Methodist Message: December 2022

Vol 124 No 12 DECEMBER 2022

Five ways to put Christ in Christmas The Little Star An illustrated Christmas story

ISSN 0129-6868 MCI (P) 031/11/2022

Charis Methodist Church's outreach ministry to migrant workers

Contents Editorial Board

/ Bishop’s

Adviser and Publisher

Message /

/ News /

Dr Anthony Goh Chairperson, Council on Communications

3 Finding Your Place (CAC)

Communications Manager Lynn Tan

/ Feature /

Managing Editor

5 Charis MC's outreach ministry to migrant workers

Alvin Tay

8 O Come All Ye Faithful—Methodist Christmas events

Editor

12 John Wesley crossword puzzle

Lianne Ong

14 The Little Star—An illustrated Christmas story

Communications Executive Kathrynn Koh

/ People /

Sub-editors

29 Doing good works and witnessing to the lost

Lucy Cheng Janice Khoo Tan Chiu Ai

/

Opinion /

Proofreaders

7 Young Voices: Five ways to put Christ in Christmas

Kenneth Lee Christabel Tan

17 Soundings: A theology of Christmas carols

/ Outreach / 19 Turning darkness into light 21 Towards being the agency of choice

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.

/ Relationships / 25

You and Your Family: Responding to "a-changin'" times / Worship /

23 This Christmas, try a new arrangement to old Wesleyan carols

70 Barker Road #06-04 Singapore 309936 6478-4793 | 6478-4763 methodist.org.sg/message www.methodist.org.sg communications@methodist. org.sg fb.com/Methodist.SG @methodist.sg @methodistsg Have something to say or share?

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communications@methodist.org.sg Layout by Londonbob Design Printed by Adred Creation Print Pte Ltd

COVER ART Title: The Little Star

By Kristen Kiong This image is part of the illustrated story, "The Little Star" found on pages 14-15 in this issue.

Kristen Kiong is a speech therapist, illustrator and mother of two. She worships at Church of Singapore Marine Parade.

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 to 2020.

Welcome Christ to our

living rooms

I

t's not the traditional picture, but it must surely be the correct one ("no guest room available" instead of "no room … in the inn" as in the older 1984 NIV rendering).

in both those verses, the word does not, and cannot, mean an "inn" or "hotel". (See Mark 14:14 and Luke 22:11 where even the older translations correctly render it as "guest room".)

Baby Jesus was not rejected by an inn-keeper (although this will doubtless be restated again in some Christmas sermon somewhere). Baby Jesus was born in the living room of a humble, ordinary family home.

So Luke 2:7 does not describe an ancient innkeeper turning away Mary who was about to give birth to baby Jesus. The verse tells us that Mary, Joseph and Jesus were welcomed into an ordinary, humble home that either did not have a separate guest room, or if it did, was unavailable.

Let us consider these points: If Luke the gospel writer had wished to refer to an inn or ancient hotel, then he would have used the normal Greek word for "inn" which he uses in the story of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:34-35). But here in the Christmas story, he uses a completely different word.

The Greek word used in Luke 2:7 is found in only two other verses in the whole Bible, and

Why then was the baby Jesus put into a manger, a feeding trough for animals? Most animals were left outside in the open fields at night, but ordinary folk would bring their most precious animals into the front portion of their homes at night, not unlike the way many today let their precious dogs and cats sleep in the living room rather than put them outside in a dog-house. Only the very rich had a separate building or stable for prized animals. This is December 2022 Methodist Message 1

Calligraphy by Caitlin Low

this Christmas!

Welcome Christ to our living rooms this Christmas!

why most first century homes in Palestine had a manger in the living area of the ordinary home. A manger would actually have been a reasonable spot to place a baby. It was shaped like a cot, and when laid with fresh hay would keep a baby warm and comfortable.

Placing baby Jesus into a manger was not a consequence of some heartless rejection by an inn-keeper. Jesus was welcomed into the living room of an ordinary person's home.

Will we welcome him into ours?

We would never reject or send a baby out into a cold and smelly stable. But the Christmas story asks if we will welcome the Christ Child into the very midst of our homes. Ask any family and they will say a baby at home changes and re-arranges many things in your life—your sleep patterns, your free time, and your finances!

Baby Jesus will do no less if you welcome him into the living room of your life. May we all experience the joy of the Christ Child in our homes this Christmas and beyond.

2022 Revised Edition of

The Book of Discipline available now The Book of Discipline (BOD) comprises the laws and doctrines of The Methodist Church in Singapore and includes our Constitution, Doctrinal Statements and General Rules, Social Principles, and the organisational rules for the Church in Singapore at all levels.

*This edition includes an electronic version that will be made available with the purchase of the printed version. Instructions on how to access the electronic version will be included in the cover letter accompanying the hardcopy of the BOD.

The Book of Discipline 2022 edition is priced at $20 per copy.

To purchase, please write to admin@methodist.org.sg or call 6478-4786 for more information.

Details on www.methodist.org.sg/the-book-of-discipline

2 Methodist Message

December 2022

By Chinese Annual Conference (CAC) Communications Team / Photos courtesy of CAC

News

Finding Your Place A 3-month discipleship programme

by CAC Board of Youth Ministry The CAC Board of Youth Ministry kickstarted Finding Your Place (FYP) in 2020 with the objective of preparing youths and young adults to flourish in God's kingdom. The programme will be conducted again from January to March 2023, and registration is now open.

About

FYP

What is FYP? What can I expect from the programme?

FYP stands for Finding Your Place and aims to prepare young people for the reality of life in God's kingdom by equipping them with the intellectual, moral, and spiritual foundations they need to flourish wherever God calls them to.

At FYP you'll get to explore how God's Grand Story shapes the way we think and live, explore the riches of church history, appreciate the nuances of Wesleyan theology and learn how to slow down and hear God in this busy world. Get ready to be blessed by the stories and life experiences of Christian professionals from various vocations, and to be loved and guided by a group of amazing mentors!

Who is FYP for?

Youths and young adults between the ages of 18 and 35, who 1) have questions about faith and life, 2) are wondering about God's call for their lives, and 3) are free from January to March 2023.

These include those on a gap year, those waiting to go to university or NS, fresh grads, and those in between jobs.

How is the programme run?

The 3-month programme will be conducted in English, on-site and faceto-face. Classes will run from 8.30 a.m. to 1 p.m. from Mondays to Fridays, with community lunches, mentoring sessions, group bonding activities and service learning preparation on some afternoons.

What are the course fees? Are there subsidies?

Methodist church members enjoy a subsidised course fee of $300. Speak to your youth worker/pastor about receiving a monthly allowance for the 3-month duration.

How can churches get involved with or support this programme?

Encourage your youths and young adults to go for this discipleship programme, especially those who feel called to work in the marketplace and/or who have questions about their faith and its relevance to life. To support participation, churches are strongly encouraged to provide their participants with an allowance to cover their daily expenses and other events they will participate in during the course.

December 2022 Methodist Message 3

Finding Your Place

What did FYP 2022 participants

Chavelle Kok Kum Yan Methodist Church FYP 2022 Participant

FYP was a helpful 'spring cleaning' session—it got me to re-evaluate my beliefs. Over the years, I had unknowingly subscribed to many beliefs that were not in line with the Bible. These views weren't necessarily sinful and were often very subtle in how they shaped my thoughts, but they certainly hindered my walk with God! For example, I believed that only jobs that involved relating to people, like social workers and teachers, were 'meaningful' in God's kingdom. That subconscious belief led me to discount jobs in other areas, like the sciences.

In reality, God is very present in the sciences—he created it!

FYP was a safe space with super encouraging mentors. When my mentors facilitated discussions about realworld issues, we didn't feel judged or condemned. I was on a spiritual low just before FYP, and my mentors helped to put me back on track!

Come for FYP and see your faith and Christian life in a whole new light!

Have more questions about FYP or would like to get in touch with the organisers?

Head to

cacboym.org or email

cacboymfyp@ gmail.com

Elena Yeo Pastoral Ministry Staff & Chaplain, Telok Ayer Chinese Methodist Church / FYP 2022 Mentor

?

K N I TH

I joined FYP as a mentor for the first time, and it was life-changing!

I now know where I stand in the context of God's Grand Story. FYP has made me see how God is present in every aspect of society: sociology, mathematics, sciences, the arts, governance, business and economics, and education. Jesus came to reconcile all things to himself and in him, all things hold together—this has helped me to live coram Deo, 'before the face of God'. I have since been using what I have gained from FYP to frame my teaching and preaching to the younger generation in my ministry.

Looking back, I also enjoyed every moment we got to spend together outside the classroom.

The friendships I have built with the participants, mentors and teachers, I know I will keep for a long, long time. Three months may sound daunting and intensive, but believe me, it will be an incredible and unforgettable journey.

4 Methodist Message

December 2022

Kate Lim is a speech therapist and worships at Aldersgate Methodist Church. / Photos courtesy of Kate Lim

Charis MC's outreach ministry

joins hands with other organisations in Joo Chiat to reach out to migrant workers Pray, trust and obey

It was a daunting task setting up the Joo Chiat Ministry. "I asked God, 'Who in the church would partner God and me?' I constantly prayed for him to send people to help and teach me."

Gladys soon found a committed co-founding member of the ministry in Isaac Goh, 46, a selfemployed father to two teenage boys. But they did not know what to do or how to begin. She says, "We trusted God and prayed, and he sent help through Operation Mobilisation (OM), an international missions organisation, to partner us in the outreach work."

Gladys (3rd from left) and representatives from partner organisations

O

n a Sunday night, among the neonlit signboards and back alleys along Joo Chiat Road, Gladys Han and a group of volunteers from Charis Methodist Church (CMC) participated in a joint outreach event with four other organisations to provide health screening for the migrant workers who live in the neighbourhood. Fewer than the anticipated 150 migrant workers turned up but among those who did, one received Christ that night.

The outreach efforts by CMC's Outreach & Social Concerns (O&SC) ministry is referred to as 'Joo Chiat Ministry'. It was set up in January 2018 to share the love of Christ to, and meet the social needs of, migrant workers who live in the Joo Chiat neighbourhood near the church's premises at Koon Seng Road.

Gladys, 66, a retiree who heads the O&SC ministry, tells Methodist Message how it began. "It all started one morning when God stirred my heart. He said, 'I put CMC at Koon Seng Road for a purpose. How long is CMC going to ignore Joo Chiat?'"

Isaac recalls, "We walked the streets of Geylang with OM staff to understand the outreach efforts to the sex workers and migrant workers. Then we started our own prayer walk at Joo Chiat and got to know about East Asia School of Theology (EAST) that is also in our neighbourhood."

Information tracts at health screening event

Medical consultation

"Together with EAST, we partnered SG Accident Help Centre (SGAHC) for outreach events. SGAHC was started in 2016 to help and rehabilitate the injured migrant workers.

Most of their volunteers and members are Christians," Gladys adds.

December 2022 Methodist Message 5

Charis MC's outreach ministry joins hands with other organisations in Joo Chiat to reach out to migrant workers

At the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, they conducted their prayer walks through the back alleys where they had first encountered the migrant workers. That marked the beginning of their outreach efforts to this community in Joo Chiat.

God gives the results At times, Gladys feels stressed over whether there would be enough volunteers and participants at the outreach events, and whether there would be positive outcomes.

She recalls, "At a recent health screening outreach event on 9 October, where we collaborated with EAST, SGAHC, Glory Presbyterian Church and Boscombe Life Church, we were more focused on meeting the targeted number of migrant workers to be screened."

But a numbers game is not always how God works, as Gladys realised. "An East Asian migrant worker, who had come all the way from Tuas, received Christ. Max (not his real name), a first-time CMC volunteer, used to serve in East Asia and was able to share the gospel in the migrant worker's native language. On top of that, Max had also lived in the same hometown of this migrant worker, strengthening the connection between them."

There were times when Gladys and Isaac felt discouraged by the low number of new believers, and by a poor turnout of volunteers for the prayer walks.

6 Methodist Message

December 2022

"We used to help with the Alpha Ministry and would always see visible results in the number of people who prayed to receive Christ," shares Isaac. "In comparison, it was more difficult to sustain long-term relationships with most of the migrant workers and lead them to receive Christ.

Language barriers also made it difficult for us to share the gospel."

It has been a challenging four years since the Joo Chiat Ministry was founded. With the partnerships formed with the other organisations, this ministry is now poised to make a difference to the Joo Chiat migrant worker community. There are signs that the ministry is beginning to bear fruit. The migrant workers feel the love and concern of the volunteers and are motivated to participate in the outreach efforts.

Biswas Sumon, a migrant worker in his 30s from Bangladesh, attended a health screening outreach event for the second time. "I feel happy and supported because there are people like Isaac who come to my workers' quarters to visit me. He keeps in touch with me and cares for me. I will invite my friends to come here too."

The team at CMC welcomes volunteers to join them in their outreach efforts to the migrant workers in Joo Chiat and the surrounding area. For more information, contact office@charismc.org.sg .

The joint health screening event took place on EAST's premises

Zachary Yong is a full-time national serviceman who worships at Wesley Methodist Church. He is part of the Kopikaki comics team and loves his coffee with milk and no sugar.

ways to put Christ in Christmas 3. Write a Christmas letter Hebrews 10:24-25 instructs us to "consider how to stir up one another to love and good works". Penning Christmas letters has been a longstanding tradition in my family, where we reflect on the year that has passed and tell our loved ones how he/she has done well. Bible verses in the letters have reminded me that one's source of strength and hope lies in Christ alone. Just the act of penning a letter forces us to think more deliberately about what we want to say.

Perhaps there is someone God is leading you to re-connect with.

C

hristmas evolved from the Middle English Christemass, which means Christ's mass.1 As 'mass' refers to a church service, it should come quite naturally to most that the primary reason for Christmas would be Christ's birth. However, Christmas today is a far cry from our Saviour's humble beginnings in a manger. The dazzling lights, abundance of shopping promotions and Santa Claus commercialise this occasion—leaving many, myself included, thinking about how we can place the emphasis on Jesus, the reason for the season. Let me share five ways we can do so.

1. Serve others this Christmas Matthew 25:40 reads: "And the King will answer them, 'Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.'" Why not start this Christmas by helping your local church in their outreach efforts to bless others? You can play a part to spread Christmas cheer.

2. Go for a round of carolling One unique aspect of our Methodist heritage is a rich musical tradition undergirding our theology. John Wesley instructed Methodists to "Sing lustily 2 and with a good courage… lift up your voice with strength." 3 The word 'carol' actually means a song of praise and joy! 4 So let us sing lustily, and spread the joyful news that the Lord has come.

4. Share the true meaning of Christmas There are many whose notion of Christmas is what they see at department stores, filled with images of Santa Claus. Let's take some time to remind ourselves of the Christmas story, and marvel at how the Lord descended to Earth "for me, who Him to death pursued". 5

5. Exercise self-control at the dining table I know this is particularly difficult for a nation of food-lovers to accept, because I enjoy food tremendously too—in particular Peranakan food—and the social calendar is filled with long-awaited catch-ups. But I have learnt that over-eating can dull one's capacity to seek and experience the Lord. This year I intend to take care of the temple God gave me, my body, and focus on meaningful conversation and gift-giving this Christmas!

1 Merriam-Webster. (n.d.). Christmas definition & meaning.

Merriam-Webster. Retrieved November 2, 2022, from https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Christmas 2 This adjective describes how one does something in a way that is healthy, energetic, and full of strength and power. Courtesy of the Cambridge Dictionary (https:// dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/lustily).

3 United Methodist Pub. House. (1989). Directions for Singing. In The United Methodist Hymnal (pp. vii-vii).

4 JPC-DESIGN, whychristmas?com /. "The History of Christmas Carols on Whychristmas?com." Why Christmas. Accessed November 7, 2022. https://www. whychristmas.com/customs/carols-history.

5 And Can It Be That I Should Gain, Words by Charles Wesley. (UMH 363).

December 2022 Methodist Message 7

ANG MO KIO METHODIST CHURCH

PAYA LEBAR METHODIST CHURCH

Christmas Cheer @ AMK

17 th

Ang Mo Kio Central Stage (outside FairPrice Finest Ang Mo Kio Blk 712) from 1.15 p.m. to 4.15 p.m.; Carolling at AMK Hub from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.

The Christmas Tale

22 23 rd 24 th nd

22, 23, 24 December 8 p.m.

At PLMC Sanctuary

FAITH METHODIST CHURCH Mini Games

16 th 17

th

like Tag Snatch, Bucketball and Taboo.

Every Saturday afternoon till 17 December.

Christmas at Faith 2022 At Faith MC 16 December 3 p.m. to 10.30 p.m.

17 December 10 a.m. to 10.30 p.m.

TOA PAYOH CHINESE METHODIST CHURCH

17

th

Community Christmas Talkshow (In Mandarin) Featuring special guest speakers 小容哥 and 周初明.

At Toa Payoh Chinese MC 17 December 3 p.m.

8 Methodist Message

December 2022

Feature

O Come All Ye Faithful METHODIST CHRISTMAS EVENTS IN DECEMBER 2022 This is the first Christmas since Covid-19 restrictions have been lifted. Many churches have resumed outreach activities in the form of carnivals, concerts and markets.

Have a look at which church event you might attend with your friends!

For more information, please visit the respective church website or social media pages.

METHODIST SCHOOL OF MUSIC

11

th

Advent 2022: Watch Wait Work

LEGEND

(Onsite and livestream) 11 December, 5 p.m.

Pentecost MC Speaker: Dr Ed Pousson

Concert Performance Talk Show

Movie

Carolling

CHRIST METHODIST CHURCH "My Father's House"

21 st 23 rd 24 th

21, 23, 24 December At Christ MC Sanctuary Tickets are free, reservations required.

Bazaar Market Place

Café

Outreach Gifting

December 2022 Methodist Message 9

ANG MO KIO METHODIST CHURCH Christmas Cheer @ AMK 17 Dec Ang Mo Kio Central Stage (outside FairPrice Finest Ang Mo Kio Blk 712) from 1.15 p.m. to 4.15 p.m.; AMK Hub from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Christmas Cheer @ AMK is an inaugural outreach event by Ang Mo Kio Methodist Church for all pre-believers, especially those who live in Ang Mo Kio. Attendees can look forward to participating in a quiz with prizes, Christmas carols, dancing, ukulele performance, a Christmas skit, as well as a sharing by our Pastor-in-Charge Rev Anthony Lee. At the end of the event, seated attendees at Central Stage will also receive goodie bags and snack boxes.

Gift @ Christmas Through its annual Gift @ Christmas donation drive, Ang Mo Kio Methodist Church aims to extend the message of Love during the Christmas festive season to the needy within Ang Mo Kio. There are about 420 programme beneficiaries, including the elderly from Active Ageing Centre (AAC), needy families in the Ang Mo Kio area, as well as children from the church's tuition programme.

BARKER ROAD METHODIST CHURCH Advent Chorale Finale by the Methodist Festival Choir 18 Dec, 5 p.m.

Sanctuary Advent Sermon Series: The Long-Awaited Saviour Every weekend from 19 Nov - 18 Dec Christmas Eve Carol Service 24 Dec 5 p.m.

Sanctuary

BEDOK METHODIST CHURCH 'The Greatest Gift' A musical presented by Bedok Methodist Church Choir and Children's Ministry. Includes testimony by Levan Wee, former lead singer of rock band, Ronin.

17 Dec, 2 p.m. (Bilingual) 23 Dec, 7.30 p.m. (English)

CAIRNHILL METHODIST CHURCH

Christmas Service 25 Dec 9.00 to 10.00 a.m. (Mandarin) 10.30 to 11.30 a.m. (English)

CHRIST METHODIST CHURCH Christ Methodist Church will be having a Christmas Production entitled "My Father's House".

Synopsis: "This house is mine too!" Growing up, Keith is challenged by the absence of a parental figure. As questions and disappointments begin to arise over the years, he is led to make a brave choice that will change the course of his life. But when faced with new challenges, will past mistakes stand in his way? Based on a true story.

21 Dec, 8.00 p.m. (Wednesday – Preview) 23 Dec, 8.00 p.m. (Friday) 24 Dec, 3.00 p.m. (Saturday) Christ Methodist Church Sanctuary, Level 2 & 3.

Tickets are free, reservations required.

Visit https://cmc.org.sg/production

FAITH METHODIST CHURCH Mini Games like Tag Snatch, Bucketball and Taboo.

Every Saturday afternoon till 17 Dec. Christmas at Faith 2022 16 Dec, 3 p.m. to 10.30 p.m.

17 Dec, 10 a.m. to 10.30 p.m.

What you can expect: Live Bands & Performances including singer-songwriter, Juwita Suwito, Food and Beverage stalls, Merchandise stalls, Handicrafts, Children's programmes (include movie screening and play areas), Arcade and Carnival Games.

GEYLANG CHINESE METHODIST CHURCH Christmas Eve Services 24 Dec, 7.30 p.m.

English service - Geylang Methodist School (Secondary), Living Stones Chapel on L2 Mandarin service - church hall on L2 Register by 16 Dec at tinyurl.com/EWSChristmas2022 Includes door gift and supper

Gospel Movie Screening Documentary《郁火新生》by True Love Blog 真情部 落格 (in Mandarin) Part 1 of screening: 4 Dec, 10.15 – 11.45 a.m.

Part 2 of screening: 25 Dec, 10.15 – 11.45 a.m.

The Chinese documentary shares the testimony of a Taiwanese diplomat who came to Christ as a result of his wife's post-natal depression. Subtitles in Traditional Chinese.

10 Methodist Message

December 2022

KAMPONG KAPOR METHODIST CHURCH Christmas at the Kampong 17 Dec, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

A Christmas celebration with our neighbours.

Free food, drinks, ice-cream, groceries, Christmas gifts, caroling and Christmas light decorations.

PASIR PANJANG TAMIL METHODIST CHURCH

TELOK AYER CHINESE METHODIST CHURCH

The Miracle of Christmas

Christmas Evangelistic Services

10 Dec, 6.30 p.m.

Join us for our Christmas celebration event that will have a skit.

18 Dec, 11 a.m., @TA2, Bahasa Indonesia 25 Dec, 9 a.m. @TA2, Mandarin 25 Dec, 11 a.m. @TA2, Hokkien 25 Dec, 1.30 p.m. @TA2, English (with Children's Christmas programme)

PAYA LEBAR METHODIST CHURCH The Christmas Tale 22, 23, 24 Dec, 8 p.m.

PLMC Sanctuary Synopsis: Three Peranakan ladies retell the Christmas story according to the Peranakan tradition and love for storytelling, song and dance. As they share and build the story to its anticipated eventful climax, they discover that this familiar story they thought they knew so well is not what they

TOA PAYOH CHINESE METHODIST CHURCH Community Christmas Talkshow (In Mandarin) Featuring special guest speakers 小容哥 and 周初明 17 Dec, 3 p.m.

Get your tickets via 97702330 (WhatsApp) or 6353 3284 (Office number)

expected it to be...

Reservation for free tickets starts on 20 Nov, 9 a.m. at https://reservation.plmc.org.

For more information: Christmas Tale IG page https://www.instagram.com/plmcmusical2022/ and PLMC TODAY https://today.plmc.org Outreach activities to the last, the least and the lost within the 5-km radius of the church, as detailed: ▶

Blk 223A Serangoon Ave 4 / 17 Dec morning

Special breakfast; Christmas gifts; for all households in this block of rental flats. ▶

Blk 8 Lor Lew Lian / 24 Dec morning

Special breakfast; Christmas gifts; for all households in this

WESLEY METHODIST CHURCH Carols by Candlelight (on-site / online) 23 Dec, 8 p.m.

Christmas Combined Worship Services (on-site / online) 25 Dec, 8.30 a.m. and 11 a.m.

Wesleyan Watchnight Covenant Renewal Service (on-site / online) 31 Dec, 10 p.m.

block of rental flats. ▶

Homeless and Rough Sleepers / 13 Dec night

Special meal; Christmas gifts. ▶

Anglican Family Centre / 12 Dec night

Special meal; Christmas gifts for the women and their children. ▶

Hope Student Care Centre / 16 Dec afternoon

Christmas Party. ▶

St Luke’s Eldercare Centres / 13 Dec morning

Christmas Party (Hybrid on-site and Zoom). ▶

TRAC BOARD OF SENIORS MINISTRY Songs of Christmas 14 Dec, 2.30 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Faith Methodist Church Guest speaker: Bishop Emeritus Dr Robert Solomon Come and discover anew the wonders and joy of celebrating Christmas in song!

Angel Tree Project / Nov-Dec

In partnership with Prison Fellowship Singapore (PFS) to send Christmas gifts and well wishes to families of the incarcerated.

QUEENSTOWN CHINESE METHODIST CHURCH Christmas Gospel Event held in Mandarin at Queenstown Chinese Methodist Church Level 1 Sanctuary on 17 Dec at 5 p.m.. Admission is free.

Gifts, songs, games, dance, drama and sharing by Pastor Koh Nam Seng of Glory Presbyterian Church, former host of Good Morning Singapore.

Register at https://bit.ly/3Wrf6QH. For enquires, contact Raymond @82009357.

METHODIST SCHOOL OF MUSIC Advent 2022: Watch Wait Work (on-site / livestream) 11 Dec, 5 p.m.

Pentecost Methodist Church YouTube Livestream: bio.link/msmusic Speaker: Dr Ed Pousson Come join the Methodist Festival Choir as it celebrates the story of Advent and embarks on a time of watching, waiting, and working till the coming of the Promised One. No registration required.

December 2022 Methodist Message 11

Crossword puzzle by Janice Khoo Illustrations by Favian Ee, from the book John Wesley: The World, My Parish

1

4

Many Methodists would be familiar

5

with John Wesley, the founder of Methodism who led a revival movement in the Church of England.

Just how well do we know the man?

Find out with this crossword puzzle.

7

11 12

15

13

16

[ ACROSS ] 4

John Wesley's birthplace in Lincolnshire, England.

5

He persuaded Wesley to preach in the open to the unchurched masses, when the pulpits of churches were closed to them.

6

After narrowly escaping a fiery peril as a child, John Wesley described himself as "a brand plucked from the _____".

7

At Aldersgate, John Wesley's heart felt _____ _____.

8

John Wesley often travelled on this mode of transport on his preaching circuit.

12

First female missionary sent to Singapore by the Woman's Foreign Missionary Society in 1887.

14

John Wesley's mother.

15

John Wesley served as vicar in this colony in America.

John Wesley The World, My Parish

2

Retails at $20 inclusive of GST. Bulk discounts available. To read about John Wesley and see his story unfold with historically faithful images, get your copy here https://www.methodist. org.sg/graphicnovel

3

6

[ DOWN ]

[ ACROSS }

10

1. Methodist 2. Annual Conferences 3. Oxford 9. Short 10. By my spirit 11. Moravians 13. Charles 16. Oldham

ANSWERS:

9

4. Epworth 5. Whitefield 6. Burning 7. Strangely warmed 8. Horseback 12. Blackmore 14. Susanna 15. Georgia

8

14

[ DOWN ] 10

These yearly meetings among John Wesley and the travelling preachers allowed them to discuss and coordinate their ministry.

The first Methodist sermon preached in Singapore by Dr James Thoburn featured this verse from Zechariah 4:6. "Not by might, nor by power, but __ __ _____."

11

German-speaking people who demonstrated faith and peace in God to John Wesley.

3

John Wesley's college in England.

13

9

John Wesley escaped injury from the mob who opposed his preaching because of his stature, which was not tall but ____.

John's younger brother, who travelled with him throughout Britain, converting followers through preaching and hymns.

16

He brought Methodism to Singapore and started the first English-language boys' school here.

1

What John Wesley and his friends were called because of the methodical way in which they practised religion.

2

December 2022 Methodist Message 13

O

nce upon a time God created the heavens and the earth. On the first day God said, “Let there be light,” and he placed all the stars in the sky—all but one.

This Little Star was hurt, and it began to cry because God had not given it a chance to shine like the others. But when it went to him and wondered why, God replied, “I'm not ready for you, Little Star; you must grow some more before I can use you.”

Many years went by. Then, down on earth one day God's favourite people, the Israelites, escaped from their bondage in Egypt. Their leader was a man named Moses, and he led the Hebrews between the walls of the river on toward the land of Canaan.

God was very happy about this. He said, “I need three million stars to form a pillar of fire, to lead my children to the promised land. Who will volunteer?” The Little Star thought, “Now is my chance to shine—I'll volunteer.” But when it came to God, God shook his head and told it, “Not yet, Little Star; you must become brighter before I can use you.”

More years passed. All the while the Little Star was growing larger and brighter. “When will my time come?” it wondered.

On the nights when the clouds hid the other stars from earth the Little Star tried to steal beneath the clouds and light the way of the travellers who were lost and could not find their path home. But each time God would stop it, saying, “I am not ready to use you, Little Star; have patience and some day I will give you your chance.”

“How much I am missing,” the Little Star complained, as it watched the bigger stars keeping their vigil over David as he slept in the fields at night. “How I would like to inspire the poets to write their Psalms as the other stars do,” the Little Star sighed as centuries rolled past without a chance for it to shine; but all the while it was growing larger and brighter.

Then one day God called to it, “Little Star,

14 Methodist Message

December 2022

the time has come; I am ready to use you.”

The Little Star began to twinkle with anticipation. What did God have in store for it? As it beamed with satisfaction God took the Little Star in his hand, and placed it in the sky.

“Now, shine, Little Star,” God said. And shine it did!

While the star was shining it noticed that three wise men were looking at it with exceeding joy, as if it held the answer to some question in their minds. Strange to say, the Little Star felt that it must lead them somewhere. It began to move, and wherever it went, the wise men followed.

As it glided across the sky, the Little Star noticed that it was headed for a town that lay in the distance. The closer it came to the town, the brighter it beamed. When it reached the edge of the town, the Little Star burst into radiance which was more beautiful than any other star had ever possessed.

Suddenly it stopped, directly over a stable*. And, as it hovered there, the three wise men stepped down from their camels, and they hurried into the stable.

“What are they looking for?” the Little Star pondered. From the heavens it heard God's reply, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”

Suddenly, a wonderful peace came over the Little Star. It knew that soon God would call it out of the sky, for its task was done. But it was happy. It had served its purpose, and it was ready to give way to a greater Light, a Light which was the life of men. *The ʻstableʼ is most likely the living room of a humble home.

See Bishop's Message on page 1.

This story was published in the November/December 1953 issue of The Methodist Message (the old name of this publication).

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Rev Richard Blanchard was born in Chungking, China, to Methodist missionary parents in 1925. His family returned to the United States, and lived in Indiana and then North Carolina. He served as a minister in The United Methodist Church for 40 years. He is known for writing the song, Fill My Cup, Lord, which became a classic in the 1970s. He died in April 2004.

ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR Kristen Kiong is a speech therapist, illustrator and mother of two. She worships at Church of Singapore Marine Parade.

ACS (International) Admissions Seminars for 2023 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).

Post O-Level Seminars

12 January

2pm

Senior Leadership Team

10am 13 January 2pm Mr Gavin Kinch Principal

Mrs Tan Siew Hoon Vice-Principal

16 January

Mr Christopher Hayward Vice-Principal

Dr Kristopher Achter Vice-Principal

10am

RSVP admissions@acsinternational.edu.sg

Seminars will be held on Campus with school tours where possible.

Attendance by reservations only

Venue: Oldham Chapel, ACS (International) 61 Jalan Hitam Manis, Singapore 278475

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

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.

A theology of

Christmas carols I

hope lovers of Christmas carols will forgive me for saying that not all carols are created equal. Some carols contain the most profound theology of the Incarnation— which is what Christmas is all about—while others border on the sentimental.

The much-loved carol "Away in the Manger" unfortunately belongs to the second category.

For some time, many have thought that the 16th century Protestant Reformer Martin Luther was the author of the lyrics of this carol.

But as C Michael Hawn, Professor of Sacred Music at Perkins School of Theology, notes, hymnologists are now of the view that the famous carol is wholly an American product.1 The hymn paints the most idyllic picture of the first Christmas night: the baby Jesus sleeps in the surreal tranquillity of a manger, beneath a bright starry sky and in the company of gentle lowing cattle. But the carol's most concerning aspect is its conception of Christ, which can be gleaned from the seemingly innocuous statement in the second stanza: "the little Lord Jesus, no crying he makes".

"If the suggestion in the hymn," writes Hawn, "is that the baby was a kind of super infant whose divinity overshadowed his humanity, then we may be moving into the realm of

Gnosticism …" 2 The lyrics are also suggestive of a docetic Christology, which implies that the Son of God did not really become flesh, but only "appeared" to be a human being.

Both Gnosticism and Docetism were condemned as heresies by the early fathers of the Church.

Another favourite carol, "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing", composed by Charles and John Wesley, is a hymn of a totally different theological calibre. 3 This hymn is shot through with the high Christology of the Nicene and Chalcedonian Creeds.

The hymn is a celebration of the Incarnation of the Son of God, the second person of the Trinity. It speaks of the pre-existence of Christ who is "by highest heav'n ador'd", and who in the fullness of time ("Late in time behold him come") became the "offspring of the virgin's womb".

Wesley's carol reflects penetratingly on the profound mystery of the Incarnation. Jesus is the "incarnate deity", and it is through his humanity that the eternal and invisible God himself is revealed ("Veil'd in flesh, the Godhead see, Hail th' incarnate deity!").

The hymn upholds Christ's full deity and full humanity in concert with the statement of

December 2022 Methodist Message 17

A theology of Christmas carols

the Chalcedonian creed that the incarnate Son is "perfect in Godhead and also perfect in manhood; truly God and truly man… coessential with the Father according to the Godhead, and consubstantial with us according to the Manhood."4 Both the revelatory and soteriological significance of the Incarnation are underscored in this hymn ("Light and life to all he brings, Ris'n with healing in his wings").

The revelatory and illuminative significance of the Incarnation is stressed in the Patristic dictum that "God can only be known by God".

Thus, only in and through the eternal Son can we come to know the triune God. The soteriological significance of the Incarnation is alluded to in the very first stanza ("God and sinners reconcil'd"), and developed more fully in the sixth. By his selfemptying or kenosis (Philippians 2:6-8), the eternal Son became a human being in order to bring salvation to sinners.

Mild he lay his glory by, Born—that man no more may die, Born—to raise the sons of earth, Born—to give them second birth.

This is the true significance of Christmas!

This is the reason why the hymn invites every nation to join in heaven's triumph: Joyful all ye nations rise, Join the triumph of the skies, Universal nature say "Christ the Lord is born today!"

In a culture in which Christmas is routinely and brutally secularised and commercialised, Christians must be selective in the carols they choose to sing. For only theological carols such as Wesley's Christmas hymn can bring home the true meaning of Christmas and underline its true significance.

The original lyrics of the Charles Wesley carol, "Hark! the Herald Angels Sing", simply titled "Hymn for Christmas Day".

HYMN FOR CHRISTMAS DAY Hark how all the welkin rings "Glory to the King of kings, Peace on earth, and mercy mild, God and sinners reconcil’d!"

Joyful all ye nations rise, Join the triumph of the skies, Universal nature say "Christ the Lord is born to day!"

Christ, by highest heav’n ador’d, Christ, the everlasting Lord, Late in time behold him come, Offspring of a virgin’s womb.

Veil’d in flesh, the Godhead see, Hail th’ incarnate deity!

Pleas’d as man with men t’ appear Jesus, our Immanuel here!

Hail the heav’nly Prince of Peace!

Hail the Sun of righteousness!

Light and life to all he brings, Ris’n with healing in his wings.

Mild he lay his glory by, Born—that man no more may die, Born—to raise the sons of earth, Born—to give them second birth.

Come, desire of nations, come, Fix in us thy humble home, Rise, the woman’s conqu’ring seed, Bruise in us the serpent’s head.

Now display thy saving pow’r, Ruin’d nature now restore, Now in mystic union join Thine to ours, and ours to thine. 5

Michael Hawn, "History of Hymns: 'Away in a Manger'", https://www.umcdiscipleship.org/resources/historyof-hymns-away-in-a-manger. / 2 Ibid. / 3 Although John and Charles Wesley composed the original lyrics, their friend George Whitefield (1714-1770) made several changes to the hymn and added it to his Collection of Hymns for Social Worship in 1753. / 4 The Chalcedonian Creed (451 AD), https://www.ccel.org/creeds/ chalcedonian-creed.html. / 5 Hymns and Sacred Poems (1739), 206-207, https://divinity.duke.edu/sites/divinity. duke.edu/files/documents/cswt/04_Hymns_and_Sacred_Poems_%281739%29.pdf.

1

18 Methodist Message

December 2022

M

rs Lui met "God's gift" to her, John Lui, on a bus when she was 26 years old. The two started dating not long after, eventually married, and led simple yet contented lives while raising two children.

(left) Mr and Mrs Lui in their younger days (right) Mr and Mrs Lui at MWS Bethany Nursing Home – Choa Chu Kang in September 2022

"My husband is well-loved and known to many as responsible and generous. Back when our son was in primary school, he would tutor not just our son, but also his friends, for free. At work, he would treat clerks and office boys regularly to drinks and meals," recounted Mrs Lui, now 73, with a smile on her face.

A sudden turn The couple enjoyed decades of ordinary bliss. But that bliss was shattered when Mr Lui, 75, had a stroke and was diagnosed with early onset vascular dementia in 2019. As his condition deteriorated rapidly within the span of a few months, Mrs Lui struggled to come to terms with her new reality.

"It all happened so suddenly, and I couldn't accept it. I had to attend to his daily needs 24/7, and had no time for myself. Sometimes, I felt so tired and overwhelmed," shared Mrs Lui as she broke down in tears. "At night, I couldn't sleep well because I was afraid that he would fall off the bed and injure himself.

Once, he slipped and fell at home, and my daughter and I couldn't lift him up. We had to ask a neighbour for help to bring him to the hospital."

To ease her caregiver burden, Mrs Lui sent her husband to day care. But two years after his diagnosis, Mr Lui lost his mobility, and it became too much for Mrs Lui to continue caring for him.

"In the earlier stages when my husband could still walk, I could manage bringing him to the day care centre by myself, while caring for his meals and other daily needs at night," Mrs Lui shared. "However, he got weaker over time December 2022 Methodist Message 19

Turning darkness into light

and could no longer walk. It became impossible for me to care for him or bring him around."

That was when Mrs Lui's search for a nursing home began. But as her search stretched on for months with no end in sight, Mrs Lui began to despair. Despite the help of the couple's daughter who lives with them, the bulk of caregiving still fell on Mrs Lui. It was during this time that Mrs Lui's daughter and friends began sharing the love of Christ with her. This trial opened Mrs Lui's heart to accept Christ. Whenever caregiving became overwhelming, Mrs Lui would turn to God in prayer. Subsequently, Mr Lui also gave his life to Christ when Mrs Lui and their daughter brought him to church.

"During her initial visits to our nursing home, Mrs Lui was quite stressed. But after seeing that her husband is better taken care of here, she became assured, and is more cheerful and at peace," shared Eva. "We also referred Mr Lui to our MWS chaplains, who often visit and pray with him."

These days, while Mrs Lui still wrestles with feelings of guilt about placing her husband in a nursing facility, she knows that it is the best course of action. "I feel like I am abandoning him, but I know that is not the case. I really miss him and want to care for him, but since I am not able to, I am very thankful and assured that he is well taken care of here."

Prayer for respite answered

By God's divine timing, Mrs Lui was introduced to MWS Bethany Nursing Home – Choa Chu Kang (BNH) through a leader in her daughter's small group at Wesley Methodist Church. She was impressed by MWS BNH's holistic, person-centred care and sincere staff. Her prayer for respite was answered when the family admitted Mr Lui to MWS BNH smoothly in June 2022. Mrs Lui's relief, however, was quickly overshadowed by the financial pressure of placing her husband in longterm nursing home care.

Darkness turned to light Again, Mrs Lui chose to cast her burden on God, who proved faithful once more. As Mr Lui's family was not eligible for government subsidies, his medical social worker Eva Yeo helped them to obtain financial assistance, significantly alleviating Mrs Lui's financial worries. Through these trials and answered prayers, Mrs Lui's conviction in her Christian faith grew stronger and she is now preparing for baptism.

"You, Lord, keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light."

(Psalm 18:28 NIV)

This Christmas, join MWS in shining God's light into the dark corners of the lives of our over 9,000 beneficiaries and their families.

Through your generous giving, you can shine as beacons of light and hope and make the nights warmer for the disadvantaged and distressed like Mrs Lui. To donate, visit

mws.sg/product/darkness-into-light or scan the QR code.

Eva, Mr Lui's medical social worker, has been a steady pillar of support to Mrs Lui since her husband's admission into MWS Bethany Nursing Home

20 Methodist Message

December 2022

Alvin Tan is the chairman of Methodist Missions Society (MMS). / Photos courtesy of MMS

Towards being the agency of

choice

(left to right)

CCMC Nepal Medical Mission Team Charis MC Thailand Mission Team TACMC Cambodia COSI Mission Team

A

s a denominational missions agency, the sustainability of the Methodist Missions Society’s ministries, and indeed, the rationale for our very existence, depend on how deeply the Singapore Methodist churches and community are invested in what we do. The key distinction between us and an interdenominational agency is the deliberate choice of a narrow but potentially more accessible denominational support base. For a denominational agency like us to remain viable, however, we must be seen as relevant and integral to achieving the missions objectives of our support base.

We may be positioned as the missions arm of The Methodist Church in Singapore but we do not take our denominational support for granted. We need to earn that support, which requires good engagement with our stakeholders to understand their needs and expectations and conversely, for them to understand our mission and objectives. It goes without saying that we should display good governance, stewardship and accountability.

We have been around for more than 30 years and partnered some 21 (out of 46) Singapore Methodist churches. We have left and continue to leave footprints of ministry in seven countries. It is now time for us to reevaluate our role. How may we become the missions agency of choice for the Methodist churches in Singapore? Should a strong topdown leadership to spearhead and establish our ministries while rallying the support of the Methodist community and churches remain as our key approach? How can we reach the goal of being in partnership with all Singapore

About

METHODIST MISSIONS SOCIETY The Methodist Missions Society (MMS) was established in 1991 as the missions agency of The Methodist Church in Singapore (MCS). It is the first homegrown denomination-based missionary-sending agency in Singapore.

MMS seeks to establish indigenous churches supported by mission endeavours in communities across our region where there is no Methodist presence. Through MMS, MCS is positioned at the forefront of reaping in God's harvest fields.

MMS is committed towards encouraging, enlisting, engaging, and empowering Methodists to serve in missions by partnering, praying for, and participating with MMS to reach those whom Jesus died to redeem. MMS also addresses social concerns, through healthcare, education, livelihood projects, and practical assistance.

The current focus is on the Asian region, particularly Cambodia, East Asia, Laos, Nepal, Thailand, Timor-Leste and Vietnam, owing to their proximity to Singapore and the immense opportunities to reach the large numbers of unreached people groups in these countries for Christ.

December 2022 Methodist Message 21

Towards being the agency of choice

Methodist churches in missions, recognising that vibrancy in missions often resides at the local church and Annual Conference levels?

Having accumulated many useful experiences and practices, perhaps it is time for us to go beyond spearheading field initiatives, defining strategy, and developing missions roadmaps. Rather, we should additionally leverage our resources to promote a healthy and robust missions culture in our Methodist churches. It is not realistic to expect all of them to focus only on our MMS ministries. In fact, the more established Methodist churches have been involved with other agencies for longer than we have been in existence, and in fields where we are not present.

Therefore, for us to thrive, our challenge is to communicate our vision, mission and culture to the local churches to align our missions objectives, and to support and facilitate missions initiatives within the churches and Annual Conferences.

In fields with potential, our emphasis is to play a significant role in the passing down of the Methodist legacy, with institutions such as churches, schools, charitable foundations, Bible schools, church governing bodies etc. For us to do so requires not only a disciplined strategic approach, but sustained partnerships and support across all levels of our Methodist denomination.

It is crucial for our existence that we actively strive to become the missions agency of choice to the Singapore Methodist community.

(left to right)

TRACers Timor-Leste Mission Team ACS (Indep) Laos CIP Team

Justin Chan is a Programme Executive at Methodist School of Music, Worship & Church Music Department.

Worship

This Christmas, try a new arrangement to old

Wesleyan carols W

hat new carols do we have to sing for

the shape and form of our human clay. And

Christmas this year? Consider a "new"

he did so, as decreed by Scripture, mostly

Charles Wesley song.

unnoticed, as "unmarked by human eye, the latent Godhead lay". Because of the

"Let Earth And Heaven Combine" is a

incarnation, not only may we now understand

Christmas hymn well-known to Methodists,

our lives and physical presence as good in the

and its text was among the Charles Wesley

eyes of God who has shared the experience

texts that were given to local composers at

with us, we can also experience "the life of

the annual "The Faith We Sing" songwriting

God" in a whole new way because God has

and singing retreat, where they were

been made "manifest below".

challenged to set new music to well-known, traditional texts.

How so? In keeping with the Wesleyan concept of Christian Perfection, Verses

So be it traditional or contemporary—there's

5 and 6 touch on the end goal of the

one for you! For those who prefer something

lifelong pursuit of holiness. God makes

more contemporary, Nigel Goh has set the

us "all divine" through the process of

lyrics to an upbeat synth pop and re-titled

sanctification—"made perfect first in love,

it "God With Us". Others may prefer the

and sanctified by grace". However, the

contemplative choral arrangement by Joy Nilo.

rising crescendo of theological thought climaxes not on man, but on God's vision

Whichever version you choose, the text

for the whole creation:

brings you the theology behind the wonder and paradox of incarnation, presented in a robustly succinct yet poetically accessible

His love shall then be fully showed, And man shall all be lost in God.

manner. Verse 1 summarises the doctrine which serves as the springboard from which

Let me encourage you to give one of these

it is further explored:

new arrangements a try at the upcoming Christmas service (or the week after, as it is

Our God contracted to a span, Incomprehensibly made man.

still within Christmastide) to complement

In Verses 2 through 4, the image of the

Sing it with a fresh view of the Christmas

nativity is transformed into a statement

narrative. In doing so, may we find signs of

of God's humility and nearness. God is not

Jesus' presence in our own life and in the

distant but "laid His glory by", taking up

world around.

your usual Christmas worship songs.

December 2022 Methodist Message 23

Let Earth and Heaven Combine

Words: Charles Wesley, Hymns for the Nativity of Our Lord (London: Strahan, 1745).

1. Let earth and heaven combine,

4. Unsearchable the love

Angels and men agree,

That hath the Saviour brought,

To praise in songs Divine

The grace is far above

The' incarnate Deity,

Or man or angel's thought;

Our God contracted to a span,

Suffice for us, that God we know,

Incomprehensibly made man.

Our God is manifest below.

2. He laid His glory by,

5. He deigns in flesh to' appear,

He wrapp'd Him in our clay,

Widest extremes to join,

Unmark'd by human eye

To bring our vileness near,

The latent Godhead lay;

And make us all Divine;

Infant of days He here became,

And we the life of God shall know,

And bore the mild Immanuel's name.

For God is manifest below.

3. See in that Infant's face

6. Made perfect first in love,

The depths of Deity,

And sanctified by grace,

And labour while ye gaze

We shall from earth remove,

To sound the mystery:

And see His glorious face;

In vain; ye angels, gaze no more,

His love shall then be fully show'd,

But fall, and silently adore.

And man shall all be lost in God.

You may find these songs and more on our resource portal, after creating a free account and following this link:

https://portal.msmusic.edu.sg/items/210

Responding to "a-changin' times"

B

ob Dylan's folk song "The Times They

Individuals experience or cope with change

Are a-Changin'" was released in 1964

in different ways. Some may be bewildered

but still speaks to the times we are living

and anxious. Others may find change

in. In the last three years, one big change

exciting and welcome it. There may be

we all had to adjust to was Covid-19. The

some areas where we welcome change

pandemic disrupted almost every aspect of

and others where we want greater stability.

our lives such as how we study, work, travel,

For example, after eating the same food

socialise and practise our faith.

for several days, most people would want a change while with good friends, we would rather that they not change their character

have coincided with others such as

too unexpectedly. There is also the matter

marriage, moving homes, coping with

of whether we initiate the change or others

ageing or care of ageing parents. Even as

impose it on us. If we choose to change (like

we try to adapt to "living with Covid", the

taking on a new job), we would be more likely

coronavirus keeps mutating and testing

to play a more active role in adjusting to it.

our capacity to manage it. In addition, life seems to have conspired and thrown more

As believers, we ask: what does God say

unexpected disruptions our way, such as

about change and how are we to cope with

the war in Ukraine, climate change, raging

it? We must first recognise that he never

inflation and a slowing world economy.

promised that our circumstances will never

December 2022 Methodist Message 25

Photo by Weston m on Unsplash

For many, these dramatic changes may

14

METHODIST MESSAGE, JULY 2013

Responding to "a-changin' times"

change. He also never assured us that only

being cynically resigned to his fate. Instead,

changes for the better will be our lot in life.

like him, we too can question why these

Indeed, the account of Job experiencing one

things are happening but we need not

calamity after another shows how Job, whom

question God's purposes and intent. To

we are told was blameless and upright (Job

do so is to question the very nature and

1:8), was not spared personal tragedy.

character of God. Although God may allow an unexpected thing in your life, we are

Job's response to all his afflictions—losing

reminded that he "is the same yesterday

all his riches and all his offspring—was one

and today and forever" (Heb 13:8). Moreover,

of quiet acceptance. In Job 1:21, he put it

"... his compassions never fail. They are new

very succinctly: "Naked I came from my

every morning; great is your faithfulness"

mother's womb and naked shall I return." He

(Lam 3:22-23 NIV).

recognised how puny mankind is in relation to the power of God. This perspective is also

To remind ourselves of the perspective to

evident in Ecclesiastes 3:1-3 (ASV), which

take and therefore allow it to shape our

says "...a time for every purpose under

response to change, may we draw on the

heaven". Every purpose includes a time to

Apostle Paul's words to "... fix our eyes not

be born and a time to die, a time to heal

on what is seen, but on what is unseen,

and a time to kill, a time to weep and a time

since what is seen is temporary, but what is

to laugh. These verses affirm the complete

unseen is eternal" (2 Cor 4:18 NIV). In short,

sovereignty of God over all things, whether

not to allow present changes to obscure our

we perceive them as good or bad for us.

view of the eternal realities of our faith.

So, are we to respond to difficult life

As we encounter all the changes around

changes by throwing our hands in the air

us that seem, in Dylan's words, to "... shake

and saying, "So be it, God wills it"? To hold

your windows and rattle your walls", may

the view that who are we mere mortals

we not be despairing but have confidence

to question what God wants to do? I do

in the unshakeable love and compassion of

not think that Job's response was one of

our Lord.

communications@methodist.org.sg

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December 2022 Methodist Message 27

Holy Land Tours Israel & Turkey 20 Years of Experience in Organising Bible Land Tours

‫שָׁ ל ם‬ Shalom Tour shalomtour@singnet.com.sg (65) 9777 3721

Lynette Loo is a member of Grace Methodist Church, and sings in its choir and co-leads a Connect Group. She also serves on the Senior Fellowship committee and Church Governance committee. / Photo courtesy of Lynette Loo

Doing good works and witnessing to the lost

I Lynette Loo

have been a member of Grace Methodist Church (GMC) since 1989. Before then, I had many opportunities to hear about God and salvation from different people of different denominations. By God’s grace, I was eventually led to a small group of Methodists that met in my neighbour’s home.

This small group is now one of the Connect Groups of Grace Methodist Church. My family and I joined the group, and we felt welcomed and comfortable in the home setting. After a few months, we started attending GMC services and we are now serving in different ministries at GMC. All glory to God. One of the things that appealed to me about the Methodist church was the systematic way of doing things. While studying at Oxford, Charles and John Wesley led "The Holy Club"—a group of men who maintained strict rules of Bible study, prayer and good works. Others called them "Methodists" because of their discipline.

This model is similar to how the Intentional Disciplemaking Roadmap adopted by Grace Methodist Church methodically sets out what a true disciple of Christ looks like. I especially see how doing good works and witnessing gels with being a Methodist.

by Kopikaki team

STORIES FROM THE FIELD: BUDDHISM IN THAILAND 3 January 2023 (Tuesday), 8.00 p.m. to 9.30 p.m.

Online via Zoom Register before 2 January 2023 via www.tinyurl.com/sff2023-buddhism About 93.6% of the population in Thailand are Buddhists, the majority being Theravada Buddhists. What can we learn about their beliefs? How can Christians better understand the worldviews of Buddhists?

Dr Satanun, author of A Christian Theology of Suffering in the Context of Theravada Buddhism in Thailand, shares his insights as to how we can stay rooted firmly in Scripture and grounded in a theology of the cross while engaging with Buddhists.

Organised by Wycliffe Singapore

EQUIP – CITY OF GOD, CITY OF MEN: AN INTRODUCTION TO CHRISTIAN POLITICAL THOUGHT 5 January–16 February 2023 (Thursday evenings), 7.30 p.m. to 9.30 p.m.

Online via Zoom https://ttc.edu.sg/english/study-at-ttc/equip-registration/ $100 (Free for TTC Alumni and TTC Matriculated Students-Registration required) The playwright George Bernard Shaw is dubiously quoted as saying that "politics is the last resort for the scoundrels". Boies Penrose, a former US Senator, once said "public office is the last refuge of the incompetent".

Though tongue-in-cheek, these quotes suggest why politics is often considered a dirty word. There is a sense of cynicism, frustration, and even despair whenever politics is mentioned. Yet this was not always so. Celebrated thinkers in the Christian tradition have seen politics, if disciplined and informed by a robust Christian faith, as a vocation of high dignity and nobility. This course examines politics from biblical and theological perspectives.

Participants will read key figures in the Western Christian political tradition and attempt to recover a theological vision of the good of politics and also consider how this vision might shape political ethics, such as issues of law, justice, human rights and the common good.

Rev Dr Nathanael Goh is a pastor from the Chinese Annual Conference of The Methodist Church in Singapore.

He is pastoring at Sengkang Methodist Church. An advocate for the importance of Christian ethics and moral formation, his interests are at the intersection of Scripture, theology and ethics—especially a retrieval of Christian theological visions of the common good.

Organised by EQUIP

MAN OF IMPACT (MOI) – JANUARY TO MAY 2023 INTAKE 31 January–9 May 2023, Tuesday evenings, 7.30 p.m. to 9.30 p.m.

Cru Centre, 18 Verdun Road Register before 19 January 2023 at https://mde.cru.org.sg/Event $43 for MOI Participant Guide Are you seeking to live a life of purpose and significance, one that is empowered by God? Join us for this 8-session course and learn what it means to be a man of impact for God's kingdom. This is a primarily online-facilitated course, with up to three face-to-face sessions at Cru Centre.

Organised by Cru Singapore