create a digital platform for pledging hours and use Artificial Intelligence to match volunteer opportunities to interests and preferences.

Ultimately, this will be a platform for Methodists to come together with friends and family to do good for those in need.

In addition, we aim to raise $1.4 million to bless 1,000 families and individuals, especially distressed families, the chronically sick and homeless, disadvantaged children and youth including those with special needs. As part of fund-raising efforts, we will present "The Healing Nation" Christian Concert on 1 November 2025 at Star Performing Arts Centre, showcasing collaborations between our churches, agencies, schools, beneficiaries and Christian artistes. This concert will be another occasion to commemorate MCS 140 as we come together for a time of worship and celebration.

We will share details of all these events in due course.

I seek your support to rally your church and community as we come together to do good in this significant year for MCS and Singapore. May we demonstrate our love for God by loving our neighbours, just as our founders did 140 years ago.

Together in Christ,

Bishop Philip Lim

The Methodist Church in Singapore

February 2025 Methodist Message 5

Lianne Ong is the Editor of Methodist Message. / Photo courtesy of Kampong Kapor Methodist Church

News

Rev Ho Chee Sin, a three-term Bishop, conferred the title of Bishop Emeritus

Rev Ho Chee Sin during the Watchnight Service in 2023 at Kampong Kapor Methodist Church

A

t the 13th Session of the General

During the September 2024 session of the

Conference that took place on

13th General Conference, delegates had

5 December 2024, delegates voted

approved a petition for the amendment of

unanimously to confer the title of Bishop

¶575 in the Book of Discipline to allow the

Emeritus on Rev Ho Chee Sin.

conferring of the title "Bishop Emeritus" on a Bishop who had completed the

Rev Ho Chee Sin, a retired Methodist

Episcopal term and retired later, by action

pastor, served as Bishop for three terms

of the General Conference. The house

from 1984 to 1996. During his first two

subsequently voted on whether to confer

terms, he concurrently served as President

the title on Rev Ho Chee Sin.

of the Trinity Annual Conference.

Then-Bishop Dr Gordon Wong said in his Prior to the 13th Session of the General

letter to Rev Ho on the conferment of the

Conference, the title of Bishop Emeritus

title, "We trust that this belated recognition

was conferred on former Bishops only at

of your steadfast service over three terms

the end of their Episcopal term if they

from 1984 to 1996 will be as satisfying to you

were retiring, as stipulated by the Book

as it has been a joy to us."

of Discipline (BOD). When Rev Ho ended his term as Bishop in 1996, he chose not

Rev Ho, who is 89, is attached to Kampong

to retire but remain in active service.

Kapor Methodist Church and continues to

The General Conference at that time

worship there with his wife, Phaik Cheng.

recorded a note of thanks but could not confer the title of Bishop Emeritus then.

It also could not confer the title later, according to the provisions of the BOD.

6 Methodist Message February 2025

This article was first published on the Methodist Message website on 6 January 2025.

Kathrynn Koh is the Communications Executive at the GC Communications Department and is a member of Wesley Methodist Church. / Photos courtesy of GC WSCS and Kathrynn Koh

Feature

What the GC WSCS women are made of:

Sugar and spice, and everything nice?

I

had mixed feelings, of anticipation and slight apprehension, when I was assigned

The WSCS is affiliated to the World Federation of

to cover the General Conference Women's

Methodist and Uniting Church Women (WFMUCW)

Society of Christian Service (GC WSCS) 13th

and Singapore belongs to the East Asia Area (EAA).

Session Quadrennial General Meeting (QGM)

In Singapore, the origins of the WSCS date back

held at the Double Tree Hilton in Johor

to the middle of the 19th century when women

Bahru from 30 November to 2 December

missionaries were sent by the Methodist Church

2024. I had always been a little intimidated by the WSCS women in our churches.

These larger-than-life women who seem to flawlessly manage work, family and ministry were gathered to fellowship, review the work in the past quadrennium and elect office holders at the General Conference level for the 2024–2028 term.

in the USA to start schools and develop education for girls and women in Asia. It was only in 1968, when a woman delegate was elected to each Annual Conference, and the Book of Discipline was amended to include the WSCS President of each Conference as a member of the General Conference Executive Council, that the present WSCS structure took shape.

The GC WSCS comprises the Chinese Annual

Aside from the GC WSCS delegates,

Conference (CAC) WSCS, Emmanuel Tamil

observers from some local chapters

Annual Conference (ETAC) WSCS and Trinity

were present, bringing the total to 82 in

Annual Conference (TRAC) WSCS and provides a

attendance at this meeting. Other QGM

platform for women to be equipped in the areas

guests included two representatives from

of leadership and servanthood for the general

the East Asia Area of the World Federation of Methodist and Uniting Church Women, Mrs Mary Devadason, President, and Mrs Margaret Chan, Secretary, as well as Ms Evelyn Sim, Malaysia's General Conference Methodist Women (GCMW) President.

GC WSCS ladies and guests with then-Bishop Dr Gordon Wong

ministry of the Church. The four main pillars of the WSCS Ministries are centred on Discipleship & Nurture, Missions, Outreach & Social Concerns and Witness & Evangelism. There are currently 38 local WSCS chapters across the Methodist churches in Singapore. The purpose of the WSCS is "To Know Christ and to Make Him Known".

February 2025 Methodist Message 7

What the GC WSCS women are made of: Sugar and spice, and everything nice?

(far left) Some of the ladies dressed in their international costumes on Fellowship Night (left) Naomi James worships at Tamil Methodist Church (Short Street) and serves as VicePresident of their Methodist Youth Fellowship

The invited speaker, then-Bishop (now

geographically larger and more diversified,

Bishop Emeritus) Dr Gordon Wong wove his

she was inspired to leverage the influence

daily sharing around the theme for the new

of this sisterhood and hopes to be able

quadrennium: Changing Times, Unchanging

to collaborate with the GC WSCS of The

Peace. He exhorted those present to exhibit

Methodist Church in Singapore in future.

God's peace within themselves, their families and the body of Christ, despite the suffering

From the listed agenda items of electing

we may have to endure. In so doing, we fulfil

new leaders to worship and listening to

God's call to be peacemakers whose security

the devotional messages, the women were

is built on him. This was even more relevant

disciplined, wise and mindful of their work

considering the current state of the world

in the Lord. Yet, when it came to mealtimes

where wars, natural calamities, violence and

and fellowship, they were able to fully enjoy

unrest plague many nations and peoples.

the company of friends and ministry coworkers amidst the convivial atmosphere.

Some may think of this as another boring church event, but I beg to differ.

In the closing activities of each day—

In reality, the energy and enthusiasm of

the Fellowship Night and the Ministry

these sisters-in-Christ opened my eyes

Night—the light from the worshippers'

to their devotion and ministry. Their

countenances shone through the praises,

reports for each Annual Conference

as much as the deep sharing of ministry

covered a range of activities including

milestones and challenges inspired and

the new chapter established at Living

encouraged. As the outgoing President,

Hope Methodist Church in September

Dr (Mrs) Teo Li Bee remarked, "My journey

2024, responses to financial appeals on

in WSCS has been a fulfilling one … all the

WSCS Sundays and Call to Prayer and

ladies have shaped me as much as God

Self-Denial Week, ongoing leadership

has transformed and refined me." 2024

development, missions and outreach

marked her 50th year with the WSCS and

efforts among others, all of which were

Dr (Mrs) Teo, who served her full term of

glowing testaments to the prayers and

two quadrennia, was succeeded by Mrs

efforts of these faithful women. Ms

Gnanamany Philip.

Sim, who is serving her second term as President of GCMW, was impressed by the

In some, the fire of servitude was

various collaborations undertaken by the

rekindled. In others, like myself, it

Singapore team. Despite Malaysia being

sparked a deeper appreciation of how

8 Methodist Message February 2025

this sisterhood needs the support of its

Dr (Mrs) Teo Li Bee

local church to continue its good work. Ms

Immediate past President, GC WSCS

Naomi James, who volunteered at the QGM

(2016 – 2024)

as an assistant secretary, is in her early 20s and was among the youngest attendees. "I learnt that many ladies had been serving

Dr (Mrs) Teo started serving in the WSCS in 1974 and 2024 marked her jubilee year in this ministry. She recalls

in the WSCS since the time they were

that she first joined the WSCS when

around my age. As they recollected and

she was expecting her son, and she has

shared about their early years in the WSCS,

been active since, including serving as

their passion and excitement were very

the TRAC WSCS President from 2004

evident. It made my short conversations

to 2008. Through each season of her

with them very memorable as I admired

ministry in the WSCS, Dr (Mrs) Teo

their joy for serving," she shared. Ms James was a WSCS-sponsored attendee at this year's Asian Young Women's Leadership Development Program (AYWLDP) held in Cambodia. "If the WSCS could partner with the Methodist Youth Fellowship (or

acknowledged the support and grace she has received from her husband and children, and the sisterly love within the WSCS, including the staff, and also God's providence and guidance throughout this journey.

equivalent in churches), it would create more opportunities for young girls to learn and experience what it would be like to be a part of WSCS in the future, and could possibly encourage young women to join the WSCS as they transition into young adults," she added.

As another long-time WSCS member said as we closed the QGM and were preparing to return to Singapore, "This ministry exists because as women, we do share, pray and fellowship in a different way when we are among just women." And I'd have to agree with the nursery rhyme—girls or women, we are sugar and spice, and everything nice.

Dr (Mrs) Teo Li Bee (right) and Mrs Gnanamany Philip (left)

Mrs Gnanamany Philip New President, GC WSCS (2024 – 2028) Mrs Philip first joined the local WSCS in 1990 and quickly took on various

The installation of the newly elected GC WSCS executive committee took place on 11 January 2025, during the annual GC WSCS Thanksgiving Service at Kum Yan Methodist Church.

roles throughout her WSCS journey at all three conference levels, spanning Governance, Missions, Worship & Music, and Archives. Within GC WSCS, she was actively involved in different capacities including Discipleship &

Scan the QR code to see the list of office bearers for the 13th Quadrennium.

Nurture Coordinator, Advisor and Vice President. Mrs Philip balances her service in GC WSCS with her work as a Master Teacher with the Ministry of Education. She is married to Rev

This article was first published on the Methodist Message website on 8 January 2025.

Philip Abraham, the immediate past ETAC President.

February 2025 Methodist Message 9

WHAT IS THE GENERAL CONFERENCE What are Annual Conferences?

How big is The Methodist Church in Singapore?

What does being part of a connectional church mean?

Your questions, answered.

Join us as our MCS land comes alive in this explainer video.

Follow us

methodist.sg

methodist.org.sg / conferences

Content and photos by World Vision Singapore's Communications Team

Feature

World Vision Singapore: A commitment to support learning needs of children in out-of-home care "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." ~ Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)

T

Alex (in blue) attending the literacy session with Sujatha, his educational therapist

welve-year-old Alex (not his real name)

A transformation rooted in belief

has faced significant challenges

In 2023, Alex's life began to change when he

throughout his life. Diagnosed with

enrolled in a learning support programme

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

for vulnerable children, supported by World

(ADHD) and dyslexia, he struggled in

Vision Singapore in partnership with the

school, found it difficult to focus in class

Dyslexia Association of Singapore (DAS).

and was failing English. His difficulties

Through this initiative, Alex received the

were compounded by very difficult

individualised support he needed. The

family circumstances. Overwhelmed and

DAS Main Literacy Programme, designed

disheartened, Alex's journey was marked

to build critical literacy skills in a nurturing

by obstacles beyond his control. Due to

environment, became a lifeline for him.

his family circumstances, he was placed in Chen Su Lan Methodist Children's Home

Guided by a dedicated DAS educational

(CSLMCH), a home that was established in

therapist, Alex began to rediscover his

1968 for needy and disadvantaged children.

ability to learn. With encouragement and tailored instruction, his confidence grew.

"I feel more confident in class now," Alex shared. "I like spelling and want to get better at it. The lessons have been so helpful to me."

His educational therapist, Sujatha, reflected on Alex's progress with pride: "It is heart-warming to see how Alex has overcome his challenges like a true champion. He has always been an eager and determined learner. I am confident that with perseverance, he can conquer many more mountains."

Through consistent effort and the support of those who believed in him, Alex went through a profound transformation in his attitude towards learning, and achieved what once seemed impossible. From February 2025 Methodist Message 11

World Vision Singapore: A commitment to support learning needs of children in out-of-home care

failing his English assessments, he rose to

of-home care, on their journey of learning

score an impressive 83 marks in his mid-

and healing in 2025. We firmly believe

year exam in 2024.

that education is a powerful enabler for all children to build brighter futures. Through

James Goh, Alex's caseworker at CSLMCH,

God's grace, we are working to provide

also remarked on the change: "Alex is now

them with the tools and support they need

able to sustain longer periods of learning

to thrive, reflecting his love and promise

and is highly motivated to improve. His

revealed in Psalm 147:3, to restore and

progress is truly inspiring."

uplift the broken-hearted."

A testimony of God's grace

Empowered for the future

Alex's journey of resilience and

World Vision Singapore, in collaboration

determination is a testament to the power

with agencies in the out-of-home care

of faith, support and the transformative

sector and specialised learning support

love of God working through his people.

providers, advocates for vulnerable children.

It reflects World Vision's commitment to

By raising funds to cover the cost of learning

ensuring every child can experience Jesus'

programmes and needs assessments where

promise of abundant life in John 10:10

necessary, World Vision ensures these

(NIV): "I have come that they may have life,

children have the resources to overcome

and have it to the full."

their barriers to learning.

Benjamin Tan, CEO of World Vision

As Alex continues to navigate his educational

Singapore, shared his heart for this mission:

path with newfound confidence and

"As a global Christian humanitarian

determination, his story stands as a powerful

organisation, World Vision recognises that

reminder of the transformative power of

children in out-of-home settings are among

support and advocacy in empowering

the most vulnerable in any country. Many

severely disadvantaged children with special

of them carry deep wounds from abuse,

learning needs. With each milestone he

abandonment and neglect. When such

conquers and every challenge he overcomes,

challenges are further compounded with

Alex embodies the resilience and tenacity

special learning needs as in Alex's case, it

that define his journey towards personal

becomes a profound hindrance to education,

growth and triumph, inspiring all those

and further erodes self-esteem."

around him to believe in the boundless potential that lies within every child.

He continued, "In partnership with CSLMCH and DAS, World Vision Singapore

"Train up a child in the way he should go;

has committed to supporting Singaporean

even when he is old he will not depart from

children with special learning needs in out-

it." ~Proverbs 22:6

12 Methodist Message February 2025

A tripartite partnership between World Vision Singapore, CSLMCH and DAS to support, empower and equip vulnerable children in Singapore

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.

Whatever happened to sin?

I

t is said that the birth of the modern

Francis Crick, in his 1994 book The

and postmodern era has resulted

Astonishing Hypothesis made this quite

in the demise of many concepts and

remarkable claim:

ideals that were once cherished. While this phenomenon is witnessed in many

'You', your joys and your sorrows, your

aspects of culture, it is arguably most

memories and your ambitions, your sense

discernible in the realm of morality.

of personal identity and free will, are in fact no more than the behaviour of a

Ideas such as moral absolutism, sexual

vast assembly of nerve cells and their

purity and chastity which were treasured

associated molecules. As Lewis Carroll

and valued in the past are now abandoned

might have phrased it: "You're nothing

because they are simply regarded by

but a pack of neurons." This hypothesis

enlightened moderns as antiquated,

is so alien to the ideas of most people

outmoded and passé.

alive today that it can truly be called astonishing.1

From the Christian perspective, the concept that has most fallen out of

This statement is philosophically

favour in our time is sin. Accompanying

reductionistic and naïve. But it is

the disappearance of the notion of sin is

nonetheless powerful and compelling to

perhaps something even more minacious

the general public simply because it is

and dangerous—the loss of all sense of sin.

made by a renowned molecular biologist, biophysicist, neuroscientist and Nobel

Several developments in our time may

Prize winner, who together with James

have contributed to this phenomenon.

Watson discovered the double-helix structure of DNA.

The first is the determinism that is associated with the extrapolations

If scientists such as Crick have abolished sin

that some scientists make concerning

(by first eliminating free will) through their

the human person, based on recent

reductionism and determinism, others have

discoveries in genetics. For example,

done so by their unbridled libertarianism.

February 2025 Methodist Message 13

The motto of contemporary society, which

failure. And to equate sin with a bad decision

reverberates in every area of life, is "Be

is to reduce it to bad judgement, and not a

true to yourself".

transgression against God.

Modern libertarianism is fuelled by

Regrettably, this cultural shift away from the

individualism and self-expression. It is a

traditional concept of sin is evident not only

philosophy and a way of life that upholds

in secular society. It is also sadly present in

human freedom and autonomy as supreme

the Church.

virtues, and which condemns any external interference, especially from religion.

In 2007, Jerry Bridges notes in his book Respectable Sins that Christian communities

"Be true to yourself" signals the emergence

in America are downplaying sins such as

of what is called the "authenticity paradigm",

pride, jealousy and gossip, while strongly

which is presented as the cultural ideal. The

condemning sexual sins. 2

central dogma associated with this paradigm is that moral justification is located in the self

That was in 2007. Today, it is not uncommon

and not in some extraneous authority.

to find that some churches in the US have redefined sexual morality to accommodate

Thus, any action that proceeds from one's

the larger culture by normalising cohabitation,

self conception is consistent with one's

premarital sex and same-sex relations.

desires and expresses one's true self is not only morally permissible, but also laudable.

Some churches today have such a distorted

The authenticity paradigm is undergirded

understanding of the love of God that it

by a moral relativism which eschews

consequently results in the downplaying

any objective moral standards to which

of the gravity of sin and the need for

everyone must conform.

repentance.

The third development is the most subtle,

AW Tozer wrote about this so presciently

and it has to do with the change in our

over six decades ago:

vocabulary. A slew of words has been used in place of the word "sin" today, partly

The vague and tenuous hope that God

because of secularism and partly because

is too kind to punish the ungodly has

the word has lost its appeal.

become the opiate for the consciences of millions. It hushes their fears and allows

What was in the past considered to be sin

them to practice all pleasant forms of

based on the clear teaching of the Bible is

iniquity while death draws every day

now described as a "mistake", a "flaw" or a

nearer and the command to repent goes

"bad decision". Each of these substitutes

unregarded. 3

diminishes the "sinfulness of sin", to borrow an expression from the seventeenth century

So, what is it that caused our culture, our

Puritan theologian Ralph Venning.

society and even our churches to dismiss and downplay the biblical concept of sin to such

To describe sin as a mistake is to make it

an extent that it becomes inconsequential?

appear unintentional. To say that it is a flaw (imperfection) is to suggest that it is merely

It is (to borrow from Venning again) the

a defect in one's character and not a moral

sinfulness of sin!

Francis Crick, The Astonishing Hypothesis: The Scientific Search for the Soul (Charles Scribner’s Sons, 1994), 3.

Jerry Bridges, Respectable Sins: Confronting the Sins We Tolerate (Navpress, 2007).

3 AW Tozer, The Knowledge of the Holy (HarperOne, 1961), 105.

1

2

February 2025 Methodist Message 15

Outreach

Rev Erick Tan is the Director of the Centre for Missions Analysis, Reconstruction, and Development, Methodist Missions Society.

Where are we going in global missions?

A

t Wesley's death on 2 March 1791,

He said, "Among them that hear and receive

Methodism had grown to 294 preachers

the whole Christian doctrine, and that

and 71,668 members in Great Britain, 19

have Christian discipline added thereto,

missionaries and 5,300 members on mission

in the most essential parts of it? Plainly,

stations and 198 preachers and 43,265

because we have forgot, or at least not duly

members in America.1 Numbers like that

attended to, those solemn words of our

would impress even 21st century church

Lord, 'If any man will come after me, let him

leaders but surprisingly, just two years before

deny himself, and take up his cross daily,

that, John Wesley articulated a crisis in the

and follow me.'" The very root of Christian

Methodist movement of spreading scriptural

discipline is the practice of self-denial and

holiness globally, in his sermon, Sermon

rejection of self-indulgence.

116: Causes of the Inefficacy of Christianity, preached in Dublin on 2 July 1789.

In the same impassioned sermon, he brought up again his own practice of

Several times throughout the sermon, he

the three rules—earn all you can, save

implored his listeners, "Why has Christianity

all you can and give all you can, on

done so little good in the world?" His

which he had expounded at length in

conclusion: it is imperative that the practice

another of his sermons, Sermon 50: Use

of Christian discipline must accompany

of Money—to encourage his listeners

Christian doctrine.

to practise such Christian discipline.

16 Methodist Message February 2025

Wesley admitted that, disappointingly,

a deeply corrupt human nature. Sensing

Methodists had grown incapable

the urgency to reach the "nineteen of

of escaping the snares of material

thirty parts" (roughly two-thirds) of the

prosperity and painted a bleak future of

world's population who had yet to "hear

the scriptural holiness project:

and receive the whole Christian doctrine", Wesley advised his followers to give

"And riches naturally beget pride, love

whatever they could, starting with the poor

of the world, and every temper that is

in Methodist societies which had been

destructive of Christianity. Now, if there

founded in England and North America

be no way to prevent this, Christianity

under Wesley's leadership. Through

is inconsistent with itself, and, of

denying oneself and serving the poor as

consequence, cannot stand, cannot

a personal spiritual discipline, the project

continue long among any people; since,

of spreading scriptural holiness can gain

wherever it generally prevails, it saps its

momentum effectively and the gospel can

own foundation."

then be meaningfully preached.

Through denying oneself and serving the poor as a personal spiritual discipline, the project of spreading scriptural holiness can gain momentum effectively and the gospel can then be meaningfully preached.

To be honest, many Christians feel alarmed

More than two centuries after

by the subject of practising self-denial

Wesley's death, the global Christian

according to the words of Jesus in Matthew

population still hovers at 32 per cent. 2

16:24-26. How, and to what extent? Do I

We might often hear Christian leaders

really have to give up everything I own?

argue that this is a good reason to

If you are reading this and sense the

focus on the home front, citing that

burden to reverse the trend and apply the

there are not enough resources for

three rules in your life, I encourage you

the world. Such a mindset might

to prayerfully do so with the temperate

result in the precious resources

guidance of Wesley's sermon, Sermon 50:

needed for world evangelisation to

Use of Money. I would like to imagine that

instead fill the bottomless pits of

we are progressing in applying the three

needs that churches and its ministries

rules and we are ready to give what we can.

have created.

You might be wondering where you should

However, world evangelisation should

give your money to.

not be overlooked due to weak returns on investment. Rather, we

To answer that question, allow me now

should imagine the actual lives being

to highlight Wesley's starting point for

touched, and the transformation

spreading scriptural holiness which is

of people and global communities

the thrust of his Sermon 116. As one who

through the power of the gospel.

considered the world as his parish, Wesley's

Christianity continues doing good

vision for the good that Christianity brings

in the world when it receives the

was not only to benefit ministries, but also

needed support from Christians

to bring about healing and restoration to

practising scriptural holiness.

Frederick Mills, "John Wesley," New Georgia Encyclopedia, last modified July 23, 2018, https://www. georgiaencyclopedia.org/articles/arts-culture/john-wesley-1703-1791/.

1

2

https://lausanne.org/report/hope/world-religions

February 2025 Methodist Message 17

ACS (International)

ACS (International) Singapore is a distinctive international secondary school open to all Singaporeans & other nationalities, offering an all-round English-based education for students aged 12 to 18 years leading to the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP).

Senior Leadership Team

Building Through Belief, this school of choice provides • Exceptional examination results, strong value-added achievement and an all-round holistic education • 50:50 mix of local and international teachers who uphold the dual Methodist ethos and ACS heritage • Small class sizes with overall student-teacher ratio of 8.7 : 1 • 40 different CCAs – 16 Sporting, 12 Visual and Performing Arts, 12 Special Interest Groups • Over 200 formal student leadership positions • Scholarships for four Singaporeans to undertake the IBDP

Mr Gavin Kinch Principal

Mrs Tan Siew Hoon Vice-Principal

Achievements include • Students with perfect score of 45 points in IBDP • 23 “Top in the World” awards in IGCSE examinations over each of the past twelve 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

Mr Christopher Hayward Vice-Principal

Dr Kristopher Achter Vice-Principal

For more information, please contact Joseph Ng or Serene Lim at +65 6472 1477 or admissions@acsinternational.edu.sg

• PSLE and GCE ‘O’ Level students obtaining outstanding value-added examination results for the IBDP and improved pathways to good universities • Successes at national level in Athletics, Touch Rugby, Debating, Orchestra, Volleyball, Taekwondo, Ice Hockey, Fencing, Swimming, Artistic Swimming, Rhythmic Gymnastics and Wushu.

Outreach

By the Methodist Welfare Services Communications Team. / Photo courtesy of Methodist Welfare Services

"I marvel at how God creates such beautiful souls who endure excruciating pain without letting resentment take hold"

MWS chaplain shares her story (right) Chiew Poh views her work as a meaningful way to live out her Christian faith

I

n 2007, Chiew Poh's husband was diagnosed with terminal cancer and she

plunged into an existential crisis, paralysed by an unshakeable grief. Just as they were losing all hope, a profound encounter with Jesus Christ transformed their lives.

"God sustained us through the caregiving

On the ground, she works closely with staff

journey and restored our hope," Chiew

and volunteers at MWS Nursing Home –

Poh shared. "During this painful period, I

Yew Tee (YTNH) and MWS Home Care &

questioned the meaning of life. That divine

Home Hospice (HCHH), as part of a multi-

encounter was a moment of epiphany,

disciplinary team to deliver holistic care to

revealing a deeper purpose to this

our beneficiaries and their families. This care

existence and prompted me to rethink my

approach addresses the whole person—

life pursuits."

combining medical support for physical well-being with pastoral care that nurtures

After her husband's passing, Chiew Poh

emotional, social and spiritual health.

left her two-decade career in finance to study at a theological college. Her seminary

Her work includes co-leading initiatives

journey deepened her faith, and in 2017, she

like legacy work, dignity intervention and

answered a call to chaplaincy ministry.

reminiscence facilitation. Among these was "The Beautiful Me" project, which sought to

Addressing patients' spirituality

uplift the self-esteem of female residents

Since then, the 54-year-old has served as

at MWS YTNH. "Many grew up in a time

a Chaplain at Methodist Welfare Services

when women were undervalued, and they

(MWS), offering spiritual, psycho-social

dedicated themselves to their husbands and

and emotional care to staff, volunteers,

children, while neglecting their own worth

beneficiaries and their families.

and well-being," explained Chiew Poh. February 2025 Methodist Message 19

"I marvel at how God creates such beautiful souls who endure excruciating pain without letting resentment take hold"

To help them discover their self-worth,

relationship with God and faith in his love

residents take part in activities like cooking

and presence. She recalled ministering to an

or floral arrangement, and have their

MWS YTNH resident, who, in his youth, had

photos taken professionally. "After the

been a triad member involved in violence

floral arrangement session, one participant

and a grievous crime. Haunted by deep

drew a comparison between the tenacity

regret, he struggled with self-forgiveness. For

of seemingly insignificant wildflowers in

years, Chiew Poh spoke to him about God's

weathering storms against the fragility of

forgiveness, but he resisted her message.

more striking flowers like roses," shared Chiew Poh. "The sessions helped participants

"During his final hospital admission, I was

to discover their own strengths and inner

suddenly prompted by God to visit him, not

beauty, restoring a sense of dignity."

knowing that it would be our last meeting," she shared. "When I saw him, he was

Shepherding God's flock

intubated and semi-conscious, breathing

Chiew Poh's work is not for the faint-hearted.

heavily. I called his name, and he opened his

Each day, she confronts human suffering

eyes to look at me. I shared with him that

and brokenness, including the pain of those

God loves him and has forgiven him. Tears

nearing life's end. But she finds solace in

streamed down his face. Within hours of my

witnessing beneficiaries depart from this

visit, he passed away. At his wake, his sisters

world in peace. "Some even have a smile on

revealed that in the final days, he appeared

their faces," she shared.

to be hanging on even though the whole family had visited him but gently slipped into

Chiew Poh sees her role as that of a

rest after my visit. They were relieved that

shepherd, pointing people towards a deeper

he subsequently passed away peacefully. I

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(right) Chiew Poh engaging a resident at MWS Nursing Home – Yew Tee with nostalgic old songs during a Reminiscence Facilitation session (far right) Chiew Poh helping residents at MWS Nursing Home – Yew Tee to connect through music

was very comforted by the mercy and grace

brevity and deepened her focus on what

of God that enabled this beneficiary to find

truly matters. "As James 4:14 says, our life

peace and forgiveness before his passing."

is but a vapour that appears for a little while and then vanishes away," she said.

Equipping others to provide spiritual care

"Witnessing many beneficiaries pass on

The profound impact of spiritual care in soul

fleeting, and we must learn to let go. In the

tending has inspired others to join her in this

end, only love endures forever."

reminds me that our time on this earth is

ministry of compassion.

While the opportunity to touch lives has kept Since March 2023, Chiew Poh has been

her going all these years, trusting in Christ's

training church volunteers in pastoral care

sovereignty has buoyed her through the job's

to serve alongside the MWS Chaplaincy

lows. Her pastoral care work is a heartfelt

team, using a programme adapted from

response to the greatest commandment of

the century-old Clinical Pastoral Education

the Christian faith: to love God and others as

(CPE) method still used to train hospital

oneself, rooted in a deep desire to align with

chaplains today.

God's will for her life.

"This approach not only enhances volunteers'

"The work is challenging, and at times,

capacity to care for others and themselves,

painful as I stand with others in their

it also deepens their intimacy with the Lord

struggles," she shared. "Yet, it has deepened

through reflection," said Chiew Poh. "In

my own walk with the Lord, as I find myself

responding to the Lord's call to love others,

relying more and more on him to continue

their faith journey grows."

this seemingly impossible work of touching human souls."

Growing in faith While Chiew Poh pours care and compassion

"Over the years, caring for others has been

into the lives of those she serves, she is

a deeply meaningful journey, helping me

deeply enriched by them in return. "I marvel

find my own answers to life's existential

at how God creates such beautiful souls who

questions. This is what keeps me going."

endure excruciating pain without letting resentment take hold," she shared. "Joy and sorrow are part of life, and finding inner

If you're interested in joining our Chaplaincy

peace amid trials is a profound gift."

team as a pastoral care volunteer,

Journeying with beneficiaries through life's

 normanwong@mws.sg.

please email Rev Dr Norman Wong at

end has impressed upon Chiew Poh life's February 2025 Methodist Message 21

You and Your Family

Benny Bong has over 40 years of experience as a therapist, counsellor and trainer. He also conducts regular talks and webinars.

Benny has helmed the You & Your Family column for more than 18 years and is a member of Kampong Kapor Methodist Church.

When honouring one parent upsets the other

H

onouring our parents is the fifth

One of the changes was that some strong

of the Ten Commandments. While

feelings had apparently cooled off. Although

some of us may struggle with keeping

she initially felt strong emotions towards her

this commandment completely and

father for his poor treatment of her mother

constantly, my client had a particularly

that compelled her to eventually seek a

tough challenge—how to honour one parent

divorce, my client is now able to take a more

without upsetting the other.

mature and independent position with respect to her father, and recognise some good in him

Her parents were in the midst of divorce,

in his efforts to maintain ties with her.

an acrimonious one at that. They had completed the first stage of the two-stage

Another big change was that my client was

divorce process, i.e. the Courts had granted

in a relationship with a young man and

an interim judgement three years earlier.

they planned to marry soon. Hence, her

However, they were still not able to resolve

dilemma—whether to involve her father in

all matters relating to the marriage in

their wedding—as she believed he might

order to move on to the next stage where

want to participate and be acknowledged.

the Courts give a final judgement. While

On the other hand, her mother had

her parents' divorce dragged out, much

explicitly expressed her wish that her

changed in all their lives.

father be excluded.

22 Methodist Message February 2025

The list of concerns my client described

wedding, they should make all the key

was long. Her mother felt that if

decisions, which include the guest list.

triggered by her ex-husband's presence,

Finally, I mentioned that it was good

a day meant to be a happy occasion

that she wanted to honour her father

would turn out otherwise. Moreover,

but there were other ways of honouring

if father and mother were to meet, he

him besides on this one day of her life.

could not be counted on not to say or do things that might lead to public

I shared with her how a close friend

confrontation. The young couple

was very hurt when he was not

thought of physically separating her

invited to his daughter's wedding.

parents but knew that even if they did

His marriage had been dissolved

so, they could not ensure that her father

some years earlier and his ex-wife

would not confront his ex-wife. Then

had remarried. Although father and

there was the concern that her father

daughter had maintained a close

might want his relatives, friends and

relationship, the mother was adamant

business associates to be invited to the

about excluding him from all the day's

celebration. This was unacceptable to

proceedings. I comforted my friend

both my client and her mother.

by saying that there were other ways to show his daughter his love and

My client toyed with the idea of avoiding

support, including his meeting his

any unpleasantness by not informing

future son-in-law together with his

her father of her wedding. She quickly

daughter before the wedding itself.

dismissed the notion as she felt he might

By "withdrawing" graciously from

be even more upset and hurt when he

being present at the wedding, he

would finally learn of it. So she wondered,

was showing her how her happiness

given the many concerns, if she were to

was paramount to him. To this day,

inform but not invite her father, would he

many years on, the father-daughter

feel disrespected, and might it give rise

relationship remains strong.

to further estrangement from him?

Let me say that my friend's response I began my response by asking a

also showed the other side of God’s

question that surprised even me. I asked

commandment to honour our parents,

who was paying for the various segments

i.e. the role and response of parents.

of the wedding. After all, Chinese

Parents cannot expect to be honoured

tradition dictates that if one's parents

if they have conducted themselves

cover the cost of the dinner, they get

dishonourably. As parents, have we

the privilege of inviting their family and

related to our children in a manner

friends. In this instance, her mother was

that makes it almost unnecessary

to be the main financier.

to command our children to honour us? If we have loved them and been

Secondly, I asked a rhetorical question

responsible in caring for them, I believe

of whose wedding it was. If indeed

most children will naturally want to find

it was her and her husband-to-be's

ways to honour us.

February 2025 Methodist Message 23

Walking alongside you with compassion and care

ESTABLISHED SINCE 2000

For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 8:38–39

HOSANNA BREAVEMENT SERVICES PTD LTD

Rev Joey Chen is currently

Benny Bong has over

pastoring at Paya Lebar Methodist Church, and oversees the Family Life, Youth and Young Adult ministries.

Prior to pastoring, Rev Joey had stints in the public and private sectors doing communications work. She is married to Andrew, whom she met in seminary.

40 years of experience as a therapist, clinical supervisor and trainer. He also conducts regular talks and webinars.

Benny has helmed MM’s You & Your Family column for more than 18 years and is a member of Kampong Kapor Methodist Church.

Sue-Lynn Teo is a registered psychologist with the Singapore Psychological Society and is trained in Educational and Developmental Psychology. She specialises in assessments and therapy work with children who have learning, behavioural or special needs.

She worships at Toa Payoh Methodist Church with her family.

Need advice? Scan the QR code or visit https://www.methodist.org.sg/mm-atthe-well/ to submit your question. Due to space constraints and repetition of topics, we may not be able to feature all questions submitted.

Family

My recently widowed father is dating a woman who is younger than me I am in my 40s and married with teenage children. My mother passed away from illness about six months ago.

Recently, I found out that my 75-year-old father is dating a foreign lady who is younger than me. He introduced her to us at a family dinner and privately told us that he plans to let her move into our family home. He then asked me to clear out my old room so she could move her things in. I was very angry and upset. I also do not feel comfortable with this lady, and I feel suspicious of her. I expressed caution to my father, but he is totally caught up with her. I understand my father is grieving, lonely and seeks companionship, but I want to protect him from being taken advantage of.  Suspicious February 2025 Methodist Message 25

At The Well

Benny says Dear Suspicious, The situation that you have presented is a confluence of several different

Family

Is an Advance Medical Directive appropriate for Christians?

concerns. Firstly, your grieving father may be seeking comfort and

Is an Advance Medical Directive (AMD)

companionship from this woman.

allowed in a biblical world view, if we

Secondly, there is the concern that

acknowledge that God is in control

this young woman may be taking

of our lives? I am going for a surgery

advantage of your father at a vulnerable

and want to be prepared so that my

time. Thirdly, not only has this new

family does not have to face difficult

person replaced your deceased mother,

decisions or financial burdens as I am

she also seems at risk of displacing

already in my senior years.

you in the home. Fourthly, having

 Singaporean senior

someone enter your lives so soon after your mother's passing seems to be an affront to the memory of your mother.

I wonder if there is any opportunity to raise your concerns with your father in a calm and supportive manner.

Understandably, such conversations can be very difficult between a father and his children. In such instances, using intermediaries like uncles or aunties, or even a senior pastor or church leader, may be another way of broaching this delicate topic.

If the new woman in his life proves herself to be a benevolent figure, she might be persuaded to slow down any integration with the family and move in only much later, to allow for greater family harmony.

In the meantime, the family, including yourself, should take steps to celebrate the memory of your late mother. The recollection and celebration of her life, and the appropriate grieving, may allow the family to have better closure of one chapter before another is opened.

26 Methodist Message February 2025

Joey says Dear Singaporean senior, In Singapore, the AMD "inform[s] the doctor treating you (in the event you become terminally ill and unconscious) that you do not want any extraordinary life-sustaining treatment to be used to prolong your life".

According to Section 2 of the AMD Act, "extraordinary life-sustaining treatment" refers to "any medical procedure or measure which, when administered to a terminally ill patient, will only prolong the process of dying when death is imminent".

With modern advancements in

Family

medicine, a dying person who cannot

Do I bring my daughter to visit a friend whose adult child has a live-in partner of the same sex in their home?

live independently can be kept alive for a while through extraordinary life-sustaining measures. It would be all too easy to rely on such medical intervention to artificially prolong the life of a dying person because either the dying or their loved ones are not ready to face death. This often causes unnecessary suffering to the terminally ill.

The AMD seeks to avoid this.

From the point of view of the Christian faith, to opt against extraordinary life-sustaining measures in the face of imminent death is an act of surrendering ourselves to God. It is an acceptance of the human condition.

This is different from euthanasia (also euphemistically called "assisted dying") because the goal of the AMD is not to escape suffering by terminating life, but

A friend has a daughter who is lesbian and has a live-in partner … in my friend's home. My friend is Christian but her daughter is not. My question is not about my friend's or her daughter's choices, but mine, as a parent. Should we bring along my primary-school aged daughter to visit her during Christmas and Chinese New Year, as we used to? Part of me does not want to expose my daughter to a non-Christian model of family, but yet, to shield her from it seems futile.  Awkward

to avoid medical intervention that does not preserve life. Therefore, the AMD in Singapore is not at odds with the Christian

Sue-Lynn says Dear Awkward,

worldview. (This is not the case for AMDs in other countries that allow for euthanasia.)

Being a Christian parent in this day and age can indeed be difficult. It would

Life and death are in the hands of God, but

be good to bring your daughter for the

it does not preclude us preparing for death

visit, as she may or may not have some

via AMDs and wills. But more important

ideas of the Christian view about LGBTQ

is the spiritual preparation for death even

people and this is an opportunity to

while we are healthy. The goal is to be able

clarify and hopefully deepen her Christian

to say with Paul: "To live is Christ and to

convictions. This means firstly discussing

die is gain." It is too complicated a topic to

how God's good, original design for

address here, but it means building up our

marriage is between a man and a woman

faith so that we are prepared to meet death

only. Same sex attraction is one of the

without fear, with confidence in God and

ways sexual brokenness manifests in a

with peace.

fallen world distorted by sin, as stated in the Methodist Social Principles (for more information, see https://www.methodist. org.sg/resources/social-principles/).

Explain how non-Christians may have different standards for women and men in marriage, or before that when dating/

February 2025 Methodist Message 27

At The Well

in courtship. For example, some nonChristian women may develop samesex attraction, then partner and live together with another woman. Answer any questions your daughter may have in a thoughtful and age-appropriate manner, grounded by your Christian convictions and God's word.

Next, explain how, as Christians, we are called to love one another as God has loved us (John 13:34, 15:12) and to do all things in love (1 Corinthians 16:14). This means showing and extending love to all, not just fellow Christians. Thus, going ahead

fundamentals behind another's gender

with the visit, even though as Christians

identity, expression or sexual orientation,

you do not have the same convictions

would be a continuing conversation for

about marriage and dating, is important.

you and your daughter, especially as she

This duality of being able to show Christ's

grows older and becomes more exposed to

love to all, while not agreeing with the

other ways of living.

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Worship

Dr Judith Laoyan-Mosomos is the Director for Worship & Church Music at the Methodist School of Music and a member of Kampong Kapor Methodist Church.

Saying sorry to God

"What do you want to say sorry for?"

and gently explained to the second, "Yes, Jesus has taken away our sins, but we still

I asked the children this question during

sometimes do things that make Jesus sad.

a session on "Saying Sorry to God" at the

That's why we need to pray, say sorry and

Children in Worship programme run by

ask him to help us stop sinning."

Methodist School of Music last year.

That simple exchange got me thinking One child quickly responded, "I am sorry

about a question an adult participant

for my sin!"

in our Certificate for Christian Worship programme once asked: "If Jesus has paid

Before I could say anything, another child

our debt, do we really need to have a prayer

chimed in, "But Jesus already took away

of confession?" While there is truth in that

our sins!"

question, it raises a deeper question: What role does confession play in our worship

Smiling, I affirmed the first child's honesty

30 Methodist Message February 2025

and daily lives?

Confession is not merely an act of guilt or obligation—it is an invitation into God's abundant grace, a step towards aligning our hearts and lives with God's justice and mercy. It reminds us of our dependence on God and our shared humanity in the body of Christ.

To explore this, I looked to two theologians

to these occasions raises an important

I admire, Walter Brueggemann and NT

question: Are we missing opportunities to

Wright. Brueggemann explains that

experience the transformative power of

sin is not just about making mistakes—

confession more regularly?

it is about failing to live faithfully in relationship with God. He also reminds

Imagine if the prayer of confession became

us that sin is bigger than our personal

a weekly rhythm embedded in our worship

choices; it is something we share as a

services. Each Sunday, we could stand before

community when we ignore justice or

God as a congregation, acknowledging

neglect those in need. Wright, on the

our personal and communal sins. This

other hand, ties sin to the bigger story

intentional rhythm would allow us not only

of creation, fall and redemption. For him,

to experience the boundless forgiveness of

confession is about admitting wrongs,

God but also to be renewed, restored and

but more than that, it is part of how we

empowered for the week ahead.

reconnect with God's purposes and live as people of his kingdom.

Confession is not merely an act of guilt or obligation—it is an invitation into God's

Both point to a common truth: worship,

abundant grace, a step towards aligning

including confession, is not just about

our hearts and lives with God's justice and

admitting guilt. It is about letting God

mercy. It reminds us of our dependence

reshape our hearts, renew our lives, and send

on God and our shared humanity in the

us out to live with love, justice and grace.

body of Christ.

In many worship practices, the prayer

As individuals, we come before God in the

of confession is often attached to Holy

presence of the church and the company

Communion. This means that if the

of angels, seeking pardon and renewal.

sacrament of Holy Communion is celebrated

Together, as a community, we receive

only once a month, we may go three or more

God's grace and mercy. This gift is ours

weeks without engaging in this essential act

to celebrate and it is also a call to action.

of worship. While the connection between

We seek pardon with a willingness to be

confession and the Lord's Table is profound—

transformed by God's mercy. Then, we are

acknowledging our sins as we receive

commissioned to go out and embody God's

Christ's body and blood—limiting confession

love in a world in desperate need of it.

February 2025 Methodist Message 31

Celebrating 25 years of service

REMEMBERING

LOV E D O N E S

Every niche: A beautiful life story, a lasting memory • Niche prices start from $2,000 • Premium niches are available • Special rates for members of Methodist churches

• Tranquil and peaceful surroundings • Wide breezy space with lush greenery • Award-winning Christian columbarium

View our video here “Would highly recommend to anyone considering a beautiful and tranquil environment to grieve the loss of their loved ones. The layout of the niche is also airy and bright. It also reflects a certain tranquility and peace.” -Vincy Ng

Visit

remembrance.sg

Contact us at remembrance@methodist.org.sg 6795 8978 9836 0950

The Garden of Remembrance is a Christian columbarium wholly owned by The Methodist Church in Singapore

People

Justin Yeo and Leong Shengyu serve as musicians in the Worship & Music Ministry at Queenstown Chinese Methodist Church and compose original music.

Justin, who is the Vice-Chairperson of that ministry, also serves as a local preacher.

Songwriting for the soul's sojourn 的一双手). When we encountered suffering and challenges, we captured these in song (Even

In The Valley / 就算身在幽谷). We have also been privileged to set Bishop Emeritus Dr Robert

Solomon's inspiring words to music (Lord, You Are Always There; Triune God We Worship You / 三一神我众敬拜祢; and My Life Is In Your Hands).

Recognising that Christian songs must be

Justin and Shengyu with their son, Royce

theologically sound and aesthetically rich, we have been blessed by the wise counsel of those

A

more learned than us in these areas. We have s Methodists, hymnody is more than

also been encouraged by many who, having

musical faith expression—it is theology

encountered our pieces, reached out to share

set to music. Having served in the music

their own spiritual journeys. These exchanges

ministry since the millennial turn, sacred music

strengthened our faith and allowed us to

has helped deepen our faith. A decade ago,

witness the impact that truth-filled music can

heeding the call to "sing to the Lord a new

have on the body of Christ. Praise God for the

song", we started composing pieces that we

gift of music. As our inaugural composition

hoped would reflect timeless Christian truths,

exhorts, his glory is the reason we serve!

faith journeys and spiritual struggles.

Our songwriting journey began with reflections on service (The Reason We Serve / 服事根源)

and celebrating God's work in our church (造物

Justin and Shengyu's compositions are published on their YouTube channel.

Scan the QR code to view videos.

Kopi kakis by Lau Peng Leong, Yen Tun I and Zachary Yong

February 2025 Methodist Message 33

PRANCING GIRAFFES | INCLUSIVE DANCE CLASS Every Monday starting from 24 March 2025, 10 weeks per term, 5.30 p.m. to 6.15 p.m.

Methodist School of Music, 496 Upper Bukit Timah Road, #03-20, John Wesley Centre, S678099 Register via bit.ly/MSMxPG $327 per term of 10 weeks, inclusive of GST MSM's new dance class, conducted by Prancing Giraffes, welcomes children of all abilities aged 4-8 to connect with each other through dance. Children will: • Learn teamwork • Learn foundational ballet techniques, and a variety of dance genres • Prepare for two public performances each year Prancing Giraffes, founded by early childhood educator Esther Eio, is an inclusive dance group dedicated to helping children connect, socialise and build confidence through movement. Since 2019, they have focused on creating a welcoming environment where children can enjoy dance and teamwork together.

Organised by Methodist School of Music in collaboration with Prancing Giraffes

GOD’S NEW HEAVENS AND NEW EARTH IN ISAIAH 56-66 Every Wednesday, 7.30 p.m. to 9.30 p.m., from 19 March to 30 Apr 2025 Online via Zoom Register via https://www.ttc.edu.sg/english/stufy-at-ttc/equip-registration/ Refer to website for fees This course provides a biblical exposition of the pastoral comfort and challenge that comes out of each of the 11 chapters in Isaiah 56-66. The course hopes to help all who facilitate Bible study reflection groups on this portion of God’s Word.

Speaker Bishop Emeritus Dr Gordon Wong began pastoral ministry in 1985 and holds a BA (Honours) from the London School of Theology and a PhD from the University of Cambridge. His publications include a book on the relevance of Christian faith (God Makes Sense), Old Testament commentaries on the books of Daniel (Faithful to the End), Habakkuk (God, Why?), Isaiah (The Road to Peace: Pastoral Reflections on Isaiah 1-12), Ruth (The Power of Love) and an academic monograph entitled Foolish Leaders and the Will of YHWH: Editorial Effects in Isaiah 19.

Organised by EQUIP

COMPANIONS IN CHRIST (CENTRALISED CLASS) Every Monday, 7.30 p.m. to 9.30 p.m., for 28 weeks starting 21 April 2025 (Orientation)

Disciple Agency - Singapore

Toa Payoh Methodist Church, 480 Lor 2 Toa Payoh, S319641 Register by 7 April 2025 by scanning the QR code. For enquiries call 6765 5301. $30 per person for material cost Companions in Christ is a small-group experience in spiritual formation. Over 28 sessions, participants will learn to embrace the journey of faith, feed on God’s Word, deepen their prayers, respond to God’s call and explore spiritual guidance. Conducted as a centralised class for the first time under the auspices of Disciple Agency. Class is open to members from all Methodist churches.

Organised by Disciple Agency