Vol 120 No 5 • MAY 2018
ISSN 0129-6868 MCI (P) 019/11/2017
message.methodist.org.sg
2018MAY 20 & 24
Just As We Are:
God’s Call for Families What types of families does God use?
2018MAY 20 & 24 PAYA LEBAR METHODIST CHURCH 5 BOUNDARY ROAD, SINGAPORE 549954
Just As We Are:
God’s Call for Families ALDERSGATESG SUNDAY CELEBRATION
20 May | Sunday | 5.00-7.00 p.m. (doors open 4.00 p.m.) Please be seated by 4.45 p.m.
Come worship the Lord as God’s family, and stand united in the Aldersgate SG Prayer of Commitment! Guided by the Methodist School of Music. Speaker: Bishop Emeritus Dr Wee Boon Hup ◆ Biblically strong families are the foundation of a strong church Identity, marriage, and family are being redefined today. In light of this development, we revisit the values found in the Bible for establishing strong families. We will also consider some insights from the writings and life of Methodism’s founder John Wesley. Registration required for all events (for security, catering, logistics, and follow-up). Sign up by 7 May with your local church office, or at aldersgate. methodist.org.sg NEW! Come early to browse resource booths on Discipleship, Social Enterprise, Worship & Music, and more. Booths open two hours before each event.
ALDERSGATESG LECTURE & PANEL DISCUSSION 24 May | Thursday | 7.45-9.30 p.m. (doors open 6.45 p.m.)
Hear our keynote speakers, and participate in a lively panel discussion moderated by the Rev Dr Edwin Tay. Bishop Emeritus Dr Wee Boon Hup ◆ Just As We Are: God’s Call For Families No human family is perfect. Yet God’s call for families remains. What can we realistically do to be the families God expects of us? Ms Denise Phua ◆ Secret Weapons of a Working Mother in a Busy World A mother of a special-needs son, and a wife, parliamentarian, and disability advocate, Ms Phua will share on Who and what she relies on to play her multiple roles on a daily basis. Mr Jason Wong ◆ Strong Fathers Are Key To Strong Families For nations to be strong, we need strong families. For families to be strong, we need strong fathers. How are Singapore fathers doing? How are Christian fathers in Singapore doing? If fathers do not fulfil their mandate to disciple families, our nation and future generations will be at stake.
inside
this issue...
You & Your Family Unity – the key to family life
Reflections Silver linings – an ageing population
Soundings The strange unity of the Church
page 5
pages 12-13
pages 18-19
BISHOP’S MESSAGE Bishop Dr Chong Chin Chung was elected Bishop of The Methodist Church in Singapore in 2016. He served as President of the Chinese Annual Conference for two quadrennia from 2008 to 2016.
ONE FAMILY IN GOD
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ack in my youth fellowship days, we used to sing the chorus that goes: “In Jesus Christ we are one family, from now on and forever more”. The chorus, which has a quick and catchy tune, is just this one line repeated several times. At the time, we did not think too much about the words and just accepted the song at face value. As the years went by, I heard and read many touching testimonies of self-sacrifice among believers. It has become my hope that the Church will indeed be one family in Jesus Christ – where each believer is a brother or sister of the Lord, and all are loving and caring towards one another. However, becoming part of God’s family takes much more than just singing along together. Without a deep understanding of Jesus, it is difficult for us to be part of His family. As the Apostle Paul wrote, it is when we really know Jesus Christ and His finished work of redemption on the Cross that we may be reconciled to God, so that we are “no longer
foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household” (Ephesians 2:19, NIV). Human nature being what it is, there are those who will put aside family ties – and sometimes even disown parents, siblings, spouse, or children – for the sake of personal interest or gain. Even the disciples, who followed Jesus for three and a half years, did not truly know Him well enough, so much so that even before Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem, they were fighting among themselves over who was more important. As Jesus faced arrest and crucifixion, the disciples’ promised allegiances to Christ and to one another were quickly forgotten. They abandoned Jesus and made themselves scarce. Paul urged us to “get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” (Ephesians 4:31-32, NIV) Only then can we become one family in Jesus Christ, from now on and forever more. n Picture by Rawpixel.com/Bigstock.com METHODIST MESSAGE • MAY 2018
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COMING UP
REACHING THE CITY
GOFORTH NATIONAL MISSIONS CONFERENCE
Christina Stanley oversees the area of Publicity in the GoForth National Missions Conference 2018 Organising Committee.
A
ccording to the World Health Organization, 54 per cent of the world’s population lives in cities. Do we know how to reach them? What many of us have learnt about doing missions in rural, undeveloped areas may not apply to reaching the unreached in cities and urban environments! In urban Singapore: Do we know how to reach out to and disciple migrants? To build bridges in our multi-faith and multi-cultural environment? To extend social justice to the exploited, abused, and victims of human trafficking and violence? To help restore dysfunctional families? To be creative in presenting Christ, look out for the ‘invisible’, handle digital addictions, or empower through the arts, sports, and education? The 2018 edition of GoForth National Missions Conference will explore diverse strategies to reach and transform cities with the love of Christ – in both English and Mandarin. The Rev Rick Seaward, who was recently called home to the Lord, was a pioneer of
the idea of a national missions conference. In March 2018, he told a pastors’ gathering: “GoForth does not need the churches. The churches need GoForth.”
A two-day Children’s Programme will teach 7- to 12-year-olds how to reach out to their city friends through interesting and engaging activities.
More than 130 specialists, plenary and workshop speakers, together with five very distinguished keynote speakers, will be here to share their insights on different aspects of urban missions.
GoForth, Go Urban. Register now! n
Highlights include 55 TED-style workshops with breakout discussions, organised into four tracks – Multicultural Mix, Ministry Mandate, Maturity March, and Megashift Mastery. Seventeen of these workshops have been specially identified for millennials. Every delegate can attend up to two workshops per day. Circles of Passion will enable interested delegates to network with like-minded participants and specialist speakers, as well as discuss the possibility of longterm collaboration. Topics include ‘viral’ church, urban discipleship, wealth gap, family of purpose, creating social spaces, and riding the digital wave.
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.
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Go to www.goforth.org.sg for more details and online registration. Registrations will close 15 June 2018. Email admin@goforth.org.sg for more information. Event logo courtesy of GoForth 2018 Organising Committee Picture by Frazao/Bigstock.com
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YOU & YOUR FAMILY 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.
Unity
THE KEY TO FAMILY LIFE
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very semester, I ask my counselling students to reflect on how their family has influenced their development. On average, one out of every three has stories of family strife. Some come from families where there is parent-child conflict. Others experience sibling rivalry. Parental favouritism may come into play too. Conflicts and disunity may also cross generations and families, for instance, when illegitimate offspring are ill-treated by children from the legal marriage. Marital strife may cause children to suffer; for example, when parents get so caught up in their fighting that they neglect their children. The children may even get dragged in as pawns in parental conflict. The hurt from social and emotional turmoil in family life can go deep with pervasive effects. How do we prevent and resolve family conflict and disunity? While it may not be possible for parents to love every child equally, it is nevertheless important to love each one of them unconditionally, regardless of their ability. Parents, remember that your love and care prepare your children for the future. Your love will be reciprocated when they start caring for you later in life.
Another principle is to forgive and, more importantly, to let go of your anger. This could happen even before the offender acknowledges their fault. By taking the initiative to let go of your anger, you make moving on with your life no longer dependent on what the other does. One tip is to stop ruminating on the hurt. Instead, focus your thoughts on more positive and productive things. In circumstances when someone continues to hurt you deliberately, confront and/or stay away from the person. Why continue to let yourself be hurt, which might jeopardise future reconciliation efforts? An example is the case of a young lady who confronted her teenage step-brother for molesting her while he thought she was asleep. The parents’ initial response was to play down the incident as boyish mischief by their son. This deepened the daughter’s hurt and anger. She decided to move out and seek counselling. Family counselling sessions were then convened where the offending youth could apologise and share how he would make amends. The parents had an opportunity to respond in a more supportive manner. Dealing with hurtful encounters through openness can pave the way to a more cohesive family unit. n Picture by Yastremska/Bigstock.com METHODIST MESSAGE • MAY 2018
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CHURCH PROFILE The Rev Herman Kan is the Pastor-in-Charge of Kum Yan Methodist Church.
KUM YAN MC:
100 YEARS IN THANKS
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his year, 2018, marks a significant milestone for Kum Yan Methodist Church (KYMC) as we celebrate the church’s centennial. Our tagline – “感恩百年， 百年感恩” (100 years of Thanksgiving) – gives glory to God for His faithfulness.
Kum Yan Methodist Church (Chinese Annual Conference) 1 Queen Street, Singapore 188534 11 Woodlands Close, #03-37, Singapore 737853
The centennial was celebrated joyously on 4 March 2018 with a thanksgiving service and dinner, bringing together the English, Mandarin, Cantonese, Children, Youth, and Woodlands congregations. We remembered and honoured God for leading a small group of Christian teachers from China to Singapore a century ago, to take up positions as the Principal and teachers of Yeung Ching School in Chinatown.
Sunday Services (Queen Street): Mandarin Worship: 9.00 a.m. English Worship: 9.00 a.m. Children Church: 9.00 a.m. Pre-school: 9.00 a.m. Junior Youth Connection: 10.30 a.m. Cantonese Worship: 11.00 a.m. Youth Connection: 1.30 p.m.
These pioneer educators realised that many of the early Cantonese migrants did not know Christ, so they started Cantonese worship services at their school. Little did they know that their small gathering would grow to become the KYMC of today, with over 1,200 members worshipping in various languages in Singapore’s civic centre.
Sunday Services (Woodlands): Bilingual (English/Mandarin) Worship: 10.00 a.m. “My Manna” Service (every last Sunday of the month): 10.00 a.m.
God has continued to build on this foundation of reaching out to the Cantonese-speaking community 100 years ago. He has given us a deeper understanding of His heart and a larger vision for our individual and corporate participation in the Great Commission, leading us further afield in obedience to His call. Today, we support more than 20 mission workers serving locally and in countries in East Asia, East Timor, and Europe.
Contact us: Website: www.kumyan.org.sg Tel: 6337-6196 (Queen Street) Tel: 6366-3727 (Woodlands) KYMC strives to be a caring community, a lighthouse, and a home in the city, bringing hope and purpose to all peoples of all ages through a life-changing relationship with Jesus Christ. As a contemporary, family-oriented church, we are also dedicated to nurturing and equipping believers for ministry in the church and in world missions, both now and in the generations to come. n Photos courtesy of Kum Yan Methodist Church
ONE MCS – CAC HIGHLIGHT The Rev Dr Gregory Goh was elected President of the Chinese Annual Conference (CAC) in 2016 for the quadrennium. He joined the CAC in 1992 and has since served for more than 20 years. He is married to Ms Irene Lim, a full-time teacher, and they have two daughters and a son.
ABOVE THE CLOUDS “When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is mankind that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them? You have made them a little lower than the angels and crowned them with glory and honour.... Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!” (Psalm 8:3-9, NIV)
F
lying tires me out. Yet in my work and ministry, I have to travel by air quite often. That being so, I have decided to plan my flights so that my journey becomes a source of spiritual nourishment rather than an energy drain. First, I plan to go to an event a day earlier, and return a day or two after if possible. This allows me to slow down and pause amidst my hectic schedule. I dislike the notion of flying in on the day of the event, and rushing to the airport immediately after it is over, or worse, jetting off to another destination. A well-strategised flight plan is necessary for long-distance travel to be pleasant and energising. Second, choosing a window seat enables me to see God's creation from such a height! I love the beautiful clouds, vast landscapes, and seeing places on which no one has ever set foot. In the busyness of our lives, we sometimes neglect the beauty of God’s handiwork. The magnificent views of nature always inspire me, reminding me of His beauty and omnipresence. Next, looking out from the plane window allows me to view objects in their ‘right’ position and proportion relative to their surroundings. Being in the air makes me realise how small we are and how big God is. It corrects my sense of perspective. When at ground level, we often tend to see things out of proportion. This impairs our judgement. It is always important to see things in perspective to examine the issues in our lives more clearly.
nor can we participate in things that demand our physical presence. Such times of detachment set us apart, allowing us to be alone with God. Travelling by air reminds me that I am not in control, be it of the weather, flight path, mechanical systems, pilots’ performance, passengers’ mental health, and more. There is little I can do to make the flight smoother or safer. Some of us may believe we have control of our lives and that we can achieve a great many things for God. We forget that we are vulnerable and weak, for “apart from me (Christ) you can do nothing” (John 15:5, NIV). Finally, surveying the terrain below while in flight draws me into the ‘terrain’ of my inner life. Looking at the magnificent yet perilous mountains evokes in me memories of my past challenges and struggles, and the times God brought me through the tough seasons of my life. Flying above the clouds gives me a sense of serenity, knowing that there is constantly clear sky above the stormy clouds. It is a beautiful reminder that God is always in control. All I need to do is to trust in Him. n
Being in the air also gives me a sense of ‘peace’ that comes from being far above the ground and detached from the demands of my daily routine. When we are on a plane, phone calls, messages, and emails are less likely to reach us, Photos courtesy of the Rev Dr Gregory Goh METHODIST MESSAGE • MAY 2018
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WELFARE SERVICES
OVERCOMING POVERTY
Two stories, one hope By the Methodist Welfare Services (MWS) Communications Team
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he Family Development Programme (FDP) by the Methodist Welfare Services (MWS) helps families break out of the vicious circle of poverty and distress through holistic integrated intervention. Launched in April 2016, its focus is debt repayment and savings matching at a ratio of 1:2, up to $200 per month. Other components to assist MWS MODEL OF HELP FOR FAMILIES
beneficiaries are monthly school support of $30 for primary and $40 for secondary students, and milk nutrition support for children and pregnant or lactating women. Finding his own way Previously, Mr H’ng (above left) would have been hard-pressed to say how much he owed. Although the odd-job worker was slogging more than 10 hours a day, seven days a week, he could not make ends meet. In early 2017, Hakka Methodist Church volunteers identified his family, which lives in a two-room rental flat, for the MWS FDP. Mr H’ng received debt-matching help for his bills, milk powder for baby Isabelle, and support for his school-going kids. He cleared his debts in May 2017 and progressed to savings matching under the guidance of FDP volunteers. He voluntarily exited the FDP in December 2017, having saved over $2,000. He credited the programme for helping him cultivate habits of saving and paying bills on time. “When I started, I told myself that the FDP was a temporary solution and I had to find my own way,” he recounted.
1. Befriending Support 2. Financial Assistance 3. Counselling and Therapy 4. Education of Children 5. Debt Management and Asset Building 6. Budgeting Skills 7. Nutrition
A home of her own For years, single mother Ms Ong (above right), who lives in a one-room rental flat with three daughters aged between 9 and 17, felt helpless. Her limited education, health problems, and caregiving duties made it tough to get stable employment. Living
from hand to mouth, she said, “I had no savings. I couldn’t afford simple treats for my kids.” Things started to look up when the Family Service Centre (FSC) serving her gave her a part-time administrative assistant job in 2014. In Oct 2016, her caseworker signed her up for the MWS FDP. “I couldn’t believe MWS would match $2 for every $1 debt I cleared. I paid my rental arrears within four months and moved on to savings matching. I was really motivated to save $100 monthly,” added Ms Ong, whose two younger daughters also received monthly school support from the FDP. During the past year, a few more of her “impossible” dreams materialised. At work, she performed well and was given a full-time position. She also took her daughters on a first-ever trip to Malacca. Her situation stabilised so much that the FSC closed her case in October 2017. Today, Ms Ong is a picture of hope. “My eldest daughter is now doing a diploma course. Never could I imagine buying my own home before, but now I’m applying for a three-room flat. I’m really proud of myself and grateful to MWS.” n Give a donation to support MWS’ holistic care services for families in need at give.mws.sg. To find out how you or your church can be involved, email fdp@mws.sg.
Photos courtesy of the Methodist Welfare Services
MISSIONS David Khew is on staff with the Methodist Missions Society (MMS) and oversees the ministry in Thailand as the Country Coordinating Officer. He worships at Grace Methodist Church.
IN MEMORIAM:
PASTOR JOHN LIM THUAN WOON “Well done, good and faithful servant… Enter into the joy of your Master.” (Matthew 25:23)
I
t was a sad day for us when Pastor John Lim Thuan Woon entered into the joy of his Master on 26 March 2018. Having only recently enjoyed a wonderful time of fellowship with him during the 2018 Thai Annual Meeting in Chiang Mai, we were sad to lose a dear brother and faithful servant of the Lord. The late Pastor Lim was appointed as a supply pastor at Rangsit Methodist Church, Thailand, in 2005. A warm and generous man, he served with a heart always on fire for Christ. His service, especially in reaching out to people from all walks of life, both young and old, was testimony to his love for God. He was especially passionate for the work of the Lord in Thailand and loved its people. He tirelessly and caringly established many ministries – Chaiyaphum, Wang Nam Keow, Nong Bua Lam Phu, Mae Sot, and Phuket. It was in these ministries that Pastor Lim mirrored the early apostles in going wherever the Macedonian call was heard. Neither distance nor language were barriers to his passion to share the saving grace of God. Indeed, he worked with the fervour and vigour of a young man, soaring high on wings like an eagle. His
passion to evangelise was matched by the geographical span of his work (bottom pic). Pastor Lim would do 8to 10-hour-long drives, just to visit his flock. The many who looked forward to his visits attest to his impact on their lives. Pastor Lim was not ordained, but had always wanted to wear clergy robes while conducting the ecclesiastical function in church. He waited humbly and patiently for nearly 20 years until Bishop Dr Chong Chin Chung granted him this special privilege in early March 2018. The legacy Pastor John Lim left behind will continue to be an encouragement and inspiration to our missionaries, the Thai pastors, church leaders, and communities he has served. Farewell, Christ’s good and faithful servant. n Prayer requests Continue to uphold Pastor John Lim’s wife and family in prayer. Pray for the Thai churches, pastors, and leaders to whom Pastor Lim has ministered, that they will continue the good work he started.
Photos courtesy of the Methodist Missions Society METHODIST MESSAGE • MAY 2018
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ADMISSIONS for 2019 Now Open
Building Through Belief, this school of choice provides
ACS (International) Singapore is a distinctive international secondary school open to all Singaporeans & other nationalities, offering an allround 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).
Mr Rob Burrough Principal
• Exceptional examination results; very 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 • 25+ overseas trips per year • Over 200 formal student leadership positions • Scholarships for 4 Singaporeans to undertake the IB Diploma programme
Mrs Tan Siew Hoon Vice Principal
Achievements Include
• Top students have achieved perfect IB scores of 45 points • 19 Top of the World awards in IGCSE examinations over each of the past eight years
• Students accepted to Oxford and Cambridge universities for the past eight years • Admissions to top universities in the UK, US, Australia and Singapore • PSLE and Singapore GCE ‘O’ level students achieve outstanding valueadded examination results for the IB Diploma with improved pathways to good universities
• Successes at national level this past year in Archery; Touch Rugby; Cycling; Swimming; Chinese Drama; Debating; Fencing; Football; Golf; String Orchestra; Taekwondo; Volleyball; Wushu.
Mr Gavin Kinch Vice Principal
For more information, please contact Joseph Ng or Serene Lim at +65 6472 1477 or admission@acsinternational.edu.sg
Dr Kristopher Achter Vice Principal
ACS (International) - Building Through Belief"
THE
DISCIPLE AGENCY IS MOVING To serve our members better, the Disciple Agency (DA) will be moving in May 2018 from our current location in Methodist Centre to John Wesley Centre. Please note our new address:
496 Upper Bukit Timah Road, #04-20 John Wesley Centre Singapore 678099 For more information, please visit our DA website at disciple.methodist.org.sg or our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/disciple.singapore/ Logo courtesy of the Disciple Agency Picture by Yastremska/Bigstock.com
The Methodist Church in Singapore (MCS) is a connectional church comprising the General Conference, three Annual Conferences, local churches, and various agencies and organisations. The General Conference (GC) is the highest body of the MCS, responsible for legislation, policy, and the overseeing of its various agencies, including the programme agencies responsible for education, missions, and welfare services. We have a vacancy for Community Communications Manager. This position oversees the Communications Department. Responsibilities and Duties • Formulate an integrated communications and engagement strategy in close alignment with the goals of the MCS. • Oversee and supervise the Communications team, with an overview of day-to-day operations. • Produce the MCS’ official publication, Methodist Message. • Oversee the content and messaging of the website, and other online platforms. • Provide publicity and communications support for events as directed by the Bishop. • Provide counsel to the Bishop and the Chairperson of the Council on Communications (COC) in the area of secular developments and trends in the community, and crafting appropriate responses where relevant, including any official positions which the Bishop may be appointed to. • Keep abreast of developments in the Methodist sector in Singapore and overseas, and in other faith communities, as well as societal trends and lifestyle practices, and prepare, where appropriate, responses where necessary, subject to the guidelines of The Book of Discipline of the MCS. • Prepare and monitor the budget of the COC. • Disseminate information to the Annual Conferences, churches, agencies, and schools.
Job Requirements • Degree in Communications from an established institution or university. • Minimum 10 years’ experience in Communications, in a leadership or senior management position in corporate communications with a private sector or not-for-profit organisation, advertising or PR agency, or marketing communications in an organisation. • Agility to think strategically and analytically, and make sound decisions based on a deep understanding of the objectives and dynamics of the MCS. • Preferably familiar with the organisational structure and culture of the MCS. • Familiar with the Singapore landscape – lifestyle, culture, and media. • Excellent verbal and written communication skills, especially in proposal writing and presentation. • Experience with engaging the media and handling sensitive issues. • Strong leadership and good interpersonal skills. • Effective skills in motivating, leading, and building a team. • Able to work well independently and under tight timelines.
To apply for the above vacancy, please email us a copy of your resume to hr@methodist.org.sg. Please indicate the following information in your resume: • Current and expected salary • Reason(s) for leaving • Availability to commence work We regret that only shortlisted candidates will be notified. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence. By submitting any application or resume to us, you will be deemed to have agreed and consented to us collecting, using, retaining and disclosing your personal information for the processing of your job application. Closing date: 31 May 2018
Picture by Afendikoff/Bigstock.com
CENTRESPREAD Dr Marcus Ong serves as Lay Leader with his church, the Methodist Church of the Incarnation.
SILVER LININGS
AN AGEING POPULATION
“Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you.” (Isaiah 46:4, NIV)
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hat are the responsibilities of the Church in an ageing population?
It is undeniable that a ‘silver tsunami’1 is rising in Singapore. By 2030, the number of seniors aged 65 and above is projected to be more than 900,000, double the number in 2015. This makes us one of the world’s most rapidly ageing societies2. Figure 1: Population Pyramid of Singapore in 2017 compared with 2030
Source: PopulationPyramid.net
More than mere statistics on a page, this has very real effects on society as a whole, and hence the Church cannot afford to ignore the issue.
Challenge for the Church There is much we can do as a Church to share with the world a godly model of abundant living and graceful ageing.
An ageing population will directly translate to greater demands on the national healthcare system. People are living much longer, and the average life expectancy is now 82.6 years3, one of the world’s highest. At the same time, there has been a rapid increase in lifestyle-related diseases such as diabetes mellitus, hypertension, heart disease and cancer.
First, we need to be pro-active in equipping Christians to care for their parents and the elderly, both in the family of God and in the wider community. Churches in Singapore could collaborate to develop such training and equipping.
As a practising Emergency Physician in Singapore, I have witnessed first-hand the rising healthcare demands and complexity of medical needs over the last 25 years. There are more 80-, 90-, or even 100-year-old patients repeatedly visiting the Emergency Department with multiple issues. Beyond medical needs, the elderly have social, psychological, and emotional needs which require attention. Social isolation, coupled with more nuclear families, challenge the traditional models of caring for seniors in the community. Caregivers, particularly the ‘sandwich generation’ caring for both old and young, face greater strain. Differences in perspectives and lifestyles of baby boomers and millennials are also creating an intergenerational divide. Social spending needs to increase, but with a slowing birth rate and correspondingly smaller tax base, the financial constraints get tighter4. Moreover, healthcare and social service manpower is also in short supply. The labourintensive nature and relatively low wages make jobs in this sector less popular among young people. With all these challenges, increasing numbers of seniors risk falling through the nation’s social support gaps. How relevant, then, is Christ’s mandate to feed the poor and minister to widows? Is this an urgent priority of the Church in Singapore? Biblical basis for our response Longevity is seen, especially in the Old Testament, as a blessing from God. The Bible patriarchs show that it is possible to continue to be productive, contributing and nurturing even as we age. It is the Lord who sustains and helps us overcome the challenge of ageing gracefully (Isaiah 46:4). The Bible recognises that ageing is rooted in the family and community. Deuteronomy 5:16 tells us to “Honour your father and your mother, as the Lord your God commanded you, that your days may be long, and that it may go well with you in the land that the Lord your God is giving you.” Thus, we are not to age in isolation, but collectively as a family and community of God.
Second, we need to reconsider our existing models for building nursing homes and community hospitals which promote institutionalisation and dependence in our seniors. Do we need to shift to home- or communitybased care delivery models? Can we pioneer the way for ‘successfully ageing’ communities; for example, contributing to co-operative solutions for assisted living and independent ageing? As a community, can we engage the government and healthcare sector to come up with solutions for these concerns? Third, the Church needs to continue investing in social outreach and ministry to the elderly. Are we equipping our people for fruitful, graceful ageing? We need to ask: Are our churches elder-friendly? How do we win the elderly to Christ? Are we positive about building an ‘ageless’ society1 and reducing the increasing social isolation of seniors? The Church is the family of God—we should have open doors and hearts. Personally, I am disturbed by the mind-set in certain churches that seems to focus on ‘youth culture’, apparently promoting materialism while perhaps unconsciously excluding the ‘have-nots’ and the elderly. Our young are important to us, but is this mindset out of sync with the needs around us? How do we develop true ‘intergenerational’ ministry? The Bible provides a model of ageing as a community, even in Singapore’s rapidly ageing population. Christ’s call to be ‘salt and light’ remains as clear and relevant for us today as it was more than 2,000 years ago. n
References: 1 Speech by Mr Gan Kim Yong, Minister for Health, at the SG50 Scientific Conference on Ageing, 2015. 2 Phillips DR, Bartlett HP. Aging trends – Singapore. Journal of cross-cultural gerontology. 1995 Dec;10(4):349-56. PubMed PMID: 12347813. 3 Department of Statistics MoTIRoS. Population Trends, 2016. 2016. 4 Lee WK. Economic and social implications of aging in Singapore. Journal of aging & social policy. 1999; 10(4):73-92. PubMed PMID: 10724772.
Picture by Tom Wang/Bigstock.com METHODIST MESSAGE • MAY 2018
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HOME where one was reading Luther’s preface to the Epistle to the Romans. About a quarter before nine, while he was describing the change which God works in the heart through faith in Christ, I felt my heart strangely warmed. I felt I did trust in Christ, Christ alone, for salvation; and an assurance was given me that he had taken my sins, even mine, and saved me from the law of sin and death.”
WORDS THAT WARMED WESLEY By the Michigan Christian Advocate
Charles Edwin Schofield begins his little book, Aldersgate and After, with a forceful paragraph, that should be graven on the hearts of Methodists everywhere: “On May 24, 1938, the people called Methodists have been summoned to celebrate the 200th anniversary of what has traditionally been known in Methodist annals as the ‘conversion’ of John Wesley.” “An anniversary may prove to be an opportunity. It is always in danger of becoming a liability.” This celebration of a man’s conversion is a rare thing in history. We celebrate the birth of great men and observe the anniversary of their death, but with John Wesley the high peak of his life was the hour of his ‘conversion’. Where lies the ‘danger’ of an anniversary?
A
day forever memorable to Methodists — 24 May 1738. On that day, as John Wesley records in his journal, a group of great experiences came to him.
At five o’clock in the morning he read in his Testament: “There are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises, even that ye should be partakers of the divine nature” (2 Peter 1:4, version unknown). Then, just as he was leaving his rooms, he opened his Bible again and read these words: “Thou art not far from the Kingdom of God.” In his journal he continues, “In the afternoon I was asked to go to St. Paul’s. The anthem was, ‘Out of the deep have I called thee, O Lord; Lord, hear my voice.’ In the evening I went, very unwillingly, to a society in Aldersgate Street,
Is it the danger of looking backward instead of forward? Is it a substitute for something more vital, as in the case of churches that find an anniversary gala week less strenuous than a revival? Is there danger of misinterpreting a past event so that we are thrown off the right track, inviting future disasters? Is there danger that we might face a call from the past and then turn away, lacking the courage to accept the challenge? What possible harm could come from our dipping into the past?
Certainly, for many of us, it would be a fresh dip, for what the average Methodist of today does not know of John Wesley would fill a big book. The author defines for us the experience of Wesley as far different from what we mean by a ‘conversion’. For years he had tried to save his soul by good works and soul discipline, and then: “He came to see that what he needed to do was simply to forget himself, and, trusting in the mercy, and forgiveness of God, launch out in a ministry of passionate preaching of the Gospel to others.” Dr Schofield is sure that a like surrender will bring us to our Aldersgate, maybe not with Wesley’s emotional experience, but we shall be fitted to serve our age as Wesley’s experience fitted him to serve his day. But are we ready to go up to Aldersgate? Whenever the men and women of our generation honestly face Jesus, and resolutely declare themselves unequivocally on His side; whenever we are ready to make the great commitment to His will and dedicate ourselves without reservations to build the Kingdom of God—then we shall come to Aldersgate. n Reprinted from The Malaysia Message, Vol. 48 No. 4, April 1938. The ‘Aldersgate Flame’ in London commemorates the event and features text from Wesley’s journal describing his experience. Public domain picture by Man vyi.
Picture of Wesley statue (facing page) by Adam Davenport, accessed via en.wikipedia.org and used under Creative Commons licence CC BY-SA 4.0
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METHODIST MESSAGE, JULY 2013
HYMNS & SONGS Judith Laoyan-Mosomos is the Director for Worship and Church Music at the Methodist School of Music, and a member of Kampong Kapor Methodist Church.
THE SPIRIT SONG ‘A
s the Wind Song Through the Trees’ is a collaboration between Dr Lim Swee Hong (Singapore) and Ms Shirley Murray (New Zealand). Dr Lim is the Director of the Master of Sacred Music programme at Emmanuel College in Toronto. Shirley is a distinguished hymn writer whose works address issues of the environment, social justice, and other social concerns. In 2005, Dr Lim shared a tune with Shirley, asking if she would write lyrics for it. After some time, ‘As the Wind Song Through the Trees’ was inspired. In the song, Shirley expresses the presence of the Holy Spirit with references from John 3:8 and Acts 2:1-4. The wind song, stirring of the breeze, the rainbow, and the green in the spring are interwoven with dancing tongues of fire, a voice within the storm, and hope that is born again. Shirley also added John Wesley’s words from his Aldersgate experience, “as the heart made strangely warm”.
Tucked in the imagery of the lyrics are two lines that depict how God’s Spirit works within us. The first stanza reveals that the Holy Spirit brings life (Romans 8:1a) and power (Acts 1:8). The second stanza proclaims that the Holy Spirit brings gifts (1 Corinthians 12:1-11) and love (Galatians 5:22) These two lines end with “to the world”, perhaps serving as Shirley’s reminders that the Holy Spirit makes life, power, gifts, and love available to all. Thus, the Church, united in Christ and empowered by God through the Holy Spirit, is emboldened to respond. n
As the Wind Song Through the Trees As the wind song through the trees, as the stirring of the breeze, so it is with the Spirit of God, as the heart made strangely warm, as the voice within the storm, so it is with the Spirit of God. Never seen, ever known where this wind has blown bringing life, bringing power to the world, as the dancing tongues of fire, as the soul’s most deep desire, so it is with the Spirit of God. As the rainbow after rain, as the hope that’s born again, so it is with the Spirit of God, as the green in the spring, as a kite on a string, so it is with the Spirit of God, making worlds that are new, making peace come true, bringing gifts, bringing love to the world, as the rising of the yeast, as the wine at the feast, so it is with the Spirit of God. Words: Shirley Murray Music: Lim Swee Hong Lyrics reprinted with permission from Let the Asian Church Rejoice, an Asian hymnal jointly published by Trinity Theological College and the Methodist School of Music © 2015. Picture by Smileus/Bigstock.com METHODIST MESSAGE • MAY 2018
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SOUNDINGS Dr Roland Chia is Chew Hock Hin Professor of Christian Doctrine at Trinity Theological College, and Theological and Research Advisor for the ETHOS Institute™for Public Christianity (http://ethosinstitute.sg).
The strange unity OF THE
Church
T
he Bible underscores the need for unity among believers. We are
exhorted to live in harmony with one another (Rom 12:16). We Soundings is a series of essays that, are many parts that form one “body of Christ” (1 Cor 12:27). like the waves of a sonogram, explore issues in society, culture and the church In his book on the Orthodox Church, the Russian theologian Sergius in light of the Gospel and Christian Bulgakov used the Slavonic term sobornost to describe the unity of the understanding. Body of Christ, the Church. Commandeered for theology by the 19th century Russian theologian and poet Alexis Khomiakov, sobornost points to the organic unity of the Church that includes but transcends its hierarchical structures.
Sobornost, according to Bulgakov, refers to the catholicity of the Body of Christ where “each member of the Church, equally with the assembly of the members, lives in union with the entire Church, with the Church invisible, which is itself an uninterrupted union with the Church visible and forms its foundation”. In the great ecumenical creeds – the Apostles’ and Nicene Creeds – churches from different traditions and denominations affirm the oneness of the Church, its ontological unity. Oneness is the basic characteristic of the Church, its inalienable essence.
The unity of the Church is not inimical to diversity, for diversity signals the Church’s genuine penetration of human existence: God’s Church comprises people from all nations, tribes, and languages (Rev 7:9). As the Porvoo Common Statement points out: “Unity in Christ does not exist despite and in opposition to diversity, but is given with and in diversity.” The unity of the Church is also inextricably related to the one faith it confesses and the sacramental life it shares. The content of that faith is supplied by God’s revelation in Jesus Christ and recorded in the pages of the Bible. Christian unity can never be achieved without or in spite of the truth. Thus, in his encyclical Ut Unum Sint (That They May be One), Pope John Paul II rightly stated that “The unity willed by God can be attained only by the adherence of all to the content of revealed faith in its entirety. In matters of faith, compromise is in contradiction with God who is Truth.” But sadly, it is precisely here – in the content of the faith and in the practice of the sacraments – that total consonance among the different churches remains elusive, thereby presenting obstacles to unqualified unity. To be sure, the different traditions share vast areas of common ground because it is the one and the same Gospel that shapes and nourishes them. But profound differences remain as impediments to unity. Theologians as diverse as Irenaeus in the 2nd century and Thomas Aquinas in the 13th maintain that the unity of the Church is not fundamentally grounded on its immutable structure or inexorable mission. The Church’s oneness rests ultimately on the God who brought it into being by His Word and Spirit. We may say that the unity of the Church, established by and grounded in the triune God, has a trinitarian foundation. The Church is elected by the Father, redeemed by the Son, and united by the Holy Spirit. There is therefore no other compelling ground for asserting the unity of the Church. This truth is expressed clearly in a document prepared by the World Council of Churches (WCC) at its 3rd assembly in New Delhi in 1961, albeit from a slightly different angle. “The love of the Father and the Son in the unity of the Holy Spirit,” it states, “is the source and goal of the unity which the triune God wills for all men and creation. We believe that we share in this unity in the Church of Jesus Christ…”
Thus, the strange unity of the Church is at once an indicative and an imperative; it is both a reality and a task. The Church must prayerfully strive to make the unity that is already ours in Christ visible and tangible. But Christians are not making an idle statement when they confess that “We believe in the one… Church”, even though there appears to be a striking discrepancy between what they hold by faith to be true and what is actually observed in the Church’s empirical life. The high priestly prayer of our Lord and Master will be answered (John 17:21). The irrational dissonances that now fracture the empirical Church will be surmounted and its concrete oneness will become fully evident. And the sobornost of the Church that we see today in flickering dimness will shine brightly to the glory and praise of the one true God. n
Picture by ThamKC/Bigstock.com METHODIST MESSAGE • MAY 2018
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METHODIST MESSAGE, AuGuST 2013
May IS THE MONTH FOR ALIGNING YOUR LIFE WITH GOD’S PURPOSE
4 or 6 May (Friday/Sunday) to September 2018
Two classes to choose from: Fridays (7.30 p.m. – 10 p.m.) – 25 Adam Road, Adam Road Presbyterian Church Sundays (2 p.m. – 4.30 p.m.) – 77 Prinsep Street, Prinsep Street Presbyterian Church
Scan here to see events online!
Be part of God’s plan for Him to be loved by people of every culture. Join 15 instructors over as many weeks to catch a vision of what God has been accomplishing throughout history and the world. The first two classes (first two weeks of May) are free tasters. Organised by Perspectives Course Singapore. Fee: $300 for working adults. Discounts available. Fees cover 15 classes and two course textbooks.
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For more information, visit perspectivessingapore.org/next-course or email info@PerspectivesSingapore.org.
LEARNING MORE ABOUT ASCENSION DAY
10 May 2018 (Thursday), 8 p.m.
5 Fort Canning Road, Wesley Methodist Church, S(179493) The Book of Acts highlights Jesus’ promise to His disciples of the power of the Holy Spirit they would receive. The Gospel of Luke focuses on the joy that filled the disciples after witnessing Jesus being taken up to heaven. What is the significance of the coming of the Holy Spirit, and of the joy that overwhelmed the disciples? Why is Ascension Day important, and why do we have to celebrate it? The Methodist Festival Choir invites you to ‘Risen Above: A Festival on the 40th Day of Easter’. Come, listen to the story of the Ascension, sing, and pray with us. Together we will discover the profound meaning of Jesus’ ascension, and reflect on how it may have an impact on our Christian discipleship. Admission is free and all are welcome.
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For more information, visit www.msmusic.edu.sg, email msm@msmusic.edu.sg, or call 6767-5258.
KNOWING THE ROLE OF MUSIC IN WORSHIP
11 May 2018 (Friday), 7.30 p.m. – 9 p.m.
7 Armenian Street, Bible House, Level 4, Morrison-Liang Room, Seminar Rooms 1 & 2, S(179932) Music is one of the most prominent gifts for glorification and enjoyment. Our post-Enlightenment worldview tends to sharply separate the worship of God from human enjoyment. This separation, however, is alien to Biblical teaching. We believe that true worship is inseparably related to enjoyment, and true enjoyment is a fruit of true worship. Organised by ETHOS Institute for Public Christianity. Fee: Admission is free. Registration required. A love offering will be collected during the event.
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Register online now at ethosinstitute.sg/publiclecture. You may also call Ms Florence Kang at 6304-3765 or email info@ethosinstitute.sg for more information. Please register early to avoid disappointment.
RAISING WISE DIGITAL CITIZENS IN A COMPLEX WORLD
Social Media & Sexuality – How to Discuss Boundaries through Quality Conversations with My Teen 23 May 2018 (Wednesday), 7.30 p.m. – 9.30 p.m. 7 Armenian Street, Bible House, Level 4, Morrison-Liang Room, Seminar Rooms 1 & 2, S(179932)
Our teenagers lead a ‘double life’: an online life and an offline one. As they spend more time on social media and other forms of media and technology, they are more affected by what happens online, which in turn affects their behaviour and actions offline. This session, which is specially catered to parents of teenagers, will cover the latest media trends, explore why teens like what they like, and how to discuss boundaries in media, technology, and sexuality with them through quality conversations. Organised by Sower Institute for Biblical Discipleship. Fee: $30 per head.
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Register online at bible.org.sg/digitalcitizens. For more information, please contact Ms Florence Kang at 6304-3765 or email sowerinstitute@bible.org.sg. METHODIST MESSAGE • MAY 2018
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POEMS Leong Kwok Thye is a member of Kampong Kapor Methodist Church and has been involved in the ministries of Scripture Union, the Bible Study Fellowship and the pastoral care programme of Anglo-Chinese School (Primary) and AngloChinese School (Barker Road).
WHAT SHALL I OFFER TO
THE LORD?
How shall I come before the Lord, Bow down before the exalted God? Will a perfect prescribed sacrifice Offered on the altar suffice? Will sacrifices in abundance, Offered without repentance? Will the gift of my firstborn alone, My life transform, my sin atone? You have shown, Lord, what is right In Your sovereign righteous sight; Justice and love for mercy, For the oppressed and the needy. Help me, O Lord God Almighty, To walk with You in humility; Set my hardened heart aflame, To bless others in Your name. “With what shall I come before the Lord, and bow myself before God on high? Shall I come before him with burnt offerings, with calves a year old? Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams, with ten thousands of rivers of oil? Shall I give my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?” He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” (Micah 6:6-8)
Picture by MIA Studio/Bigstock.com
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THINK Sue-Ann Lee is happily married and the mother of three spirited children. She is a stay-at-home mother who enjoys cooking, writing, and travelling.
and moral impact on their lives. It is especially powerful when we help them see that sex is designed to be holy, guiltfree, and pleasurable, but only in the context of marriage. Young people today are growing up in an age of hyper-reality, where sexual messages are constantly shoved in their faces through music, movies, commercials, and social media. Blatant innuendos and negative messages about self-image are increasingly common, even on primetime television.
Talk to my child about sex? S
ex is one topic that most parents struggle to broach, or skip over entirely. As parents, we can all see the day coming when we would need to initiate the talk with our kids — but many, like myself, often feel lost about how to begin. The Whole Life Research Brief 2016, which summarises findings from research among Singapore churches, reported that as many as 79 per cent of youths and young adults believe that parents have the primary responsibility of teaching
their children about sex and sexuality (graphic 1). Unfortunately, only 20 per cent of youths and 13 per cent of young adults said that parents were their main source of information about sex and sexuality. This translates to over 80 per cent learning about sex in a way that does not necessarily honour God (graphic 2). Our children need to learn about sex from us. More than just a talk about ‘the birds and the bees’, it should be through open and honest conversations which have a long-lasting spiritual
Graphic 1
Graphic 2 SOURCE
79%
OF YOUTHS & YOUNG ADULTS BELIEVE THAT PARENTS HAVE THE PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITY FOR TEACHING CHILDREN ABOUT SEX AND SEXUALITY
NON-PARENTAL SOURCES
•
YOUTHS
16% 20%
PARENTS
13% 16%
INTERNET
26% 13%
FRIENDS
14% 9%
CHURCH LEADERS NO ONE PERSONAL EXPERIENCE NON-INTERNET MEDIA OTHERS
YOUNG ADULTS
29%
SCHOOL TEACHERS
MANY OF THEM, HOWEVER, LEARN ABOUT SEX AND SEXUALITY FROM
•
There is no bubble big enough to protect our children from what the world is shouting. Our children will learn about sex, and according to the Whole Life research figures, too many of them are learning about it from anyone but their own parents. Equipping our children with a healthy, biblical understanding of human sexuality based on God’s standards might seem daunting, especially when it goes against the grain of today’s culture. However, let us not underestimate the amount of influence we have in their lives. They know better than anyone else that we are the real deal — better than any digital image, made-up character, or outof-reach celebrity. We are in the best position to give them frank, honest information about how sex fits into the bigger picture of life. Talking to our children about sex should not be regarded as a big, one-off talk to ‘get it over and done with’. Instead, let’s be their safe space to ask honest questions and have open discussions as they grow up and become more curious. n
9% 5% 5% 4% 10% 2% 6% 1% 1%
Reprinted with permission from Whole Life. (2017, April 7). Whole life research brief 2016: Essential findings on the state of family in Singapore churches. © 2018 Whole Life. All rights reserved. Graph visuals courtesy of Focus on the Family Picture by PiedmontPhoto/Bigstock.com METHODIST MESSAGE • MAY 2018
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Does God only call “picture-perfect” or idealised families? Or can God work through authentic families, just as we are, so that our families united in His love can bring glory to Him? Come “just as you are” to Aldersgate SG 2018, and answer God’s call! aldersgate.methodist.org.sg