Methodist Message: March 2016 Issue by Methodist Message

Vol 118 No 3 • MAR 2016

inside

this issue...

ISSN 0129-6868 MCI (P) 156/11/2015

GC 2016 Interview with GC Secretary page 4

Win movie passes! Compelling tale of The Young Messiah page 7

message.methodist.org.sg

PLMGS Celebrating 100 years pages 12-13

BISHOP’S MESSAGE

We have risen! Bishop Dr Wee Boon Hup was elected Bishop of The Methodist Church in Singapore in 2012. He has been a Methodist pastor for more than 30 years.

“Having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the powerful working of God, who raised him from the dead.” (Colossians 2:12, ESV)

t Easter, we celebrate not just the resurrection of Jesus Christ, but ours too. In 1 John 5:12 (ESV), the apostle writes: “Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life.” We do not wait till we die to have eternal life; we have it when we have Jesus. Eternity begins at the point of faith in Jesus as our Saviour. Our resurrection was obtained through Jesus when He rose from the dead. Let me repeat: if you are in Christ, you have been raised from the dead. Often when we talk of resurrection, we think of the bodily form. That indeed is something which will take place when

Jesus returns (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17). But there is a resurrection in the realm of the spiritual that has already taken place. “Heavenly places” is mentioned a few times by Paul in his letter to the Ephesians (1:3, 20; 2:6; 3:10; 6:12). That is also not referring to something in the future. John Stott describes it as the “unseen world of spiritual reality.”1 It exists in the here and now. Perhaps another way to explain it is to conceive of a parallel

John R. W. Stott, The Message of Ephesians, (Leicester: Inter-Varsity Press, 1979), 35

Continued on page 3...

COMING UP

Making your work matter?

Methodists in the Marketplace

W hy does my work matter?

hat would you do if you felt trapped in a dead-end job? You may have felt like the protagonist in the short story “There Was This Cashier”, originally taken from a 2008 Japanese book by Haruhiro Kinoshita, which quickly gained popularity when it was posted on a blog, and subsequently translated into English.1 The story begins with a young graduate searching for a fulfilling job, and her resume rapidly grows with a list of jobs she quit after a few months in each. This begins a vicious cycle of companies being unwilling to hire her, until she hit rock bottom working a temporary job as a supermarket cashier, typing in prices by hand. It would have been a no-brainer to leave such a mundane job, except for her realisation of how low she had sunk, and a timely reminder of how she had been able to persevere in practising the piano when she was younger. Setting a goal for herself, she determined to master the cash register keys by heart, and doing so allowed her to notice details about the customers that came by regularly. A chance comment sparked off a friendly interaction with a customer, which quickly became an enjoyable part of her work as she conversed with her customers and provided them helpful tips with their shopping. Her customers responded by favouring her, even though other registers were empty – a customer even pointed out that another supermarket was cheaper, but that she chose to come to chat with this cashier. “For the first time,” ended the story, “[the protagonist] saw how terrific a job could make her feel.” What was her turning point? How could a job that most of us view as menial and mind-numbing become such an opportunity for impact on others? And what lessons can we draw from this story on the impact that our daily work could have for God?

pm Monday 23 May, 7.45-9.30 ssion Lecture 2 and Panel Discu Panellists: Dr Tan Tee Khoon

pm Sunday 22 May, 7.45-9.30 ssion Lecture 1 and Panel Discu Panellists: Mr Henry Tan

Managing Director, KF Property Network Pte Ltd, a Subsidiary of Knight Frank Singapore. (Agape Methodist Church)

Managing Director, Nexia TS. ) (Wesley Methodist Church

Mrs Joni Ong

Mr David Ang

Executive Director, Tong Kah Marine Engineering, Marine Construction and Services. ) (Kum Yan Methodist Church

Ms Serene Wee

Managing Director, Great Place to Work Institute (Singapore); Kanesaka Sushi Pte Ltd. ) (Wesley Methodist Church

Prof Lionel K. H. Lee

Chief Executive, Singapore Academy of Law. ) (Pentecost Methodist Church

Executive Vice Dean, Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University. (Charis Methodist Church)

Tuesday 24 May, 7.45 pm warmed” as Come and be “strangely s service a Methodist body for Christ’

Saturday 21 May, 7 pm music Let God’s Word, prayer and To inspire you to be “Faithful The End”

aldersgate.methodist.org. Venue:

Kum Yan Methodist Churc 1 Queen Street, Singapore 188534

FREE ADMISSION TO

ALL EVENTS

Organised by

6478-4765 t.org.sg communications@methodis

Come join us as we explore the significance of work in our lives as Christians, at Aldersgate SG 2016 from 21-24 May. Discover how to make your work matter for God, as you hear from Bishop Dr Wee Boon Hup and specially-invited panellists – Methodists in the marketplace areas of accounting, engineering, law, property, consultancy, food and beverage, and medicine. Reflect on lessons from the life of biblical statesman Daniel through God’s Word, music and prayer, and be inspired alongside fellow brothers and sisters in Christ to live out your faith where God has placed you. Visit aldersgate.methodist.org.sg, and mark your calendars now! n

1 http://en.rocketnews24.com/2012/02/03/read-the-short-story-that-capturedthe-hearts-of-japan/

Methodist Message wishes all readers a blessed Easter. “Christ is risen; He is risen indeed!” Background picture by Eggi821/Bigstock.com 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 New International Version, unless otherwise stated. Our address

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Let us have your views

Editorial Board Adviser and Publisher Bishop Dr Wee Boon Hup, Chairman, Council on Communications Editor Assistant Editor Ms Grace Toh Sub-editor Ms Tan Chiu Ai Editorial Executive Ms Chia Hui Jun

Have something to say or share? Email us at newmm@methodist.org.sg and if appropriate, your contribution could be published.

BISHOP’S MESSAGE

We have risen! ... continued from page 1

universe where the realities are spiritual, rather than the material and physical we are more familiar with. This world view can make a lot of difference in how we live now. When Jesus promised us the abundant life, I believe He intended us to experience it in this present world, where the spiritual and the physical co-exist. There is a dimension of life that we tend to forget because we do not see it with our physical eyes. Paul tells us that there are rulers, the authorities and cosmic powers over this present darkness (Ephesians 6:12, ESV): these are the unseen realities that also are present in the heavenly places. There are wrestling matches often between them and us. When we are ignorant of their reality, they easily defeat us, and deny us of the joyous victory of the abundant life Jesus promised. “When? How?”, you may ask.

Paul describes them as spiritual forces of “evil”. In the original language, it has the same root from where we get the English word “pornography”. Another translation uses the word “wickedness”, as in twistedness of virtue and moral principles from their purposes to evil ends. We do not have to look far to see that there are lots of these around us, in human relationships, business, and international relations. It must be added that this evil also exists in the carnal nature of human beings, even born-again ones; so we cannot always blame these forces for our wickedness while overlooking the darkness within. We are told to “put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness” (Ephesians 4:22-24, ESV). In the heavenly places however, we are seated with Christ (Ephesians 2:6), a position of authority. Hence Paul’s instruction in this struggle is to “stand” (Ephesians 6:11, 13-14). That is the posture of a victor, who is determined to uphold and exercise all that he has learned and practised through disciplined training in relying upon the strength of the risen Christ, and not on himself. When we carry such a perspective with us, we will not look at our “enemies” the same way as before. Human beings are not our enemies. There are spiritual forces bearing their influence that may affect how people behave. This does not absolve us of our responsibility. We just do not have to respond to their influence. Besides divine power, there are also cultural and moral influences that can guide us to conduct ourselves kindly with one another, away from what these spiritual forces may try to do. In Christ, we have the power of the resurrection to rise above them and live the eternal and meaningful life He has obtained for us. “Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again.” We declare that in our Holy Communion. Easter reminds us that we can also affirm for ourselves: “We have died with Christ. We are risen with Christ. We will be with Christ when He comes again.” n Cover page picture by enterlinedesign/Bigstock.com, background picture by GD Arts/Bigstock.com METHODIST MESSAGE • MAR 2016

HOME

Later this year, The Methodist Church in Singapore will be holding its regular session of the General Conference (GC) â&#x20AC;&#x201C; which is held only once every four years. What is it all about? And how will the average Methodist be affected? Methodist Message sits down with GC Secretary and long-time volunteer Mr Lim Soo Chin to find out.

GC 2016: Interview with GC Sec Lim Soo Chin was elected as the General Conference Secretary in 2000, and is presently serving his 16th year as the Secretary. He spends his retirement attending to his General Conference work and Lay Preacher duties in his church, Paya Lebar Chinese Methodist Church, which he has attended since young. He enjoys his work at the Methodist HQ as it enables him to help take care of his three grandsons during their period of study at Anglo-Chinese School (Primary).

Q: Mr Lim, can you explain to us what the General Conference (GC) is? A: The GC is basically a gathering where representatives of the three Annual Conferences (ACs) of The Methodist Church in Singapore (MCS) come together to revise church laws, approve work plans and budgets for churchwide programmes, as well as adopt resolutions on moral and social issues. GC establishes councils or bodies for the general work of the MCS, and during the course of GC, elections are carried out to choose officers to supervise work in various councils and agencies. The elections include the choosing of a Bishop to oversee the work in the GC. A regular session of the GC is held once in every four years (a quadrennium), and special sessions are held in between the regular sessions whenever necessary. Q: Why is it held in two parts? A: Usually, the first part is held in September, so that when the ACs are held in November, the Bishop for the next quadrennium would have already been elected and the ACs can elect their AC President from among eligible pastors. Under Para 574 of The Book of Discipline of The Methodist Church in Singapore (BOD), a Bishop cannot concurrently be the President of an AC. The second part is then held in December to enable the statements of accounts for the year ended 31 July to be audited and presented for adoption. In the coming 11th Quadrennium, the first part of the GC will be held from 12-16 Sep 2016 in Ang Mo Kio Methodist Church and the second part from 1-2 Dec 2016 in the Methodist HQ in Barker Road. Q: Who gets to attend the GC? A: According to the BOD, there should be no less than 30 but not more than 70 delegates to the GC, half of whom shall be ministers and half lay members. The present arrangement is for each Annual Conference to send seven ministerial delegates and seven lay delegates to the GC,

making the full house of a GC comprising 42 people. Q: How is the GC relevant to the average Methodist? A: Firstly, do pray for the GC, as many important decisions are made and directions for the Church over the next four years are set there. In particular, pray for the election of officeholders, that God will grant them strength and wisdom to fulfil their roles over the coming quadrennium. The GC also receives petitions, which are proposals to make changes in our Church, and debates them. These are often initiated by the Annual Conferences, pastors as well as lay people. Petitions must comply with these conditions: 1) Three copies of the petition must be sent to the Secretary of the General Conference or a designated petitions secretary. 2) Each petition must address only one paragraph of the BOD or, if the BOD is not affected, one issue. 3) Each petition must be signed by the person submitting it; accompanied by appropriate identification, such as address, local church, or Methodist board or agency relationship. 4) Petitions must be received by the petitions secretary no later than 60 days prior to the opening session of the GC (14 July 2016). Petitions must be mailed before the deadline to: The General Conference Secretary The Methodist Church in Singapore 70 Barker Road #06-04, Methodist Centre Singapore 309936 In the last three GCs, a total of 75 petitions was received â&#x20AC;&#x201C; subject matters ranged from the Constitution, Conference Administrative Order, Judicial Administration, Social Principles, Local Church, Administrative Order, Church Property and Trustees, the Ministry, and editorial corrections required in the BOD. The Discipline Review Commission assists to look through petitions before assigning them to Legislative Committees, who debate them and then present their recommendations to the full body of the GC. The House then agrees or disagrees with their recommendations. n Please pray for the coming GC. Photo by Daniel Lie

SAYS THE CAC PRESIDENT

Choosing to do ‘nothing new’ The Rev Dr Chong Chin Chung was re-elected President of the Chinese Annual Conference (CAC) in 2012 for the quadrennium. He has been a Methodist pastor for 30 years and a guest lecturer at Trinity Theological College since 1996.

“All things are full of labour; man cannot utter it: the eye is not satisfied with seeing, nor the ear filled with hearing. The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be; and that which is done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun. Is there any thing whereof it may be said, See, this is new? It hath been already of old time, which was before us. There is no remembrance of former things; neither shall there be any remembrance of things that are to come with those that shall come after.”

(Ecclesiastes 1:8-11, KJV)

ne of the key messages in Ecclesiastes is its reminder to readers that “everything is meaningless”. Throughout history, in all of man’s daily labour and perennial matters faced in life, “there is nothing new under the sun”. What are these things? They are the lot of man – birth and old age, sickness and death, as well as eating, drinking and marrying. The cycle of birth and death is inevitable, but we have a choice in matters of eating, drinking and marrying. How we choose will determine whether the outcome will bring us joy or cause distress. Isn’t the history of mankind – whether it is of good or bad, Christians or non-Christians – a documentation of choices made by man? Reading Ecclesiastes for the first time may give a pessimistic impression, but I feel that its message presents us with many positive attitudes towards life and points to many opportunities for doing good works. While the life cycle is inevitable, its process and the quality of life can be enhanced if, with wisdom from the Lord, we develop healthy eating habits and exercise regularly. Coupled with good medical care, we may be able to slow the ageing process, keep illnesses at bay as much as possible, and live longer. However, when faced with the inevitable, let us accept the fact that in God’s wisdom for creation, all creatures are under the inviolable law of supersession of the old by the new. We do not have to resist or struggle against it. As for eating, drinking, and marrying, these are very much matters of individual choice and we may spend a good part of our lives on them. Eating and drinking are lifestyle issues and we pay a price for our lifestyle choices. We can opt to live simply and still find life comfortable. On the other hand, there are those who experience discontent for failing to achieve their goals despite their lifelong toil, and yet others who are unscrupulous in fulfilling their own desires in life. The issue of marrying is about human relationships. Any marriage, be it our own or that of the older generation, creates a new and complex network of relationships involving immediate family members, relatives, friends, colleagues, neighbours and others. Such relationships are not easy to manage well all the time. Those who are warm and amicable will find many new companions for their life journey; the abrasive ones will have more enemies and fewer friends, while the less sociable may feel even lonelier. The phrase “There is nothing new under the sun” in Ecclesiastes sums up what has been presented. To me, the life cycle of birth and old age, sickness and death means a need for loving care and comfort, and compassion. Eating, drinking, and marrying will require us to be accommodating, forgiving, warm and encouraging. We can become a blessing to others. This is not to say that we will always be strong and never in want. What it means is that while we are still able, let us keep on doing good works begun in the past, so that the many deeds which moved hearts throughout the ages will continue to be “nothing new under the sun” today. The good works that you and I do under the sun, whether seen or unnoticed by others, enable those around us to experience today the Christ who became flesh 2,000 years ago. n

Background picture by peterzayda/Bigstock.com METHODIST MESSAGE • MAR 2016

YOU & YOUR FAMILY

Focused attention Benny Bong has been a family and marital therapist for more than 30 years, and is a certified work-life consultant. He was the first recipient of the AWARE Hero Award in 2011 and is a member of Kampong Kapor Methodist Church.

hese days, with so many things demanding our attention and energy, giving our focused attention to what we are doing is often a challenge. We seem to be torn in so many directions that being able to multi-task is one of the prerequisites for life today. Yet can we really be good at doing many things simultaneously, or are we just fooling ourselves? Or is it the preserve of a few who seem able to work and even play whilst juggling several balls at the same time? Even if they are able to do this well at work, is this ability also apparent in their personal life? In today’s fast-paced and highly-wired world, it seems that some things still demand our focused attention. When it comes to certain relationships, we all want the other to give us their full and focused attention. You may have invested in one of those cameras that help you monitor remotely what is going on at home, to see if your baby is getting her afternoon nap or if your children are doing their homework. But such forms of parenting cannot replace the face-to-face interaction that needs to happen when you get home. You can Skype with your spouse when they are overseas or send each other text messages. These, however, cannot take the place of the person-to-person connection with words and touch that binds a relationship. No amount of technology-enabled communication can replace personal contact.

We seem to live our daily lives in a frenzied absent-minded fashion. We seldom stop to appreciate the coolness of the evening breeze on our face, the smell of freshly-cut grass, the cooing of pigeons in the shade. I am not asking if you can recall what you ate, though some may even struggle with this question, but how your food tasted. You may even have had a full and heavy meal but did not pause to appreciate the textures of the food. What is the object of your focused attention? What preoccupies your thoughts and attention? The end of the first quarter of the year is upon us. Have we noticed its passing? What, and more importantly, who would you like to focus on for the rest of this year? Can we be more mindful of where we focus our attention? n

Giving our focused attention to what we are doing is often a challenge. We seem to be torn in so many directions that being able to multi-task is one of the prerequisites for life today. Giving something or someone our focused attention invariably involves an investment of time. If we want to develop a relationship with a person, we must be prepared to set aside time for it. This means that it just would not do to say “I will give my spouse or children ‘quality time’ in the form of a family vacation” when there is no meaningful quantity of time for the rest of the year. This same principle applies to all relationships, including our relationship with our Maker and even with ourselves. Do we need to set aside time for ourselves? Are we not already a very self-absorbed or self-indulgent society? Perhaps, but many of us just go about making our lives full yet lacking in meaning. Picture by Tsung-Lin Wu/Bigstock.com

FILM REVIEW

The Young Messiah: A compelling tale Grace Toh is Assistant Editor of Methodist Message and has been a member of Kampong Kapor Methodist Church for most of her life.

“H

e’s not just a child.” This line, spoken by one of the characters in the upcoming film The Young Messiah, aptly summarises the impetus behind the film as well as its attraction for viewers, and ultimately speaks to the mystery that lingers beyond the ending credits. The Young Messiah is a fascinating glimpse into what life might have been like for Jesus Christ, as a young boy of seven years old coming to terms with his ability to work miracles and his revealed identity. In his statement, Director Cyrus Nowrasteh admits that “there are great challenges in depicting this because we know very little about Jesus’ childhood”. Yet, he and his team have managed “with respect and reverence... to imagine a child consistent with Jesus as revealed in the Bible”. Even those with little to no knowledge of (and interest in) Christianity might be drawn to this evocative story of a young boy who knows he can do certain special things, but does not understand why no one else, especially his parents, will speak of it or explain to him why he can, and why they must stay on the run. Equally compelling is the sensitive portrayal of the struggle Jesus’ parents would have faced in protecting and bringing up a child whose questions they feel unequipped to answer – as his father Joseph asks, “How do we explain God to His own Son?” However, like all parents, there is only so much they can protect their child from. Implications of events given brief mention in Scripture passages are brought to life in all their gritty reality, and we experience them through the young Jesus’ perspective – the slaughter

WIN a pair of movie passes to watch The Young Messiah at Shaw Theatres! Find a Bible passage that references Jesus’ childhood, and write a short response telling us what the passage means to you personally. Send it to us at newmm@methodist.org.sg, and the bestwritten responses will win a pair of movie passes each. Contest ends 13 March 2016 at 11.59 pm – limited sets available, write to us NOW!

of innocents, persecution faced as sojourning foreigners, the dangers of the road, the violence of death, the cruelty of conquering oppressors. As viewers, perhaps we may think we know the story’s ending and its details by heart. Yet a film like this can bring us to question if we ever really knew the story in all its emotional context and narrative power, leading us to revisit the text anew. Most importantly, the production team expressed hope that “the story would also give viewers the opportunity to understand Jesus’ full humanity and, as a result, open up opportunities to discuss the life of Jesus and what the Bible does say about him.” They added: “In affirming both Jesus’ full divinity and humanity, viewers become mindful that Jesus had a childhood and an adolescence, and grew into adulthood just as we all do.” This, they felt, would be “especially important for adolescents and teenagers, who often feel awkward and out of place when they are in a time of transition. This vision of the child Jesus might also speak to young people as they identify with or engage with social pariahs: the outcasts, the outsiders, and the others.” The film, which will be released in Singapore on 24 Mar 2016 and is distributed here by Shaw Organisation, is based on the 2005 fictional bestseller Christ the Lord: Out of Egypt by Anne Rice. More information can be found at www.theyoungmessiah.com n

Picture courtesy of Shaw Organisation METHODIST MESSAGE • MAR 2016

MISSIONS

Cambodia’s Glory Trinity MC breaks ground for new building Kelvin Tan is Missions Chairman at Trinity Methodist Church.

he association Trinity Methodist Church (TMC) has with Cambodia began in 1994 when our members covenanted among ourselves and with our Lord to adopt the Khmer people of Cambodia as an unreached people group, and to become instruments to evangelise to and establish the Church of our Lord Jesus Christ there. Soon after, we adopted a local church situated in the township of Takhmao and the birth of the Takhmao Trinity Methodist Church was born. A piece of property was acquired and in 1999, a onestorey church building was constructed. It was a simple wooden structure built on stilts over a pond intended to cultivate fish for self-sustenance. In 2003, heavy rain caused an erosion that led to the structure of the building’s foundation being compromised. The building tilted and was declared unsafe for use. The members moved into rented premises and have been moving from property to property ever since. Church membership dwindled and the original property lay unused. In 2012, the church dropped the name ‘Takhmao’ which had become associated with a local deity, changing its name to Glory Trinity Methodist Church (GTMC). Recently, the leadership of GTMC prayed and expressed their sincere desire to return to the original plot of land. In partnership with GTMC, the leadership of TMC prayed alongside them and decided to support their wish to re-establish themselves at the original site.

Prof Hum Sin Hoon (LCEC Chair, TMC); the Rev Nhoek Chamnap (PIC, GTMC); the Rev Chen Sokhom (District Superintendent, Kandal District); the Rev Dianna Khoo (MMS Area Director); the Rev Alvin Chan (PIC, TMC); the Rev Youthearoath Savy (Secretary, Methodist Church of Cambodia Cabinet); Mr Jacob Cheng (MMS Country Director for Cambodia); Mr Andy Chew (Lay Leader, TMC); Mr Bunthourn (LCEC Chair, GTMC).

On Saturday 16 Jan 2016, a Ground Breaking Ceremony and Service was conducted on the original site as a dedication of the premises to build the new church building to honour and glorify God. Attendees at the Ceremony and Service included representatives of the Methodist Church in Cambodia; representatives of the Methodist Missions Society (MMS), Singapore; MMS (Cambodia); the Pastor-In-Charge (PIC), Lay Leader and LCEC Chairman of TMC; the PIC and LCEC Chairman of GTMC, as well as TMC supporters and several neighbours in the community. In his sermon “What is the Church Made of?”, TMC’s PIC the Rev Alvin Chan encouraged GTMC to reach out to their community in love and establish themselves firmly in the Word of God. The new church building is expected to be completed before the end of 2016 and will certainly become a landmark where the people of God can minister to the growing population of this vibrant township. n Photos courtesy of Trinity Methodist Church

WELFARE SERVICES

BMNH’s silver lining from the haze

By the Methodist Welfare Services Communications Team

ast year, the severe haze conditions affected many people. The residents at the Bethany Methodist Nursing Home (BMNH) run by Methodist Welfare Services (MWS) had to adjust their daily schedules as well. Before the haze, volunteers would bring residents out in their wheelchairs to enjoy nearby amenities or rehabilitative exercises. What was disaster for the region turned out to be a catalyst for residents to choose the type of activities that they wanted to participate in. To replace the outdoor activities, BMNH introduced ‘HOPE KEE’, an indoor person-centered programme to keep the residents active physically and mentally. Over three mornings every week, residents got to choose activities that they liked to do from a menu, such as cooking, crafts, karaoke, personal grooming, table games, and reading. Each activity was run at a different location in the Home. More mobile residents were encouraged to make their own way to the various venues under the watchful eyes of nurses. Initially, there was resistance from some residents used to being wheeled around the home. These residents had to overcome “learned helplessness”, after being cared for in all aspects by BMNH staff. They were empowered to do some activities by themselves, such as wheeling themselves to activity rooms or to prepare food for other residents. At the same time, nursing staff also experienced a paradigm shift. Where they used to provide almost all the care for the residents, they had to take a step back. They became facilitators and cheerleaders to the residents, to empower their choices. The initiative also fostered community spirit. With help from volunteers, the residents would prepare simple food such as Milo,

biscuits and coffee for one another. The residents would also help in setting up the hall for craft activities and table games. HOPE KEE was so well received that it became part of the Home’s regular programmes. Chan Sow Har, a resident, said, “I learnt how to make Chinese New Year lanterns and how to wrap dumplings. Eating together with many other residents instead of in the ward made me happy too.” n

FIND OUT u how you can contribute and volunteer at www.mws.sg/volunteer Photos courtesy of Methodist Welfare Services

METHODIST MESSAGE • MAR 2016

CHURCH PROFILE

Queenstown Chinese MC:

Making disciples, transforming lives

Hoon Tien Ghun is Archives and History Committee Chairperson and Church Governance Committee Chairperson of the LCEC of Queenstown Chinese Methodist Church.

n indication of a closely knit body of Christ is found in Queenstown Chinese Methodist Church (QCMC) and Faith Methodist Church (FMC), which counts among them members from the same families. They go way back to the 1960s when the Methodist Church initiated the ‘Queenstown Methodist Church Pioneer Work’ project, as Queenstown was being developed as Singapore’s earliest HDB town. The result was QCMC and FMC, which share the same church building. Starting from Dec 1964, FMC focused on English-language work, and QCMC did Chinese-language work. On 21 Aug 1966, QCMC was established as a local church and was attached to Telok Ayer Chinese Methodist Church (TACMC). Some TACMC members moved into Queenstown at that time and began to attend QCMC services, which was constituted into a Local Conference on 5 Dec 1976. The working relationship between FMC and QCMC has become even closer, as the current pastors-in-charge of both churches – the Rev Edwin Wong (FMC), the Rev Goh Aik Hiang (QCMC) – and the Rev See Swee Fang (FMC) were members of QCMC. QCMC’s mission is to be a disciple-making church where lives are transformed through Worship, Fellowship, rooted in the Word, Serving and Reaching out to the community. Their outreach extends to the Mandarin, Hokkien, and Cantonese-speaking residents living within and around the Queenstown estate, and also staff and students of the nearby schools and tertiary institutions. QCMC is one of the few churches that continue to minister to and nurture their congregations through Fellowships, i.e. big-group meetings. There are five age-level Fellowships and one Fellowship specially organised for worshippers from China. There are also six small groups, of which three are location-based according to district, one is a Reading Club, one caters to young working adults and another to East Malaysians. Altogether, QCMC has set up 22 committees and working groups to meet the needs of ministries that have expanded significantly since the 1960s. All Sunday services, Fellowships and group meetings, Church School lessons and lay training are conducted in Chinese; this brings both advantages and challenges for the church. The use of Chinese certainly does not hinder the growth of the church. This is reflected through the continual growth of the congregation size over the past 50 years and there will likely be many people

Queenstown Chinese Methodist Church (Chinese Annual Conference) 400 Commonwealth Drive, Singapore 149604 Sunday Services: 7.30 a.m. Cantonese Service 10 a.m. Hokkien Service 10 a.m., 11.45 a.m., 7.30 p.m. Mandarin Service Contact: www.qcmc.org.sg, admin@qcmc.org.sg, www.facebook.com/ QueenstownChineseMethodistChurch, or 6473-3226

looking to attend Chinese-speaking churches in the future. As of Dec 2015, the church has 1,520 members. There are three Mandarin services, one Hokkien service and one Cantonese service, with an average weekly attendance of 1,330 worshippers. The key challenge is to help the Englishspeaking children of church members embrace the church’s mission to minister to the Chinesespeaking community and congregation. Doing so will motivate them to stay on and to develop themselves to become future church leaders and ministry staff. In his message during QCMC’s 25th Anniversary, the Pioneer Work Pastor, the Rev T. C. Nga, said: “Reflecting on the past years, I can still remember how the two congregations, though speaking different languages, could work together hand in hand for the advancement of God’s Kingdom.” n Photos courtesy of QCMC

We continue our series of profiling local churches from our three Annual Conferences of The Methodist Church in Singapore. As we come to have a better understanding of each other’s history and ministry, we may discover more opportunities to forge crosschurch partnerships and collaborations. The QCMC congregation at their Easter Sunday Service.

SOUNDINGS

Bloody witness Dr Roland Chia is Chew Hock Hin Professor of Christian Doctrine at Trinity Theological College and Theological and Research Advisor to the ETHOS Institute™ for Public Christianity (http://ethosinstitute.sg/).

n November 2010, Fr. Christian Mbusa Bakulene and a parish worker were walking to St. John the Baptist Church in Kanyabayonga in the province of North Kivu of the Democratic Republic of Congo, when two armed men in combat fatigue stopped them and asked: “Which one of you is the priest?” They shot Fr. Bakulene and walked away, leaving his companion unharmed. This is just one of the many random cases of persecution that Christians are facing all over the world today. They are the tip of the tip of a very large iceberg. Most Christians in the West and in countries like Singapore are not even aware of the extent of the problem and the plight of our brothers and sisters in many countries across the globe. Here are the facts. More Christians were killed for their faith in the 20th century than all the previous centuries combined. According to the world’s leading demographers of religion David B. Barrett and Todd Johnson, out of the 70 million martyrs since the time of Christ, about 45 million died for their faith in the 20th century. About 80 per cent of all acts of discrimination in the world today are directed at Christians. Martin Lessenthin, the chairman of the International Society for Human Rights who made this report in 2009, pointed out that other human rights observatories have confirmed this estimate. In its September 2012 report, the Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life, a highly-respected secular thinktank based in Washington D.C., stated that in the period between 2006 and 2010, Christians were harassed in 139

“Soundings” is a series of essays that, like the waves of a sonogram, explore issues in society, culture and the church in light of the Gospel and Christian understanding. nations – three-quarters of the nations in the world. One of the most prominent organisations for tracking anti-Christian persecution is Open Doors, an evangelical advocacy and relief organisation. According to its report, about 100 million Christians today suffer violent persecution for their faith, making Christians the most high-risk group for religious freedom violations. The annual ‘Status of Global Mission’ report published by the Centre for the Study of Global Christianity at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary estimates that about 100,000 to 150,000 Christians are killed each year for their faith. In 2012, the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom, which was established in 1998 by President Bill Clinton, names the following countries with the worst records for the violation of religious freedom: Burma, China, North Korea, Egypt, Eritrea, Iran, Iraq, Nigeria, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Tajikistan, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Vietnam. And the people that suffered the most violations in all these countries are Christians. It would be a mistake to think that Christians are persecuted only when they are in the demographic minority. Just think of Russia, the

Ukraine, and parts of Latin America where persecution is rife even though the majority of the population is Christian. In his book, The Global War on Christians, John Allen Jr. explains why such a myth is toxic: “It obscures large swaths of the planet from view in thinking about the threats that Christians face, and suggests a false sense of invulnerability for Christians in societies where they represent the majority.” There are Christian human rights organisations like Open Doors and Christian Freedom International that are helping persecuted Christians in different parts of the world. But religious persecution in the modern world is so complex that there is a limit to what NGOs and non-profit organisations can do to address the problem. The Church must pray for her persecuted and suffering members. She must pray not only for them to be delivered, but also for them to be faithful. In his moving account of Catholic martyrs in the 20th century, Robert Royal writes poignantly: “Martyrdom is in a deep sense the paradigm for the Christian life. Any person who starts to follow the Master seriously cannot help but find himself or herself attacked by the same forces that attacked him. Happy is the age that does not produce a large crop of martyrs. But even happier is the age whose people are willing to remain with Christ whether it means martyrdom or not, for from that willingness to die springs everything that makes it worthwhile to live.” n

Picture by merydolla/Bigstock.com METHODIST MESSAGE • MAR 2016

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PL100

PLMGS celebrates 100 years Ng Eng Kee is Head of Department (Aesthetics) at Paya Lebar Methodist Girls’ School (Secondary).

ne hundred songs to celebrate 100 years. That was how Paya Lebar Methodist Girls’ School (PLMGS or PL) kicked off its centenary celebrations this year, with a ‘Praise-a-thon’ where more than 3,000 students, staff, alumnae, parents and friends gathered to sing 100 songs of praise to thank the Lord for His faithfulness throughout the years. Anchored on the theme ‘God’s Faithfulness through All Generations’, taken from Psalm 100:5 (“For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; His faithfulness continues through all generations”), the school has planned a year-long series of 10 events to celebrate PL100, its centennial year (see sidebar).

“…let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:16

Alumni President Mrs QuaheLim Su-Lynn shared: “It is only fitting to have the Praise-a-thon as the cornerstone of our centennial celebrations. We place God first by kicking off our year of celebrations praising and worshipping Him. PL will continue to raise and educate godly women who will be a blessing to our community and society.” Below: Students from PLMGS (Pri) singing songs of praise at the Praise-a-thon. Bottom right: Bishop Dr Wee Boon Hup opening in prayer at the Praise-a-thon.

PL is more than just a school. It is also a family where the staff members care for the students and the senior girls care for their juniors. Being deeply rooted in Christian values, teachers recognise the calling in educating girls with different strengths and talents. As the saying goes, “it takes a village to raise a child”, and the stakeholders of the school do their best to care for the girls as they grow up within the sheltering walls of PL. Olive Lim, Vice-Head Prefect of PLMGS (Sec), reflected on the PL culture. “It definitely has a family atmosphere. When I first joined PL in Secondary 1, my seniors befriended me and my friends, and made sure that their ‘little sisters’ were adapting well. The girls who moved up from the primary school loved and cared for each other. I’ve also forged many precious friendships with PLLites from different walks of life. I love PL for its inclusivity and respect it has for everyone.” The Praise-a-thon showcased this PL spirit: although it poured on the day at the PLMGS Track where the event was to be held, the culture of care was clearly evident as many teachers and administrative staff grabbed mops and worked hard to dry the seating area so that the girls could worship in a conducive environment. This synergy of working as one for the well-being of the girls is what PL is all about. Hannah Quek, Head Prefect of PLMGS (Sec), said: “PL has enriched and encouraged me, in more ways than one. PL has given me my love for learning and has brought out the best in me. Good character is emphasised, and the school takes every opportunity to grow us into leaders and women of fine character. I really love the school’s culture of care.” Over these decades, the sustained emphasis on characterbuilding anchored on strong values has created a remarkable impact on the lives of PL-Lites. This bore fruit in many PL alumnae being inspired to join the ranks of educators and seeking to contribute in moulding the future generations of our nation. Among this group of PL-Lites, several have returned to their alma mater to continue the tradition of educating and caring for future generations of girls.

s of God’s blessings From the school’s humble beginnings with just 24 students in the 1900s, PLMGS has been richly blessed over the years to become a school of choice, with the Primary and Secondary sections together offering 10 years of holistic education to more than 3,000 students. The school has always opened its doors to girls of all social backgrounds. Families from surrounding communities send their daughters to the school because they believe in the valuesdriven education that PLMGS is synonymous with. The school does this through providing holistic education, so that when each girl leaves PL, she will shine and reflect the light of God as stated in Matthew 5:16 – “…let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Lee Hui Qi, Head Prefect of PLMGS (Pri), reflected: “I am proud to be a PL-Lite and will strive to live out the H.E.A.R.T values (Honour God, Excellence Mindset, Adaptable, Respect, Thankful) wherever I go. I love PL for its holistic development and nurturing environment. It is really a privilege to be celebrating PL100 right here as one big PL family this year, together with seniors from PLMGS (Sec), parents and alumnae.” Our centennial celebrations also emphasise rededicating ourselves to blessing others in return for all the blessings that God has provided. Hence, several PL100 events focus on PL-Lites giving back to the community in various ways, such as the ‘PL Cares’ luncheon for charities, the ‘PL Makes Her Mark’ rope-skipping event, and the ‘PL Ebenezer Fair’. We welcome your support and prayers! n

PL Praise-a-thon 15 Jan 2016 (Fri) PL Cares 19 Feb 2016 (Fri) PL Testifies 19 March 2016 (Sat) 2.30pm at PLMGS (Sec), Shaw Hall. PL Sports Event 1 April 2016 (Fri)

PL Makes Her Mark 6 May 2016 (Fri)

PL Ebenezer Fair 28 May 2016 (Sat)

PL Musical 1 & 2 July 2016 (Fri & Sat)

‘PL Praise-a-thon’ was held on Friday, 15 Jan 2016 at the PLMGS Track. Led by the PLMGS Alumni, it featured 100 songs of praise. ‘PL Cares’ is a Chinese New Year Luncheon that PLMGS organised for its four long-term partner charities. The Alumni targeted raising $100,000 for these charities. Come home to the familiar PL Chapel Service that PL-Lites grew up with. ‘PL Testifies’ is a special service that all PL alumnae and former PL teachers are invited to attend for a time of praise and fellowship.

The ‘PL Sports Event’ will bring together PL-Lites from both primary and secondary schools and the Alumni. Participants will engage in various outdoor games and sports stations to accumulate points for their respective sportshouses. The cheers segment, a key feature in PL’s sports activities, will also be included. Every PL-Lite, staff member and invited stakeholder will take part in a skipping event to achieve a record in the Singapore Book of Records. Besides the record, PLMGS will work with the community so that all the participants can skip for a good cause. ‘Ebenezer’, which means “Rock of Help”, truly signifies God’s help for PL over these 100 years. PL-Lites, together with the Alumni and Parents-School Support Group, will be managing 100 food and games stalls at the PL Ebenezer Fair. Funds raised will be channelled towards charities identified by the students. The ‘PL Musical’ promises to be nothing short of spectacular. As is our tradition, staff and students both past and present will be coming together in this musical extravaganza to celebrate God’s goodness in our very own PL style! Come join in the celebration with dance, drama and music. Visit the school website in May 2016 for details on purchasing tickets.

PL Writes 8 Aug 2016 (Mon)

The PLMGS Alumni will publish a commemorative book; by collecting the memories and accounts of teachers, alumni and students, the book aims to demonstrate God’s faithfulness to generations of PL-Lites. The school looks forward to submissions by PL Alumni across the years.

PL Honours Our Teachers 1 Sept 2016 (Thur)

The PLMGS Alumni will be hosting a Teachers’ Day thanksgiving luncheon on 1 Sept 2016. By bringing many generations of PL teachers together, we celebrate and honour God’s faithfulness through our dedicated educators.

PL Founder’s Day Thanksgiving and Reunion Dinner

Our 100th Founder’s Day Dinner will be a 100-table event with girls from every year represented at the dinner. It will be a time of thanksgiving to God for the past 100 years, and gratitude as PLMGS concludes a year of celebration.

14 Oct 2016 (Fri)

Details will be released on the PL Alumni Facebook page as well as the PL website for both primary and secondary schools.

Orchard Hotel Ballroom

More information about PL100 events can be found at: • www.plmgsalumni.sg/pl100.asp • www.facebook.com/PLMGSAlumni • www.payalebarmethodistgirlssec.moe.edu.sg • www.payalebarmethodistgirlspri.moe.edu.sg Photos courtesy of Paya Lebar Methodist Girls’ School METHODIST MESSAGE • MAR 2016

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

Rob Burrough Principal

  • 13 Top of the World awards in IGCSE examinations over each of the past six years • 98.7% pass rate in 2015 IB Diploma examination • O Level High Value Added: All 7 students with raw scores of 18+ passed the 2015 IB Diploma with average of 34.5 • Outstanding ‘value added’ examinations results from PSLE to IB graduates

Kathleen Manley Vice Principal (Academic)

• Three students accepted to Oxford and Cambridge universities for 2015 • Top university admissions in the UK, US and Singapore • Successes at national level this past year in Archery; Cheerleading; Chinese Drama; Cycling; Debating; Fencing; Football; Golf; String Orchestra; Touch; Taekwondo; Volleyball

     • 50:50 mix of local and international teachers who uphold the Methodist ethos and provide high quality teaching

Richard MacLean Vice Principal (Pastoral)

• 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 • 25+ overseas trips per year • Over 200 formal student leadership positions • Scholarships for 4 Singaporeans to undertake the IB Diploma programme

Tan Siew Hoon Vice Principal (Student & Staff Development)

For more information, please contact Joseph Ng or Stephanie Hanrahan at +65 6472 1477 or admission@acsinternational.com.sg

The international senior management team has over 55 years of combined senior management experiences in Britain, Africa, Asia, Europe and New Zealand.

What the Parents and Students Say… “Having witnessed the positive transformation in our younger daughter at ACS (International), we decided this year to also transfer our older daughter in Sec 3 from a top class in an elite and prestigious girls’ school to ACS (International). The different teaching methods, the high quality of teaching, the promotion of individual character and personality, and the obvious enjoyment of school at ACS (International) made the transfer most worthwhile.” Vincent and Germaine Leong "We love the smaller class sizes, the wide array of CCAs and the many approachable, friendly, passionate and dedicated teachers in the school which makes the whole experience a great one for our boys.” Cecilia Chau ‘’What I find makes this school different from others are the many great teachers who engage with students and make learning fun and effective. ACS (International) is a school beyond compare and I’m proud to be a part of it.’’ Benjamin Wong Liang Min – Head Boy “We were looking for a school that would invest in developing our children holistically, plus prepare them for university back in the UK. We certainly found all this and more at ACS (International) - strong academic achievement, sporting success, serving others through community service, student leadership opportunities, and nurturing in their Christian faith - all the while thriving under the tutelage of excellent teachers in the rich and diverse international milieu that ACS (International) provides.’’ Steve and Anna Griffiths

HOME

ACS turns 130, answers the call to serve Arene Koh is Principal of AngloChinese School (Primary).

Speciallydesigned ACS 130 collar pins were given to all students and staff to celebrate ACS’ 130th Founder’s Day.

he six units of the Anglo-Chinese School (ACS) have come together as ONE ACS to celebrate 130 years of God’s Faithfulness since its founding on 1 March 1886 by Bishop Oldham. The schools have adopted a common theme, verse and ACS 130 logo for 2016 – “Called to Serve: Our hearts, our hopes, our aims are ONE”, and “Serve one another humbly in love” (Galatians 5:13). In line with the theme and verse, and as a culmination of the ONE ACS SG50 ACtS of Service, the six schools embarked on one final act of service – by opening our schools as blood donation centres on 18, 19 and 27 February at the ACS (Independent) Dover campus, the ACJC campus, and the ACS (Barker Road) campus respectively. ACSians aged 16 years and above, as well as all Old Boys, were encouraged to donate blood to support this worthy cause. Younger pupils in ACS (Junior), ACS (Primary), ACS (BR), ACS(I) and ACS (International) distributed hand-personalised flyers to their family, school community and neighbourhood, and the larger community, to invite them to the donation drive. ACJC students also distributed flyers to the working crowd at the One North area.

Specially-designed ACS 130 collar pins were given to all students and staff to celebrate ACS’ 130th Founder’s Day. Each ACS unit held its own Founder’s Day Thanksgiving Service and Presentation of Award Ceremony, during which a specially-produced video was screened, showcasing the ONE ACS SG50 ACtS of Service that the six ACS units had embarked upon. Truly, our hearts, our hopes, our aims are one. The Best Is Yet To Be! n

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Record-breaking results by SFMS students Tracey Tee is Business Development Manager at St Francis Methodist School.

an a conducive environment enable students pursuing alternative pathways from traditional academic routes to achieve academic excellence? St Francis Methodist School’s (SFMS) recent results testify a resounding “yes”! A student from SFMS has been named top student in the recent cohort of the Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE) – a record-breaking achievement for SFMS in 15 years. Amanda Eugenia Yung (right) attained an ATAR (Australian Tertiary Admission Rank) score of 99.95 – the highest achievable score. Amanda who was studying in a well-known government school decided to join SFMS to study the WACE programme (fast-track route), allowing her to complete the ‘A’ Level-equivalent programme in one year. The programme offers students a comprehensive curriculum with dedicated support from experienced teachers. Amanda credited these features for her outstanding performance in achieving the recordbreaking ATAR score. She highlighted that the activities and lessons taught in school have enabled her to adopt various skills such as teamwork, tolerance and other social skills. Her excellent results earned her scholarship offers from both The University of Melbourne and The University of Sydney, the latter of which Amanda decided to accept, to pursue a double degree in Medicine. Forty per cent of her cohort in SFMS also obtained an ATAR score of 80.00 and above, enabling them to enrol in established and reputable universities worldwide. In addition to these outstanding WACE results, SFMS has achieved

our best GCE ‘O’ Level results to date – 89.5 per cent of our latest cohort of students attained 5 or more GCE ‘O’ Level passes, surpassing the national average of 83.8 per cent. This success can be attributed to the academic rigour of initiatives such as the Academic Achievement Programmes (AAP) and study camps held during school holidays. Ye Guoquan (top right), one of our top GCE ‘O’ Level graduates, said: “SFMS has a friendly environment which impressed me on my first visit, enabling me to adapt well in school. Within a year, my proficiency in English Language, Chinese Literature and other Science subjects has improved a lot. The teachers are really kind and helpful. “Aside from its strong focus on academic achievements, the school also offers Chapel service, enrichment programmes as well as enjoyable interest groups. Thank you SFMS for making my experience truly wonderful!” Guoquan achieved an L1R5 of 7 points in the 2015 GCE ‘O’ Level examinations. Ding Lingke (bottom right), another 2015 GCE ‘O’ Level graduate, shared: “I joined a language school when I first came to Singapore, hoping to do well for the Admissions Exercise for International Students and subsequently join a government secondary school, but the result did not turn out as expected. “I believed that God had better plans for me when I chanced upon SFMS and have never looked back since. I joined SFMS in 2013 and was placed into the GCE ‘O’ Level class. I sat for the 2015 GCE ‘O’ Level examination and when the results were

released, I couldn’t be more thankful to SFMS for I managed to perform better than most of my friends in the government schools,” said Lingke who has achieved an L1R5 of 8 points. “As I move on to pursue higher education, I will always be proud to say that I am a graduate of SFMS!” n

FIND OUT u more about SFMS and its mission to provide a nurturing environment for students to excel through appropriate educational pathways – visit www.sfms.edu.sg, or email enquiry@sfms.edu.sg

Photos courtesy of St Francis Methodist School METHODIST MESSAGE • MAR 2016

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HOME

Reconciling science and Christian faith Grace Toh is Assistant Editor of Methodist Message and has been a member of Kampong Kapor Methodist Church for most of her life.

In his lecture, Dr Andrew Loke (second from right) challenged the view that science and Christian faith were necessarily in conflict.

“A

s a young Christian, I’d always thought that creationism and evolution were opposing ideas,” said Timothy Seow, 19, an attendee at the ‘Science and the Christian Faith’ Public Lecture organised by ETHOS Institute™ for Public Christianity on 4 Jan 2016. “But Dr Loke shone light onto the possibility of both being reconcilable; and necessarily so, because, as he had mentioned, Christians too often misrepresent the position of faith in science and unnecessarily deter people from searching for Christ.” Timothy’s response seemed representative of the many young adults who attended the lecture, a number of whom stayed on to engage the speaker, Dr Andrew Loke, a Research Assistant Professor at The University of Hong Kong who holds a PhD in Theology from King’s College London. In his lecture, Dr Loke briefly outlined main points from his booklet Science and the Christian Faith, published as part of the ETHOS Public Engagement Series. “Many people,” he said, “have the impression that modern science threatens Christian faith.” This, he noted, was not necessarily the case, as there was the possibility that if one studies the Bible and the natural world correctly, they are reconcilable. “Why do many people think science and Christianity are in conflict?” he asked. He explained that mistakes made by both non-Christians and Christians had contributed to this misconception. For example, many atheists hold to the view that anything that can be known must be known scientifically. However, Dr Loke pointed out that this was a philosophical view, and like the criteria for a good scientific theory, cannot itself be proven to be correct scientifically. Reason is not limited to science, but scientific, historical and philosophical reasoning can be carried

out; the type of reasoning we use depends on what we are trying to find out. On the other hand, he notes, “the way that Christians have defended their faith has been quite problematic sometimes”, especially when they try to defend the Bible against scientific discoveries that seem to be in conflict. They often neglect the fact that Genesis 1-3 is not meant to be a complete record of everything about Creation; the main message of the text is that God is the Creator, that He was behind each step of Creation, and thus humans should not worship created things but the Creator, and that He has a special purpose for humankind created in His image. The astronomer Galileo himself noted in a letter that “our opinion is that the Scriptures accord perfectly with demonstrated physical truth”; one can treat science as a discovery of the process by which the Creator created the universe. With this in mind, Dr Loke touched on the five levels of meaning behind the use of the word “evolution”, noting that only the non-scientific level of meaning explicitly denies the existence of God. “We need to be open to possibilities,” he urged, “not to be dogmatic when the text itself does not require it.” He explained that, regardless of whether evolution is true, all life forms and indeed everything in the universe must have ultimately come from a personal First Cause (i.e. a Creator). Responding to the lecture, Ms Grace Lin said: “I gained new insight into how God’s work of creation is not limited to our ability to comprehend. We are in a journey of discovering things that He had already created before and the more we discover, the more it points to an infinitely powerful and intelligent Creator.” Ms Faith Buan noted: “I appreciate Dr Loke’s appeal to Christians to consider re-framing our mindset about the idea of evolution. His presentation has also definitely helped offer several good starting points for me to continue conversations with others (non-believers and Christians) regarding science and faith.” n You can purchase Dr Andrew Loke’s book Science and the Christian Faith by contacting ETHOS Institute at 6304-3765 or info@ethosintitute.sg

Photos courtesy of The Bible Society® of Singapore METHODIST MESSAGE • MAR 2016

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FAQ ON FAMILY

Focus on the Family Singapore answers frequently-asked questions from their database. Q: What can we do as parents to help our teenager remain sexually pure? A: Children should be introduced to age-appropriate sex education and the purpose of marriage while they’re still young. Start by creating an environment where your child feels comfortable and safe to talk about his or her life interests and concerns. Healthy discussions about sexuality can be broached naturally. Research shows that teens who are close to their parents, and whose parents clearly communicate their expectations regarding sexual intimacy, are less likely to engage in pre-marital sex. It is also important to teach them character discernment – help your child understand that while physical attractiveness may initially draw us to a person, the quality of that individual’s character is far more important in the long run. When your teen becomes involved with a member of the opposite sex, adopt the approach of “trust but verify”. Let him know that you’ll take his word when he says he is not engaging in any inappropriate behavior with his girlfriend. Help them set boundaries when it comes to spending time together. Specify that it’s fine for them to go out in a group

and to invite her over when you’re home, but that you don’t want them spending time alone in a house, whether his or hers. You may also have a conversation with his girlfriend’s (in the case of a daughter, boyfriend’s) parents. Invite them to dinner, get to know them better. Understanding their values and the guidelines they’ve established will help you gauge how healthy this relationship is, and the guidance the young couple will need. n If you would like more help on this matter, Focus on the Family Singapore offers counselling at our office. To make an appointment with a counsellor, contact us at 6336-1444 or focus@family.org.sg © 2013 Focus on the Family. All rights reserved. International copyright secured. Picture by aslysun/Bigstock.com

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HYMNS & SONGS

Spending Lent at the foot of Jesus’ Cross Dr Yeo Teck Beng is Principal of the Methodist School of Music, and a member of Telok Ayer Chinese Methodist Church.

W Beneath the Cross of Jesus (The United Methodist Hymnal, #297)

Beneath the cross of Jesus I fain would take my stand, the shadow of a mighty rock within a weary land; a home within the wilderness, a rest upon the way, from the burning of the noontide heat, and the burden of the day. Upon that cross of Jesus mine eye at times can see the very dying form of One who suffered there for me; and from my stricken heart with tears two wonders I confess: the wonders of redeeming love and my unworthiness. I take, O cross, thy shadow for my abiding place; I ask no other sunshine than the sunshine of his face; content to let the world go by, to know no gain nor loss, my sinful self my only shame, my glory all the cross. Words: Elizabeth C. Clephane, 1872 Music: Frederick C. Maker, 1881

e are now in the season of Lent, and our thoughts should be focused on the sufferings and death of our Lord Jesus Christ. Sometimes referred to as “the Fast” or as “the Forty”, the season of Lent can be a time for restitution and restoration.1 Sad to say, some Christians live each day oblivious of the sufferings, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. We can be so caught up in the day-to-day affairs of life that our minds are focused on the brand names of our clothing, the size of our pay packages and the colour of our cars. Lent calls us back to God and beckons us to turn our thoughts and attention toward God and His redeeming love through the cross of Jesus. The cross of Jesus was used by the Romans as an object of punishment, but God used it to reveal to us His great love and holiness. On the rugged cross, the Son of God willingly bore our sins and fulfilled what the justice of God required. ‘Beneath the Cross of Jesus’ was written by a frail Scottish Presbyterian woman by the name of Elizabeth Clephane. Born in Edinburgh, Scotland in 1830, Elizabeth lost both her parents when she was young. Elizabeth was never very healthy but that did not stop her from being cheerful and helpful. Among the sick and dying in her area, Elizabeth won the nickname of “Sunbeam”, which may have inspired the lines in stanza 3: “I ask no other sunshine than the sunshine of his face.” Elizabeth’s hymn is replete with biblical symbolism and imagery. For example in stanza 1, “a mighty rock in a weary land” is a reference to Isaiah 32:1-2, while the phase “a home within the wilderness” is taken from Jeremiah 9:2.2 To Elizabeth, the cross of Jesus is like a mighty rock that shelters her from the heat of the thirsty land and it is like a home within the desert where she can find rest from the burden of life. Responding to Jesus’ call to discipleship, Elizabeth wrote, “I take, O cross, thy shadow for my abiding place.” Therefore she would be “content to let the world go by, to know no gain or loss” (stanza 3). Indeed it is in line with Paul’s thoughts in Philippians 3:8 – “I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things.” During the Lenten season, let us find a place beneath the cross of Jesus to behold “the very dying form of One who suffered there for me” and ponder over “the wonders of [his] redeeming love” and our own unworthiness (stanza 2). n

aurence Hull Stookey, Calendar: Christ’s Time for the Church (Nashville, TN: Abingdon L Press, 1996), 80. 2 Kenneth W. Osbeck, Amazing Grace: 366 Inspiring Hymn Stories for Daily Devotions (Grand Rapids, Mich: Kregel Publications, 1990), 116. 1

Picture by Photosebia/Bigstock.com METHODIST MESSAGE • MAR 2016

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POEMS

Ecce Homo1 Jonathan Liautrakul currently works at an education think-tank and worships at Wesley Methodist Church. He is an avid researcher on church history and hymnology.

Looking down He saw a mass on the hill of skulls. He saw the crowd whom He led to life now goading Him to death. He saw the clacking dice of the soldiers vultures squabbling for the prize. He saw the seeking sheep who were lost spirits willing against weak flesh. He saw the keepers of the Law hypocrisy embodied and laced with spite. He saw the man under authority seeking to know what is Truth. He saw the women of Jerusalem mourning afar. He saw the outlaws hung on trees one saved and the other – He saw His mother’s heart-pierced pain ebbing on her dust-caked face. Background picture by zatletic/Bigstock.com

He saw the disciple who fled but stayed once lost but now was found. Then He saw across each of these a little child (who is you and me) cowering, imploring Him to look away whimpering, “O unworthy! I sinned against Thee!” And beneath a blood-washed crown He bowed, smiled and said, “It is finished.” 1

cce Homo is a Latin translation of “behold the man”, E the phrase said by Pontius Pilate when he presented Jesus Christ, scourged and crowned with thorns, to the hostile crowd before his Crucifixion.

March IS THE MONTH FOR REGISTERING FOR A COURSE AT TTC’S CENTRE FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF CHRISTIAN MINISTRY

“Doctrine of Revelation” course: 23 & 30 Mar; 13, 20 & 27 Apr, 4 & 11 May (Wednesdays), 7.30 p.m. - 9.30 p.m. St Andrew’s Cathedral, 11 St. Andrew’s Road, North Transept Hall

Wrestling with questions about discerning God’s revelation, whether the Bible is truly God’s revelation or the pointer to it, and the role of the Trinity in God’s revelatory works? Find out at this course, and gain a basic understanding of the immediacy and mediation of God’s revelation.

“Contemplating the Atonement” course: 17 & 31 Mar; 7, 14, 21 & 28 Apr & May 5 (Thursdays), 7.30 p.m. – 10 p.m. Trinity Theological College, Lecture Room 2 (Level 3), 490 Upper Bukit Timah Road

Explore in this course what our Lord Jesus Christ has done through his life, death and resurrection to reconcile us sinners to the Holy God, achieving the atoning effect. Organised by Trinity Theological College’s Centre for the Development of Christian Ministry. Registration required. Fee: $100 ($80 for returning students within a year, free for TTC alumni and students)

mar

For registration and more info, visit www.ttc.edu.sg, call Ms Esther Lee at 6761-3624, or email cdcm@ttc.edu.sg

REGISTERING FOR ETHOS CONVERSATION 2016: THE ROLE OF RELIGION IN SOCIETY

22 Mar (Tuesday), 8 p.m – 9.30 p.m

Providence Presbyterian Church, 7 Armenian Street, Bible House, Level 5 Gain insights on the role of religion in society as Mr Tan Chuan-Jin, Minister for Social and Family Development, and Bishop Rennis Ponniah of the Anglican Diocese of Singapore speak with Dr Roland Chia, Theological & Research Advisor of ETHOS Institute™ to explore this topic and other related issues. They will discuss how the different faith communities have contributed to society, how the Christian community can contribute to social cohesion and nation-building, and the challenges faced by the Christian community in a pluralistic society. Organised by ETHOS Institute™ for Public Christianity. Free admission. Register at http://ethosinstitute.sg/conversation2016

mar

For more info, visit http://ethosinstitute.sg, email info@ethosinstitute.sg or call 6304-3765.

SIGNING UP FOR A MISSIONARY MEMBER CARE CONFERENCE

6 – 8 April (Wednesday – Friday)

Rock of Ages, 115 Eunos Avenue 3, #03-04/05/06

re-Conference Training 4th - 5th April, 2016

A 2-Day Training Workshop

Developing a Comprehensive MC Plan” By Conference Speaker Dr Laura Mae Gardner Price: S$350

TOO VALUABLE TO LOSE.

(S$300 Before January 15, 2016)

Launching

cultural workers go through many painful experiences –

d themselves dealing with unmet needs in an environ-

at is foreign to them. How are they to be effective,

A Member Care

and resilient if we, the broader Christian community,

do our part in equipping and supporting them?”

ning event is designed to help leaders of sending

Movement

s and churces in creating a comprehensive care plan

members in mission.

will include a comprehensive overview about the why

w to of setting up a Member Care plan for cross-

workers. Some definitive discussion of the challenges

April 6th to 8th, 2016

ultural workers are dealing with and what Member

oviders (church, friends, agency) can do to assist them.

ore importantly how to avoid unncessary crises

and suffering on the part of these choice

people of God.

apr

f people working in Asia as Care zations. Membership is by participation s. Members agree and sign the network code

Sign up for the ‘Too Valuable to Lose’ member care conference to learn about good pastoral care for missionary workers such as mental health issues on the field, understanding the stress of cross-cultural living, member-care issues in multi-cultural teams, caring for a ministry team and workers from the church or agency’s perspective, and psychologist care for workers. The speakers are Dr Laura Mae Gardner and Dr Tan Lai Yong. Organised by representatives from Pioneers in Asia, Cru Singapore, TWR Singapore, Singapore Counseling & Care Centre, Asia Member Care Network and more. Fee: $400 per person For more info, visit http://www.twr.asia/member-care-conference or email Dr David Tan at david.modesto@gmail.com

6-8

pported by Barnabas International. Like the mber Care givers in a supportive environment.

of the caregiver.

Malaysia.

a call Warren Lawrence: +60 10 464 3454