Methodist Message: February 2023

Vol 125 No 2 FEBRUARY 2023

Scripture

Reason Tradition THE WESLEYAN QUADRILATERAL

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

Experience

The Wesleyan Quadrilateral: What is it and is it relevant today?

Does my denomination matter to God? Fred Pratt Green: The other Methodist hymn writer

Contents / Bishop’s Message /

Editorial Board

/ News /

Adviser and Publisher

3 Christmas outreach events for migrant workers

Dr Anthony Goh Chairperson, Council on Communications

5 Not kidding around: Methodist preschools are keeping step with the tech age

Communications Manager

/ Feature /

Lynn Tan

8 The Wesleyan Quadrilateral: What is it and is it relevant today?

Managing Editor

11 Does my denomination matter to God?

Alvin Tay

13 Finding faith while working abroad:

Editor

Migrant workers who found their home in Methodist churches

Lianne Ong

Communications Executive

/ Opinion /

Kathrynn Koh

16 Soundings: Hymning our spiritual heritage

Sub-editors Lucy Cheng Janice Khoo Tan Chiu Ai

19 Breaking the poverty cycle

Proofreaders

21 What do heroes look like?

/ Outreach /

Kenneth Lee Christabel Tan

/ Worship / 24 Fred Pratt Green: The other Methodist hymn writer

/ Relationships / 26 You and Your Family: The apple does not fall far from the tree … or does it?

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.

70 Barker Road #06-04 Singapore 309936 6478-4793 | 6478-4763

/ People / 29 Innovation requires courage

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Corrections & Clarifications

methodist.org.sg/message www.methodist.org.sg

CAC Pastoral Appointments 2023

communications@methodist. org.sg

The following appointments were erroneously reported in the January 2023 issue (print edition) of Methodist Message. It should have been

fb.com/Methodist.SG @methodist.sg @methodistsg Have something to say or share?

Email us at

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

reported as •

District Superintendent District 2: 吴毅华牧师 Rev Andy Goh Yik Wah

•

District Superintendent District 3: 何秋吟牧师 Rev Helen Hoe Chiew Ngin

Update in Jan 2023: Retired pastor Rev Daniel Teoh Kean Oon will no longer be re-engaged with CAC. 47th Trinity Annual Conference The 47th Trinity Annual Conference was hosted by Barker Road Methodist Church. This was inadvertently omitted from the article.

Common principles of all Christianity An d t h i s c o m m a n d m e n t w e h a v e f r o m h i m : w h o e v e r l o v e s G o d m u s t a l s o l o v e h i s b r o t h e r.

(1 John 4:21)

T

his is one of the many verses of Scripture that John Wesley quoted in an article he wrote entitled "The Character of a Methodist".

Wesley writes that a Methodist is someone in whom "this commandment is written in his heart, that he who loveth God, love his brother also. And he accordingly loves his neighbour as himself; he loves every man as his own soul. His heart is full of love to all mankind." 1 After describing several other characteristics of a Methodist, Wesley then wrote (paragraph 17): "These are the principles and practices of our sect, these are the marks of a true Methodist… If (any one should) say, 'Why

Whilst this issue of Methodist Message features various aspects of our Methodist heritage, we should, like Wesley, "vehemently refuse to be distinguished from other men, by any but the common principles of Christianity".

May our Methodist heritage inform and inspire us on our journey through life with all true disciples of Jesus Christ, loving God with all our hearts by loving our neighbours as ourselves.

principles of Christianity!' you have said; I reply: Indeed. This is the very truth. I know they are… and I would to God that you, and everyone, would also know that I, and all who follow my judgment, do vehemently refuse to be distinguished from other men, by any but the common principles of Christianity. The plain, old Christianity that I teach, renouncing and detesting all other marks of distinction." 2

John Wesley, "The Character of a Methodist" (paragraph 9).

1

2

John Wesley, “The Character of a Methodist”

(paragraph 17). This is a paraphrase.

February 2023 Methodist Message 1

Photo by Benjamin Lee

these are only the common, fundamental

In other words, Wesley said that the fundamental characteristics of Methodists should be the fundamental characteristics of all Christians, plain and simple. So when Wesley preached—and Wesley preached a lot—he was not trying to preach Methodism. He was trying to preach basic Christianity.

Coming up

2 Methodist Message February 2023

Justis Jegans serves in the Indian Friends Fellowship (IFF) at Tamil Methodist Church, Short Street (SSTMC). / Photos courtesy of IFF, SSTMC

News

Christmas celebrations for migrant workers bring volunteers from SSTMC and other Methodist churches together

I

ndian Friends Fellowship (IFF) of the Tamil Methodist Church, Short Street (SSTMC)

had very exciting and inspiring Christmas celebrations for migrant workers. From 2 to 25 December 2022, several Christmas celebrations were held in 10 dormitories and at SSTMC. More than 2,000 migrant workers in total were able to attend the celebrations islandwide.

The entire effort brought together not just IFF 's 25 regular volunteers, but also volunteers from other Methodist churches and beyond. Participating churches and organisations included a OneMCS cluster comprising Wesley Methodist Church, Kum Yan Methodist Church and SSTMC; Pentecost Methodist Church, Singapore Telegu Methodist Church, Mar Thoma Syrian Church in Singapore, The Salvation Army and Asia Evangelical Fellowship also lent their hand.

February 2023 Methodist Message 3

Christmas celebrations for migrant workers

Celebration highlights On 11 December, more than 70 migrant

The grand finale was the Christmas

domestic workers (MDWs) of Tamil, Telugu

celebration at SSTMC on Christmas Day.

and Malayalam descent took part in the

Nearly 200 migrant workers attended

Christmas celebrations held at SSTMC.

the celebration. They were all treated

This Christmas celebration was built upon

to a sumptuous Indian dinner. Many

a regular fellowship for MDWs that has

games and activities were organised for

been taking place every second Sunday

the migrant workers, including nativity

of the month since 8 May 2022. Around

scene costumes for photo-taking. They

30 MDWs attend the fellowship regularly,

were gifted goody bags containing

which would start with lunch, followed

fruit, electrical and other gift items.

by games, songs, message, prayer, and

Kum Yan Methodist Church supported

end with tea. The guests who attended

this celebration by offering two vans to

the Christmas celebration have been

transport workers from the Space@Tuas

invited to attend the monthly Sunday

and ASPRI-Westlite Papan dormitories.

fellowship.

With Christmas providing an opportunity On 17 December, the Christmas

to spread the gospel to migrant workers,

celebration at Kaki Bukit Recreation

the IFF prays and hopes that the message

Centre took into account that it was

of Christmas will stay with them. The IFF

International Migrants Day on 18

was heartened by the positive feedback

December. About 30 volunteers from

received on how participants enjoyed

Wesley Methodist Church, 50 youths from

themselves, and would like to thank all who

Pentecost Methodist Church, as well

worked together to bring joy to the migrant

as volunteers from The Salvation Army

workers during this festive season, including

team came to support this event. Wesley

the Ministry of Manpower ACE Team,

Methodist Church's Creation Expressions

dormitory management and staff of the

Ministry performed. The Ministry of

respective dormitories, and all volunteers

Manpower (MOM) supported this event by

from various churches and organisations for

mobilising workers from the dormitories.

their support and funding.

4 Methodist Message February 2023

Chan Yuey Sum is the Manager (Marketing & Promotion) at Methodist Preschool Services Pte Ltd (MPSPL) / Photos courtesy of MPSPL

News

Our Methodist preschools are keeping step with the tech age

I

n 2020, The Methodist Church in Singapore (MCS) set up Methodist Preschool Services Pte Ltd (MPSPL) to consolidate the operation and management of Methodist preschools (presently there are six) with the mission of providing "holistic and quality preschool education anchored on Christian values in a nurturing environment, to enable all children to maximise their potential".

MPSPL's Executive Director, Mr Roland Tan, says, "As faith-based preschools, we endeavour to provide distinctive Christian education in an environment where every child learns joyfully and confidently while developing godly character. Our dedicated and professional educators are committed to deliver a holistic STEM-based curriculum that encompasses both academic and character development 'to nurture children of Good Character with future-ready mindsets of an Explorer, Innovator and Entrepreneur'."

The testimonies of some parents whose children attended the MPSPL-managed preschools in 2022 affirm the direction taken by MPSPL.

Mr and Mrs David Wong , parents of

Mr and Mrs David Wong

Alden Wong (K1, Faith Methodist Preschool), were pleasantly surprised during a family outing to the shopping mall when Alden excitedly began explaining the science behind the automatic glass doors they had just walked through. Pointing to the motion sensors at the top of the doors, he surmised that similar sensors could be integrated with his LEGO toys to make them 'magical'!

They have seen not only his knowledge of technology improve, but also his observation skills, his ability to understand and apply what he has been taught and to articulate his thoughts with confidence, all within a loving and caring environment which inculcates strong Christian values.

The teachers' regular feedback to these busy working parents has helped them to understand both Alden's strengths and challenging areas to work on. "Together with the teachers, we have seen him grow and mature into a more responsible boy," Mr Wong says with evident pride.

February 2023 Methodist Message 5

Not kidding around: Our Methodist preschools are keeping step with the tech age

Mdm Goh Lay Kwan , mother of Emily

Mdm Goh Lay Kwan and Mr Tan Eng Keng, with their daughter, Emily

(K2, Bedok Methodist Preschool), likes the school's attention to emotional and character development. She appreciates how the teachers have invested in Emily's life, teaching her good values, wanting for her to have a godly character, and to remain responsible and God-loving through to adulthood.

Emily had the opportunity to participate in a week-long Space Buds Programme at the preschool, where she learned about space and even interacted with a true-blue Asian, female astronaut. "To be able to hear stories from an astronaut's perspective was so valuable and so interesting for her."

Mrs Tulika Nayyar , mother of Aadya (K1,

Mrs Tulika Nayyar and Aadya

Foochow Methodist Preschool), praises its holistic programme which not just prepares the children to be ready for primary school but also to face bigger challenges. She has seen how the curriculum encourages creativity. With programmes like LEGO (Build the Change) Minecraft Education, Mrs Nayyar is also appreciative of the teachers and staff who, in her own words, "nurture the children, help them build confidence, and in general make them good citizens" having the right moral values.

Mr and Mrs Borhade Sumit, parents of Charvee (K1, Sengkang Methodist Preschool), endorse the preschool's all-round focus on a child's academic, spiritual as well as social development. "Every Friday, there's Chapel, I've myself learnt a few things from her! For instance, she once came home and told me we should be kind and thankful to people around us," says Mrs Sumit.

Mr and Mrs Borhade Sumit

6 Methodist Message February 2023

Mr Sumit is equally awed by Charvee's intellectual progress. He recounts their astonishment when Charvee was able to help her mother at the supermarket to open her phone camera, scan the barcode of an item and proceed with the checkout. Since then, his daughter has started taking great interest in his work as a software engineer, asking endless questions about the devices she sees on his desk, and how they operate.

Mr Tian Jian , father of Zexuan (N1, Toa Payoh Methodist Preschool), is another parent who is impressed, noting that the teachers treat the children with love, patience and gentleness, always encouraging them and helping them to form good habits. "Zexuan learned from his teachers to share and take turns with his classmates when playing. I can see that he gets along well with his friends. When he first entered the unfamiliar environment of school, he often cried. Now he hums a song and says, "See you tomorrow!" to his teachers after school. My family and I feel that it is very important that our son is happy at this age. Being a happy, optimistic person with good character is invaluable and will help him overcome stresses in future."

Mr Tian Jian

Mr and Mrs Louis-Marie Edward Jean Gallois , parents of Melchior (N2, Serangoon Garden Methodist Preschool), first came to Singapore when Melchior was about 2 years old.

Mr Gallois says, "Maybe because there were too many changes in his life then; sometimes he would be a bit angry or cry. But we can really see the difference now. Now, he is so eager to go to school! He can understand and speak English now and is really comfortable interacting with people. We say grace before mealtimes but once, when we began eating without saying grace, Melchior started saying grace by himself!

I was so happy to see him do that."

They are also glad that moral values such as being respectful and polite are taught at the preschool.

Mr and Mrs Louis-Marie Edward Jean Gallois

Please scan the respective QR codes for more information:

MPSPL website

Methodist church members Enrolment Promotion February 2023 Methodist Message 7

Rev Dr Chiang Ming Shun has been a pastor for 22 years and is the Elder Attached at Kampong Kapor Methodist Church. He is a lecturer in Church History at Trinity Theological College, where he is also Associate Dean.

The Wesleyan Quadrilateral:

What is it and is it relevant today?

8 Methodist Message February 2023

H

ow do Methodists do theology and

Whatever you call it, the Quadrilateral

approach issues? When Methodists

reflects Wesley's belief that "the living

try to answer questions about God

core of the Christian faith was revealed in

and the world, we use a tool called the

Scripture, illumined by tradition, vivified

Wesleyan Quadrilateral. A quadrilateral is

in personal experience, and confirmed by

any closed four-sided shape like a square

reason." 2 Scripture, tradition, experience

or rectangle, but our Quadrilateral is a

and reason make up four sides of the

more complicated structure, though easy

Quadrilateral. These are not unique to

to grasp and easier to misunderstand.

Methodists—other Christians use them as

It may surprise you that John

well. It is just that we Methodists have a

Wesley himself did not use the term,

smoking hot term.

'Quadrilateral'.

The misunderstanding lies in thinking In Steven Spielberg's 2018 movie Ready

that these four sides are equal. For

Player One (but not in the original novel

Wesley (and all evangelical Christians),

by Ernest Cline), the second clue in the

Scripture is primary and paramount.

contest to win control of the immersive,

The Anglican Bishop N T Wright wrote,

virtual universe "Oasis" begins with

"[S]cripture, tradition and reason are not

the line, "A Creator who hates his own

like three different bookshelves, each of

creation." This refers to Stephen King,

which can be ransacked for answers to

who hated the movie version of his book,

key questions. Rather, [S]cripture is the

The Shining.

bookshelf; tradition is the memory of what people in the house have read and

To a smaller extent, the line might also

understood (or perhaps misunderstood)

refer to the late Albert Outler, a giant

from that shelf; and reason is the set of

of a theologian who coined the term

spectacles that people wear in order to

'Quadrilateral'. Outler, who served for

make sense of what they read..." 3

decades as Professor of Theology at Southern Methodist University, later

In the words of Chris Bounds, a

admitted, "The term 'quadrilateral' does

Methodist professor and theologian at

not occur in the Wesley corpus—and

Indiana Wesleyan University, tradition

more than once I have regretted having

is how the Church has historically

coined it for contemporary use since it

interpreted Scripture. Reason brings

has been so widely misconstrued."

logical coherence and empowers us to

1

make sense of Scripture and tradition.

Outler (he appears in the first video of

When our reading of Scripture is true

the Disciple 1 Bible Study series) drew

and affirmed by tradition, aligned with

inspiration from the Anglican Church's

reason, then we are led to an experiential

Chicago -Lambeth Quadrilateral of

faith through the witness of the Holy

1886 . Richard Heitzenrater, Professor

Spirit. What is taught by Scripture,

Emeritus of Church Histor y and Wesley

affirmed by tradition, and supported

Studies at Duke Divinity School, called

by reason, must be experienced in the

it the "Outler Quadrilateral" instead. The

Christian life. After all, faith must be

British Methodists prefer the name, "The

experienced personally and there is an

Methodist Quadrilateral".

experiential heart dimension to head knowledge in the Christian faith.

February 2023 Methodist Message 9

The Wesleyan Quadrilateral: What is it and is it relevant today?

How does this work in practice? Think

your experience above Scripture for

about a theological question like, "Is it

personal ends. And people do this all the

all right to lie?" To answer this, we would

time with contemporary issues. A proper

first look at what the Bible says. We would

grasp and application of the Quadrilateral

look at what the Church and what other

would have provided a clearer, more

Christians throughout history have said.

honest and truthful approach.

We would use reason to interpret the Bible and reflect on tradition. Finally, we

Scripture determines what we believe

would think about what the Holy Spirit is

and churches develop doctrines based

saying to us in our collective and personal

on Scripture. Individuals and churches

experiences today.

may have theologies that differ, which is fine because we are not identical. We

It is important to stress that in the

certainly need tools to interpret and apply

Quadrilateral, Scripture is the sole

Scripture in different situations and times,

authority. Tradition, reason and

and Methodists have a fine methodology

experience are but aids to interpret

in the Wesleyan Quadrilateral.

Scripture. Our Quadrilateral does not have four equal sides.

There are, however, people who think that one or more of the other sides are equal or even superior to Scripture.

For example, imagine that you have children who are married and they now commit adultery. You know the biblical

Oden, Thomas and Longden, Leicester. The Wesleyan Theological Heritage: Essays of Albert C. Outler, 1st edition. Zondervan, 1991. p.35-36

1

The Book of Discipline of the United Methodist Church, 2016, p. 82 Section 4 – Our Theological Task.

2

3 Wright, N T. The Last Word; Beyond the Bible Wars to a New Understanding of the Authority of Scripture. Harper Collins, 2005. p. 101-102

commandment against adultery. But because it is your children whom you love

ABOUT THE COVER:

and you want to avoid blaming them, you reinterpret the Bible and argue that Vol 125 No 2 FEBRUARY 2023

Scripture

the commandment is time-bound to earlier societies and that the Church's

Reason Tradition THE WESLEYAN QUADRILATERAL

teaching against adultery is outdated and incompatible to 21st century life. You society. What you have done is to elevate

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

find reasons to justify adultery in modern

Experience

The Wesleyan Quadrilateral: What is it and is it relevant today?

Does my denomination matter to God? Fred Pratt Green: The other Methodist hymn writer

The mathematically astute may realise that the Venn diagram depicted is hardly a quadrilateral.

However, in the age of iPhones and squircles, the editorial team has accepted this as "creative licence" as it explains the Wesleyan Quadrilateral concept well.

ABOUT THE ARTWORK An illustration of the Wesleyan Quadrilateral, the four qualities of Reason, Tradition, Experience and Scripture, and how these may be challenged in our modern age.

The artist used the parable of the faithful maidens awaiting the bridegroom, with sufficient oil in their lamps. They are holding lamps signifying Reason, Tradition and Experience, casting light on the surrounding Scriptures before them, to signify the all-encompassing importance of the fourth quality.

ABOUT THE ARTIST Yen Tun I is an artist and with the Arts Release ministry with Worldwide Evangelisation for Christ (WEC) missions agency. He seeks to create artworks based on Scripture, with fresh angles on arts and culture.

10 Methodist Message February 2023

Feature

By Agnes Lee This article was first published on YMI (https://ymi.today/) and is reproduced with permission.

YMI is a platform for Christian young people and is part of Our Daily Bread Ministries.

Does my denomination matter to God?

"What? You are attending a Bible study in a Methodist church?"

My husband expressed his surprise when I first told him that I was joining this particular Bible study. It was 10 minutes' walk from my office, and would be held just after work hours, which worked out perfectly for me.

I am currently involved in four different churches and Christian organisations, all from different denominational backgrounds.

It is no surprise that my husband might wonder if I am becoming theologically confused. But increasingly, I am learning that God's love is not limited to any one denomination.

My home church is a Pentecostal church under the Assemblies of God denomination.

I started attending the church because of the help and support leaders and church members offered me during a period of trials I faced early in our marriage. These were the people who helped me see God in my darkest moments. This was where my theological foundations were laid, through Bible studies led by my mentor and other leaders of the church.

We are a charismatic church. It is common to hear people speaking in tongues (1 Cor 14:3-5) and raising up holy hands in adoration during worship. We unabashedly sing modern worship songs. I enjoy being involved in such lively worship.

My husband's family, however, prefers that I attend church with them. So for now, I spend more Sundays at their Anglican church than I do at my home church.

Initially this was a difficult transition. The traditional hymns and music at the Anglican church, as well as how quiet and conservative worshippers were, stuck me as rigid. I missed the livelier worship at my home church, and I quietly criticised the leaders and worshippers for their style of worship. It felt like they were just following the weekly routine of worship, and were not at all led by the Spirit.

Despite my initial misgivings, every time I attended the church, the sermons ministered to me—just like the sermons I heard back at my home church. I began to realise that despite our difference in worship styles or our approach towards spiritual gifts, we both believe in the infallible Word of God. Pastors

February 2023 Methodist Message 11

Does my denomination matter to God?

in both churches preach sound doctrine.

Both churches stand firm on the Bible. And God uses both churches to speak into my heart and convict me of my sins.

Instead of judging the leaders and worshippers at the new church for not being charismatic, I realised that I should repent of being a judge myself. After all, who am I to judge someone else's servant (Rom 14:4)?

The members of my husband's church are true believers of God. They cling to the same blessed hope and assurance that I have in Christ. The Holy Spirit who inspires the preachers and leaders of both churches is the same Spirit that works in my life.

As for that Bible study that led to my husband's surprised reaction—it meets in a Methodist church, but is a nondenominational gathering. My group leader comes from a Presbyterian background, while friends in my small group come from different churches as well. Though we all come from different backgrounds, we are brought together by the love of Christ, as well as our longing to see more of God in our lives.

I have definitely benefited from the group discussions and lectures here. Alongside these sisters-in-Christ, I am learning more about God's Word and being corrected in some of my erroneous ways.

Through this Bible study, I came to know that the Methodist church conducts a midweek lunch-time service for office workers nearby.

I started attending the lunch-time service, which is short but traditional. I am learning that whatever denomination or style individual Christians prefer, as long as sound doctrine is preached, I can benefit.

Of course, there are certain topics that are handled differently by each church or denomination—such as tongues, prophecies, infant baptism and so on. But as I spent more time in each of these settings, I increasingly realised that while these issues can be important, often they are not worth getting into a debate over. After all, we all worship the same God. And despite minor differences

12 Methodist Message February 2023

in church tradition and teachings, we preach the same gospel and share the common goal of glorifying God. Therefore, it would be wrong for me to judge other denominations for their worship style or minor doctrinal differences. Judging other Christians and churches causes division and is not pleasing to God. Who am I to judge faithful and God-fearing servants with whom God is well-pleased?

Speaking in tongues, singing worship songs and raising hands does not make me better than any other Christian. God looks at our hearts, and by this measure, I have fallen.

I had carelessly allowed pride to creep into me instead of walking carefully in the ways of the Lord. Even if I speak in tongues, I would just be a resounding gong or clanging chamber. I would be nothing if I do not show love (1 Cor 13:1-2).

Instead of focusing on the differences which may cause disputes or stumbling, the Bible commands that we are to love God first with all that we are, and secondly to love our neighbour as ourselves (Matt 22:36-40). We can show love by offering encouragement or helping a fellow Christian friend in need— whatever their church background. My Bible study leader, for example, once called me up when I was feeling down and spoke words of encouragement to me. She reminded me of God's love and truth, and in this way, she lifted my spirit.

Having experienced several different denominations, I realise that our common love for God and longing for him unites us as one body of Christ—as the bride of Christ—with the common goal of waiting for his coming and our entry to our common heavenly home (Eph 5:25-27). As we wait, we must stay alert and vigilant as one common body of Christ by fixing our eyes on Jesus, sharing our common love for Christ with one another, and watching to see how Christ works in our individual lives despite our backgrounds. How beautiful is God's love and hope! It knows no boundaries.

Photos courtesy of Pauldurai Charles Jebaruban, Ligitha Stanly and Mary Jean Sardoma

Feature

Finding faith while working abroad Migrant workers who found their home in Methodist churches

O

ur Methodist churches have many outreach programmes for migrant workers who work in the construction and healthcare industries, as well as services or ministries

tailored to migrant domestic workers (MDWs). But how many of these workers actually end up worshipping in our churches and staying?

We hear from three migrant workers who have attended a Methodist church for several years. Read on to see how they found their home church in Singapore, while being miles away from their home country.

I

am from the Philippines and I've worked as a migrant domestic worker (or helper) in Singapore for 26 years.

I am 55 years old and have two children; my daughter works as a nurse in the Philippines and my son works as an international seafarer.

I came to know about Covenant Community Methodist Church (CCMC) through the first family I worked for, just a week after I started working for them. They introduced me to the church and let me join a small group that met after service, and I have attended CCMC ever since. After four years, I accepted Jesus Christ as my saviour and got baptised. I serve in the choir and as an usher. I'm part of the Homehelpers Ministry and there are 20 of us now.

Mary Jean Sardoma Migrant domestic worker Covenant Community Methodist Church

The Christmas season can be difficult—in 26 years, I've only celebrated Christmas with family twice. The other difficulties helpers face is how to deal with inconsiderate employers. But by God's grace, I've always managed to overcome difficult situations and finish my contracts.

I've learnt to commit everything to God, and be thankful always. There's always something to learn from every situation. God has been good—despite the fact that I've been away from home for a long time, my children are responsible and value my hard work.

February 2023 Methodist Message 13

Finding faith while working abroad

M

y name is Pauldurai Charles Jebaruban and I am 32 years old. I have been

working as a se nior project coordinator in a construction company in Singapore for the past 10 years.

My village, K.Pudur, Sankarankovil, in Tamil Nadu, India is rich in natural resources and has excellent agricultural cultivation. My family—father, mother, two brothers and a younger sister— love the church and we have a heart for God's servants.

When I came to Singapore, I hadn't attended a church for some time and I didn't know which church to attend here. Then one day, I met a brother by the grace of God, and through him I learned about a church in Little India called Kampong Kapor Methodist Church (KKMC).

I have been attending KKMC for the last nine years. The Tamil service, the sermons and the

Pauldurai Charles Jebaruban (pictured with his wife, Suganthy) Senior project coordinator in a construction company Kampong Kapor Methodist Church

brothers and sisters who worship there made me want to visit the church again and again.

Getting a job in Singapore is very difficult.

When I came here to work, it was a job that I had wanted. But the job turned out to be

different and the salary was very low. I had to send money home with this paltry salary, and at the same time, meet my needs here.

In the midst of this, God helped me every day. When the workload kept increasing, and affected me both physically and mentally, I was forced to move to another job. I was confused and did not know who to ask for help. Amidst all the struggles, God comforted me. By his grace, I got a new job.

My wife, Suganthy, faced many obstacles to come here and work. My pastor and cell group prayed for me—somehow God opened the door and a nursing job opportunity came up and she was able to come to Singapore. God is good and can do unbelievable things!

14 Methodist Message February 2023

other via video call and messaging. My children and mother have visited us here in Singapore before and they love it here. I love Singapore for its safety. I would never

Ligitha Stanly Nurse Kampong Kapor Methodist Church

walk alone in India for even a few minutes but here I feel safe.

I had plans to go back to India for a holiday in January last year. But one week before the trip, I fell sick. I was giddy and was not able to walk or work. My husband

I

had returned to India so I was alone. My work as a staff nurse in a psychiatric

friends called an ambulance for me. At

ward in a nursing home, and have been

the hospital I prayed and prayed—I so

working here for 11 years. My husband also

badly wanted to go home. After I was

works here but our children are in India

discharged, I was not completely well

with our families.

enough to go back to work. My friend in KKMC cooked meals for me and delivered

My husband came to Singapore first, and

them to me for one week. God answered

found out about Kampong Kapor Methodist

my prayer and I was able to go back.

Church's (KKMC) Tamil Service through a friend. When I arrived in Singapore and

I would say I was just a Christian by name

joined him at church, I found it was the

before I came to Singapore. But now, I

same style of worship as my church in

go to God in prayer and tell him about

India, so I felt at home.

my difficulties, and I feel God's peace and comfort. These situations make me

Leaving my family members has been

spiritually close to God. I know my God

the most difficult thing about working

can help me. If you have no difficulties you

in Singapore. Every day we talk to each

don't grow close to God, right?

WE ARE HIRING! PROPERTY MANAGER To apply and view other Employment Opportunities at MCS, visit

bit.ly/mcsjobs

Alternatively, send your resume to

hr@methodist.org.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.

Hymning

our spiritual heritage … addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart.

Ephesians 5:19

salms, hymns and spiritual songs have been an integral part of the life of the Christian Church since its inception.

Theologians like Athanasius in the fourth century and Boethius in the sixth, as well as Protestant Reformer Martin Luther in the sixteenth century, maintain that Christian music has the ability to help the believer to grow in the virtues.

In a letter to Ludwig Senfl, written at Coburg on October 4, 1530, Luther declares: "I am not ashamed to confess publicly that next to theology there is no art which is the equal of music, for she alone, after theology, can do what otherwise only theology can accomplish, namely, quiet and cheer up the soul of man…" 1

16 Methodist Message February 2023

Psalms, hymns and spiritual songs fulfil a number of functions in the Church.

They play an important role in corporate worship, enabling God's gathered people to articulate and express their adoration, praise and thanksgiving to God. They also fulfil a didactic function in that good hymns are always inspired by and saturated with the Scriptures, even as they give voice to the most profound theology of the Church.

In addition, as Hans Boersma has pointed out, the fathers teach that Christian music is "a sacramental means that enables one to participate more deeply in the harmonious reality of God himself". 2

Chuttersnap/ Unsplash.com

P

The people called Methodists have a huge and rich repository of hymns and spiritual songs, thanks to John and Charles Wesley who authored more than 9,000 hymns and poems. Some of these hymns are compiled in the United Methodist Hymnal [UMH] and are sung in Methodist churches throughout the world today.

David Hempton describes in Methodism: Empire of the Spirit, "Almost every Methodist gathering began and ended with a hymn… hymns were not only sung on public occasions, they were sung privately or memorised. Wherever one looks in Methodist archives, from the recorded experience of itinerant preachers to the diaries of the faithful, hymns are used for expression, consolation, anticipation, and interpretation. Methodists absorbed their faith through the words of their hymns and sacred verse." 3 The hymns of Charles and John Wesley bring to lyrical expression the doctrines of the Trinity and the humanity and deity of Christ that is articulated in the Nicaean and Chalcedonian creeds.

Charles Wesley wrote between two to three hundred hymns on the Trinity, the most famous of which is "Maker, In Whom We Live" [UMH 88], which provides a glimpse of each person of the Trinity in the first three stanzas.

In the famous Christmas hymn "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing" [UMH 240], we not only find the splendid portrayal of the Incarnation ("Veiled in flesh the God-head see; hail th'incarnate Deity"), but also its purpose ("Born that we no more may die, born to raise us from the earth, born to give us second birth").

In 1746, the Wesley brothers published Pentecost Hymns, a collection of hymns about the Holy Spirit. One of the hymns found in this collection is "Spirit of Faith, Come Down" [UMH 332], which was originally titled "Praying for a Blessing".

This hymn sings about the Holy Spirit as the revealer of the divine mysteries ("Spirit

of faith, come down, reveal the things of God"), and as the inspirer of the faith of Christians ("Inspire the living faith… the faith that conquers all, and doth the mountain move, and saves whoever on Jesus call, and perfects them in love").

I mentioned elsewhere that John Wesley was a theologian of grace par excellence.

Thus, it is not at all surprising that there are numerous hymns in this rich repository that deal with grace in its various aspects.

For example, "Come, Sinners, to the Gospel Feast" [UMH 339] focuses on God's prevenient grace—an important emphasis in John Wesley's theology of grace. Based on the parable found in Luke 14:16-24, the first stanza of the hymn emphasises the universal nature of the divine invitation ("Ye need not one be left behind, for God hath bid all humankind").

There are hymns about God's justifying grace ("And Can it Be that I Should Gain" [UMH 363]), and his sanctifying and perfecting grace ("Love Divine, All Loves Excelling" [UMH 384]). There are also numerous hymns on the various means of grace, especially the sacraments (Holy Communion—"O the Depth of Love Divine" [UMH 627]; Baptism—"Come, Let Us Use the Grace Divine" [UMH 606]).

These hymns are an articulate treasury of the heritage of Methodism—its theology and spiritual ethos. They serve an important catechetical and formative function.

They should therefore have an important place in the lives of the people called Methodists.

Cited by Walter E. Buszin, ‘Luther on Music’, The Musical Quarterly, Vol. 32, No. 1 (January 1946), 84.

1

2 Hans Boersma, Scripture as Real Presence (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2017), 144.

3 David Hempton, Methodism: Empire of the Spirit (New Haven, CT: Yale, 2006), 71.

February 2023 Methodist Message 17

14

METHODIST MESSAGE, JULY 2013

a

g the p n i o k

New challenges While her three kids with her ex-husband have since grown up and are leading their

ve

own lives, Mdm Tan now has a 16-year-old

rt y cy

Br e

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

daughter from another relationship and a minor ward under her care.

To devote more time to her children, Mdm Tan works as a cleaner on a part-time basis.

cle

Her battles with chronic carpal tunnel syndrome, a condition causing pain in her hands extending to her back, has rendered her unable to work in many jobs.

As the sole breadwinner of the family,

Mdm Tan Chiew Leng

Mdm Tan's concerns about providing for her children's growing needs has been alleviated, thanks to the savings she has accumulated since joining MWS Family Development Programme (FDP) in 2018, where MWS matches $2 for every dollar that Mdm Tan saves.

"I feel less stressed now because I have some savings in the event of emergencies or for my children's education in future,"

M

shared Mdm Tan. dm Tan Chiew Leng, 52, has been through some rough patches in life.

She added that being under MWS FDP

At the age of three, she was placed in a

has motivated her to curb unnecessary

children's home by her mother, where she

spending and save for emergencies, and

stayed till the age of 18. Later in life, her

that the savings have come in handy.

marriage ended in a messy divorce and an accumulation of huge debt by her ex-

"When I was going through the divorce

husband under her name.

in my 30s, I borrowed money from my childhood friends to repay my ex-husband's

In desperation, Mdm Tan sold her house

debt. Till today, they didn't chase me to

to pay off the debt and was left with

return the money," she shared.

little savings to live on. Despite her dire circumstances, Mdm Tan has a fighting and

"But recently, one of them had a family

persevering spirit, working three jobs to

emergency and asked me to pay her back,

raise her three young children. "It was a very

so I used a portion of the savings. If not for

tough time," she recalled. "I would buy food

these savings, I would be stressed out. I

for my kids but drink water for my meals

think this is a wonderful programme and I

because I couldn't afford to eat."

have been blessed by it."

February 2023 Methodist Message 19

Breaking the poverty cycle

Not journeying alone As befriending is a key aspect of the programme, with the aim of transforming the beneficiary's behaviour towards their finances, Mdm Tan was paired with MWS befriender Roy Tay. A volunteer with Hakka Methodist Church, Roy has been journeying with Mdm Tan and her family for the past two years. During his monthly visits to the Tan household, Roy guides and encourages Mdm Tan to save and spend wisely. Through his guidance, Mdm Tan has taken small steps towards effective money management that has improved life for herself and her family.

"Roy taught me how to save, for example, by advising my kids not to waste water or electricity.

I followed his advice and managed to cut my electricity bills in half," shared Mdm Tan. Today, Mdm Tan is close to reaching her savings goal and is expected to graduate from the programme by early 2023.

Paying it forward The peace of mind and financial safety net that MWS FDP has provided Mdm Tan with has also freed her up to serve the community as a volunteer.

From befriending neighbours in need to distributing donated goods to needy families, Mdm Tan embodies the kampung spirit through her selfless acts of service. She also helps to care for others, including assisting her neighbour's 30-year-old autistic son with daily living activities like showering and dressing.

Her heart to serve others has sprung forth from her own tough life experiences and rough childhood.

"I want to volunteer because I want to give others what I never had growing up—the warmth of family love," shared Mdm Tan.

20 Methodist Message February 2023

EMPOWER

LOW-INCOME FAMILIES TO BREAK THE POVERTY CYCLE For families like Mdm Tan's which struggle to make ends meet, clearing mounting debts or saving for a rainy day can seem impossible. They find themselves trapped in the poverty cycle, which can be alienating and isolating.

Studies have shown that poverty can lead to not only mental health problems, but tunnel vision in decision-making which perpetuates poverty.

MWS Family Development Programme (FDP) is a debt clearance and savings matching programme, designed to alleviate poverty by helping people get out of debt and into asset building and saving. MWS FDP matches $2 for every dollar that beneficiaries clear in debt or save up.

Empowering families like Mdm Tan's to build an emergency and rainy-day fund relieves them of the emotional strain of dealing with debt, giving them greater emotional capacity and cognitive bandwidth to plan for the future.

Bless low-income families by matching their debt clearance or savings payment and give them hope for a better life by donating at

mws.sg/give.

Rev Teresa Wilborn was formerly Methodist Missions Society (MMS) Area Director for Timor-Leste and Cambodia. She is now the Consultant for Timor-Leste. She worships at Aldersgate Methodist Church. / Photos courtesy of MMS

The missionaries of MMS

What do

A

heroes look like?

s Christians, we honour many heroes of

Wesley made only one missionary trip

the Bible: Noah, Moses, Esther, Rahab,

overseas, intending to convert Native

Peter, Mary Magdalene and Paul. We also

American Indians. That trip did not work

cherish modern heroes of the faith like

out as planned and he was forced to leave

Hudson Taylor, William Carey and Corrie

Georgia after two years.

ten Boom.

Instead, God led Wesley to share the gospel These people became heroes by the paths

of salvation with thousands of men, women

they chose, not by talents they were born

and children working in factories and coal

with or skills they developed. They were

mines scattered throughout Great Britain.

ordinary men and women who chose to

Although only 5 foot 3 inches tall and

obey God's call regardless of the sacrifice

weighing 128 pounds, Wesley commanded

required.

the attention of hundreds who gathered to hear what he had to say. Some mocked

John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, is

and ridiculed him, but many others

certainly a great hero of the faith.

committed themselves to Christ.

Son of an Anglican clergyman, Wesley was

Wesley preached the love of God far and

a godly man who became an ordained

wide and personally showed love for

Anglican minister himself. Yet, he was

others through his actions. He established

plagued for many years by doubts about

orphanages and set up funds to aid

the genuineness of his faith.

widows, orphans and the poor. He founded

February 2023 Methodist Message 21

What do heroes look like?

schools to give access to quality Christian

It is no exaggeration to say that our MMS

education to all children, regardless of

missionaries share these traits!

ethnicity, gender or socio-economic status.

Yet, it is important to remember that like He eventually married but differences in

John Wesley, missionaries are human. They

temperament and lengthy periods apart

are not impervious to daily frustrations

because of his constant travel led to the

and setbacks. They suffer periods of doubt,

marriage ending in permanent separation.

depression and sadness.

Wesley was certainly not a man of great

Missionaries need your prayers. Prayer is

physical stature. Nor was he always easy-

the greatest gift you can give them.

going and agreeable. His failed marriage is a reminder that even spiritual heroes are

Please continue to hold them close in your

far from perfect.

hearts as heroes of the faith and join me in a prayer for each and every one of our

Today, the missionaries of Methodist

missionaries!

Missions Society (MMS) carry on John Wesley's legacy.

These ordinary men and women courageously leave families, friends and careers to answer God's call to expand his kingdom throughout Asia. They make sacrifices, endure hardships, and suffer rejection with humility and perseverance.

They perform daily acts of heroism that rarely attract any notice.

They toil selflessly to share God's love by

Loving Father, thank you for the men and women who serve you in mission fields.

Bless them as they reach out to people and cities for your glory. We ask that you take

teaching in Methodist schools, discipling

the seeds they plant and bring them to

students in Methodist residential homes

the fruition you desire. Open the hearts

and providing aid to communities in

of the people in their areas to your truth.

need. They share the message of God's mercy and grace by planting churches

We pray especially for your covering over

and equipping locals to become faithful

their physical, spiritual, and emotional

followers of Christ. They demonstrate

well-being. Bring them encouragement

concern for others through prayer, acts of kindness and outreach programmes that help transform lives.

when they feel despair, resources when they feel exhausted and strength when they feel weak. Be their shield, Lord;

There are many ways to define or describe a hero. However, as one writer observes, great heroes have certain traits in common, including courage, selflessness,

guard and protect them.

In Jesus' name, Amen.

humility, patience, and caring. 1

1

https://www.inc.com/bill-murphy-jr/5-qualities-of-incredibly-heroic-leaders.html February 2023 Methodist Message 23

Worship

Judith Laoyan-Mosomos is the Director for Worship & Church Music at the Methodist School of Music, and a member of Kampong Kapor Methodist Church. / Photo courtesy of Methodist Recorder, UK

Fred Pratt Green:

The other Methodist hymn writer

T

hrough the years, changes in worship style, culture, and musical preferences

have increased the variety of congregational songs. There are hymns, contemporary songs, psalm settings, global songs, Asian hymns, gospel songs—among other genres. Which genre does your congregation love to sing?

The music we sing reflects our identity. As Methodists, we sing the hymns of Charles and John Wesley. More than just keeping tradition, the Wesleyan hymns offer a music diet that is robust in Scripture, theology, doctrine and Christian discipleship.

The late Rev Fred Pratt Green © Methodist Recorder, UK. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Popular hymns written by

Aside from the Wesleyan hymns, there are other Methodist composers whose texts help shape our Christian identity. I particularly

Fred Pratt Green

want to mention Rev Fred Pratt Green

•

When in Our Music God is Glorified [UMH 68]

(1903-2000), a Methodist minister in Britain

For the Fruits of This Creation [UMH 97b]

only started writing hymn texts after his

When Our Confidence is Shaken [UMH 505]

greatest hymn writer after Charles Wesley.

•

God is Here! [UMH 660]

in Great Britain in the 1970s, a movement

•

O Christ, the Healer [UMH 265]

of hymn writers who believed it was time to

• •

24 Methodist Message February 2023

from 1928-1969. He was a gifted poet, and retirement, yet was acclaimed to be the He was the leader of the "Hymn Explosion"

write texts that spoke about their time.

These hymn writers felt the responsibility

of Jesus, hymns on Communion and

to fill the gap in hymnody, particularly

profound theology. Both advocated the

in themes pertaining to social

virtue of social holiness. However, they

justice, racial equality, world peace,

spoke from and for different generations.

environmental issues, and the like. Rev Green acknowledged hymn writing as, "a fascinating assignment. I had no doubt at all that if, as a poet, I had complete liberty to choose my themes, my forms, and language, to please myself, now, as a hymn writer I must become a servant of the Church, writing what was suitable to be sung in an act of worship". 1

We need song writers to learn from Charles Wesley and Rev Green, and write songs that will speak to the generation today.

In a world full of anxiety over the future,

With the vast amount of music resources

disagreements in beliefs and heightened

available for worship, we need a balanced

materialistic values, Rev Green's hymns are

diet for the congregation. It is crucial

worth exploring. For example:

that we curate songs that ground us biblically and theologically, strengthen

If our hearts are lifted where devotion soars

us emotionally, and form us spiritually.

high above this hungry, suffering world of ours,

need to undertake. Whether it be a hymn,

lest our hymns should drug us to forget its needs,

anthem—let them be songs that form and

It may be taxing, but it is a discipline we a contemporary song, a psalm or a choral shape us to be like Jesus.

forge our Christian worship into Christian deed.

- Stanza 2 [UMH 592], Fred Pratt Green

The phrase, "lest our hymns should drug us to forget its needs…," reminds us to be mindful of the songs we sing. If music helps shape our identity, we need to make sure we also sing songs that heighten our awareness of the world around us and call us to respond.

Rev Green has contributed much and was very committed to writing congregational songs. Like Charles Wesley, Rev Green wrote about the Christian experience.

He gave emphasis on the life and death Bernard Braley, The Hymns and Ballads of Fred Pratt Green (Carol Stream, IL: Hope Pub., 1982).

1

February 2023 Methodist Message 25

The apple does not fall far from the tree… or does it?

T

he proverb, "The apple does not fall far from the tree", speaks of the idea that

we each carry something within us that is from our parents. It could be a physical characteristic (like our eye colour), a food allergy, or a personality trait (like being particular about cleanliness or having a quick temper).

As a family and marital therapist, I have a professional interest in this topic. I want to know which legacies that my clients embody are from their family-of-origin or birth families. I wonder to what extent a client's tendency to worry is an outcome of parents who are themselves worriers. Or if growing up in a single-parent household is the "cause" of a client's sensitivity to issues of interpersonal trust and relational insecurity?

26 Methodist Message February 2023

I am, however, clear that we cannot as

hold different beliefs may have to look at

yet find a single cause to every behaviour.

scientific evidence or even personal life

No gene has yet been found for one's

stories to nurture this hope.

temper or anxiety. Yet the probability of an individual developing behavioural

Yet some Christians may not feel like

characteristics that are observed in other

new creations at all. They may notice

family members is just too high to ignore

that their character weaknesses do not

or assign it as due to chance.

miraculously vanish. Besides considering if these individuals are truly "in Christ", we

In addition to biological legacies,

may do well to recognise that change is

let us not forget that the way our

oftentimes a work in progress.

parents have raised us influences our development. This includes what they

What steps then do we take to live a

have been able to provide for us in our

changed life? Do we recognise features of

growing years. For example, a child may

the old unchanged individual constantly

perform better academically because

trying to resurface? I sometimes explain

his parents are able to afford tuition for

it like this. Suppose you had a shoulder

his weaker subjects. There is also the

injury which requires your dominant arm

impact of adverse childhood experiences

to be immobilised for a period of time.

on a child's tender years and their

What may happen is that when we need

adulthood. Adverse experiences may

to open a door or turn on a switch, we may

include breakup of the family, economic

automatically reach out with our dominant

hardship and traumatic events.

arm. It takes conscious effort to remember to use the other "good" one.

All this may paint a very reductionistic and deterministic view of humans, that

A changed life requires recognising the

indeed, "the apple does not fall far from

old tendencies and consciously making a

the tree". However, we all know of stories

habit of doing the opposite. "One day at

of people who beat the odds. People with

a time" is a helpful reminder when trying

humble backgrounds who rose to stand

to break old destructive habits like an

head and shoulders above others. Or

addiction.

individuals who led terrible lives for years, even decades, and yet managed to pull

Another help for believers is the legacy our

themselves out of their quagmire. How

Lord himself left us—the Holy Spirit (John

did these individuals do it?

14:16-17), who inspires and empowers us to overcome unhelpful and debilitating

I believe change begins with the belief that

earthly legacies.

change is possible. The hope for, and even the expectation of, change are important

The legacies we all have can be positive

ingredients to things being different. Some

and helpful ones, or be negative and

believers may cling to the verse, "Therefore,

unhelpful. We need to recognise them and

if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.

build on those that can develop us while

The old has passed away; behold, the

at the same time minimise the negative

new has come" (2 Cor 5:17). Those who

tendencies we each have.

February 2023 Methodist Message 27

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

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

• Admissions to top universities in the UK, the US, Australia and Singapore • 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.

Mathena Vaythamanickam is a youth leader in Seletar Tamil Methodist Church. / Photo courtesy of Mathena Vaythamanickam

Innovation requires courage The conference walked its attendees through the life of John Wesley as he established the Methodist movement.

From conducting open-air preaching during a time in which preaching outside the pulpit was frowned upon, to lifting the status of women by including them in class leadership, social work and more, Wesley was determined not to be stuck in traditionalism and was highly innovative for his time.

Hence today, I now see that at the heart of Methodism, is innovation. One should not be resistant to change, but courageously seek improvement and always be in tune with wherever the Holy Spirit leads.

Mathena Vaythamanickam

I

have been a Methodist for as long as I can remember. Despite growing up in a Methodist church, I had little comprehension of Methodism and hence, Methodism as a denomination had little significance to me aside from the fact that I viewed it as a "traditional" (read: boring) denomination.

However, a few months ago, I attended the Young Methodist Leaders’ Conference 2022, where these notions were challenged.

Last September, my youth committee was faced with the decision of planning for a simple camp, or a complex, logisticsintensive mystery-based camp, with just two months to prepare. We chose the crazy route—setting forth to design the latter, but it eventually stood out as one of our most unique and memorable camps. The new is not always the easiest path. It requires courage, but can be incredibly rewarding.

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

February 2023 Methodist Message 29

ART OF MARRIAGE WEEKEND RETREAT 11 March 2023, 9.00 a.m. to 12 March 2023, 5.00 p.m.

Changi Cove Hotel, 351 Cranwell Road S509866 Register before 19 February 2023 From $399 per couple This weekend retreat for married couples consists of a six-session video seminar filled with biblical teaching, expert interviews and real-life stories. Enjoy time with your spouse and rediscover the joys of marriage.

NOTE: * Participants must be fully vaccinated * Payment is non-refundable and event dates are fixed Organised by FamilyLife Singapore, a ministry of Cru Singapore

ASCERTAINING THE ATONEMENT: HOW DOES JESUS RECONCILE US TO GOD? 23 March–11 May 2023 (Thursdays), 7.30 to 9.30 p.m.

Online via Zoom https://ttc.edu.sg/english/study-at-ttc/equip-registration/ Registration required; fees may apply The “atonement” is one of the central beliefs of the Christian faith. It refers to what our Lord Jesus Christ has done, through his life, death and resurrection, to reconcile us sinners to the holy God. But how did these acts of Jesus achieve the atoning effect? We will examine and evaluate the different ways Christian thinkers through the ages have answered this question. We hope, in the end, to gain a richer and more comprehensive understanding of how Jesus saves us—one that will help us in our life and ministry.

Dr Leow Theng Huat is Lecturer in Theology at Trinity Theological College. His research interests include theodicy, Christology, soteriology, post-Enlightenment theology, and dialectics as a theological method. During his student days at the National University of Singapore, he was actively involved in the ministry of the Varsity Christian Fellowship, and has served for a period of time as an associate staff worker of the Fellowship of Evangelical Students. He is married to Cheng Ping, and they have three children. The family are members of Wesley Methodist Church.

Organised by EQUIP

MISSIONS INTERNSHIP TRAINING & EXPOSURE (MITE) Complete response form at www.mms.org.sg/mite or direct enquiries to mms@methodist.org.sg The MMS MITE programme is designed to send believers to the mission fields for a period of between one and six months, enabling believers to "Serve, Learn and Grow" while experiencing the work and life of a missionary in the field. For some, it will be the perfect opportunity to discern God’s specific calling in their lives.

"Looking back at where God has led me over my time there, I’d never have expected God to have such a wide array of colourful experiences in store for me. One of the biggest takeaways is the unique privilege to play front-row spectator to the inspiring lives of the missionaries. With the opportunity to live with them, I saw how zealously they were working for the Lord." ~ MITE participant to Cambodia Organised by Methodist Missions Society (MMS)