Methodist Message: Jan 2025

49th Annual Conference reports Three new MOTs share their calling to pastoral ministry Soundings: First things first

MCI (P) 008/11/2024

Vol 127 No 1 JANUARY 2025

CONTENTS

Editorial Board Adviser and Publisher Dr Anthony Goh Chairperson, Council on Communications

/ Bishop’s Message /

Communications Manager

/ News /

Lynn Tan

Managing Editor Alvin Tay

Editor

3 Presidents' Greetings 4 New Bishop: For our 140th Anniversary,

we will galvanise the Methodist community

Lianne Ong

6 TRAC 49th Session report

Communications Executive

12 CAC 49th Session report

Kathrynn Koh

Sub-editors Lucy Cheng Janice Khoo Tan Chiu Ai Elliot Soh

Proofreaders Kenneth Lee Christabel Tan

18 ETAC 49th Session report

/ Feature / 20 Called to pastoral ministry

/ Opinion / 24 Soundings: First things first

/ Worship / 27 How can hymns speak more directly to the realities of life?

/ Outreach / 30 Continuing the work of our Father's business in the mission fields Methodist Message is the official monthly publication of The Methodist Church in Singapore. Published material does not necessarily reflect the official view of The Methodist Church. All Scripture quoted is based on the English Standard Version unless otherwise stated.

70 Barker Road #06-04 S309936 6478-4793 | 6478-4763 methodist.org.sg/message

32 It's okay for men to not be okay

/ Relationships / 35 At The Well 38 You & Your Family: Breaking up before breaking down

/ Expressions / 41 The poetry and song of God

www.methodist.org.sg communications@methodist.org.sg fb.com/Methodist.SG

COVER ART BY NICKY RAYSA

@methodist.sg

Nicky Raysa is a London-based Indonesian visual storyteller.

Inspired by self-reflection, her work explores themes of faith, human connection and the beauty in everyday moments through painting, drawing and digital illustration. She has a postgraduate degree in illustration from the Royal College of Art, London.

@methodistsg

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Bishop's Message

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

For thus says the Lord to the house of Israel:

"Seek me and live."

O

~ Amos 5:4

ur hearts are full of thanksgiving

things. Indeed, I am reminded of Paul's

as we begin a brand new year. Two

word in Colossians 1:3-4, "We always thank

events that stood out from 2024 fill me

God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,

with gratefulness: the peaceful transition of

when we pray for you, since we have heard

leadership as Mr Lawrence Wong assumed

of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love

his role as Singapore's fourth Prime Minister

that you have for all the saints."

in May, and Singapore winning a bronze medal in kitefoiling at the Paris Olympic

Nonetheless, there is a degree of

Games in August.

apprehension arising from the challenges we face—the escalation of conflicts and

For our Church, there is also much to

wars with no end in sight, the rising cost

celebrate and give thanks for. Our churches

of living and prevalence of mental health

are growing steadily with members serving

issues, just to name a few.

the Lord fervently. Our pupils have excelled in the schools as well. On top of these,

Remember then the words of Amos, which

Methodist Welfare Services continue to

is a call as well as a promise. Amos 5:4 says,

reach out to the needy and Methodist

"For thus says the Lord to the house of

Missions Society continues its work of

Israel: 'Seek me and live.'"

planting churches.

In this new year, I urge all Methodists to Personally, I lead a rather uneventful life

resolutely seek first the kingdom of God

(except being elected Bishop). Still, I want

and his righteousness, and all these things

to give thanks for all the little and mundane

will be added to you.

January 2025 Methodist Message 1

Thanksgiving Service Date: 11 January 2025 Time: 9:00am to 12:30pm Venue: Kum Yan Methodist Church

Speaker: Bishop Philip Lim Theme: Changing Times, Unchanging Peace | The Peace of God’s Reign - Isaiah 32:16-20

> Registration starts from 8:30am > Lunch is provided > There will be Mandarin translation

Scan to register by 7 January 2025!

Photos courtesy of Faith Methodist Church, Emmanuel Tamil Annual Conference and Chinese Annual Conference

Presidents' Greetings

Rev Lek Yong Teck

Rev Saravana Kumar

Rev Reuben Ng

President Chinese Annual Conference

President Emmanuel Tamil Annual Conference

President Trinity Annual Conference

W

e thank God for bringing us into 2025, another year of his mercy and grace. The Church is God's expression, we are called to live this out in comfort and peace or in time of difficulties and trouble. The expression of God's righteousness is lived in and through us, disciples of Jesus Christ.

As disciples of Jesus Christ then, may we truly live out our faith boldly, in thought, word and deed.

Let us not be comfortable with doing Bible study only; instead, let us strive to obey. Let us not be comfortable with bringing prayer items to God only; instead, push to discover God's will and pray his will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

Let us continue to lift the name of Jesus high in this next quadrennium!

A

s we step into a new year, we find ourselves navigating a world filled with uncertainties and challenges. Yet, amidst it all, we find assurance and peace in the timeless promises of our Almighty God. May we draw strength from the comforting words of Psalm 46:10: "Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth." This promise reminds us of God's sovereignty and his command for us to find stillness in his presence.

Let us pause to recognise his immense power and trust in his supreme control over every aspect of our lives. It is this divine promise that anchors us, providing an unshakeable foundation of peace and confidence.

May his everlasting presence bring you comfort and courage throughout the journey ahead.

A

s we step into 2025, my prayer is that all of us may do so with hearts filled with assurance and anticipation for what lies ahead.

Assurance, because we can be certain that God's unfailing love and faithfulness will see us through every step of the way. Anticipation, because of his amazing grace, his endless mercy, and the new opportunities he will bring each day.

So let us journey together in assurance and anticipation as a family in Christ, filled with peace and purpose. For Scripture reminds us, "The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end" (Lamentations 3:22).

A blessed 2025, brothers and sisters!

January 2025 Methodist Message 3

News

By MCS Communications / Photos courtesy of Queenstown Chinese Methodist Church and Faith Methodist Church

New Bishop:

(above left) Laying on of hands

For our 140th Anniversary, we will galvanise the Methodist community

T

he new Bishop of The Methodist

MCS' three Annual Conferences

Church in Singapore (MCS), Rev Philip

are organised and governed based

Lim, was consecrated on 6 December

on the various churches English-,

2024 at Queenstown Chinese Methodist

Chinese- and Tamil-speaking heritage.

Church (QCMC)/Faith Methodist Church.

The newly-elected Presidents are

Bishop Philip Lim, who attended

Rev Lek Yong Tek (Chinese Annual

QCMC as a child, will serve in the 13th

Conference), Rev Saravana Kumar

quadrennium from 2025 to 2028.

(Emmanuel Tamil Annual Conference) and Rev Reuben Ng (Trinity Annual

In his new role, he will be the spiritual

Conference). Together, they will

leader for more than 46,000 Methodists in

support the Bishop in mutual

46 churches across Singapore and serve as

consultation and collaboration on all

the head of regional churches established

matters related to MCS.

by MCS, namely, The Methodist Churches in Thailand, Cambodia and Nepal. He

Bishop Philip Lim succeeds Bishop

will also provide counsel to 15 Methodist

Dr Gordon Wong, who is retiring after

schools, and support MCS' social

a four-year term. The title of Bishop

concerns arm, Methodist Welfare Services

Emeritus was conferred on Bishop

(MWS), which runs 22 care centres and

Dr Wong by the General Conference

programmes. In addition, he will represent

of MCS during the 13th Session in

MCS to the wider Christian community

September 2024. Bishop Dr Wong

within and outside Singapore, as well as in

has spent nearly 40 years in service,

inter-faith relations and interactions with

and has been a pastor, lecturer and

the government and community partners.

President prior to becoming a Bishop.

4 Methodist Message January 2025

(above) From left to right: Bishop T Jeyakumar (Malaysia), Bishop Dr Gordon Wong, Bishop Philip Lim, Bishop Milton Nee (Australia) and Bishop Huang Kuan Yu (Taiwan, Republic of China)

(above left) Praying at the altar (above right) Honouring Mrs Wong Lai Foon, Bishop Dr Wong's wife (right) The congregation included Methodist pastors and leaders, invited guests, members and friends of the Methodist community (far right) Bishop Philip Lim giving the Benediction

About 500 people attended the Consecration

with the three Bishop Emerituses for a "crash

Service. Guests included Bishop Lu Guan Hoe,

course" on being a Bishop.

who is President of the National Council of Churches Singapore (NCCS) and Bishop of the

"I am well aware of the big responsibility

Lutheran Church in Singapore, representatives

entrusted to me, so please remember me in

from the Archdiocesan Interreligious Dialogue

your prayers," Bishop Lim said.

and Ecumenism Centre of Singapore (AIRDECS) and government representatives

"Next year, in 2025, MCS celebrates its 140th

from the Ministry of Culture, Community &

Anniversary which coincides with Singapore's

Youth (MCCY). From the Methodist community

60th Anniversary of independence. MCS will

overseas, Bishops from the Chinese Methodist

continue to do our part to serve and build our

Church in Australia, The Methodist Church in

nation. Through MWS, we will galvanise the

Malaysia and The Methodist Church in Taiwan,

Methodist community and aim to mobilise 1.4

were also present.

million volunteer hours (about 35 volunteer hours a person) and raise $1.4 million for

Bishop Emeritus Dr Robert Solomon, who

people who are in need in Singapore."

was Bishop of MCS from 2000 to 2012, preached from Colossians 1:24-29 on being

"I call upon the Methodist community to arise

"A Servant of the Body of Christ".

and to love our neighbour as ourselves, for the Lord says, it is more blessed to give than to

After the consecration and laying on of hands,

receive (Acts 20:35)," Bishop Lim said.

Bishop Lim addressed the congregation. He thanked Bishop Dr Wong for his service and humourously revealed that he had met up

An earlier version of this article was published on 6 December on the Methodist Message website.

January 2025 Methodist Message 5

News

Alvin Tay is the Managing Editor of Methodist Message and LCEC Chairperson of Wesley Methodist Church. / Photos courtesy of Dominique Wang and Daniel Lie

An ageing congregation and use of AI in churches among challenges in next quadrennium, says outgoing TRAC President

T

here are concerns and challenges

The implications of an ageing congregation

ahead for the Trinity Annual Conference

are indeed pressing, given the limited

(TRAC) in this new quadrennium (2025-

increase in younger members. Rev Chua

28), said the outgoing President, Rev

pointed out that TRAC membership grew at

Stanley Chua. And these include an ageing

a compounded rate of only 1.3 per cent over

congregation and the use of AI in churches.

the last 5 years, and 1.6 per cent over the last 10 years.

Making his last address as TRAC president at the 49th Session held at Paya Lebar

There are a host of practical implications

Methodist Church from 18 to 21 November

because of an ageing congregation. These

2024, Rev Chua highlighted five pressing

include a loss of institutional memory and

concerns:

leadership, a shift in ministry needs, financial sustainability and missional continuity and

1. An ageing congregation

community impact. An ageing congregation

The ageing ratio in Methodist Churches is

brings changing ministry needs—more

higher than the national average, said Rev

resources need to be channelled to end-of-

Chua. The ratio of those who are 60 years and

life care, bereavement support and senior

above in the 21 TRAC churches has moved up

pastoral care, said Rev Chua. Also, an ageing

to 41.2 per cent in 2024, from about 25 per

congregation may focus more on inward

cent in 2017, representing an annual growth

care than outward mission, potentially

of 8.5 per cent.

impacting churches' influence and witness in the broader community.

In contrast, the ratio of Singapore citizens who are 60 years and above, rose more

2. Re-engagement of retired pastors

gradually from around 25 per cent to 33.6 per

A second concern highlighted by Rev Chua

cent, representing an annual growth rate of

was TRAC's current Pastors' Re-engagement

only 3.1 per cent.

Policy, which mandates that retired pastors

6 Methodist Message January 2025

(above left) Bishop Dr Wong examining Elder ordinands Ps Gilbert Lok and Ps Clement Ong (above right) Rev Stanley Chua gives his final address as TRAC President

Election of TRAC President for the 13th quadrennium Following the President's Address, elections for President of the 13th quadrennium commenced. Rev Reuben Ng was elected President.

Rev Ng has been a pastor of The Methodist Church in Singapore for 17 years and has served in various positions in both the General and Trinity Annual Conferences of The Methodist Church in Singapore. He is a graduate of Trinity Theological College. He is married to Angela, and they have two young adult daughters, Faith and Eliza.

(top) From left to right: TRAC Vice-President Dr CheahFoo Fung Fong, newlyinstalled TRAC President, Rev Reuben Ng and Conference Lay Leader Henry Tan

between 66 and 67 years old be re-engaged

possibilities but also possible ethical and

at 100 per cent workload and remuneration,

pastoral issues that need to be addressed.

while pastors above 68 years old be re-

"We need to look into how to integrate

engaged with only 50 or 75 per cent

the use of AI into our ministry while

workload and remuneration.

preserving spiritual discernment and

(above) Paya Lebar Methodist Church hosted the Annual Conference

pastoral efficacy."

He suggested that a more flexible policy be adopted to honour the unique situations

Sharing a video of a church in Germany

of each pastor and allow TRAC to make the

that had adopted the use of AI to conduct

most of a pastor's gifts and experiences.

worship services, he said, "AI, though

This flexibility would help to take into

efficient, lacks the empathy, spiritual

consideration that churches preferred full-

discernment and relational understanding

time pastors.

essential to truly engage in the complexities of people's faith journeys. An

3. Conference commitment

over-reliance on it could inadvertently lead

On this third concern, Rev Chua said that

to spiritual disengagement and weaken

90 per cent of the conference commitment

the relational foundation that is so central

now goes towards the salaries of pastors and

to our faith community."

staff. There could be a point when churches find it impossible to continue to increase

Given these potential risks, Rev Chua

their contributions and suggested that TRAC

suggested forming a taskforce to

should consider diversifying its funding

examine AI's implications, establish

model with other streams of income.

ethical guidelines, and support churches thoughtfully as they integrate AI in their

4. Use of AI technology in churches

worship planning while upholding our

Rev Chua also voiced concern on the

commitment to human connection and

use of AI, which presents promising

spiritual integrity.

January 2025 Methodist Message 7

An ageing congregation and use of AI in churches among challenges in next quadrennium, says outgoing TRAC President

5. The call to maintain orthodoxy

•

Rev Chua's fifth and final concern which he

Sharing his observation based on feedback

Mobilising the laity

deemed possibly "our greatest challenge", is

received, Rev Chua stressed that mobilising

upholding the orthodox faith that defines us

laypersons to serve in full-time staff positions

as Methodists. He said, "Our founder, John

within our local churches is not solely about

Wesley, was a steadfast defender of orthodox

addressing the shortage of pastors, but it is

Christianity and we must remain vigilant

also a matter of sustainability, particularly

against any drift in our orthodox doctrine."

considering our ageing congregations.

"One of the most pressing challenges

"Many of our churches are reaching a critical

to orthodoxy today is the rise of liberal

point where staff salaries consume a huge

and revisionist theology, particularly on

portion of the local church's budget, limiting

issues related to human sexuality," he said.

resources for other critical ministry areas.

"Growing voices, particularly from Western

This is not a matter of diminishing the value

contexts, call for the Church to revise its

of our full-time staff; rather, it is about being

teachings on marriage, sexuality and gender

wise stewards of the resources that God has

under the banner of inclusivity and social

entrusted to us."

progress."

•

Accountability in leadership

He emphasised the need to select pastors

Another observation based on feedback

and leaders carefully, choosing those who

received concerns accountability in

are deeply committed to the orthodox faith

leadership. Rev Chua said, "From the

and are equipped to shepherd the Church

responses that I received on this direction,

in sound doctrine.

10 of our 21 churches reported having no formalised systems to keep pastors and

Besides highlighting the five challenges

leaders accountable to each other," he said.

ahead, Rev Chua also updated the

"This absence is rather troubling."

Conference on two of his observations based on responses from churches to his

Rev Chua said the intent of this direction

Conference Directions 2023, as well as

was to facilitate an accountability system

progress made on the proposals so far.

where pastors and leaders could engage

8 Methodist Message January 2025

TRAC pastors, leaders and staff at the 49th TRAC Annual Conference

in healthy conversations to address

to assign the Board of Laity, along with our

warning signs of moral failings or abusive

Young Adults Taskforce, to carry this project

behaviours before it escalated out of control.

forward into the next quadrennium.

Developing an internal accountability structure within each local church must

•

include both pastors and lay leaders,

At the 47th Session of TRAC in 2022, Rev

Lay supply pastors

fostering a supportive environment where

Chua highlighted the pressing issue of

they could engage in open, loving and

our shortage of pastors and proposed the

preventive conversations, he said.

idea of appointing "Lay Pastors" to help address this gap. He updated delegates

•

Traditional worship services

that the Board of Ministry (BOM) has taken

In 2023, Rev Stanley had highlighted

ownership of this initiative of appointing

the need to continue offering traditional

Lay Supply Pastors. BOM has completed

worship services. To this end, Rev Benjamin

their work and presented a report to the

Fong will be going on paid study leave,

President in Nov 2024. The newly-elected

starting 1 August 2025, to pursue a Master

President and BOM will present a concrete

of Theology (MTh) in Divinity and would be

proposal in due course.

researching into how John Wesley ordered worship for the early Methodists.

•

•

Rev Chua said the TRAC Board on

Streamlining and standardising Local Conference reports

Revised church membership manual

Discipleship & Nurture expects to complete

Adopted at the July 2024 Special Session,

the revision of the Church Membership

Rev Chua said a unified format for our Local

Manual by 2025. He added that it was being

Conference reports across the 21 churches

reviewed because the current membership

would promote efficiency, consistency

manual does not include any teaching of key

and clearer communication, ultimately

Methodist doctrines.

supporting more effective collaboration and decision-making throughout TRAC.

The new resource will offer study materials on Methodist doctrines, supported by videos

•

Wesley Sandbox: The Young Methodist Change Makers

Conference Lay Leader, Mr Henry Tan,

and study guides, to enrich understanding and encourage active engagement with Methodist beliefs.

convened a taskforce in early 2024 to oversee the execution of this initiative, which had been conceived to engage and empower Methodists aged 15 to 35 to take the lead in shaping our worship services and outreach efforts through innovative, generationfocused ideas.

In June, Mr Tan presented the Taskforce's recommendations to the Executive Board, (right) Rev Reuben Ng was the Pastorin-Charge of Faith Methodist Church and District Superintendent of District 3

affirming that the vision behind this initiative was promising and well-aligned with our goals. However, it recommended an extended timeframe for implementation, considering the ongoing leadership transitions within our Conference. As a result, TRAC Executive Board decided in June 2024

January 2025 Methodist Message 9

Trinity Annual Conference 49th Session

PASTORAL APPOINTMENTS FOR THE YEAR 2025 Trinity Annual Conference President: Rev Reuben Ng

10 Methodist Message January 2025

SPECIAL APPOINTMENTS FOR THE YEAR 2025 Director, Truthmin

Rev Allan Lee Assistant Directors, Youth Ministry

Rev Isaac Tan (Trackers) Pastor Rufus Chan Pastor Joshua Kwok (Schools) Director of Young Adults Ministry

Rev Benjamin Lau Director, Lay Equipping and Development Institute (LEAD)

Rev Ling Kin Yew Assistant Director, Lay Equipping and Development Institute (LEAD)

Rev Ming Feong Ching Director, Seniors’ Ministry

Rev Joshua Loo TRAC Crisis Relief Coordinator

Rev Jason Phua TRAC Chaplains to TRAC TTC Students

Rev Dr Chiang Ming Shun Rev Dr Bernard Chao Lecturer, Trinity Theological College

Rev Dr Chiang Ming Shun Rev Dr Bernard Chao On Sabbatical Leave

Rev Dr Chiu Ming Li Rev Stanley Chua (w.e.f. 1 Jan 2025 to 30 Jun 2025) Supernumerary Leave

Rev Wendy Tay (w.e.f. 1 Dec 2024 to 30 Nov 2025) Coordinator Peranakan/Indonesian Ministry

Rev Christopher Chin

APPOINTMENTS MADE THROUGH THE BISHOP’S OFFICE Director, Ministry in Schools

Rev Anthony Lee Associate Director, Ministry in Schools

Rev Dr Aaron Tay Rev Poh Zhi-Hui

METHODIST MISSIONS SOCIETY 2025 Executive Director Rev Derrick Lau Missionary Pastor (Thailand) Rev Clarence Lee Missionary Pastor (Vietnam) Rev Leslie Lim Missionary Diaconal Minister (Timor-Leste) Rev Teresa Wilborn Missionary Diaconal Minister (Cambodia & Thailand) Rev Vincent Lim

Information is correct at time of printing.

January 2025 Methodist Message 11

News

Rev Dr Nathanael Goh is Lecturer in Christian Ethics at Trinity Theological College.

He is also an Elder attached to Sengkang Methodist Church. / Photos courtesy of Chinese Annual Conference

A new chapter

unfurls in CAC history

Rev Lek Yong Teck elected as President for the new quadrennium

"He has made everything beautiful in its

In his final President's Address, Rev

time. He has also set eternity in the human

Goh shared with the delegates some

heart; yet no one can fathom what God has

reflections from his eight years in office. In

done from beginning to end." The words of

sum, they are:

Ecclesiastes 3:11 (NIV) remind us that to be a to be awakened to the way history inhabits

Guarding and passing on the pure gospel of faith

us and is inhabited by us. We work to discern

Rev Goh reflected on challenges to

the spiritual repercussions of a history that

orthodoxy and Christian morality, especially

precedes us, lives in us and shapes the future

in the area of sexuality. He had observed

to which we are called.

first-hand the United Methodist Church's

Christian is to acknowledge our temporality;

decisions to change the definition of With such a revered cognisance of the

marriage and to ordain LGBTQ pastors.

weight of history, delegates of the 49th

Noting that these challenges are not

Session of the Chinese Annual Conference

simply outside our shores, but are at

(CAC) gathered at Charis Methodist Church

our doorstep, he urged CAC churches to

from 11 to 14 November 2024. The outgoing

continue to grow in the right use of our

President, Rev Dr Gregory Goh, had served

voice, especially concerning matters of

for two quadrennia and was ineligible

morality. Using the repeal of Section 377A

for re-election due to age. Rev Lek Yong

as an example, he reminded the delegates

Teck, who was Pastor-in-Charge of Bukit

to continue to engage the authorities

Panjang Methodist Church, was elected as

wisely and winsomely for the sake of the

CAC President.

common good.

12 Methodist Message January 2025

(above left) Rev Lek was elected President of CAC for the new quadrennium (above right) A gift of thanks for outgoing CAC President, Rev Dr Goh Nai Lat

CAC pastors and leaders with Bishop Dr Wong, Bishop Emeritus Chong Ching Chung and then BishopElect Philip Lim

Furthering the disciple-making movement among our local churches

the system that made disciples, but their

Rev Goh also highlighted the need

to a systemic approach.

commitment to make disciples that led

to continue the good work CAC has done in focusing on disciple-making.

Encouraged by CAC's progress, but

Referring to statistics released in the

eager for the work to continue, Rev

Lausanne Movement's State of the Great

Goh urged delegates to "press on until

Commission report last year, Rev Goh

disciple-making becomes habitual and

pointed out how researchers think that

instinctive until it is synonymous with

there are 100+ million professing disciples

our nature". Part of that is making a

due to disciple-making movements

"kingdom impact in every sphere of

worldwide. In addition, they estimate that

society". To further this movement of

over 9 million churches have emerged

whole-life discipleship, CAC will continue

from church planting movements.

to flesh out and publish its own Illumine

Rev Goh surmised that the Wesleyan

Christian worldview curriculum.

distinctives of social holiness and entire which the Wesleyans' organised church

The need for intentional leadership development and succession

life can also be considered a kind of

Turning his attention to intentional

disciple-making movement—insofar as

leadership succession, Rev Goh encouraged

those methods inspired more than just

resources to be allocated at every level

unthinking programmatic repetition,

of CAC life, from the local church to the

but an ethos of discipleship. It was not

Annual Conference.

sanctification, and the methodical way in

January 2025 Methodist Message 13

A new chapter unfurls in CAC history

make this happen, Rev Goh shared that,

Continue to celebrate the distinct charisms of the Chinese Annual Conference

as President, he intentionally scheduled

History once again took centre stage, as Rev

regular meetings with the District

Goh reminded delegates that "the story of

Superintendents (DS) and the Board of

CAC is a rich and textured history of Chinese

Ministry (BOM) Chairperson. These meetings

culture, dialects and people groups, which

gave him the opportunity to make decisions

continues to the present day." In particular,

collaboratively. He also led a yearly retreat

"the history of CAC helps us to locate

with them, to foster friendship and ministry

ourselves within the mission of God amongst

planning. DS "interns" were also introduced

a particular strand of the breathless expanse

for intentional leadership grooming. In this

of peoples, nations and tongues of the earth".

way, leadership and succession become

He drew the origins of this gift to Pentecost,

a shared commitment and responsibility

where the various tongues were not erased.

rather than being driven purely by one

Each disciple could hear and understand

individual's personality.

each other in their native language.

At the World Federation of Chinese

Further explicating his point, Rev Goh shared

Methodist Churches last year, he also

that our ability to situate ourselves in God's

began a biennial fellowship of DSes, BOM

story in Singapore was augmented by the

chairpersons and Presidents for Malaysia

discovery of the 100-year-old time capsule

Chinese Annual Conferences (West Malaysia,

at Telok Ayer Chinese Methodist Church.

Sarawak, Sabah) and CAC to learn and

This has given us a precious glimpse of our

connect the younger leaders.

forebears in the faith from 1924. The precious

In order to exemplify the kind of intergenerational ministry needed to

artefacts, like the Chinese translation of the Quoting the poet, T S Eliot, "Where is the

1784 Book of Discipline, connect us back to

Life we have lost in living? Where is the

our forefathers and remind us that we are

wisdom we have lost in knowledge?", Rev

recipients of a legacy of faith dating back

Goh cautioned CAC not to fall to the false

long before we were on God's earth and that,

choice of choosing between the young or the

if we remain faithful to God, will continue

old. "We all have a shared mission," he said,

long after we are gone.

"and age should not be a barrier to either Holy Spirit given to the communion of saints

A continued commitment to central pooling

formed by his power."

The history of CAC contains many

receiving or sharing the manifold gifts of the

milestones worth celebrating, and Rev In the spirit of reception, therefore, Rev Goh

Goh brought a recent one to mind in his

shared with the delegates that the recently-

closing address: central pooling. This is

concluded 13th Session of the General

CAC's 6th year after a historic vote for

Conference of The Methodist Church in

central pooling in the 43rd Session in 2018.

Singapore has approved CAC's petition on

Taking the opportunity to thank all CAC

Retirement Age for Election of Episcopacy

churches for their sacrifices, contributions,

and Presidencies, and will amend the Book

and remarkable commitment to the body

of Discipline with respect to its provisions on

of Christ in building up one another, Rev

retirement age for the election of Episcopacy

Goh shared about the many benefits central

and Presidencies, to allow for elders who

pooling has made possible in CAC.

have not exceeded retirement age in the year of election to be eligible for election.

For example, leadership succession and

These amendments will take effect from the

pastoral appointments can now be discussed

regular session of the 14th Session of the

and confirmed much earlier. Conference

General Conference.

projects, such as the CAC counselling

14 Methodist Message January 2025

ministry and Illumine, were also funded

Other societal needs that CAC has

from the central pool. A salary scale revision

responded to under Rev Goh's

was completed, resulting in better benefits

presidency are: a renewed commitment

for CAC pastors. This encourages younger

to chaplaincy and ministry in schools,

applicants with growing families to join the

the mental health crisis and the need

pastoral ministry in confidence that the

for counselling, and creation care.

Conference cares for their needs.

Rev Goh highlighted some initiatives, such as partnering with the creation

Most of all, after central pooling, the

care organisation, Our Father's

appointment system ensures that local

World (formerly Creation Care Sg), to

churches can now have pastors appointed

understand CAC's carbon emissions

to them that better reflect their needs, and

inventory through electricity usage.

not just their balance sheet. Rev Goh rightly concluded that, "We can all agree that an

At the closing service of the 49th Session,

appointment system where pastors are no

CAC witnessed the ordination of a deacon,

longer appointed based on finances is a

Rev Michael Lee, an elder, Rev Shawn Koh,

laudable development."

as well as the retirement of four pastors: Rev Nathanael Chew, Rev Jacqueline Ho,

(below left) Installation of Rev Lek as President of CAC (below right) A light-hearted moment during the Closing Service

The requirement for sensitive and courageous responses to the needs of society

Rev Lui Yuan Tze, and Rev Dr Niam Kai

Rev Goh's final exhortation was for CAC

Teck. In all this, we are reminded of the

to respond to societal needs boldly. He

truth that "God makes everything suitable

mentioned the ministry to special needs

for its time." God, who has redeemed

families, which has already taken shape

time, does not undo, efface, or erase our

under the CAC Board of Family Life (BOFL),

personal histories but gathers them all

and which will find particular expression

up, taking up what time has wrought. The

in a special needs school and church in

unknown future beckons. Yet we need not

Tengah. He also announced an inaugural

know every detail in advance. We need

Special Needs Ministry Conference on 31 May

only trust that our histories sail into an

2025 at Bukit Panjang Methodist Church,

eternal future with God who will make all

jointly organised by the BOFL and Koinonia

things new, an eternity that will bear the

Inclusion Network.

marks of our now.

Huey. We also celebrated the installation of CAC's new President, Rev Lek Yong

January 2025 Methodist Message 15

PASTORAL APPOINTMENTS FOR THE YEAR 2025

卫理公会华人年议会2025委任 Chinese Annual Conference President 华人年议会会长

Rev Lek Yong Teck 陸永德牧师

16 Methodist Message January 2025

2025 SPECIAL APPOINTMENTS

BY BISHOP

2025年会督特别委任本年议会教牧 Missionaries with MMS 卫理宣教会宣教士 Rev Cassandra Lee Boon Eng 李文英牧师

Director, Centre for Missions Analysis, Reconstruction and Development (MMS) 卫理宣教会宣教分析、重组和发展中心主任 Rev Erick Tan Eng Ghee 陈英意牧师

METHODIST SCHOOL CHAPLAINS

卫理学校校牧 Rev Dr Alex Chng 庄炳亮牧师（博士）

Rev Michael Lee 李瑞缘牧师

Rev Bernard Chng 庄俊勇牧师

Rev Ong Bee Keow 王美娇牧师

Rev Anne Lim Ai Lei 林爱莉牧师 Rev Boey Kok Yeow 梅国耀牧师

Rev Christopher Kong 江宗大牧师 Rev Cynthia Choo 周美丽牧师

Rev Dr David Koh 许亚才牧师（博士） Rev Edmund Koh 许立欣牧师 Rev Gareth Yeo 杨泳泰牧师 Rev Glenn Tan 陈书铭牧师

Rev Irman Halim 林恩信牧师

Rev Jasper Ngoh 吴钧杰牧师 Rev Jasper Sim 沈圣奇牧师

Rev Joseph Chen 陈勇畅牧师 Rev Joshua Ong 王志翔牧师

Rev Lui Yuan Tze 雷远智牧师

Rev Ng Beng Keow 黄明娇牧师 Rev Patrick Chen 曾国华牧师 Rev Patrick Lim 林国柱牧师 Rev Paul Thian 程文喜牧师

Rev Peace Choi 崔平和牧师 Rev Peter Pan 宾昇泰牧师

Rev Simon Cheo 石训深牧师

Rev Tan-Yeo Lay Suan 陈杨丽旋牧师 Rev Teh You Siong 郑有祥牧师 Rev Timothy Ang 洪培正牧师

Rev Wilfred Leow 廖惠安牧师 Pr Jason Lee 李乐恩传道

Pr Jonathan Huang 黄敬权传道

2025 SPECIAL APPOINTMENTS

BY PRESIDENT 2 0 2 5 年 会 长 特 别 委 任 Trinity Theological College, Principal & Lecturer 三一神学院院长及讲师 Rev Dr Edwin Tay Ed Min 郑益民牧师（博士）

Lecturers at Trinity Theological College & Chaplains to CAC Students at Trinity Theological College 三一神学院讲师及华人年议会三一神学生院牧

Rev Dr Wilfred Ho Wai Tat 何威达牧师（博士 ） Local Church Attachment: Kum Yan MC 隶属：感恩堂

Rev Dr Andrew Peh Swee Kian 白瑞健牧师（博士 ） Local Church Attachment: Bukit Panjang MC 隶属：武吉班让堂 Rev Dr Nathanael Goh Jun Chuen 吴俊强牧师（博士 ） Local Church Attachment: Sengkang MC 隶属：盛港堂

Lady Chaplains to CAC Students at Trinity Theological College

华人年议会三一神学生女院牧

Rev Helen Hoe Chiew Ngin 何秋吟牧师

Faculty in Development 储备讲师 Rev Timothy Ang Pei-Zheng 洪培正牧师

Associate Director of Christian Ministry in Schools 学校圣工副主任 Rev Edmund Koh Lik Hng 许立欣牧师 Rev Jasper Ngoh Jun Jie 吴钧杰牧师

Re-engagement of Retired Pastors 重聘退休教牧 Rev Paul Thian 程文喜牧师

Rev Chua Ooi Suah (Part Time) 蔡伟山牧师

Rev Dr Niam Kai Huey (Part-Time) 严家慧牧师(博士)

Rev Nathanael Chew (Starting Feb 2025) 周永斌牧师

Rev Jacqueline Ho (Starting Feb 2025) 何秀芳牧师 Rev Lui Yuan Tze (Starting Feb 2025) 雷远智牧师

Information is correct at time of printing.

Principal, Four Denominations Institute of Elderly 四宗乐龄学院院长 Rev Khoo Cheng Hoot (Honorary) 邱仁发牧师（义务）

Lianne Ong is the Editor of Methodist Message. / Photos by Daniel Lie

News

Reaping God's h arvest

Rev Saravana Kumar elected President at 49th Session of ETAC

T

he 49th session of the Emmanuel Tamil

He reported on ETAC's Vision 2024 "Towards

Annual Conference (ETAC) was held from

Harvest", a goal to reach 1,000 members by

8 to 9 November 2024 at Ang Mo Kio Tamil

the end of the quadrennium.

Methodist Church.

From 2021 to 2023, the annual themes were The year 2024 marked the end of the 12th

"PRAY", "SEEK" and "SOW". The theme for 2024

quadrennium (2021-2024), which meant

is "REAP", and churches organised various

that the delegates needed to elect a new

programmes that align with this vision and

ETAC President and other office holders

bring it to life.

for the 13th quadrennium (2025-2028). Rev Philip Abraham did not qualify to stand for

The "REAP" theme was unpacked in the

election again due to his age, and in fact,

following ways:

ETAC had only one eligible candidate—Rev

•

R: Build Relationships Fostering

Saravana Kumar. This was made possible

meaningful connections within

because of a successful petition by ETAC

congregations and communities

at the 13th General Conference Session to amend ¶584 of the Book of Discipline

•

hearts, ministries and preparedness for

to state, "...to provide for at least two

God's calling

candidates for that particular election; or to allow a single candidate to be declared elected". Rev Kumar was thus elected as

•

A: Assure God's Love and Promises Reaffirming the unchanging and faithful

President for the next quadrennium.

The quadrennium theme: Towards harvest

E: Examine Readiness Assessing our

love of God and his promises in every season of life •

P: Pray for Salvation Seeking God's

In his final President's Address, Rev Philip

intervention through prayer for the

Abraham recounted his goals for the

salvation of souls in our communities and

quadrennium:

beyond.

•

To grow ETAC's membership

Significantly, ETAC's membership has grown

•

To improve pastoral supply

steadily each year (except for 2020), and is

•

To strengthen ETAC's Youth Ministry

now just a little shy of 1,000 members.

18 Methodist Message January 2025

(above left) Installation of Rev Saravana Kumar as ETAC President (above right) ETAC pastors and leaders, together with GC leaders, Bishop Dr Wong and then BishopElect Lim

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ETAC

EMMANUEL TAMIL ANNUAL CONFERENCE

901

President

Rev C Saravana Kumar

869

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020 r2

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"I am thankful for the ways that our churches have embraced these principles, sowing seeds of faith and love that will, in God's perfect timing, bear fruit in abundance," said Rev Philip. Through efforts that took place over the four years, such as the daily synchronised prayer and prayer bookmarks to remind members to pray for 10 pre-believers, a "culture of prayer and outreach" was fostered.

Pastoral supply A total of four pastors were recruited during the quadrennium: Ps Adlin Jacob, Ps Jesudoss Charles, Ps Vasanth Joseph and Rev C Jebakumar.

The 49th Session witnessed Ps Adlin Jacob ordained as a Deacon.

Ministers-on-trial, Ps Jesudoss Charles and Ps Vasanth Joseph have progressed onto MOT 2 while two seminary students, Mr Elisha Philip and Mr Joshua Gnanaruban, are on track to complete their Master of Divinity Studies in May 2026 at Trinity Theological College and Singapore Bible College respectively. Rev R Prabhu has been re-engaged as an Associate Pastor.

Formation of Board of Youth Ministry ETAC pastors with Bishop Dr Wong and Bishop Emeritus Robert Solomon

Earlier last year, a Youth Dialogue was held, where ETAC youth leaders gathered to raise their challenges and concerns. This was a crucial time of listening, reflecting and discerning God's direction for the next generation. In response to the need for youth-focused ministry, Rev Philip announced the formation of a new Board of Youth Ministry, signalling ETAC's commitment to youth engagement.

Rev James Nagulan

PASTORAL APPOINTMENTS FOR THE YEAR 2025 Ang Mo Kio Tamil MC Pastor-in-Charge Rev Albert Vijay Joseph Pastoral Assistant Ps J S Jesudoss Charles Jurong Tamil MC Pastor-in-Charge Rev Philip Abraham Pasir Panjang Tamil MC Pastor-in-Charge Rev Philip Abraham Associate Pastor Rev R Prabhu Seletar Tamil MC Pastor-in-Charge Rev James Nagulan Pastor Rev Adlin Jacob Sembawang Tamil MC Pastor-in-Charge Rev C Saravana Kumar Tamil MC, Short Street Pastor-in-Charge Rev James Nagulan Pastoral Assistant Ps Vasanth Joseph Toa Payoh Tamil MC Pastor-in-Charge Rev Albert Vijay Joseph Pastoral Assistant Ps J S Jesudoss Charles Singapore Telugu MC Pastor-in-Charge Rev C Jebakumar

SPECIAL APPOINTMENTS FOR THE YEAR 2025 District Superintendent Rev James Nagulan Methodist Welfare Homes Coordinator Rev Adlin Jacob Chaplains to Methodist Schools Rev Adlin Jacob Ps Vasanth Joseph Information is correct at time of printing.

Feature

Called to pastoral ministry Meet the Members-on-Trial who were admitted in 2024 to their respective Annual Conferences.

A career change I did not expect Pr Esther Yek Member-on-Trial Yishun Methodist Mission (CAC)

I

was born in Malaysia and grew up there.

My mother brought me to church when I

was about four or five years old.

Before entering seminary, I worked at a Senior Activity Centre for 14 years. During those years, I learnt how to interact with people and minister to them.

In my early 40s, I thought a career change would be good and considered social work.

However, another path came to me, which was to serve full-time in church. When I prayed about it, God immediately opened the door for me to serve full-time in church as a Lay Ministry Staff.

During the two and half years as a Lay Ministry Staff at Ang Mo Kio Chinese Methodist Church, my heart's posture changed from reluctance to obedience to God’s calling to full-time ministry under the Chinese Annual Conference. It is God’s love and grace that led me to obey and respond to his call.

Graduating from seminary does not mean that I have learnt everything and am already perfected. Rather, I've just begun the journey of learning. As I set sail on this new phase of my journey, I look forward to it with both anticipation and trepidation.

Pr Esth e

r Yek an

d her fa

mily

May God give me a teachable heart to learn and follow him, help me to be a vessel fit for him and to fulfil what he has entrusted to me.

20 Methodist Message January 2025

From a rural town in Minnesota to serving overseas,

God has called me illiam Ps W

M

en S t a ck

is w and h

ife

Ps William Stacken Member-on-Trial Christalite Methodist Chapel (TRAC)

y Christian experience has been

A Mission (YWAM) in Netherlands and spent

historical, communal and international.

three-plus years studying for my Masters

During my childhood years I attended a

in Divinity (MDiv) at the East Asia School

small liturgical church with my family in rural

of Theology here in Singapore. Pursuing

Minnesota in the USA. I grew in my faith

my MDiv in Singapore was a step of faith

through Sunday school classes and serving

and provided valuable space to discern if

in the church service. This early exposure

Southeast Asia was more than just a place

to liturgical worship familiarised me with

to visit for mission trips, but instead could

the faith and taught me to appreciate the

become another place to call home.

rhythm of the Church through the Christian calendar. I am grateful to have begun my

While pursuing the MDiv, I was welcomed

faith in a place like that because it helped

to do my internships with Living Hope

me see the historical aspects of Christian

Methodist Church (LHMC) in Tampines and

faith within a warm community.

served as a Pastoral Team Member (PTM) after graduating in 2018. I felt at home

In my teenage years I had a strong desire

in the local context and in the Methodist

to experience more of the Christian faith

Church and could sense that serving there

and felt that attending a different church

was a blessing to others and myself. When

community may help facilitate that. This

we sense God’s good hand moving in a

community helped me to experience Jesus

situation, it can help bring confirmation

Christ for myself and I professed my own

of his leading. Thus, making the choice to

personal faith at age 15. The church youth

apply for MOT was easy!

ministry provided friendships, many of which I have kept even until today! This

I now serve as Associate Pastor at

season of life introduced me to the awesome

Christalite Methodist Chapel and as one of

reality of how our Christian faith is meant to

the Chaplains at Geylang Methodist School

be a communal experience.

(Primary). My family and I have settled in wonderfully at Christalite. I’m thrilled to see

From age 22 until today, I have lived outside

how God’s leading and provision has been

of the USA. During this twenty-year period

shown to us over the years. I pray that each

of international living, I served ten years as a

of you would trust the good hand of our

support-raising missionary with Youth With

good God as he seeks to lead you!

January 2025 Methodist Message 21

Celebrating 25 years of service

C E L E B R AT I N G

LIFE ETERNAL

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• Chapel with seating capacity of up to 150 persons • Memorial room with a furnished outdoor patio available • Rooms are also available for private memorial services • Award-winning Christian columbarium

View our video here “The beauty and serenity of the place, and the clean, spacious and pleasant hall that we used gave me and my family a sense of calm and comfort during this period.” -Elizabeth Tang

Visit

remembrance.sg

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

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

A call I couldn't ignore Pr Tham Wen Chen Member-on-Trial Foochow Methodist Church (CAC) s wife, Siew Chen with hi Pr Tham Wen s and Esaiah and sons, Elia

M

Hwee,

y journey of faith began at the age

to wane. It was a year marked by deep

of 17 when I came to know the

introspection. I wrestled with questions

Lord. However, it wasn’t until I joined

that gripped my heart: Was I truly living

the Chinese Christian Varsity Christian

out God’s purpose for my life? Would I one

Fellowship during my second year at the

day regret ignoring his call? Interestingly,

National University of Singapore (NUS) that

during this time of soul-searching, my

my faith deepened. Through the fellowship,

wife, Siew Hwee, also felt the Lord’s

I encountered a vibrant community of

leading toward full-time ministry.

believers who spurred me on in my walk with Christ.

After much prayer and seeking his will, in June 2020, amid the uncertainties of the

It was during a mission trip to China that

Covid-19 pandemic, we both resigned from

the Lord unexpectedly stirred my heart.

our jobs. I began theological studies at

He opened my eyes to the immense need

Trinity Theological College (TTC), while Siew

for the gospel and planted within me a

Hwee joined the Fellowship of Evangelical

desire to serve him in full-time ministry.

Students, a parachurch organisation

Yet, despite the clarity of his prompting, I

serving students in tertiary institutions, as a

didn’t pursue it seriously. Life moved on,

full-time staff worker.

and so did I. During my time at TTC, my sense of calling After graduating from NUS, I embarked

to serve as a pastor at the Chinese Annual

on my career as a pharmacist, where

Conference grew stronger. Through

I sought to glorify God daily. I was

the guidance of TTC lecturers and the

committed to living out my faith in the

encouragement and support of leaders and

workplace and church, where I actively

members of Foochow Methodist Church,

served in various capacities. I was content

I’ve witnessed God’s hand leading me every

and fulfilled—at least for a season.

step of the way.

However, our Heavenly Father often calls us beyond our comfort zones.

As I continue this journey, I am humbled by his faithfulness and overwhelmed by his

The quiet stirring for full-time ministry

grace. Please pray for me that I will serve

never left me. As I turned 40, the

the Lord faithfully, with a heart that seeks

fulfilment I once felt in my work began

to glorify him in all things.

January 2025 Methodist Message 23

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.

Soundings

First things first "But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you." ~ Matthew 6:33

T

here is perhaps no better time to

away from God. It may reveal a pattern of life

examine our priorities than at the

or a habit of mind that is a hindrance to the

beginning of a brand new year. Since

spiritual life and to our devotion to God.

ancient times, such an exercise has been deemed beneficial, as clearly articulated in

What is the Christian's priority on the basis of

the dictum attributed to Socrates that "the

which he should order his life?

unexamined life is not worth living".

The answer is found in the Sermon on the This deliberate act of self-examination is

Mount, where Jesus exhorted his hearers

beneficial because it helps us to identify

to "… seek first the kingdom of God and his

the things that we truly value, and prompts

righteousness" (Matthew 6:33). This verse is

us to realign our lives, activities and goals

of course well-known to many Christians and

accordingly.

has even been put to music, a song still sung in some churches today.

Self-examination has an important place in the Christian tradition. This practice, if done

But what is this divine kingdom about

prayerfully, may bring to light hidden sinful

which Jesus spoke? And what does it mean

fixations and desires that subtly steer us

to seek it?

24 Methodist Message January 2025

While Jesus did not offer a systematic

my sake will find it'" (Matthew 16:24–25).

presentation on the nature of the kingdom, he told numerous parables which provide

To seek the kingdom of God requires the

lively glimpses of this divine reality.

seeker to die. It requires the seeker to die to his sin-driven self in order that he may

The kingdom of God in the New Testament

truly live for God.

is indeed a multi-faceted term, as many scholars have pointed out. Its nature and

But there's more!

significance can only be grasped if we study what the entire biblical canon—both the

Since God's reign over creation is

Old Testament and New Testament—has to

characterised by love, justice, mercy and

say about it.

holiness, those who seek it must also embody these values in their lives. This

Drawing

from

both

means that seeking God's kingdom is not

scholar

just a matter of the personal devotion of the

George Ladd summarises their teaching on

individual to Christ. It is also always a call to

the kingdom in this way: "The bond that binds

strive for justice, peace and wholeness.

Testaments,

the

the

testimonies

New

Testament

of

them (the two Testaments) together

is

the

dynamic

concept of the rule of God".

That is why Christians are not just commanded to

1

seek God's kingdom, but his The

is

righteousness also. In fact, the

therefore the reign or rulership

kingdom

of

God

two are synonymous because

of the sovereign and loving

the divine kingdom is the

God, the Creator of all that is.

reign of the righteous King.

Now, if the divine kingdom is the reign of

But what does it mean to seek the

God, to seek after it surely means to submit

righteousness of God?

ourselves to everything that God commands.

In other words, to seek the kingdom of God,

It is to conform our lives to the moral and

to come under his rulership and reign, is to

ethical standards found in the Bible, and to

love what God loves and hate what he hates.

strive to live by them in every aspect of our

It is to be obedient to his word and conform

lives, especially in our relationship with our

to his will.

neighbour.

Seeking the kingdom means much more

Here, seeking God's kingdom has a

than regular attendance at Sunday worship

relational or social dimension, which is

(though this is important). It requires nothing

nicely captured by the Wesleyan concept

less than a radical surrender of our desires,

of social holiness.

wants and ambitions. It requires that we bend our wills to God's, a spiritual renovation

Jesus instructed his disciples to seek first the

of our lives.

kingdom of God, that is, to give it the highest priority in our lives. It is to put the kingdom of

This is seen supremely in the demand that

God and all that it stands for above everything

Jesus makes to those who wish to be his

else—our careers, our family, our comfort.

disciples: "'If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross

For it is only when we do this that the rest

and follow me. For whoever would save his

of our lives will be ordered in a way that

life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for

glorifies God himself.

1

George Eldon Ladd, The Presence of the Future: The Eschatology of Biblical Realism (Eerdmans, 1974), 130.

January 2025 Methodist Message 25

ACS (International)

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

Senior Leadership Team

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

Mr Gavin Kinch Principal

Mrs Tan Siew Hoon Vice-Principal

Achievements include • Students with perfect score of 45 points in IBDP • 23 “Top in the World” awards in IGCSE examinations over each of the past twelve years • Students accepted to Oxford and Cambridge universities for the past eight years • Admissions to top universities in the UK, the US, Australia and Singapore

Mr Christopher Hayward Vice-Principal

Dr Kristopher Achter Vice-Principal

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

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

Worship

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

spe s n m y nh a c w o H e? f i l f o s itie t h e re a l

T

ctly e r i d e r ak mo

to

he prophet Amos was a man of

What does this mean for the role of music

uncompromising integrity, deeply

in worship today? Can our songs truly

concerned with justice and righteousness.

honour God if they do not reflect his heart

His message was clear: worship that is full

for justice and love?

of praise but devoid of justice does not please the Lord. Amos declared, "Away with

This question takes me back to a pivotal

the noise of your songs, but let justice roll

moment in the 1960s when theologians

on like a river, righteousness like a never-

and musicians gathered to reflect on the

failing stream" (Amos 5:23-24 NIV).

state of music in worship. While the hymns January 2025 Methodist Message 27

Walking alongside you with compassion and care

ESTABLISHED SINCE 2000

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

Romans 8:38–39

HOSANNA BREAVEMENT SERVICES PTD LTD

they sang were deeply rooted in theology and

strength, and love our neighbours as ourselves.

scripture, they recognised that something

Each church adapted this theme in unique

was missing. As rich and meaningful as these

ways across the Annual Conferences, offering

hymns were, they did not fully engage with

its perspectives on this commandment. This

the lived experiences and struggles of their

resonates deeply with Amos's call, reminding

communities. This realisation sparked a bold

us that true worship is not only about loving

and transformative question: How can hymns

God through praise but also about loving our

speak more directly to the realities of life

neighbours through action.

while remaining true to the faith?

We need to ask ourselves: How do our What resulted from these gatherings is the

worship practices reflect God's call for justice

Hymn Explosion of the 1960s, which reshaped

and compassion? How do these reflections

how we experience and understand hymns

shape us to be the people of God, called to

today. By embracing theological depth,

serve his people?

cultural inclusivity and musical diversity, this movement gave us hymns like, "For

Language serves as a foundational tool in

the Healing of the Nations" (UMH 428), "For

worship. We can draw inspiration from the

the Fruits of This Creation" (UMH 97) and

language of the Psalms, the prophets, and,

"All Who Love and Serve Your City" (UMH

above all, Jesus. Their words speak to the

433). These hymns continue to call us to

complexities of life—its joys, struggles, and

action, addressing justice, stewardship and

aspirations. By incorporating their profound

community service.

language into our worship, we invite a spectrum of emotions and experiences that

Today, many contemporary hymn writers are

resonate deeply with everyone, creating a

crafting songs that we could be singing in

shared sense of connection and purpose.

worship—songs that speak to the realities of our lives and the mission of the church. These

This intentional approach informs both

texts invite us to reflect deeply on our faith

our minds and hearts, encouraging us to

and the challenges we face as a community

reflect on the realities of life and consider

of believers. Perhaps it's time to consider

how we can actively participate in God's

how these songs might enrich our worship

work of justice and compassion. As we open

practices. Or maybe this is an opportunity

ourselves to this transformative process, our

for the worship committee to take up the

minds are renewed, and we are drawn into

challenge: to write a song, a chorus or a

deeper alignment with God's will. When

prayer that speaks directly to the unique

we allow ourselves to fully engage in this

struggles and hopes of our congregation.

calling, the Holy Spirit equips and empowers

These contributions could become valuable

us to live out our worship in meaningful and

additions to our collective prayer and worship

impactful ways.

resources, amplifying our call to love God and neighbour in tangible, transformative ways.

May our worship—through prayer, music, and the Spirit's transforming power—shape us

In the 12th quadrennium, then Bishop Dr

into a people mindful of God's call to pursue

Gordon Wong emphasised that we should

justice and commit to making it integral to

love God with all our hearts, souls, minds and

our worship practice.

We need to ask ourselves: How do our worship practices reflect God's call for justice and compassion?

How do these reflections shape us to be the people of God, called to serve his people?

January 2025 Methodist Message 29

Outreach

Rev Derrick Lau is the Executive Director of Methodist Missions Society. / Photos courtesy of Methodist Missions Society

(left) The Methodist Church in Nepal transitioned into a Mission Conference in October 2024 (below) Japan Dialogue and prayer with churches in October 2024

Continuing the work of our Father's business in the

mission fields

M

ethodist Missions Society (MMS) was

As part of our church planting work, we

set up in 1991 as the missions agency

endeavour to help churches in the field

of The Methodist Church in Singapore.

establish an Annual Conference. We are

Its strategy is to establish indigenous

pleased that The Methodist Church in

churches supported by mission endeavours

Cambodia will become a full-fledged

in communities in our region where

Annual Conference in 2027, and The

there is no Methodist presence. MMS is

Methodist Church in Thailand will be a

committed to deepening and expanding

Provisional Annual Conference in 2027,

its reach and impact in seven countries,

while The Methodist Church in Nepal

namely Cambodia, East Asia, Laos, Nepal,

transitioned into a Mission Conference in

Thailand, Timor-Leste and Vietnam. More

late 2024.

recently, MMS initiated the Diaspora Mission in Chiangmai, Thailand, and is

We rejoice and give thanks to God for

also in conversation with local churches to

positive development and growth in

collaborate in Japan.

these church planting initiatives. We shall continue to focus on capacity building of

Phases of church planting

the national pastors and lay leaders and

Praise God for our church planting over

provide resources to encourage and equip

the last 34 years. Becoming a Mission

them to fulfil the mission of Christ in their

Conference or Provisional Annual

historical and cultural context. Our church

Conference are stages in which the local

planting models are based on a disciple-

churches grow from strength to strength

making movement that would birth

and eventually form an Annual Conference.

disciple-making churches.

30 Methodist Message January 2025

Methodist schools and hostel facilities in the mission fields

As the harvest is plentiful, we believe that

For schools, the educational priority is

mission aspirations of our local churches.

MMS is positioned to serve and support the

the building of capacities for the leaders and students. We rejoice for opportunities

Direction for the new quadrennium

to sow the seeds of the gospel in the

In the new quadrennium, together with

Methodist School of Cambodia, Vineyard

the new members of the MMS Executive

Methodist School in Chiangmai, Thailand,

Committee and Sub-Committees, we will

Little Candles Methodist School in Phrao,

strive to:

Thailand, Singapore Mission School in Vientiane, Laos and St Paul Methodist

•

Seek the mind of Christ in discerning

School in Mentinaro, Timor-Leste. We

the missiological pathway ahead

are also preparing to launch the second

We are grateful for the mobilisation of

Methodist School of Cambodia in the next

over 2,000 intercessors; this strengthens

two years.

our resolve to focus on our Father's Business. Prayer is an indispensable

When we were in Nepal in October 2024,

spiritual weapon that serves to wrestle

the national pastors shared with me the

with forces that seek to thwart the

need for student hostels for boys in urban

mission of Christ!

centres as a next phase of community outreach. This would support church

•

has laid upon our hearts for his

growth as men usually bring women to

mission We firmly believe that

the churches when they get married.

the Spirit of God plays a key role

Additionally, this would complement

in convicting individuals and local

Sophia's Home, a girls' home for the

churches to rise to the challenge

underprivileged we had started more than

to reach the nations. We would like

two decades ago.

to actively listen and support these aspirations from the ground. We pray

In Vietnam, besides providing pastoral

for clarity of the call of God.

leadership at the International Christian Fellowship, we shall continue to deepen

Share the convictions that Christ

•

Strengthen our

our engagement with the Girls and Boys

stakeholder engagements

facilities. The Fuzhou Ministry concentrates

We pray that the body of Christ,

on community development and social care

including the 46 local Methodist

services. Other community projects include

churches under MCS (and some non-

hostels and income generating projects.

Methodist churches), might collaborate

Partnerships with local churches Stakeholder engagement continues to be a

in intercession as well as manpower and financial resources, to reach the nations for Christ in our region!

priority for MMS. Our partnerships with 39 MCS churches resulted in 28 Memorandums of Understanding signed in 2024 alone.

These partnerships have enabled us to approach unreached communities and enhance our mission work in our region.

We are deeply indebted to the leaders from Chinese Annual Conference, Emmanuel Tamil Annual Conference, Trinity Annual Conference as well as the General

"Look among the nations, and see; wonder and be astounded.

For I am doing a work in your days that

Conference Women's Society of Christian

you would not believe if told."

Service, for their support and partnership.

~ Habakkuk 1:5

January 2025 Methodist Message 31

Outreach

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

It's okay for men to not be okay E

lliot* remembers the day his world

"Divorce brings a lot of legal and emotional

shattered – when his wife of 12 years

stress, which many do not understand,"

called in November 2022 asking for a

Elliot said. "In the group, I feel accepted.

divorce. "Two days later, she packed her

The counsellor encouraged us to share our

things and left for her hometown, walking

struggles, making me realise I wasn't alone

out on me and my son," he shared.

or wrong for feeling weak. We exchanged coping tips, encouraged one another, and

Their marriage, which began as a long-

learnt from each other's experiences—it felt

distance relationship, struggled from

great to see my sharing helped others."

the start with misunderstandings and emotional disconnect. "My ex-wife had

Anny Rodjito, an MWS counsellor who

frequent meltdowns and would lash out

led the support group, shared, "All the

with hurtful words. Triggered, I'd shut down

participants came in feeling inadequate

and go for days or even weeks without

for struggling with adjusting to life

talking to her. I even used my son to pass

after divorce. Sharing their experiences

messages," Elliot admitted, acknowledging

helped normalise those feelings,

his role in the marriage's breakdown.

reduce isolation, and create a sense of community and support."

"After my wife went through four miscarriages, I didn't give her any emotional

A post-groupwork self-assessment

support, which she saw as cold violence. It

revealed that participants improved in 11

was hard for me to show her care as she had

of 16 dimensions, especially in emotional

been hostile and aggressive throughout our

well-being, with all feeling better prepared

marriage, like smashing things around the

to support others.

house and hitting me."

Finding support

Fighting stigma: It's okay for men to not be okay

Despite the turmoil, Elliot never wanted

Support services like the Divorce Support

a divorce and agreed only after his wife

Group are crucial for men, yet many

threatened suicide. "The divorce was

hesitate to seek help when facing

a big blow. Even now, I struggle with

challenges due to traditional

feelings of loss," he said.

masculine norms valuing selfreliance, emotional restraint,

Whenever Elliot shared his struggles with

and toughness. Indeed,

friends and family, he was told to "move

across the three Family

on". "It's not that I don't want to," he said.

Service Centres run by

"But I'm still dealing with the trauma of

MWS, the proportion of

my wife leaving me."

men enquiring and seeking help is

A month after finalising his divorce in

consistently only

October 2023, the 53-year-old found

about 35%

support among other divorced dads in the

of all enquiries

Divorce Support Group started by FAM@

received,

FSC (Strengthening Families Programme@ Family Service Centre) and led by Methodist Welfare Services (MWS).

32 Methodist Message January 2025

compared to enquiries from women. Such

Post-support group, Anny continues to work

expectations discourage vulnerability or

with Elliot through individual counselling to

help-seeking, which can lead to emotional

improve communication with his son and

isolation, suppressed feelings, and

ex-wife, and to better manage his emotional

unhealthy coping behaviours. Research

triggers. She also guides him to process

has linked such ideals to poorer mental

grief, build resilience, and navigate the

health and higher suicidal ideation.

challenges of single parenthood.

"All of us in the support group faced the

Finding faith

stigma of divorce," Elliot said. "As men, we're

Amid the pain of his marital breakdown,

expected to be strong and act like we're

Elliot also found acceptance and

fine. When I open up to friends about my

support in another place—the church.

feelings regarding the divorce, they'd say

His post-divorce journey became one of

things like, 'Get over it, you're a guy.' There's

rediscovering his Christian faith.

this constant expectation for us to hold it together, but I'm not okay—I'm losing

"I was stressed out each time I

confidence in myself. I thought I could make

received a letter from the divorce

good decisions, yet my marriage fell apart."

lawyer, it felt like a death warrant," he said. "The only thing I could think of

Finding strength in vulnerability

was to go back to church for emotional

Through the support group, Elliot learnt

support. I had been a non-practising

to express his emotions instead of bottling

Christian prior to that. I found comfort

them up. "I'm working on being more open

in the community's prayers, advice and

and vulnerable," he said, reflecting on the

encouragement."

changes he's making after realising how his emotional unavailability contributed to

Elliot said that his faith has grown

his marriage's breakdown.

stronger though this journey. "I've learnt to rely on God and trust in his

Besides improving his mental health,

plan for my life. For example, when

Elliot's openness has deepened his

handling the legal matters of my

bond with his seven-year-old son. "We

divorce, I prayed for wisdom. It's been

understand each other better and feel

a time of deepening my faith and

more connected now," he shared.

finding strength in him." *Not his real name

MWS FAM@FSC provides family and marital counselling, as well as divorce support for couples navigating separation and family transitions. To learn more, visit www.mws.sg . If you would like to support our work with a financial contribution, please visit mws.sg/give .

January 2025 Methodist Message 33

X

Methodist Methodist Music M si Odyssey Odyssey Children will start their early music journey learning to enjoy and appreciate music through music & movement, singing and music making.

At K1 and K2 levels, the programme aims to develop the whole child with a musical and spiritual emphasis. The rich and unique music curriculum engages the whole Methodist approach to lay the foundation for godly character through holistic music education.

What your child can look forward to:

Classroom-based lessons

Opportunities to perform Immersive learning journeys

Methodist Music Odyssey is just a small part of the enriching programmes that are available at Methodist Preschools. We offer a variety of engaging STEM-based teaching aids and programmes that help prepare Methodist Preschoolers for primary school education and beyond!

Tale-Bot

3D Doodler

Arki-Blokie

Space Buds

Designathon

Methodist Preschools has both Kindergarten and Childcare Centres.

Scan the QR code to visit our website and schedule a visit.

Nurture the Future with us today!

Every child a person of Good Character who is an Explorer, an Innovator and an Entrepreneur

Sue-Lynn Teo is a registered

Rev Joey Chen is currently

Benny Bong has over

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

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

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

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

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

She worships at Toa Payoh Methodist Church with her family.

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

Dating & Marriage

If a spouse agrees to divorce, would it mean he doesn't believe that God can heal the marriage?

From what I understand, divorce is permissible if one party commits adultery and wants to divorce their legal spouse. If the spouse agrees to the divorce, would it mean he/she does not believe that God can heal the marriage? On the other hand, if the spouse does not agree to the divorce, is he/she being stubborn and overly optimistic? In what circumstances would God not want the spouse to divorce the party who continues to commit adultery?  Wondering January 2025 Methodist Message 35

At the well

The party who was cheated on

Joey says Dear Wondering,

would be emotionally overwhelmed,

God desires reconciliation and he can heal a

relationship dynamics of the couple can

and it can be a confusing time. The

marriage fractured by infidelity. But that can only happen if (i) the party who committed adultery is truly repentant, and desires to change, (ii) both parties are willing to put in the hard work of repairing the marriage, and (iii) both parties are willing to do what it takes to continue maintaining the health of their marriage. This is because God respects

also add another layer of complexity.

It would be helpful for the party who was cheated on to prayerfully assess the situation and discern the next steps with the help of his/her pastor, a Christian counsellor and with godly counsel from Christian friends of the same gender.

human free will, and we must want to work in tandem with God. The couple can start

Family

this process of healing and reconciliation by

P4 son is asking for a mobile phone

going for marriage counselling. However, if the unfaithful spouse has asked for a divorce and/or continues to commit adultery, it’s a clear sign that there is no repentance. As

My son has been asking me for a

long as that is the case, reconciliation would

mobile phone after seeing his peers

not be possible.

owning one. He is in Primary 4 and I

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only intend to get him one when he

Friendships

is in Upper Secondary. How should I

My friend keeps cancelling our meetups

educate him that he can own a mobile phone but only when he is much older?  Wondering Father

I have a friend who keeps postponing

Sue-Lynn says Dear Wondering Father, Using a "+ and -" list as a visual, discuss the pros and cons of owning a smartphone.

Listen to his views on the pros. He may share reasons like staying connected with his friends (e.g. via WhatsApp), playing online

our meetups. Each time, she will say that she is busy with her work or she has prior engagements. I usually find myself the one who initiates. Even when she makes plans, she doesn't follow through. Should I continue to ask this friend out?  Tired Girl

games with them etc. Explore alternatives

Benny says

like inviting his friends over or play online

Dear Tired Girl,

games on the computer.

It sounds like your friendship is lacking Educate him on the cons he might be

two important ingredients. The first is

unaware of (e.g. screen time addiction, the

respect and the second is mutuality. I

inability to self-monitor at this age and

sense a lack of respect from how she

stick to the limits, cyberbullying, exposure

cancelled on you several times. We can

to inappropriate content, online "stranger

be understanding if there is a valid

danger", health issues like poorer sleep

reason like a pressing work deadline

quality, eye strain etc.). As a Christian

or a family crisis, but being stood up

parent, explain how the online world

suggests: "I do not see the need to keep

generally promotes worldly, even anti-

my word" and "I do not respect your time

Christian, values.

or commitments."

Re-establish your role as a parent to protect

Mutuality is what makes friendship

and keep him safe until he is older and

rewarding and meaningful. Mutuality

more mature, with better skills to navigate

is when one’s sacrifice and giving to

the online world. This can be hard as he

the relationship is responded to by the

might respond with feelings of frustration,

other giving back. It need not be equal

anger and unfairness. Again, validate his

responses in quantity or quality but the

emotions with kindness (e.g. "I know you

other reciprocates when he/she can.

feel angry about not owning a smartphone

Contrast this with one party always giving

yet") and reiterate your stance firmly. If

and the other only taking and you wonder

needed, explain the conditions, before

if one is being used by the other. Of

you'll consider getting him a smartphone

course, there may be times and situations

when he is older (e.g. consistently keep to

when we are prepared to go the extra

the current screen time limits, agree on

mile for the other, for a specific reason.

parental controls, download only agreed-

Perhaps it is time to invest your time and

upon apps etc.). You can negotiate another

attention on someone who appreciates it

time to revisit this agreement.

and not take you for granted.

January 2025 Methodist Message 37

You and Your Family

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

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

Breaking up before breaking down A

woman in her late twenties sought counselling for her relationship with her

boyfriend. In their nine years together, they were twice on the verge of breaking up. On both occasions, she initiated it because of his

In rare instances, the partner who gives and

addiction to pornography. The woman was

gives may feel compelled to do so. In the

torn between her unhappiness over his habit*

foregoing case, the girlfriend initially felt

and her feelings for him. These feelings were

she had to help her boyfriend overcome his

kept going by his promises to kick the habit

addiction. She not only encouraged him in

and his threat to harm himself if she left him.

his abstinence efforts. To prevent his being tempted to turn elsewhere, she consented to

Her question was whether she should remain

premarital sex despite being initially opposed

in the relationship and if not, how to break up.

to it. Her being unable to leave the relationship

Breaking up is seldom easy, regardless of who

for fear of his harming himself was another

initiates it. It gets more and more difficult in

form of coercion.

a long-term relationship. And what if ending a relationship may trigger a strong reaction?

If indeed there is concern of an adverse

Should one be forced to stay only to avoid

reaction, the ones initiating the breakup

such a response?

should not spring it on their partners. Thought should be given to how to deliver such a

Here are some pointers for those considering

devastating message in a safe manner. This

breaking free before things get so bad that

may involve pointing the way to resources

they may suffer a breakdown.

for the disappointed party to draw upon, e.g. consulting a counsellor to work through any

Firstly, relationships of this nature should

difficulties or render support.

never be under coercion; they should be based on mutual choice. Partners must

Secondly, clear and open communication

know what they are getting out of it and

is always helpful. Couples should talk about

what is asked of them. As a rule, friendships

their hopes and dreams. After getting to

grow when there is a positive exchange

know each other and finding that he/she

between individuals. What they put into

might make a good life partner, there should

the relationship—be it sacrificing time to be

be some talk about plans for the future. If

together or sharing personal vulnerabilities—

for some reason, your partner’s plans do not

is compensated by what they gain from it.

coincide with yours, it is perhaps time to

One-sided relationships seldom last or grow.

invest in another relationship.

38 Methodist Message January 2025

I am not suggesting that one’s default

for each other as confirmation to stay

response in the face of disagreement

together?

be to quit and leave. Relationships are rarely picture-perfect. If, however, there

When a couple is at a point when it is time

are concerns that might pose a reason

to end a difficult relationship and start

for an indefinite delay in moving forward,

afresh, it is imperative to consider how to

e.g. a dominant and dependent parent is

do so with understanding and compassion,

opposed to the partner, the couple would

honouring and respecting the good in the

do well to try to work together through

years together while being mindful of what

such a challenge. The couple should agree

lies ahead.

on the steps to be taken and a timeline for progress. If an impasse arises, the couple should carefully consider their options, e.g. getting outside help.

Thirdly, remember that it takes two parties to start and grow a relationship but only one to end it. The partner intending to leave is to communicate, not convince the other of, his/ her reasons for doing so. The reasons may not sound compelling or even logical to the other, but they make sense to the initiator.

Fourthly, we may be so involved in a

*Note: I used two ways to describe the use of pornography, i.e. "addiction" and "habit". This reflects the differing views of the scientific and clinical community for this behaviour. Some see it as a compulsion which sufferers are unable to control. The behaviour is thus seen as an illness warranting treatment. The other view is that the behaviour is a learned or acquired maladaptive one. Sufferers can change when faced with the right incentives and disincentives.

relationship that it may sometimes be difficult to view things objectively. So it may be helpful for couples to speak with others who know and care for them and ask their opinion and specific concerns about the relationship.

Lastly, I have been asked my opinion of the idea of a cooling-off period, i.e. when the couple stops seeing or communicating with each other, to allow them to think clearly about their next steps. This may be helpful especially when the couple feels "in a rut" about their issues and keep going around in circles. When couples are considering this, I usually ask them about the "terms and conditions" such a period might entail. How long would it last? Would they be allowed to pursue or develop relationships with others? Would they make efforts to work through their problems during this time and what indicators would they use to decide whether to carry on, e.g. if they pine January 2025 Methodist Message 39

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Expressions

Lucy Cheng is a member of Wesley Methodist Church and serves as a Sub-Editor with Methodist Message.

On the beach at night, search the blackness of ocean and sky after the sun sinks in a royal blaze Feel the origin of the secrets stirring ceaselessly in the sonars of the deep, secrets swelling through the cosmos, As his passion f leshed from dust and charged with his breath into the image of his being Our measure is but a particle in infinity, and our life but a poem written in dew,

Photo by Mizan on Unsplash

Yet we too are hallowed soundings of his poetry and song breaking forth from jars of clay.

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

January 2025 Methodist Message 41

#GO WORKSHOP | BUILDING BRIDGES: WORLDVIEWS & CONTEXTUALISATION 23 January 2025 (Thursday), 7.30 p.m. to 9.30 p.m.

Cru Centre, 18 Verdun Road, #03-01, S207280 Register via https://cru.sg/GoEquip Free For enquiries, email gomissions@cru.org.sg Worldviews define what we believe and how we look at the world. Come explore how you can share the gospel in ways that penetrate people’s worldviews so that they can make sense of it!

Organised by Cru Singapore

MINISTRY TO CHILDREN: HELPING CHILDREN TO LOVE GOD AND LOVE OTHERS 8, 15 & 22 February 2025 (Saturday), 8.30 a.m. to 1.00 p.m.

Trinity Theological College, 490 Upper Bukit Timah Road, S678093 Register via https://www.ttc.edu.sg/english/study-at-ttc/equip-registration/ $150 (standard registration) NOTE: Participants must attend all three sessions and pass the course assignments to complete each workshop.

This course will equip lay Christians with biblical foundations as well as knowledge of processes and strategies to minister to children, including children with diverse educational needs. Participants will draw on principles and practices from Scripture and developmental psychology to establish a coherent and integrated philosophy of ministry to children. In addition, participants will learn about classroom management, motivation and engagement, leveraging teaching and learning resources to help children build an authentic relationship with Jesus, discover and cultivate spiritual gifts, and be released for ministry to serve God with the power of the Holy Spirit.

Organised by EQUIP

EMPOWER YOUTH 18 January 2025 (Part 1: Host & Facilitation), 10.00 a.m. – 12.00 p.m.

22 March 2025 (Part 2: Preparation for Day Away), 10.00 a.m. – 12.00 p.m.

Trinity Theological College, 490 Upper Bukit Timah Road, S678093 Register via https://singapore.alpha.org/events/empower-youth/ $20 EMPOWER is a local centralised team training for anyone who is looking to run the Alpha for the first time. It is run centrally for anyone from any church to come.

At this training, you can expect to receive all the basic handles you need to get started on running the Alpha Youth Series. There will be time for you to ask your questions and get hands-on practice. It is recommended that you attend both sessions.

Organised by Alpha Singapore