Methodist Message: Oct 2024

The long road to healing: Trauma survivor's story continues Workaholism: A most respectable sin Highlights from the 13th Session of the General Conference Vol 126 No 10 OCTOBER 2024

Why should churches care about

MCI (P) 013/11/2023

Mental Health?

Contents

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

/ Bishop’s Message /

Communications Manager Lynn Tan

/ News /

Managing Editor

2 13th Session of the General Conference:

Alvin Tay

Episcopal Elections and highlights

Editor

7 Russia-Ukraine and Israel-Palestine wars take centrestage at the World Methodist Conference 2024

Lianne Ong

Communications Executive Kathrynn Koh

11 Covenant Community Methodist Church marks its 30th year

with 30 projects and more to bless the community

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

Proofreaders Kenneth Lee Christabel Tan

/ Feature / 14 Why should churches care about mental health?

18 The long road to healing 21 Methodist Social Principles: Are John Wesley's words to modern Methodists about community life still relevant today?

/ Opinion / 24 Soundings: A most respectable sin The official monthly publication of The Methodist Church in Singapore. Published material does not necessarily reflect the official view of The Methodist Church. All Scripture quoted is based on the English Standard Version unless otherwise stated.

70 Barker Road #06-04 Singapore 309936

/ Outreach / 27 Mental health in the mission fields 30 Counselling saved my life

/ Relationships / 32 At The Well

6478-4793 | 6478-4763 methodist.org.sg/message www.methodist.org.sg communications@methodist. org.sg fb.com/Methodist.SG

36 You & Your Family: How not to make your in-laws your out-laws

/ Worship / 39 Dealing with mental health through worship

@methodist.sg @methodistsg Have something to say or share?

Email us at

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

/ People / 41 Taking ownership of my community

When a harmful spirit depresses

I

t's Time to Prioritise Mental Health in the

promote mental health and cope with bouts

Workplace.

of mental illness.

This is the theme adopted for this year's World

Come to me, all you who are weary and

Mental Health Day (10 October 2024).1 Recent

burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my

years have generated more awareness of the

yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am

importance of mental health. Today, mental

gentle and humble in heart, and you will

illness afflicts many more of us than we used to

find rest for your souls.

think. We would be wise to acquaint ourselves

~ Matthew 11:28–29 (NIV)

with the different ways to promote stronger mental health in our families and friends.2

In times when I feel mentally weak and unwell, it helps me to read and hear the advice and

The workplace often presents us with many

invitation of the Lord Jesus to learn gentleness

challenges which stress us. Saul was king

and find rest for my soul.

of Israel when the neighbouring people of Philistia were an ever-present security threat.

May we as a Church help one another and our

It is hardly surprising that the Bible records

neighbours find mental health and well-being

how King Saul would often be troubled in his

for our weary souls.

spirit. The Bible goes on to say that the music from David's lyre helped to remove Saul's troubled spirit.

And whenever the harmful spirit from God was upon Saul, David took the lyre and played it with his hand. So Saul was refreshed and was well, and the harmful spirit departed from him. ~ 1 Samuel 16:23 There are many ways to heal one's spirit, and one way is through music. It is one of the ways in which God brings healing to our troubled spirits.

It also has a way of reaching minds that seem to be unresponsive. Even in the area of modern medicine, music is recognised as an important form of therapy. May the Methodist tradition of music continue God's good work of healing and help in this troubled world.

https://wmhdofficial.com/ Consider suggestions in this issue of MM, or go to https://www.who.int/westernpacific/activities/promotingmental-health 1

Almost 2,000 years ago, the Lord Jesus Christ already taught his disciples important ways to

2

October 2024 Methodist Message 1

News

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

CAC pastor Rev Philip Lim elected as Bishop Retirement age, disaffiliation with UMC and clergy rules on alcohol consumption among key issues debated at 13th Session of the General Conference

The 13th Session of the GC was hosted by Faith Methodist Church and Queenstown Chinese Methodist Church

A

Who is Rev Philip Lim? Rev Lim is currently Pastor-

t the recent 13th Session of the General Conference

in-Charge of Kum Yan

(GC) held from 2 to 6 September 2024, Rev Philip Lim

Methodist Church. He is also

was elected the next Bishop of The Methodist Church in

the Chairperson of the Board of

Singapore (MCS). Bishop-Elect Lim, currently the Pastor-in-

Ministry at the Chinese Annual

Charge of Kum Yan Methodist Church under the Chinese

Conference (CAC). He was

Annual Conference, was elected on the seventh ballot. He

posted to Cambodia in 2004 as

will be consecrated on 6 December 2024, taking on the

a missionary with the Methodist

role of spiritual leader for more than 45,000 Methodists

Missions Society (MMS) where he

in 46 churches across Singapore. He succeeds Bishop Dr

served for seven years, laying the

Gordon Wong who is retiring after serving as Bishop for a

foundation and growing MMS'

term of four years.

missional ministry in its early days there, and later returned

Upon being elected, Bishop-Elect Lim said, "The work of the

to the MMS home office to serve

Bishop is immense; the responsibility as the spiritual head of

as Area Director for Cambodia

the Methodist Church is great. The task now is to inspire the

before becoming MMS' Executive

Church to the mission that God has called us to and to help

Director from 2012 to 2018. In

the Church grow in spiritual holiness. All this work cannot

2019, he returned to pastoral

be done by one person—we need all the churches to come

ministry at CAC. Rev Lim is

together. Let us all work together, and as the Bible says, let

married to Lydia Ng and they

us spur one another on towards love and good deeds!"

have an adult daughter, Olivia.

2 Methodist Message October 2024

BishopElect Philip Lim addressing GC delegates

Over five days at Faith Methodist Church/

At the plenary session on Day 2, the GC

Queenstown Chinese Methodist Church,

delegates voted to raise the retirement age

the GC delegates reviewed a total of 30

of the Bishop and Presidents from 65 to 70

petitions, and Bishop Dr Wong chaired

and implement this at the start of the 14th

the sessions each day. Three key issues are

Session of the GC in 2028.

highlighted here: These legislative changes set the stage Retirement age of Presidents and Bishop

for the Episcopal Elections on Day 2. The

Leading up to the Episcopal Elections,

key contenders were Rev James Nagulan

the GC delegates debated on the issue of

(ETAC), Rev Philip Lim (CAC) and Rev

whether to raise the retirement age of the

Kenneth Huang (TRAC), with Rev Lim

Bishop and Annual Conference Presidents

eventually garnering more than two-

from 65 to 70. Because the retirement age

thirds of the valid votes.

determined the list of eligible elders for the Episcopal and Presidential Elections, it would

Disaffiliation from the United Methodist

also determine whether the incumbent

Church

Bishop and Presidents would be eligible to

Following the watershed legislative

take on a second term if elected, as they had

changes earlier this year by the United

crossed the age limit under the current rules.

Methodist Church (UMC) to remove the ban on the ordination and appointment

(below left) Sacrament of Holy Communion on Day 1 (below right) Praying for Bishop-Elect Philip Lim (centre)

A robust debate took place on Day 1 of the

of "self-avowed practising homosexuals",

GC during the legislative session where

and to broaden the definition of

several petitions regarding this issue

marriage to include "two people of faith,

were reviewed. Views that were put forth

an adult man and woman of consenting

ranged from the stability of MCS if the

age, or two adult persons of consenting

top leadership were to change at one go,

age into union with one another", it

to the ethics of changing the rules right

was not surprising that there were

before elections. A related issue was when

petitions submitted to disaffiliate from

to implement the new rule should the

UMC given the latter's departure from

retirement age be raised, whether with

biblical teachings.

immediate effect or at the next session of the GC, and whether it would apply to

MCS has historical links to UMC, which

both Episcopal and Presidential Elections

is based in the United States, as UMC is

at the same time.

MCS' founding Church. However, these

October 2024 Methodist Message 3

CAC pastor Rev Philip Lim elected as Bishop

historical links do not bind MCS to any

as use of UMC-produced Bible study

UMC rules or policies because MCS, while

material by Disciple Agency and the use

affiliated, is an autonomous Church

of The United Methodist Book of Worship

and determines its own rules which are

as a reference for crafting liturgies.

recorded in MCS' Book of Discipline (BOD).

Therefore the "how" of disaffiliation, Of pertinence was the "Covenant of

i.e. the way disaffiliation will take place

Cooperation" that was signed between

operationally, needed more thought.

UMC and MCS (while it was still joined with The Methodist Church in

Mr Kim Seah recommended that a deferment

Malaysia) in 1968 and any changes to

of the rest of the petitions relating to UMC

alter the covenant must be done with

was in order, until a decision had been made

mutual agreement. Mr Kim Seah, who

on the petition to discontinue the affiliation at

has chaired the Discipline Revision

the GC Special Session in July 2025. All voted

Commission (DRC)—which oversees

in favour of deferment.

the work of the BOD—for the last 28 years, led the delegates to consider their arguments in terms of the "what, why and how" of disaffiliation.

The "what" saw the house debate on the definition of the term "disaffiliation". Mr Kim Seah advised that the term had to be defined carefully because MCS holds both formal and informal ties with UMC.

Abstinence from alcohol by MCS clergy

The formal ties included, among others,

and local preachers

accepting UMC membership certificates

A petition that proposed a change to

and the transferring of pastors between

a long-standing rule of alcohol and

UMC and MCS, while the informal ties

tobacco abstinence by clergy and local

had more to do with daily practices, such

preachers was reviewed. The rule in the

4 Methodist Message October 2024

(above) GC delegates, MCS staff and guests at the 13th Session of the GC (below left) Mr Kim Seah leading the legislative discussions (below right) Delegates had to plough through petitions for the legislative discussions

(right above) K2s from Faith Methodist Preschool performing a song item during Methodist Preschool Service's report (right below) Fellowship during meal times

BOD dates back to the 1920s, when the Temperance movement was strongly led

by Methodists in America.

It was argued that the essence of the rule was to encourage dedication and prohibit behaviours that would damage the influence and reputation of the local preacher; the prohibition should therefore be against drunkenness, rather than a blanket ban on alcohol.

Those who supported the petition largely felt that holiness should not be equated with the consumption of alcohol. Furthermore, since holiness was exemplified by Jesus, and Jesus himself created and drank wine (at the wedding at Cana), it would be difficult to justify

Given that the issue had both theological

(below left) Mr Anton Moses, Chairperson of the Council of Episcopacy

why a pastor could not. The rule seemed

and practical dimensions, the current

incongruent with the times, where the

wordings in the BOD would require

younger generation did not think complete

refinement so as not to stumble anyone.

abstinence was relevant anymore.

The house voted to refer this matter to the

(below right) Jeffrey Lim, General Conference Secretary, ensured the smooth running of the daily sessions

However, there were also several counter

from the Boards of Ministry and the Boards

arguments. One was that ordained

of Laity of the three Annual Conferences.

(bottom) Taking a vote

DRC in consultation with representatives

ministers took this vow as a symbol of the ✻✻✻

highest ideals of Christian ministry.

Allowing the consumption of alcohol could

As the 13th Session drew to a close, Mr

be problematic in defining permissible

Kim Seah reminded all that the BOD is

limits. Pastors who had to counsel those

the "good and hard work" of the General

with drinking habits could find it difficult

Conference and asked for delegates to

to set a positive example.

defend this work if ever they heard "a lie to the contrary".

"For a lie left repeated, may become the truth," he said.

Bishop Dr Wong called for a vote of thanks to the DRC in the last quadrennium and the house gave a standing vote of approval.

October 2024 Methodist Message 5

Key office-bearers elected to serve in the 13th Quadrennium The following persons were elected to these key positions of the General Conference: The Secretary of the Trustees Mr Guan Yeow Kwang Assistant Secretaries of the Trustees Mr Anton Moses, Mr Kim Seah General Conference Secretary Mr Jeffrey Lim General Conference Treasurer Mr Melvin Dineshraj General Conference Assistant Treasurer Mr Nicholas Au-Yong Chairperson, Finance and Administration Council Mdm Daisy Pang Chairperson, Discipline Revision Commission Ms Aurill Kam Chairperson, Council on Archives and History Rev Dr Andrew Peh Chairperson, Council of Governance Mr Steven Seah Members of the Council of Governance Chairpersons of the Boards of Governance from CAC, ETAC and TRAC; Ms Susan Goh, Mr Kang Kok Kwan and Mr Colin Chen Chairperson, Disciple Agency Mr Philip Oh Chairperson, Methodist Missions Society Mr Collin Tan Lay and Ministerial Members of the Judicial Council Substantive: Rev Dr Gregory Goh, Dr Leong Sieu-Hon Benjamin, Mr Anton Moses, Rev Raymond Fong and Dr Cheah-Foo Fung Fong Alternate: Rev Andy Goh, Mr Tan Boon Chok, Dr Stephen Yeo, Rev James Nagulan, Mr Selvathurai Rajamani, Mrs Jessy Birgediah, Rev Reuben Ng, Rev Tay Li Ping and Mr Charis Gabriel Lim

Still don't know what the General Conference is and what it does?

Watch this explainer video!

6 Methodist Message October 2024

Lianne Ong is the Editor of Methodist Message. / Photos by Lianne Ong, Liaw Chun Huan and Anton Moses

News

Russia-Ukraine and Israel-Palestine wars take centrestage at the World Methodist Conference 2024

The WMC drew 1,200 delegates from all over the world

T

he 22nd World Methodist Conference

The theme "On The Move" and its sub-

(WMC) met in Gothenburg, Sweden

themes Migration, Pilgrimage and Guiding

from 13 to 18 August 2024. The WMC, a

Lights, was fitting in the midst of new

global gathering of the Methodist-Wesleyan

wars and many facing unrest or economic

family, is held every five years. However,

insecurity. Forced migration—a recurring

the 2021 session was cancelled due to the

theme since biblical times—was especially

Covid-19 pandemic, making this year's

poignant as those facing wars were forced

conference the first since 2016. The host was

to settle elsewhere.

The Uniting Church in Sweden with support of the Danish and Norwegian United Methodist Church.

Finding forgiveness, reconciliation and hope amid war Dr Ivan Rusyn, President of the Ukrainian

The Singapore delegation of Council

Evangelical Theological Seminary, gave a

Members and participants led by Bishop Dr

first-hand account on how the Russians

Gordon Wong included the three Annual

had destroyed the seminary, and how the

Conference Presidents, office holders from

upheavals of war had changed the work of

the General Conference, pastors, staff,

the seminary's staff.

leaders and members of Faith Methodist Church, Fairfield Methodist Church and

A moving story he shared involved having to

Trinity Methodist Church.

collect bodies from the morgue and using the

October 2024 Methodist Message 7

Russia-Ukraine and Israel-Palestine wars take centrestage at the World Methodist Conference 2024

seminary bus to deliver them to the cemetery.

first-hand. However, although he was not

"This is not the typical ministry of a church or

ready to do so, he still aspired to forgive his

seminary," Dr Rusyn said solemnly.

enemies because of the example of Jesus: "I obey the commandments of Jesus

"I also conducted communion for soldiers.

because only he commands from the cross."

Some of those soldiers were having communion for the very first time, while

The commandment to love one's neighbour

others would be taking communion for

had taken on a new meaning as well. Dr

the last time. But the Holy Spirit was most

Rusyn said, "Now, every Ukrainian is my

certainly present."

neighbour, regardless of gender, religion or political affiliation. Where there is suffering,

In these experiences, Dr Rusyn saw that

then there is my neighbour."

the role of the Church in providing comfort was crucial and called for the Church to

The sessions with Dr Rusyn were moderated

serve the community in better and new

by Bishop Christian Alsted, the Nordic-

ways. Today the perception of the Church

Baltic-Ukraine Area Bishop, who also

in Ukraine has changed from being "a cult"

received the World Methodist Peace Award

to being a positive presence, "because the

2023 at the Conference, in recognition of

Church has demonstrated solidarity and

his work in Ukraine. After Russia invaded

compassion, being with the people".

Ukraine in February 2022, Bishop Alsted, who is from Denmark, stepped up when

Dr Rusyn admitted that it was frustrating

it became impossible for Moscow-based

when well-meaning Christians advised him

United Methodist Bishop Eduard Khegay

to forgive his enemies, especially if these

to provide oversight in Ukraine and

Christians had not experienced the war

neighbouring Moldova.

8 Methodist Message October 2024

(above left) For the Parade of Ornaments, held during the first night's worship session, MCS Secretary of Trustees Mr Guan Yeow Kwang presented the book produced

by MCS, John Wesley: The World, My Parish (above right) Bishop Dr Wong preached on the "Pilgrimage to Peace" on the second night

(above left) Group photo of MCS delegates (above right) Bishop Dr Wong with Dr Ivan Rusyn from Ukraine

"I am honoured and deeply humbled

meet freely and easily has had an

to receive this [award] on behalf of

impact on daily life and they fear the

the United Methodists in Ukraine and

effect of eradicating family traditions

Christians in Ukraine," said Bishop Alsted.

over time.

He also said that while he was able to return to his home country with peace,

According to them, "illegal Jewish

Ukrainians lived with the daily stress of

settlements" had led to the forced

war. "Right now, peace in Ukraine seems

displacements of the Palestinians and

far away but we must practise peace—

their becoming "second class citizens"

speak the truth in love, realise our own

in their own homeland. The "two-

flaws, claim and practise freedom … and

state solution" that is often suggested

that day will come."

was not possible due to these Jewish settlements sprouting up all over the

"Second-class citizens in our own homeland"

land where they were living.

Two Palestinian Christian ladies, Areej

The two speakers also spoke out

Masoud and Lamma Mansour, shared

against "Christian-Zionism", a view

about the plight of the Palestinians

that is popular in many Christian

in Gaza during their session, "What is

circles which supports Jewish

happening in the Holy Land?". Giving

nationalism and the right of Jews

a historical backdrop to explain what

to return to their "homeland". This

has led to the conflict today, they

belief, according to the speakers, has

highlighted the travel restrictions faced

informed political views and policies

by Palestinians, which varied depending

in favour of Israel, which in turn hinder

on where they lived. The inability to

the peace process.

October 2024 Methodist Message 9

Russia-Ukraine and Israel-Palestine wars take centrestage at the World Methodist Conference 2024

Responses from MCS

Attending the next WMC

In response to these sessions, Bishop

The WMC can be attended by Methodists

Dr Wong said, "My understanding of

in Singapore and is not reserved for clergy

Christian faithfulness was broadened as I

or lay leadership. Anton Moses, who chairs

listened to the stories of two Palestinian

the Council of Episcopacy (the Council

women living in the Promised Land, and

under the General Conference that reviews

how the so-called chosen people of God

the work of the bishop and attends to his

have filled their lives with despair and

well-being), said, "I was delighted and felt

discrimination. As I listened to Ukrainian

blessed to attend WMC. WMC was very

rector Ivan Rusyn, I could not help but be

meaningful in many ways and opened my

filled with empathy for Ukrainians who

eyes to the global perspective of our calling

have lost their homes and loved ones. One

as Methodists. I want to encourage more

can understand why he no longer feels

youth and young adults to attend WMC in

any kinship with these whom he once

the future to learn and understand God's

regarded as Christian brothers."

bigger plan for us Methodists."

Mr Guan Yeow Kwang, the Secretary of

On the sidelines of the Conference,

Trustees of MCS said, "I can't help but feel

members of the World Methodist Council

that in Singapore we are indeed living

met to vote in new council members and

in a bubble, insulated from upheavals,

pass resolutions on matters concerning

injustice and sufferings that permeate

Methodists and Christians around the world.

the world. We should be very grateful

Mr Kim Seah, Assistant Secretary of the

but it is not enough. We need to be a

Trustees who also chaired MCS' Discipline

more compassionate, generous and

Revision Commission up until recently, was

charitable people."

elected into the Nomination Committee of the World Methodist Council.

Bishop's keynote address on peace In this context, Bishop Dr Wong's clarion call for peace as one of the Conference keynote speakers hit the right notes.

Preaching from Isaiah 59:7-8 and James 3:18, his sermon, "Pilgrims on the Path to Peace", was about Isaiah's vision of peace.

The leaders in Isaiah's day were pursuing a "crooked path" to peace, deceiving people with what they claimed to be pursuing and praying for—what Habbakuk described as a "perverted justice". Through the story of The Grass Eater by Trevor Dennis, Bishop Dr Wong illustrated that the path to peace might require sacrifice and letting go of what one holds dear. Finally, Bishop Dr Wong reminded the congregation that God's path to peace is a path of peace.

10 Methodist Message October 2024

MCS' graphic novel about John Wesley's life was displayed with other symbolic ornaments from each of the participating churches

News

Kenneth Koh is the Communications Executive at Covenant Community Methodist Church. / Photos by Edy Lee, Joyce Chew, Kenneth Koh and Tim Tham

Covenant Community Methodist Church marks its 30th year with 30 projects and more to bless the community

Cutting the anniversary cake: from left to right, Mr Leslie Wong, Lay Leader; Rev David Gwee, Pastor-in-Charge; Bishop Dr Gordon Wong; Rev Stanley Chua; and Mr David Koh, LCEC Chairperson

"I approached Mrs Tham when MGS had already relocated to Blackmore Drive.

I asked her if she would be open to BRMC

I

n 1992, then chaplain of Methodist Girls' School (MGS) and Pastor-in-

Charge of Barker Road Methodist

starting a church using the MGS chapel

Church (BRMC), Rev Dr Ngoei Foong

and she agreed. I mooted the idea because

Nghian, was prompted to ask then

I realised that along Bukit Timah Road

Principal Mrs Anna Tham about starting

there was no Methodist church between

a Methodist church on the MGS campus

Barker Road Methodist Church and Bukit Panjang Methodist Church. And it would be appropriate to plant a church at the new MGS."

when it moved from Mount Sophia to Blackmore Drive in Bukit Timah.

A Preaching Point was set up, and the

~ Rev Dr Ngoei Foong Nghian,

inaugural chapel service took place on

first Pastor-in-Charge of CCMC

10 October 1993.

October 2024 Methodist Message 11

Covenant Community Methodist Church marks its 30th year with 30 projects and more to bless the community

On 11 September 1994, the Preaching

The celebration began with a heartfelt

Point was officially established as a

time of worship, bringing the

Local Conference, becoming the 16th

congregation together in praise. Bishop

church in the Trinity Annual Conference

Dr Wong shared an inspiring sermon,

(TRAC) and Rev Dr Ngoei became its

reminding us of the transformative

first Pastor-in-Charge. The church was

power of love in overcoming evil. The

named Covenant Community Methodist

joyful singing from the CCMC Combined

Church (CCMC), based on Ephesians

Adults Choir—which included choir

2:19-22, emphasising a community in

members from the 9 a.m. and 11 a.m.

covenant with God and each other.

services, Men's Choir, Gospel Choir, Japanese Hallelujah Chorus and

CCMC's vision, "To Know God Deeply

Covenant Kids Choir—brought warmth

and Make Him Known Widely",

and a special sense of togetherness,

continues to shape its mission,

adding a special touch to the

welcoming those in its nearby

meaningful Anniversary Service.

community to worship God, even as the commitment to MGS as its key

This year's theme, "Filled With The Spirit

ministry remains.

To Reach Out", was shown through the "30 Blessings" initiative—an initiative

This year on 8 September, over 700

for church staff and members to

members and guests gathered at a

run at least 30 projects designed to

Combined Worship Service to celebrate

reach out to the local community and

30 years of God's faithfulness to

beyond. To date, more than 30 projects

CCMC. Bishop Dr Gordon Wong, TRAC

have been initiated. Projects included

President Rev Stanley Chua, TRAC Lay

raising almost $30,000 to support the

Leader Mr Henry Tan, TRAC Associate

reintegration of ex-offenders, done

Lay Leaders Mr Liaw Chun Huan and

in collaboration with The Helping

Mr Poh Leong Berg, as well as MGS

Hand, a Christian halfway house. A fun

Principal Mrs Valarie Wilson and Vice-

fiesta held in August raised more than

Principals, Mrs Koh Chern Ee and Mrs

$18,000 for Sembawang Family Service

Diana Goh, were among the guests.

Centre (SFSC).

12 Methodist Message October 2024

(above left) From left to right: Mr Henry Tan, TRAC Lay Leader; Mr David Koh, LCEC Chairperson; Rev Stanley Chua; Bishop Dr Gordon Wong; Rev David Gwee, Pastor-inCharge; Pastor Rufus Chan, Assistant Pastor; and Mrs Valarie Wilson, MGS Principal

(above right) CCMC Covenant Kids Choir blessing the congregation with their song

(above left) Blest West Growth Group, the first Growth Group in CCMC (above right) Guests from Sembawang Family Service Centre, one of CCMC's key outreach ministries

There were also outreach efforts to

we continue to answer God’s call and

worker dormitories to share the gospel

continue reaching out in love in the

as well as blessing low-wage earners

years to come!" said Rev David Gwee,

within the neighbourhood with care

Pastor-in-Charge of CCMC.

packs containing daily essentials.

The activities under the "30 Blessings" banner will continue till the end of the year, where CCMC will also engage mission fields in Thailand, Cambodia and Nepal, re-affirming its support for YWAM Singapore and their missionaries in Asia.

Another significant project involves a

(right top) CCMC Combined Adult Choir rendering praise to God through heartfelt song (right middle) Home Helpers Ministry gathering for a heartwarming fellowship lunch (right bottom) Old and young celebrating together

gift CCMC will make to pupils of MGS and Fairfield Methodist School (Primary & Secondary): a revised edition of Sophia Blackmore in Singapore—a book about the founder of the two schools originally written by the late Bishop Emeritus Dr Theodore Doraisamy and published in 1987

by General Conference of the Women's Society of Christian Service (GC-WSCS) of The Methodist Church in Singapore. This new edition of the book is published with the support of the GC-WSCS. "The many acts of love by our church family are surely a sign of the Holy Spirit actively working in CCMC. May October 2024 Methodist Message 13

Feature

Rev Leow Wen Pin is the Chairman of the Koinonia Inclusion Network and Associate Pastor at Bethany Evangelical Free Church. He frequently writes on practical and pastoral theological issues such as disability and mental health. Access his writings at www.leowwenpin.com. / Photos courtesy of Stirling Campus and Leow Wen Pin

Why should churches care about

Mental Health?

O

ver the last few years, I have facilitated

with disability. 3 In Singapore, in 2022, more

an annual workshop on mental

than a person a day on average committed

health for Methodist youths and young

suicide, with poor mental health often being

adults from Chinese Annual Conference

a significant contributing factor.

(CAC) churches.1 I always have a good time leading the workshops because the

Suicide is the leading cause of death among

attendees are very engaged. And while

youths (aged 10 to 29) in Singapore.4 Just

running the workshops, I noticed some

this year, then-Deputy Prime Minister

trends. On one hand, our young people

Lawrence Wong stated that addressing

are growing increasingly literate in mental

mental well-being is a "key priority" on our

health issues. On the other hand, more and

national agenda. 5

more of them tell me that they themselves are experiencing poor mental health.

Unfortunately, one more thing that my

This latter trend is not surprising. Many

workshop attendees consistently tell me

countries are experiencing a mental health

is that their churches are not engaging

crisis. "At least one in five, and in some

sufficiently with mental health. Indeed, it is

parts of the world perhaps as many as

lamentable that "many churches still consider mental health as outside the domain of their

one in two, people experience mental ill health during the course of their lifetime."

2

ministry."6 To redress this, I would like to

Estimates show that mental illness accounts

put forward several reasons why churches

for almost a third of all years lived globally

should care about mental health.

14 Methodist Message October 2024

What is mental health?

Four reasons for churches to care

Before we discuss those reasons, we

Having defined what mental health is, let us

will first identify what we mean by the

consider four reasons why churches should

term "mental health". Mental health is

take mental health seriously.

not fundamentally about the presence or absence of mental illness (e.g. clinical

Firstly, if our congregations reflect national

depression). We should distinguish

trends, then poor mental health is already

between having a mental illness and

the lived experience of many of our church

having poor mental health. While

members. In 2019, some of my friends

"people with mental health conditions

edited a volume entitled Mental Health

are more likely to experience lower

and the Gospel Community, a collection of

levels of mental well-being … this is not

essays reflecting the stories of a wide swath

always or necessarily the case" (italics

of Christians in Singapore who struggle

added).7 This is because mental health

with mental health. Pastors and lay people,

(below left) Rev Leow with young adult participants of the mental health workshops at CAC's Finding Your Place 2024 programme

is a complex phenomenon involving

professionals and students, parents and

the biological, psychological, social, and

children—no group was exempt. Thus, a

spiritual dimensions of a person's life. 8

church that turns a blind eye to mental

Even if a person has a mental illness

health issues is choosing to be irrelevant to

(biology), they might still experience

a critical need of their members.

(below right) Methodist young adults presenting their ideas on how churches can deal with mental health issues

satisfactory levels of mental well-being due to medication (biology), therapy

Moreover, since the growth of mental

(psychology), and support from their

health challenges is a reality in our broader

church (spirituality) and family/friends

society, this also means that there is a large

(society). Such a holistic perspective

window of opportunity for missions. There

on mental health helps us to better

is tremendous potential for the Church in

understand why churches should be

Singapore to minister the gospel of Jesus

concerned about mental health—as we

Christ through engaging with the mental

shall see in the next section.

health needs of our society. Indeed, the

October 2024 Methodist Message 15

Why should churches care about mental mealth?

harvest is plentiful, if only our churches

Moreover, psychological research also

would take up the call to plough this

suggests that healthier forms of religiosity

mission field, both locally and abroad!

are correlated with better mental health outcomes.10 Hence, if a church desires

Secondly, churches must recognise

to be a disciple making church, mental

that persons with mental health

health care must be a key aspect of its

conditions often experience stigma and

discipleship approach. Mental health

marginalisation. It is notable that a major

literacy should also be regarded as a core

mental health campaign in Singapore is

ministry skill for leaders. Quantitative

titled "Beyond the Label". When a person

or qualitative measures of the mental

is diagnosed with mental illness, many

well-being of a congregation would be

deep-seated stereotypes attach themselves

meaningful indicators that contribute to

to that individual. I have personally

the overall evaluation of a discipleship

experienced this. During my youth, when

programme's effectiveness. (Do note,

I struggled with depression—when I most

however, that having poor mental health

needed help—I was labelled as "孤僻" (gū

should not be taken to indicate that a

pì), i.e. withdrawn, anti-social, eccentric.

person is a poor disciple.)

9

This only served to further isolate me from those around me.

Fourthly, churches must recognise that they are already involved in shaping

But the good news is that the Bible tells

the mental health of their members. As

us that God loves those who are alienated

mentioned earlier, mental health is a

and excluded! Deut 27:19; Ps 146:7; Isa 1:17;

complex phenomenon which is shaped by

Zech 7:10; Luke 14:13–14; Jam 1:27—text after

multiple factors, including our social and

text in Scripture reveals God's heart for

spiritual interactions with others. Thus,

those whom society pushes to the margins.

if a person is involved in a church, that

Thus, churches seeking to be faithful

community will affect that individual's

to God's character must take mental

mental health journey, whether they want

health seriously, for persons with mental

to or not! Thus, the key question is: will

illness are surely included in the Great

churches influence their members' mental

Commission's command for us to make

health in a healthy way or otherwise?

disciples of all people!

Sadly, ill-considered theologies or Thirdly, churches must recognise that

practices in churches can be disabling

Christian discipleship and mental health

and contribute to poor mental health in

go hand in hand. While the terms "mental

their members. Lamentably, I have seen

health" or "mental illness" are never used

many examples of Christians mentally

in Scripture, mental health is a frequent

"burning out" due to a workaholic culture

concern of Scripture. For instance, it

of excessive service in Singaporean

is striking how many aspects of the

churches. Thankfully, the opposite is also

fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22–23

true: wise teaching, supportive culture

are essentially dimensions of mental

and healthy practices in a church can

well-being, e.g. joy, peace, patience,

contribute positively to its members'

gentleness, self-control.

mental well-being.

16 Methodist Message October 2024

Recommended reading Conclusion: A call to respond

Mental Health and the Gospel Community

Mental health missions; God's heart for the marginalised; Christian discipleship;

Edited by Jonathan Cho, Joanna Hor, Zhi-Wen Ng, Nicole Ong, Bernice Tan and Ronald J J Wong. Good News for Bruised Reeds 2. Singapore: Graceworks, 2019.

a church's inextricable involvement in mental health—these are four major reasons why every church in Singapore should take mental health seriously.

A collection of moving stories of

Mental health advocacy is not a fad. Jesus

Christians (including church leaders) in

came that we might have life and have it

Singapore with mental health challenges.

to the fullest (John 10:10). Surely such an

Includes an introduction to the theology

abundant life must include mental well-

of mental health written by the author of

being. And while perfect mental health will

this article. A Mandarin translation is

not be possible before Jesus returns, we

also available.

must still take mental health seriously in our faith communities. Indeed, every local

Struggling with God: Mental Health and Christian Spirituality

church should be an oasis of sabbath and shalom in this chronically anxious world.

By Christopher C H Cook, Isabelle Hamley and John Swinton. London: SPCK, 2023.

This book, written by leading psychiatric professionals and theologians, provides an accessible introduction to mental health for Christians.

These workshops were conducted as part of the Finding Your Place (FYP) programme. The FYP was started in 2020 by the CAC Board of Youth Ministry with the objective of preparing youths and young adults to flourish in God's kingdom.

Edmund Ng, "Mental Health Literacy as a Ministry Skill: Basic Ways to Equip Church Leaders in Asia and Beyond," Lausanne Movement, 24 January 2023, https://lausanne.org/about/ blog/mental-health-literacy-as-a-ministry-skill.

Accessed 22 July 2024.

1

6

Christopher C H Cook, Isabelle Hamley and John Swinton, Struggling with God: Mental Health and Christian Spirituality (London: SPCK, 2023), 12.

7

3

Daniel Vigo, Graham Thornicroft and Rifat Atun, 'Estimating the True Global Burden of Mental Illness,' The Lancet Psychiatry 3, no. 2 (February 2016): 171–78.

8 American Psychiatric Association Foundation, Mental Health: A Guide for Faith Leaders (Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Association Foundation, 2018), 13.

Samaritans of Singapore, 'Highest Recorded Suicide Numbers in Singapore Since 2000,' July 1, 2023, https://www.sos.org.sg/media/press-releases/ (accessed 27 May 2024).

9

2

4

Yan Han Goh, "Mental Health a National Priority, Says DPM Wong; 28,000 More to Be Trained to Help in Community," The Straits Times (Singapore, 15 February 2024), https://www.straitstimes.com/ singapore/politics/mental-health-a-national-prioritysays-dpm-wong-28000-more-to-be-trained-to-helpin-community.

5

World Health Organization, Mental Health Factsheet.

See https://www.ncss.gov.sg/our-initiatives/beyondthe-label. Accessed 23 July 2024.

See John Swinton, Spirituality and Mental Health Care: Rediscovering a 'Forgotten' Dimension, PTS (London: Jessica Kingsley, 2001), 33–34. For a more recent review of literature, see Larkin Elderon Kao, John R Peteet, and Christopher C H Cook, 'Spirituality and Mental Health,' Journal for the Study of Spirituality 10, no.

1 (January 2, 2020): 42–54.

10

October 2024 Methodist Message 17

Feature

The long road to

healing Jane's story of her horrific abuse at the hands of her father was published in Methodist Message October 2023. While sharing her unimaginable ordeals was, to some extent, cathartic and empowering, her journey in search of healing and closure remained a dark and unending road. However, with family support and help from a therapist, the lights have turned on along her way. We hope this account of Jane's continuing quest to overcome her trauma will encourage our readers to be "more than conquerors" over their own adversities.

Scan the QR code

to read Jane's earlier story from our October 2023 issue.

"We are not worthy so much as to gather up

my brother had only briefly said I had many

the crumbs under thy table, but thou art the

unresolved issues with my father.

same Lord whose property is always to have mercy."

Peter expressed that I was strong and brave to carry on living normally and even caring

This line from the Prayer of Humble Access

for my parents and the aunts who raised me,

kept replaying in my mind. If God can have

when many others in my situation would

mercy and forgive us who are imperfect and

have resorted to alcoholism, drugs or even

sinful people, shouldn't we learn to forgive

suicide. He asked if I was going to file a

others? Shouldn't I try to—but how can I

formal report and take legal action against

ever—truly forgive my father? I turned to my

my father. I assured him I wasn't. All I want

youngest brother for help and he referred

is closure: to be able to heal and move on.

me to a professional counsellor.

People may say I'm strong and brave, but affirmation isn't the answer I need.

Meeting the counsellor, Peter (not his real name), for the first time was not easy. I

Peter duly contacted my father, who agreed

worried about how to begin telling him my

to meet him alone. Peter later said my

painful story. Eventually I approached it by

father admitted to a quick temper and often

showing him my write-up which appeared

venting his anger on me and my family, but

in Methodist Message (October 2023)—the

he also made many negative comments

extent of my father's abuse surprised him as

about us. Peter asked my permission to

18 Methodist Message October 2024

reveal to him later the main reason for the

her forgiveness. Then she had to persuade

mediation, and I agreed.

him for many days, to repent and face the consequences of all his wrongdoings.

At their second meeting, Peter confronted

Thus, my father went to Peter and

my father about the abuse. He reported that

confessed to the abuse. Peter asked him

it went something like this: "I asked him

to pen down a statement.

if whatever you had shared was the truth.

Your father remained silent for a very long

I was also asked to write an account of

time. Then he started hyperventilating and

what had happened to me, and to my

seemed unable to speak. I talked to him and

family over the years.

managed to calm him down. He then asked for some time as he needed to speak to your

The mediation took place in the afternoon

mother. He claimed this was so long ago and

of Good Friday, 2024. In church that

he couldn't recollect much."

morning, I committed it to God and placed all my fears at the foot of his cross. Arriving

After that, my husband began

at Peter's office, I was still filled with anxiety

accompanying me to my sessions with

when I remembered Isaiah 41:10, "Fear not,

Peter, sitting through them with me. Peter

for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am

forewarned us to be prepared that my father

your God; I will strengthen you, I will help

might deny the abuse. I was filled with even

you, I will uphold you with my righteous

greater anxiety, but I continued to pray for

right hand."

the Lord's guidance and intervention.

Peter asked each of us to share our own When my mother knew what was

purpose for being there, beginning with

happening, she told me that she didn't

me. Where I was seated, I was able to fix my

want to participate in the mediation and

eyes on a blank wall and imagined there, on

would continue to pretend to be ignorant of

the wall was Jesus on the cross, dying for

everything, in particular, the abuse, as she

our sins. "I'm here for my own healing and

was afraid that my father would walk out

closure, and not for revenge," I said.

on her if she stood up for me. Both Peter and my brother insisted that she had to be

When everyone had stated their purpose,

involved. Finally, my brother managed to

Peter projected my father's statement on

convince her to meet Peter.

the wall and asked him to read it aloud. It shocked me that he could remember the

My brother accompanied my mother to

ways in which he manipulated me during

meet Peter without my father's knowledge.

our car rides, but I was also sad that he

She told Peter about her life with my

omitted so much of his wrongdoings.

father and her own personal struggles. She acknowledged that I had told her about the

I was told I could let my husband or brother

abuse a long time back and she believed

read out my statement, but I chose to read

me because she knew my father's vices.

it myself as I felt I couldn’t burden them.

At this point, my father had not yet said

It was difficult for me to begin as tears

anything to my mother.

overcame me immediately. My husband and mother, seated beside me on each

He did so about one month later. My

side, held my hands tightly. There was

mother said he broke down in tears while

some silence after I had finished reading, as

confessing what he had done. He sought

everyone was in tears.

October 2024 Methodist Message 19

The long road to healing

I have heard your prayer; I have seen your tears.

Behold, I will heal you. ~ 2 Kings 20:5

Peter asked my father what he thought

noticeably trying to change his behaviour

was the best thing to be done. My father

towards me and my family, speaking in a

apologised profusely to both my husband

kinder, more loving manner. I tell myself,

and me for his abuse of me in the past,

this is just the beginning of the long road

as well as all his verbal abuses towards

to healing.

my family. He said he was grateful I didn't report him to the authorities, as he could

I thank the Lord for being my hiding

not imagine himself in prison at his age.

place throughout my painful life, and I'll

Everyone else also had a chance to speak,

always be grateful to my husband and my

and did. The mediation concluded with Peter

brother. There are still days when I feel

advising my father to learn to manage his

weighed down. Although I've forgiven

anger and seek his help if he needed it.

my father, I'm still praying to be totally relieved of this burden. All I can continue

Since the mediation, we have attended

to do is lean on the Lord for his comfort

family gatherings again. My father is

and peace. To God Be The Glory!

20 Methodist Message October 2024

Rev Dr Chiang Ming Shun is a lecturer in Church History at Trinity Theological College (TTC). He is an ordained minister with the Trinity Annual Conference (TRAC) of The Methodist Church in Singapore and is currently attached to Kampong Kapor Methodist Church.

Feature

Methodist Soci a l Principles Are John Wesley's words to modern Methodists about community life still relevant today?

Every Christian aspires to obey God, avoid evil and do good.

But some modern-day predicaments are not discussed specifically in the Bible.

How, then, can we apply biblical principles to our lives? In this 9-part series, The Methodist Church in Singapore shares reflections on its Social Principles which, more than ever before, can help believers live by God's firm principles in today's volatile and complex world.

This instalment discusses The Sphere of Community Life. Here, Rev Dr Chiang Ming Shun looks at how the Church can respond to the community life of our day through a biblical lens, by the grace of the Holy Spirit.

Photo by Jem Sahagun on Unsplash

/ Part 7 of 9 /

Active members of society

One was that they were "a low, insignificant

When the Methodist Social Principles

people … without riches, (for you are poor

refer to Community Life, they mean the

almost to a man, having no more than the

community and society at large, not just

plain necessaries of life,) and without either

Methodist communities. And Methodists

any extraordinary gifts of nature, or the

are called to be active members of society.

advantages of education".1

When John Wesley gathered together

The other was that "whereas every other

people in Methodist groups, he reminded

religious set of people, as soon as they

them of two circumstances of their

were joined to each other, separated

situation then.

themselves from their former societies or

October 2024 Methodist Message 21

Are John Wesley's words to modern Methodists about community life still relevant today?

congregations; you, on the contrary, do not;

The Methodists tried to improve their

nay you absolutely disavow all desire of

situation and help out others in their

separating from them". He was, of course,

communities.

2

referring to the circumstances of his day.

Equal worth in God's sight Wesley wrote this to warn Methodists that,

Over time, Methodists have generally

because they remained in civil society,

become more affluent.

they would offend many people by their principles and their very name.

In Singapore, the Methodist Church (and churches in general) attract middle-

But his reminder shows clearly that early

or upper-middle class congregations.

Methodists were poor, uneducated and

Methodists are still very much a part of

very much a part of their communities.

Singapore society. And we also work hard to build community and improve society.

So, to help out those early poor Methodists and their communities, Wesley put in

We run 15 schools and about a dozen pre-

place several innovations: He started a

schools in Singapore, providing education

micro-loan scheme called the Lending

to over 20,000 students. In addition to the

Stock giving out loans of up to £1; he ran

efforts and initiatives of local churches

a Medical Assistance programme with a

sponsoring Family Service Centres and

surgeon and an apothecary to dispense

Senior Activity Centres, we have the

medicine; he opened The Poorhouse for

Methodist Welfare Services running

widows and poor children; and he began

nursing homes, homes for children and

Little Societies for children for their

the destitute, a senior care centre and a

instruction and exhortation.

shelter for women.

In 1748 in Bristol, Wesley opened the

We provide home care and hospice

Kingswood School, today the world's

services. All these regardless of race,

oldest Methodist school. Later, in Britain,

language or religion. We do this

Methodists helped start trade unions

because we believe that the aged,

and the Labour Party. Methodists were

the children and the disabled have

members of the Tolpuddle martyrs, a

particular rights in society, and our

persecuted trade union of farm workers.4

Social Principles make these clear.

3

22 Methodist Message October 2024

We continue to champion these rights

the right to share our faith "without

by helping out others in our society.

misrepresenting the faiths of others". 5

We also believe that women have equal

Methodist ministers sit on Inter-Religious

rights with men. In Wesley's day, only

Confidence Circles throughout Singapore

men could vote, be elected to public

and work for and ensure multi-racial and

office and be ordained. But even then the

multi-religious harmony.

Methodists allowed women to be leaders and preachers in the movement.

We do all these to better society and

In 1866, the Methodists ordained our

build community.

first female minister. In 1980, Methodists elected our first female bishop. Today,

Wesley said that the world is his parish,

when the British Methodist Conference

and Rob Haynes, writing for World

elect their president and vice-president,

Methodist Evangelism, says that a

they choose at least one woman. In

parish is organised for three things:

Singapore, we regularly and happily

Firstly, it provides a Christian presence

ordain female ministers.

for all. Secondly, it provides care for all. Thirdly, it strives to make the local

In fact, it is not just women but every

church part of a larger community.6

person that has equal worth in God's sight.

That is what the Methodist Church tries to do in Singapore.

Our Methodist Social Principles recognise that Singapore is a multiracial, multi-cultural and multi-religious society and stress that Methodists "seek to work towards societies in which each person's unique value is recognised, affirmed and strengthened".

"Advice to the People Called Methodists" in John Emory, The Works of the Reverend John Wesley, A.M., Volume V (New York: T. Mason and G. Lane, 1839), pp. 250-251.

1

2

To this end, we believe in open dialogue with persons of other faiths and we affirm the right of other religious groups to exercise their faith. All of us have

Emory, Works, p. 251.

3 "Our Heritage of Social Action", The Methodist Church, Trustees for Methodist Church Purposes, n.d., https://www.methodist.org.uk/ action/our-heritage-of-social-action/

4 See Tolpuddle Martyrs Museum, Tolpuddle, Dorset, 2024, https://www.tolpuddlemartyrs. org.uk/story/meet-the-martyrs

5 "The Sphere of Community Life", The Book of Discipline (Singapore: DRC, 2022), ¶87 and ¶87 (c).

6 Rob Haynes, "The World is Our Parish", Memphis, TN, n.d., https://worldmethodist.org/ the-world-is-our-parish/

This article was first published in Salt&Light on 29 April 2024.

October 2024 Methodist Message 23

Dr Roland Chia is Chew Hock Hin Professor of Christian Doctrine at Trinity Theological College and Theological and Research Advisor at the Ethos Institute for Public Christianity.

Soundings

A most respectable sin

O

ne of the most distinctive contributions of Roman Catholic

moral theology is the enumeration of what is now known as the "seven deadly sins".

The origins of the list can be traced to Pope Gregory I (540–604), although it was later developed by the great 13th century medieval theologian, Thomas Aquinas.

I am referring to the sin of workaholism.

One of the sins in Thomas' list is "sloth",

The term workaholic was first coined in

which is broadly defined as physical and

1968 by a renowned American psychologist,

spiritual idleness (the other six are: pride,

Wayne Oates. Workaholism points to a

greed, lust, envy, gluttony and wrath).

person's disordered attitude towards and

Thomas describes sloth as "an oppressive

relationship with work, which results in

sorrow", a "sluggishness of the mind which

noticeable harm to health, interpersonal

neglects to do good."

relations and social functioning. 2

1

Christians of all stripes would agree

The harmful consequences of workaholism

that sloth is indeed a sinful attitude and

are well documented.

disposition. The Bible, especially the wisdom literature of the Old Testament, has

Studies have shown that workaholism is a

chastising words to say about the slothful

form of addiction because it displays many

(Proverbs 10:4–5; 12:11, 24; 13:4; 19:15).

of the symptoms found in other forms of addiction such as tolerance, withdrawal,

There is, however, another "deadly" sin

conflict, salience, relapse, and mood

which is often neglected by Christians. In

modification. 3 In addition, there is also ample

fact, some Christians have even regarded

evidence that workaholism adversely affects

this vice as a virtue and applaud those who

physical and mental health and increases

are engaged in it.

work-family conflict.

24 Methodist Message October 2024

But in what sense can we designate

by work because for them, it is a form of

workaholism as sin?

escapism, of bracketing away other concerns, vicissitudes and responsibilities.

Before we deal with this question, it is important that we understand the

This invariably results in delusion and

distinction between workaholism and

bondage. We might say that it causes the

diligence or hard work.

workaholic to live a life of unreality.

Over the years, I have written a few articles

All this is shown to have serious

on what may be broadly described as a

consequences for significant relationships.

theology of work for this publication, where

For example, it may put a strain on the

I have repeatedly stressed that as Christians,

family.

we should regard the work that we do as a vocation to which God has called us.

At first blush, the sin of sloth and that of workaholism may appear to be very

I have also said that we should think of our

different. However, upon closer inspection,

daily work as an act of worship. As Christians,

there is an important feature that both

we should take heed of the admonishment

of them share. Both can be characterised

of the apostle Paul: "Whatever you do, work

as an acute failure in the exercise of

heartily, as for the Lord and not for men"

responsibility.

(Colossians 3:23).

The slothful avoids taking responsibility Workaholism must not be confused with

for himself and for others. The workaholic,

discipline and industriousness, which is so

immersed in and consumed by his work,

foundational to the Christian work ethic. It is

commits the same offence: he fails (or

not about the work that we do, the effort we

refuses) to act in a responsible manner

put into our work, or the amount of time we

towards others (e.g. his spouse and

spend at work.

children), and ultimately, towards God.

It is much more subtle, because it has to do

In a sense, we may say that both sloth and

with our attitude towards work. It is about

workaholism are in their own ways sins of

the way in which work and thinking about

omission, which fundamentally have to do

work consume us in a pathological manner

with neglect.

which makes everything else—our family, our friends, our ministry, even God—seem

While Christians are encouraged to take

unimportant (or not quite as important as

their work seriously because it is their God-

our work).

given vocation, they must also beware of the disordered preoccupation with work.

As a vice, workaholism is the perversion of

For like sloth, workaholism is also "an

the virtue of diligent and hard work.

oppressive sorrow".

Some writers have argued that workaholism is a form of idolatry. There is merit to this

1

association because some workaholics love

2

their work so much that they give it their supreme devotion.

However, not all workaholics love their work!

Some allow themselves to be consumed

Thomas Aquinas, Summa Theologiae, II-II, 35, 1.

Mark Griffiths, "Workaholism: A 21st-century addiction," The Psychologist 24, no. 10 (2011): 740.

Cecilie Schou Andreassen and Stàle Pallesen, "Chapter 96. Workaholism: An Addiction to Work," In Neuropathology of Drug Addictions and Substance Misuse Volume 1, ed. Victor R Preedy (Academic Press, 2016), 972-983.

3

October 2024 Methodist Message 25

ACS (International)

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

Senior Leadership Team

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

Mr Gavin Kinch Principal

Mrs Tan Siew Hoon Vice-Principal

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

Mr Christopher Hayward Vice-Principal

Dr Kristopher Achter Vice-Principal

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

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

Chern Siang Ling is the Regional Director for Cambodia, Nepal and Vietnam at Methodist Missions Society. She is a member of Kampong Kapor Methodist Church and previously served as a Lay Executive Staff there after a season as a missionary.

Outreach

Mental health in the mission fields

M

ental health issues in the workplace are

increased exponentially over the years. We

such an important concern nowadays.

are doing things faster with emails and chat

Whether it is open articulation or implicit

group platforms. Gone are the days when it

concurrence, when one talks about the

takes a few days to receive a reply via mail

workplace and mental health, the word

or fax, and that was considered a quick

"stress" comes to mind.

response to an enquiry in those earlier times.

The runway to meet work deliverables keeps

One of the reasons why we are placing more

getting shorter and shorter as we strive to

emphasis on mental health issues in the

achieve more within a given time. These are

workplace is that the stresses there have

but some of the stresses in the workplace.

October 2024 Methodist Message 27

Mental health in the mission fields

Going out into the mission fields is also

fields from that of the workplace, but it is

highly stressful, and serving as God's

stress nonetheless and it has an impact on

missionaries in a cross-cultural setting can

mental health.

be immensely challenging. Missionaries deal with manifold stresses. You have

When missionaries encounter mental

to enter into a foreign culture and learn

health issues, their stress levels are

a foreign language to identify with the

compounded as it could be a stigma

people that God has called you to love.

to share such challenges with their

There are uncertain environments where

supporters. Concerned over possible

you are required to move from place to

repercussions, they may choose instead

place to bring the gospel to unreached

to keep such mental health issues to

people. For others ministering in creative

themselves. For those serving in remote

access nations, you need sensitivity and

places, there may not be easy access to

wisdom to navigate tense political climates.

counselling and treatment.

Missionaries have to learn to operate within all these stresses and serve God's

The apostle Paul, the missionary par

call with oftentimes limited resources

excellence, embraced his fair share of

at their disposal. The elements causing

stresses while responding to God's call to

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2 Corinthians 11:23–28 (NIV), Paul recounted

with a sense of helplessness, we need

what he had been through:

to know that we are carried by a pair of very big and loving hands. Paul, in

"… been in prison more frequently,

2 Corinthians 12:7–9 (NIV), alluded to a

been flogged more severely, and

matter that he could not solve, not even

been exposed to death again and

with constant supplications and earnest

again … beaten with rods, once I was

prayers. Three times he asked the Lord

pelted with stones, three times I was

to remove the "thorn in [his] flesh". But

shipwrecked, I spent a night and

the Lord said to Paul that his grace is

a day in the open sea … in danger

sufficient. God carries us in our helpless

from rivers, in danger from bandits,

state as he empowers us through his

in danger from my fellow Jews, in

grace. God wanted Paul to rely on him,

danger from Gentiles; in danger in

and God wants us to do the same,

the city, in danger in the country, in

especially in our stressful circumstances.

danger at sea; and in danger from

As Paul had experienced God's grace, we

false believers. I have laboured and

too will find our strength in Christ to help

toiled and have often gone without

us overcome.

sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food;

Every stressful moment we encounter is

I have been cold and naked … I face

an opportunity to learn to trust God. "Trust

daily the pressure of my concern for

God" is a recognition that God is sovereign

all the churches."

over all circumstances, over all people, and over us and our stressful situations.

If this is not intense stress, I do not know

This is the third posture that Paul taught

what is. Yet, this same Paul offers us

the early church as he demonstrated this

guidance to deal with stress. From Paul's

spiritual reality in his life and ministry.

teachings, we can gain three important

In Romans 8:28 (NIV), Paul encouraged

postures about managing stress with

the Roman church: "And we know that

God's help.

in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been

The first posture is to "Take it to God".

called according to his purpose."

When we are overwhelmed, we need to remember that we have our Abba

Before I responded to God's call to serve

Father who is with us and can help

in the missions field, I was working in a

us. We can take our stresses to God in

statutory board where many demands

our supplications and prayers. Paul, in

were made of its officers. As with the

Philippians 4:6–7, tells us that we can

government service stint, and then

always take all our pressing situations

on the missions field, and now with a

to God and present our needy requests

missions agency, I have found these

to him. Our Heavenly Father hears our

three postures helpful to mental health

prayers and gives us peace, a peace that

and the workplace. We do not need

goes beyond all understanding.

to be intimidated by the stresses in our workplace. As God is our help, the

Prayer and supplications are closely

stresses at the workplace are the refiner's

related to the second posture, which is

fire that purifies our faith and draws us

to "Turn to God". When we are inundated

closer to God.

October 2024 Methodist Message 29

Outreach

By the MWS Communications Team. / Photos courtesy of MWS

Counselling saved my life W

hen the Covid-19 pandemic struck

Finding strength in seeking support

and Singapore introduced the circuit

Eventually, Bobby realised that he needed

breaker in April 2020, Bobby*, who worked

help to cope with the strain of being caught

in the banking sector, still had to report to

between his wife and mother. In August

the office to manage daily operations. His

2022, he reached out to MWS Covenant

parents and parents-in-law, who normally

Family Service Centre (CFSC) – Buangkok

helped care for his young children before

for support.

the pandemic, were unable to assist during this time. Balancing work responsibilities

During counselling, Bobby's social worker,

and family life became exceptionally

Noel Chye, discovered that he was grappling

difficult for Bobby and his wife.

with persistent suicidal thoughts while also trying to manage conflicting needs at

"Limited social interaction amid the

home. The MWS CFSC team referred him to

unpredictable Covid-19 situation took

the Strengthening Families Programme@

a heavy toll on my mental health,"

Family Service Centre (FAM@FSC) run by

Bobby recalled. "At the same time, our

MWS, and Noel collaborated with counsellor,

third child had just been born and was

Anny Rodjito, to provide holistic support for

constantly crying. There was growing

Bobby's well-being.

tension between my wife and mother over how to care for the newborn, and

"At that time, even with all my experience

I felt caught in the middle. All these

mentoring and counselling youth at risk,

stressors pushed me to the brink.

I felt completely lost when it came to my

One night, I went for a drive, seriously

own struggles," recalled Bobby, who is in

contemplating how to end my life."

his 40s and an active community volunteer

30 Methodist Message October 2024

Counselling offers a pathway to healing and growth for individuals and families

dedicated to guiding youth at risk and

valuing his contributions to his family and

collaborating with grassroots leaders to

community and appreciating his loved

drive positive change in his local area. "Noel

ones—continue to keep him grounded.

worked with me to create a safety plan, including calling Samaritans of Singapore

Bobby also finds purpose in his roles as

(SOS) if I ever had thoughts of self-harm."

a community advocate and mentor for youth, recognising the positive impact he

"Sometimes, you just need a neutral

makes. He now sees himself as someone

person to talk to," Bobby continued. "Noel

who deeply cares for his community and is

and Anny supported me emotionally by

wholeheartedly devoted to his family.

listening and asking the right questions that prompted me to reflect on my value

"Counselling helped me recognise my

to my family and the community."

strengths, like having compassion and openness to people with different needs,"

Addressing underlying traumas

Bobby shared. "I want to keep supporting my

Through her conversations with Bobby,

community, mentoring youth and passing

Noel uncovered that he had experienced

these values on to my own children."

relational trauma during his formative years. The adults in his life often rejected

*Not his real name

him emotionally and criticised him, which deeply damaged his self-worth. This led Bobby to believe he was useless and unwanted, with suicidal ideation becoming his way of coping.

"Our sessions created a safe space for Bobby to understand the impact of his childhood trauma," Noel shared. "Bobby's courage to seek help led him to realise that suicide isn't the only way to end his pain. He has become more self-compassionate and developed healthier coping mechanisms."

Navigating the storm of family conflict To help reconcile his mother and wife, Anny worked with Bobby to manage his emotions, enabling him to guide conversations between them more constructively. "This helped him to remain grounded and neutral while mediating, understanding both perspectives without taking sides or feeling overwhelmed," Anny explained.

"This neutrality created a safe space where both parties felt heard, reducing tension, fostering open communication, and supporting the healing of their relationship."

 If you feel that you are unable to cope and have thoughts of harming yourself or someone else, please contact SOS 24-hour hotline 1767, or their 24-hour SOS CareText via WhatsApp 9151 1767.

 If you feel you may be at immediate risk of harming yourself, call 995 or approach the A&E department of your nearest hospital.

 If you or any person is experiencing family violence or other forms of abuse or neglect, please contact the 24-hour National Anti-Violence and Sexual Harassment Helpline at 1800-777-0000.

 If you are experiencing any risks of physical violence, please know that you can walk into your nearest Family Service Centre (FSC) to request for help. You can locate your nearest FSC by entering your postal code on this website: www.msf.gov.sg/ourservices/directories.

Finding a way forward It has been more than a year since Bobby last experienced suicidal thoughts. The lessons he learned in counselling—

To learn more about MWS' work, visit www.mws.sg, or to support us, go to https://mws.sg/give.

October 2024 Methodist Message 31

Benny Bong has over 40 years of experience

Rev Tay Li Ping is currently pastoring at

as a therapist, counsellor and trainer. He also

Christalite Methodist Chapel. Trained as an

conducts regular talks and webinars. Benny has

Industrial-Organisational Psychologist before

helmed MM’s You & Your Family column for more

becoming a pastor, Rev Tay is particularly

than 17 years and is a member of Kampong Kapor

interested in the intersection of Psychology and

Methodist Church.

Theology. She is married and has five sons.

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

Dating & Marriage

Should I continue dating a narcissist?

I'm in my 30s and currently seeing a guy in his late 40s. I really enjoy his company and he is wonderful in many aspects. However, he displays some narcissistic traits and has inflated his credentials and background. He lied about his age and had two previous marriages which he did not disclose. I get the sense that he might be insecure and may have been hurt by his previous relationships.

Should I continue seeing him? How can I encourage him to be truthful? Can I truly love someone who is broken and a narcissist? B

32 Methodist Message October 2024

Benny says Dear B, It sounds like there are a few "red flags" that have been raised in this relationship—not being truthful is a big one. This is especially when it concerns rather critical areas of his past, such as his two failed marriages. Not being honest about his credentials and age might be forgiven as a person wanting to put on his best front. But leaving out such big details in one's life is a serious oversight.

Also, to have had two failed marriages begs the question of what his role was in their breakdown. If he were to give you an explanation, would you believe his account?

Your mentioning of the possibility of him being "broken" and a "narcissist" seems to indicate that you have several strong misgivings about moving forward. On the other hand, persons with narcissistic inclinations can be rather attractive.

At The Workplace

My staff can't seem to work independently I supervise someone at work. She has been in this role for almost 20 years. While I try to empower and not micromanage, I have realised that she is often not able to work independently and/or think proactively about improving work processes.

How do I encourage or help her to understand that she has to think more independently instead of having me tell her what to do?  the reluctant supervisor

Li Ping says Dear the reluctant supervisor, There are two separate issues that might be at play in your subordinate's behaviour: (1) ability, whether she has the necessary skills and aptitude to perform; (2) attitude, whether she is motivated to do so.

An important step in ascertaining if her issue is ability and/or attitude is communicating your expectations clearly to her. In addition, in your communication of expectations, delegate areas of responsibility, rather than just tasks. Hold her accountable to clear, measurable and time-bound goals or outcomes.

Beyond communication, strong work relationships go beyond casual interactions.

Communication and relationship are provided through a supervisor's care and coaching. When a subordinate knows that their supervisor cares about them, they are more willing to care about your mission and work goals. Their ability and willingness to do the work is further enhanced when they are October 2024 Methodist Message 33

Celebrating 25 years of service

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coached on how to stay on track and remove

The third question is meant to check on the

obstacles that they are facing.

previously decided upon goals or priorities.

The following is a five-question model you

The fourth question separates the person

can use in regular one-on-one check-ins with

from the problem and gives her the chance to

your subordinate that allow you to both care

succeed. This is the time to coach, encourage

for and coach her.

and problem-solve with your subordinate.

1.

How are you doing?

2.

Is there anything I can do to help you?

The fifth question communicates that you

3.

What are you working on right now?

are there to provide her with the support,

4.

What obstacles are you facing?

resources or training needed to get her

5.

Is there anything I can do to help you

work done.

accomplish the goals we set?

If, despite doing the above for a while, The first two questions engage her at a

your subordinate is still unable (ability)

personal level first before work. People

or unwilling (attitude) to meet your

bring their whole lives to work. If things are

performance expectations, then you may

not going well at home, it will follow them

need to carefully consider if she needs to be

to the office. You may not be able to solve

transitioned to a different portfolio or even

their personal problems, but listening to

out of the position.

them, caring about them and encouraging them can go a long way. You can also recommend counselling or resources to help if it seems appropriate.

This is Rev Tay Li Ping's last month with At The Well. Methodist Message thanks her for her valuable time and advice. Stay tuned to see our new panellists in the next issue!

October 2024 Methodist Message 35

You and Your Family

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

Benny has helmed the You & Your Family column for more than 17 years and is a member of Kampong Kapor Methodist Church.

How not to make your in-laws your out-laws

W

hen asked some months ago to conduct a workshop on relationships with inlaws, I was both intrigued and challenged.

I was intrigued because I had only recently entered the phase of becoming and acquiring in-laws. I was challenged because although it is an important topic, as reflected in the number of clients who have come for counselling for in-law woes, not much research or material has been written about it.

So let me share some of the learning that came out of preparing for the workshop and interacting with the 60 or so persons who attended. The organisers and I had initially thought that only older parents and grandparents would be interested but we had a good number of younger adults, some of whom were not married yet but asked to attend.

My first realisation was that we often have little choice in our in-laws. Couples entering marriage choose each other, but the in-laws come as a package deal—get one and the whole clan comes along free!

Although we do not choose our in-laws, what is within our control is how we relate with them. The quality of the in-law relationship is important and goes beyond putting up a friendly front. Moreover, a good relationship with one's in-laws does impact the married couple's relationship. Therefore, it pays to have good relationships all around.

One of two important lessons taught to most couples preparing for marriage is the principle of "leave and cleave". Couples are reminded that marriage creates a new bond which should take precedence over

36 Methodist Message October 2024

past loyalties and priorities to one's family.

Parents need to be mindful of this too and allow their adult children to deepen the marital bond as well as to establish good relations with their parents-in-law. An application of this principle may be for the parents to let the couple decide when and how often they visit either side of the family.

I have found that this principle is not too difficult to observe in the early years of marriage. After all, it comes hot on the heels of the couple's heady courtship period where parents often give them a wide berth. But the boundaries around the couple's lives get quickly challenged after they have children.

This is when grandparents, on both sides, may find the grandchildren simply too irresistible. Here again, the principle of "leave and cleave" should apply. Grandparents need to leave (give sufficient space), to allow the grandchildren to cleave to their parents.

For some families this may seem difficult, especially when grandparents may be mobilised to help with caregiving. Even when the grandparents spend the lion's share of their grandchildren's waking hours with them, they would do well to encourage the grandchildren to bond with their parents when they can.

The mobilisation of grandparents can also be awkward when one side of the in-laws seems to be preferred over the other.

The allocation of caregiving duties should not be seen as a competition to see who is more sought after. Thus, in-laws should try not to feel hurt by not receiving calls for assistance. Neither should they put the parents on a guilt trip by implying that the grandchildren seem to "prefer the other Ah-kong or Ah-ma".

The second important principle for couples is not to be unequally yoked. This principle is often discussed in the context of marrying someone outside of the same faith. It is hoped that with the same faith comes similar values, mindset, etc.

I like to extend the wisdom of this principle to the binding of two families through marriage. This is because marriage is not just about two persons but of two families with their different traditions, histories and backgrounds getting together. Inlaws would do well to liken their coming together to a merger of two business entities for mutual benefit rather than a hostile take-over of one by the other.

Smoothening such unions can be delicate if the two families are unequally matched. For instance, one family may be perceived as socioculturally superior by virtue of their higher financial or societal standing. Even if the family concerned does not want to be considered superior, there may be deference or giving way to them, awkwardness in interactions or tendency to seek and hear their opinions on issues.

Let me be clear—there is nothing wrong with possessing greater wealth or being in a privileged position. But like all blessings God bestows on us, let us be good stewards.

The privileged ones should try their best to not flaunt their wealth or advantage.

They could also allow for a more equal participation from both sets of in-laws, e.g. hearing others out before volunteering their views.

A final word on maintaining good relationships with in-laws is to approach it with a long-term view. Like some relationships, the beginning may be awkward; there may even be some faux pas committed. But with time and a good dose of patience and Christian love, there can be a greater meeting of minds and hearts.

October 2024 Methodist Message 37

Amelia Koh is a Senior Programme Executive (Worship & Church Music) at the Methodist School of Music. She worships at Fairfield Methodist Church and serves in the worship ministry as Choir Director.

Worship

Dealing with mental health through

worship

I just wanna speak the name of Jesus ‘Til every dark addiction starts to break … over fear and all anxiety To every soul held captive by depression … ~ I Speak Jesus by Jesse Reeves, Raina Pratt, Abby Benton, Carlene Prince, Kristen Dutton and Dustin Smith, 2020

W

hen I first heard the song I Speak Jesus, the lyrics struck me for their

novelty. Words like "addiction", "anxiety"

With this in mind, incorporating hymns and

and "depression" usually do not appear in

songs that address mental health concerns can

contemporary worship songs. Most of the time,

be a meaningful step. Additionally, churches

we would sing about God’s greatness, goodness

might consider incorporating elements such as:

and sovereignty over our trials. Mental health issues do not get specific mention.

Lament psalms Psalms that provide the words for an honest,

Perhaps this needs to change. According

unhindered time of crying out to God may

to the National Population Health Survey

help members struggling with mental health

released in 2023, the prevalence of poor

issues express their heartfelt burdens before

mental health in Singapore rose from 13.4

God. Embracing these psalms in worship also

per cent in 2020 to 17.0 per cent in 2022.

acknowledges God’s graciousness and mercy in

Furthermore, young adults aged 18 to 29

accepting us as we are.

had the highest proportion of poor mental health at 25.3 per cent. In other words, there

Informed prayers

will be an increasing number of people in our

Prayers that specifically bring various types

churches with mental health concerns.

of mental illnesses and disorders before God, coupled with an awareness of different kinds of

While many churches have already

mental health challenges, could mean a lot to

responded pastorally to this issue, we might

those who are struggling.

also want to explore how, we, as the body of Christ, can engage with these concerns in our worship practices.

Preaching on suffering A congregation who understands suffering not as a simplistic consequence of individual

As Dr John D Witvliet, the director of the Calvin

sin or faithlessness, but as an inevitable part

Institute of Christian Worship, put it: "What

of the Christian life will be more hospitable

we say or fail to say about these challenges in

towards those whose mental anguish is

worship settings can be profoundly formative

understood by few.

for how Christian communities respond to these challenges. Further, decisions we make

By thoughtfully considering these approaches,

about how to shape and lead worship can

our churches could become more of a refuge

do a lot either to welcome or to inhibit the

for those experiencing mental distress—a

participation of those among us who struggle

place where they find peace and love, rather

with these concerns."

than judgment.

October 2024 Methodist Message 39

Walking alongside you with compassion and care

ESTABLISHED SINCE 2000

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

Romans 8:38–39

HOSANNA BREAVEMENT SERVICES PTD LTD

Adelene Chan is constantly on the lookout for new faces or new "old faces" in her home church, Fairfield Methodist Church. / Photo courtesy of Adelene Chan

Taking ownership of my community would happen in 30 years if young adults (YA) continued leaving? Yet what difference could I make as one who stayed?

Over five years of praying, we had another child and then Covid-19 disrupted routines. I was losing sight of the larger picture, struggling to see what could change.

In late 2022, God surprised us with a constant stream of YA visitors. Two dear friends, who obeyed God to lead a YA cell, initiated a gathering in early 2023 for new and old YAs. Adelene and her husband, Daryl, with their three children

M

That led to five more mixers over 15 months, y family was raised in Fairfield Methodist

building a deeper connection to FFMC.

Church (FFMC). I have been here all my

life, save for three and a half years when my

In other exciting news, many in my generation

husband was posted overseas. After returning,

are also returning. Some lived overseas, others

we asked ourselves if FFMC was still the church

were not in church. It's my goal to welcome

for us. We sought a more vibrant community,

them, as I know the feeling of returning to a

but God didn't tell us to leave.

community familiar yet strange.

Meanwhile we had our first child, and it was

So while I was raised here, it's time to

easier to stay for familial support. However,

take ownership and rebuild a connected,

the thought of leaving didn't disappear. As we

vibrant community. God answered prayers

prayed about it, God compelled me to pray

and brought people (back) to FFMC, so I'm

with others for my generation instead—I was

convicted to put my hands to the plough for

about to turn 30 and many had left. What

them and his glory.

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

October 2024 Methodist Message 41

EQUIP WORKSHOP | YOUTH MINISTRY FOR TODAY 12, 19, 26 October (Saturdays), 8.30 a.m. – 1.00 p.m.

Trinity Theological College (TTC), 490 Upper Bukit Timah Road, S678093 Register via https://www.ttc.edu.sg/english/study-at-ttc/equip-registration $150 (Standard Registration), $75 (Spouse of Current Matriculated TTC Students), $37.50 (Youth [aged 21 and below], Full-time National Servicemen) Free for TTC Alumni/Current Matriculated TTC Students (Registration Required) Please note that participants must attend all 3 sessions and pass the course assignments to complete each workshop.

This course is for anyone concerned for and involved in youth ministry as youth leaders, adult volunteers, parents, church leaders, or pastors. We will explore how our youth ministries can get unstuck, reach the missing youth, see young people differently, empower youth, change our focus away from programmes, partner with others and engage youth today in digital and other spaces.

This workshop speaker is Rev Dr Bernard Chao, who is Director of EQUIP and Lecturer in Practical Theology at TTC. He teaches courses in Christian leadership, Christian education, youth ministry and Wesleyan theology. He has been an ordained minister with The Methodist Church in Singapore (Trinity Annual Conference) since 2005.

Organised by EQUIP

BEFRIENDERS’ FELLOWSHIP | DOES GOD REALLY CARE? 14 October (Monday), 2.00 p.m. – 5.00 p.m.

Kuehn Hall, Fairfield Methodist Church, 1 Tanjong Pagar Road, S088437 For details, visit https://www.methodist.org.sg/mcevents/does-god-really-care-trac-bosm/ or email TRAC_BOSM@trac-mcs.org.sg Free The speaker for this session is Jason Wong. Jason founded two national movements in Singapore, namely the Yellow Ribbon Project in 2004 and the Dads for Life movement in 2009. He had spent 23 years in public service, working with prisoners, abused children, and youths at-risk. Since leaving public service more than 10 years ago, he has been championing family, mentoring fathers and young men. Three years ago, he initiated One for Jesus, to encourage every Christian in every church to bring at least one person to Jesus. Jason is married with two adult children.

Organised by TRAC Board of Seniors Ministry

CREATING SAFE AND SANITARY HOMES 9 November (Saturday), 9.00 a.m. – 12.00 p.m.

Jalan Besar Active Ageing Centre, 811 French Road #01-112, S200811 Register by 18 October via http://cru.sg/luvinaction Send your enquiries to loveverdun@cru.org.sg Are you looking for a way to serve the vulnerable and disadvantaged? Come join us in experiencing the joy of serving our community!

Your support, through volunteering your time or contributing your finances, will: • Enhance the living conditions and safety of these vulnerable individuals • Alleviate social isolation by fostering a sense of community and care • Promote healthier and more dignified living among the elderly.

• Model love in action for your children, disciples or cell group (so jio them along!)

Help is needed in the following areas: Cleaning designated areas | Befriending the seniors | Distributing gifts | Donations Organised by LoveVerdun, the community outreach arm of Cru Singapore