Methodist Message: Sep 2024

What does it mean for the Church to be "in the world but not of the world"?

Book review: When Woke Goes Broke – Redeeming Social Justice for the Church

MCI (P) 013/11/2023

Vol 126 No 9 SEPTEMBER 2024

From pain to purpose: The Genesis 50:20 effect

Contents

Editorial Board

/ Bishop’s Message /

Adviser and Publisher Dr Anthony Goh Chairperson, Council on Communications

Communications Manager Lynn Tan

/ News / 3 From cemetery to living room to church building:

The only church in Singapore with a Hakka service celebrates 75 years of God's faithfulness

Managing Editor Alvin Tay

Editor Lianne Ong

Communications Executive Kathrynn Koh

/ Feature / 6 Our Stories, His Glory:

Legacy stories of God's goodness 9 From pain to purpose:

The Genesis 50:20 effect

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

Proofreaders Kenneth Lee Christabel Tan

13 Methodist Social Principles: What does it mean for the Church to be "in the world but not of the world"?

/ Opinion / 16 Soundings: Wokeness and the Church 18 Book Review: When Woke Goes Broke – Redeeming Social Justice for the Church 20 Young Voices: Broken cisterns, flourishing fountain

The official monthly publication of The Methodist Church in Singapore. Published material does not necessarily reflect the official view of The Methodist Church. All Scripture quoted is based on the English Standard Version unless otherwise stated.

70 Barker Road #06-04 Singapore 309936 6478-4793 | 6478-4763 methodist.org.sg/message www.methodist.org.sg communications@methodist. org.sg

/ Outreach / 25 In faith we move, in hope we live, in love we exist:

Dedication service of St Paul Methodist School in Timor-Leste 29 Giving hope to lonely seniors

/ Relationships / 32 You & Your Family: To err is human, to forgive divine

/ Worship / 35 The worship service requires your active participation

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

Email us at

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

/ People / 37 For God so loved [me] that he gave his one and only son

And are we yet alive?

One of the headstones from the former Bidadari Cemetery now located at The Garden of Remembrance (Photo by Wesley Loh, Memphis West Pictures)

T

his is the opening line of a hymn by Charles Wesley which Methodists traditionally sing every year at the start of their annual meetings. We will sing the same at the opening of our

General Conference meeting on 2 September.

And are we yet alive, and see each other's face?

Glory and praise to Jesus give for his redeeming grace.

The hymn inspires a steady hope in God as the Giver and Taker of life. Are we yet alive? Let us give praise and thanks to God for each new day.

But, of course, there will be some of us who are no longer alive since our last meeting. At this General Conference, we will pause to give thanks to God for the fruitful labours of pastors who have passed on to glory since the last time the General Conference met in 2020. Why don't we all pause right now to express a prayer of thanksgiving for someone who has recently passed on from this earth?

Wesley's hymn reminds me of the Apostle Paul's attitude to life and death. In Romans 14:8 (NIV): If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord.

So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.

None of us knows for certain how much longer we will live, or when death will lead us home to God. But we encourage each other always to fix our minds on Christ who "died and returned to life so that he might be the Lord of both the dead and the living" (Romans 14:9 NIV).

So are we yet alive? Then let us "live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord". Amen.

September 2024 Methodist Message 1

News

Jonathan See works at Hakka Methodist Church as their Youth Worker.

He is a second-generation Hakka Methodist Church member. / Photos courtesy of Hakka Methodist Church and The Straits Times

From cemetery to living room to church building The only church in Singapore with a Hakka service celebrates 75 years of God's faithfulness

(above, left) Services were conducted in the living room of a colonial bungalow in the period after WWII (above, right) The colonial bungalow on Evelyn Road that HMC operated from in the postWWII era (right) A Royal Air Force helicopter positioning a 1,000-pound aluminium cross on the new HMC building on 15 December 1966 (far right) Photo taken in front of HMC premises on Evelyn Road during the 1960s

H

akka Methodist Church (HMC), as its name suggests, was one of the

churches established to reach out to the Hakka community after initial stages of outreach among the Chinese immigrants in Singapore started in 1885.

Today, HMC is the only church in Singapore with a worship service carried out completely in the Hakka heart language.

Where it all began Though the church was only officially established in 1949, its roots can be traced as far back as 1911 when a group of Hakka believers met regularly near a Hakka cemetery in Shuang Long Shan (Commonwealth Ave today)—not exactly a meeting place one would expect for a church.

September 2024 Methodist Message 3

From cemetery to living room to church building

Today, some 2,700 tombstones stand, white

As part of HMC's 75th Anniversary

and upright in uniform rows, on a plot

celebrations this year, the leaders organised

of land about the size of two and a half

a 33.6 km walk to commemorate significant

football fields, in that same location as the

milestones of the church. The route of

last Hakka graveyard in Singapore.

the walk included historically significant checkpoints and CAC churches that were

From that relatively small group of Hakka

key to the church's ministries.

believers, it grew into a church of a few hundred members worshipping in a

It was a great time where members of

building located on Mount Sophia. Not long

different generations were given an

after the Second World War, a group of

opportunity to appreciate the church's

leaders would decide to move out, leading

history and pray together as they gathered

them to find a new place of worship in a

at each of the checkpoints.

colonial bungalow built at HMC's current location in the Newton Road vicinity.

Another aspect of the church that has remained through the years is remaining

Much has changed after 75 years.

true to the original call to bring the gospel to the community, in particular, to the

HMC members are no longer

Hakka-speaking community. There is a

worshipping in the living room of a

deep sense of duty, especially among the

colonial bungalow. Instead, the three

leaders of the Hakka congregation, to press

main worship services are now held in

on and keep the ministry going strong.

the sanctuary of a larger, architecturally pound aluminium cross, put in place on

Reaching out to the Hakka community

a tower with the help of two Royal Air

The need for ministry and outreach to

Force helicopters back in 1966.

the Hakka people is more pressing and

unique building known for its thousand-

urgent now than ever before. With the But the DNA of the church has remained the

ageing congregation of Hakka-speaking

same: HMC is still a church that holds the

members, and uncertainty on whether

values of family and Christian community

the younger generation of Hakkas will

dear, as it did when it first began.

take over the reins, there is a very real

4 Methodist Message September 2024

HMC's 75th Anniversary Service

Group photo of HMC members who participated in a heritage and prayer walk to commemorate their 75th anniversary

concern about the longevity of this

English services, sharing passionately about

unique ministry in Singapore.

the Hakka mission work around the world to members of the church both young and old,

Despite this, God continues to encourage

Hakka and non-Hakka alike.

the leaders and members of the Hakka congregation by sustaining them in ways

The 75th Anniversary service saw CAC

previously unimaginable to them.

President Rev Dr Gregory Goh preach from 2 Chronicles 7:14 in a sermon titled

The entirety of the weekly Saturday

"Yearning for Revival". It was a timely

evening Hakka service for example, is

message that challenged the church to

now completely accessible to the public

continue to seek God through prayer,

via livestream on YouTube, helping the

humility and repentance, and trust in God's

ministry reach out more conveniently to

promise to bring healing and restoration.

many of the Hakka-speaking, who were either previously unaware of its existence

With God's faithfulness these 75 years, HMC

or are unable to attend the services due to

is excited about the unimaginable things

age and other reasons.

God will continue to do in the years to come.

The Hakka ministry has also been

HERITAGE PRAYER WALK

increasingly involved in efforts to reach out

5

to the Hakka people globally, particularly

2 Church of Christ of Malaya

through Brother Chin Yan Hiong, who has been HMC's full-time Hakka ministry staff for more than a decade. However, Brother (right) As one of the celebration events, HMC church members walked a route that included the Church of Christ of Malaya and other CAC churches, among other stops

3 Whampoa Prayed for the Whampoa community. Many years ago, the Whampoa neighbourhood was adopted by the church for outreach purposes.

6

Chin will soon be stepping away from this role to serve in the mission field to the Hakka

7

people outside of Singapore.

33.6 km

4 Paya Lebar Chinese MC

4

8

In August, the pastors and leaders of the

3

Global Hakka Mission Fellowship came together in Singapore and as part of their

1 Hakka MC

1

5 Sengkang MC 6 Ang Mo Kio MC 7 Bishan J8 Prayed for Focus on the Family.

8 Toa Payoh MC

visit, preached at the Hakka, Mandarin and 2 September 2024 Methodist Message 5

Feature W ES

LE

Y

M

ET

H

Article and photos courtesy of Our Stories, His Glory project team, Wesley Methodist Church

Our Stories, His Glory O

D

IS T

Legacy stories of God's goodness CH

U

RC

H

On the video set in the home of Dorothy Wong

Just as they thought they would be settling into a calm, tranquil retired life in Singapore after decades of working and ministry, God plucked Andre and Cathy de Winne out of their comfortable life to serve him outside of Singapore. Andre found himself writing essays and taking exams in academic French in order to qualify as a licensed pastor in France after God led both him and his wife Cathy there.

This came after what was already a lengthy season of serving fulltime in church, and with several faithbased organisations.

6 Methodist Message September 2024

In the late 1990s, city-dwellers Louise and Loon Siong, who were already in their 50s by then and retired, responded in obedience to God's call to spend 15 years in rural parts of East Asia.

There, they often navigated difficult and treacherous terrain, and hung onto horse-drawn carts. They trained village doctors, built bridges and planned innovative solutions to bring electricity and water to remote villages.

After 22 years with the Singapore Economic Development Board, Lee Shuit Kuin brought her corporate best practices into the mission field.

She rarely rested and worked hard, often foregoing home leave, till God told her that he was more interested in her, rather than in what she could do for him.

Harriet Ponnappa struggled to let go of her job as an accountant in one of the Big Four firms when God called her to full-time service.

She asked him how she was going to manage with so little savings. He replied to her: "You look after my affairs and I will look after yours."

Today, at 95 years old, she continues to disciple others in the person and work of Jesus Christ.

Video shoot at the home of Harriet Ponnappa

T

hese in-depth stories are replete with

overwhelming experience as I have

struggles, grit, heartaches, sense of

travelled each candidate's journey,

"fallenness" as well as breakthroughs

mulling together with them, experiencing

and triumphs. By December 2024, a total

their milestones and emotions of the

of 26 stories will be told in Our Stories,

ups and downs. I am humbled by the

His Glory 2 (OSHG2), a legacy project by

strength that God has given to each of

Wesley Methodist Church. Each story

his servants. And when I'm stuck on how

is a journey of faith that tells of God's

best to put so many ideas, facts, aspects,

amazing love, and despite seasons where

dates, God-moments et cetera together to

he is sometimes pushed aside, he is ever

form a coherent whole, I forget that he's

faithful, steadfast, merciful and gracious.

the eternal creator. He is the centrepiece in each story; it is about his ways and our

For the core writing team, Peggie Chan

submission to him. Indeed, his hand is

and Christina Stanley, what shone

firmly on the helm. I remember workmen

through each story was God's unfailing

at a nearby construction site graciously

love. He was always at work even during

downing tools for us, so that our video

each person's tender years, regardless of

shoot session would not be disturbed by

the environment they grew up in. God

the loud drilling noise!"

was always in constant pursuit to touch (below) The team celebrated Peter and Doris Chow's (both in front row) wedding anniversary after a morning of shooting (bottom of page) On the video set in the home of Frances Lim

and transform lives, even when he was

Corinne Lam, who has been a church

pushed aside.

member since 1988 shared, "I remember being very inspired by the testimonies

Over these past 14 months, it has been

in the first edition of OSHG. This time

an absolute privilege for the team to

round, I've read all the uploaded stories.

have spent hours, days and weeks with

I know many of these people personally

long-serving members, retired staff and

but didn't know their struggles especially

pastors of Wesley Methodist Church.

in their earlier days. God is indeed ever so faithful. Now, after reading these stories,

What has inspired the team most

I'm encouraged to tell my own story, and

of all are the many rich spiritual

I guess my granddaughter will be my first

nuggets. Peggie said, "It has been an

audience!"

(above) Looking at fabric samples with Kwok Sian Yee (in black and white shirt) as part of the B-roll to support her analogy of how God weaves the tapestry of our lives

September 2024 Methodist Message 7

Our Stories, His Glory: Legacy stories of God's goodness

For the team, every aspect has been a precious lesson. Christina reflected, "Both Peggie and I have been richly blessed, including learning new skills, like scripting and producing videos!

We've had the best front-row seats in the house, as candidates have taken us into their confidence, often sharing candid and honest, even difficult appraisals of their journeys. Kwok Sian Yee, one of the candidates featured, was a client of mine in the 1980s when

I

n 2005, the first edition of Our Stories, His Glory was launched as a printed book to mark

l worked in an advertising agency.

Wesley Methodist Church's 120th Anniversary.

Armed with a strong empathy for

Twenty-six stories were told in this first edition,

seniors, she left the private sector to

and they included the testimonies of many

work at Wesley in a role that required

who have since gone home to the Lord, like

completely different skill sets. Today,

Mrs Gnana Thevathasan, Dr Robert Loh, Prof

she has retired, but I continue to be

Khoo Oon Teik, Ng Kwee Choo, Mrs Sylvia Kho,

inspired by her ongoing zest and zeal

Mrs Margaret Goh, Dr Oliver Seet, Liau Nyuk

for life, and lifelong learning."

Currently, the stories can be read on the dedicated OSHG2 website, as well as on Wesley Methodist Church's Telegram and Facebook accounts. By February 2025, a printed book will be launched as part of Wesley Methodist Church's 140th

Siong, Lucy & Nee Sian Chen, Mrs Ee Chin Kwok and G D Balakarishnan.

Our Stories, His Glory 2 is the second edition with stories being rolled out online, culminating in a printed book to be launched as part of Wesley Methodist Church's 140th Anniversary celebrations in February 2025.

anniversary celebrations.

By September 2024, Our Stories, His Glory 2 will offer 18 testimonies and life stories: Dorothy Wong, Lee Shuit Kuin, Frances Lim, Leow Kim Liat, Harriet Ponnappa, Andre & Cathy de Winne, Peter & Doris Chow, Sonny Chuah, Louise & Loon Siong Fong, Kwok Sian Yee, Rev Dr Isaac Lim & Dr Shirley Lim, Philip Oh, Tony Ting, Rev Michael Tan, Loh Hoe Peng, Emily Lai, Ian & Madeleine Chng and David Wong.

Two new stories will be uploaded each month till December 2024.

Uploaded stories may also be found on WMC's Telegram channel and Facebook page.

The church sanctuary was a frequently requested setting, especially by former pastors like Rev Dr Isaac Lim

8 Methodist Message September 2024

Feature

From pain to purpose:

The Genesis 50:20 effect Warning: This story is about suicidal ideation, suicide and depression. Alex M is a volunteer with lived experience at Samaritans of Singapore (SOS). This story was prepared by Alex and SOS for Methodist Message.

G

rowing up in a dysfunctional

something to happen. But it seemed

family, my childhood was far from

like my prayers went unanswered.

a fairy tale. As a young girl, I often felt

At the age of ten, my father left our

abandoned and unloved. The emotional,

family, and shortly after, my mother was

physical and sexual abuse that I

declared bankrupt.

endured haunted me for years. Both my father and mother had their own

Desperation led me to stand by the

extramarital affairs, which only added to

window where I would contemplate

the instability at home. Fear became my

ending it all. I didn't want to simply be

constant companion, and I often found

injured, I wanted to die. In my anguish

solace in locking myself in the bathroom.

to end the pain, I attempted to end my life several times. However, deep down, I

And when things at home became too

always knew it was wrong to end my life

much to handle, McDonald's became

and I always felt a pang of guilt for the

my shelter of refuge where I would

cleaning lady who would have to deal

spend countless sleepless nights. In

with my lifeless body.

the overwhelming stress of uncertainty and chaos, I would constantly hide

At 17, depression set in, and alcohol

in bathroom stalls to cry, hoping for

became my escape.

September 2024 Methodist Message 9

From pain to purpose: The Genesis 50:20 effect

When I entered university, I was determined

God was revealing the hidden things in my

to make something of myself and prove

heart, showing me that my heart was not

to my father that I was worth loving, not

in the right place. Although I had always

someone to be left behind. Independence

sensed a calling to serve and volunteer in the

and career success were my driving forces.

social service sector, it didn't make financial

By 26, I had paid off my university loans and

sense to me.

moved out of home after working tirelessly for two and a half years. I thought I had

It weighed heavily on my mind, but I

made it, but then cancer struck.

was convicted to lay everything down to follow Jesus' will for my life. I quit my

"You must be kidding me," I thought to

job and started to volunteer in several

myself. The diagnosis felt like the final blow.

non-profit organisations. Through a

I was ready to give up and asked God to take

series of God-orchestrated incidents, I

me away. But while I was in hospital, people

found a local church where I now worship

persistently showed up to encourage and

and fellowship regularly. Volunteering

support me, and that kept

became my new calling, and I

me going. Perhaps God had

connected with SOS to share

sent them to be by my side so

my story in the "Light in

that I neither had the space

the Dark" support group for

nor time to have any suicidal

individuals struggling with

thoughts during that difficult

suicidality.

time.

Sharing my story in the As a result of surviving this

support group was another

health ordeal, I felt a strong

turning point for me. I

desire to discover who this

thought I had already dealt

God, who had saved me, was. I made it my

with my suicidal thoughts, but I found

goal in 2020 to connect with God. At the

myself choking up as I recounted my

start of the new year, I felt compelled to

struggles with my abusive family and

join an online church service. The preacher

life-threatening disease. "Had I not

spoke about our identity and what we place

resolved this?" I wondered.

our trust in. Reflecting on this, I realised that I had based my identity and worth on my

Through this group, where others shared

career, and that I had to choose between

similar lived experiences, I managed

following God or the world.

to process buried emotions that had resurfaced. The support group showed

I had everything to lose. I had been thriving

me that I was not alone and that my

in a well-paying job in the tech industry for

story could serve as a source of hope and

seven years at this point. However, I felt that

encouragement to others.

10 Methodist Message September 2024

This realisation was the embodiment of

Genesis 50:20 encapsulates the

Genesis 50:20 in my life—the harm and

essence of my journey. The suffering

pain I experienced was being transformed

I endured was never without

into something good. "You intended to

purpose. Through God's grace,

harm me, but God intended it for good to

the pain that once threatened to

accomplish what is now being done, telling

destroy me has been repurposed

others that there is hope in this life."

into a mission of hope and healing.

The harm intended by life's trials

Moved

by

the

healing

has become the

I

foundation for saving

experienced in the support

many lives—including

group, I decided to become

my own.

a counsellor. Currently as a counsellor-in-training, I can

Through every trial, God

see how God's hand has been

has been my constant.

at work. My struggles with

From a rough childhood

suicidal ideation, depression, anxiety

and

cancer

to battling cancer, he has

have

never left my side. My

equipped me with empathy and

understanding.

faith in Jesus has been

When

I listen to others who are going through similar experiences, they often say, "Eh, you get it!" This connection, born out of shared suffering, allows me to reach out in ways that others might not be able to. My past pain is now a tool for relating to others in distress, offering a lifeline to those who are in crisis.

God's

grace

has

also

brought

my anchor and I believe that this life is not mine but belongs to the Lord.

In my tumultuous childhood, McDonald's was my place of refuge when the chaos at home became unbearable. It was a temporary escape from the emotional and

about

reconciliation with my father. Initially, my anger towards my father was so intense, to the point where I envisioned his funeral as the next time I would see him. But through God's transformative power, we have reconciled.

This mending of our relationship is another testament to how what was intended for harm has been turned into good.

September 2024 Methodist Message 11

From pain to purpose: The Genesis 50:20 effect

physical turmoil, a place where I could momentarily feel safe and find fleeting comfort in the warmth and anonymity that

About

SOS

the fast-food restaurant offered.

However, as I have grown in my faith, I have come to understand that true refuge and hope cannot be found in physical places or temporary escapes.

It is in Christ alone that I have found

SAMARITANS OF SINGAPORE (SOS) offers emotional support to people in crisis, thinking

enduring comfort and strength. His

of suicide or affected by suicide. All information

unwavering presence has become

shared with SOS is treated as confidential and

my ultimate sanctuary, a constant

people can choose to remain anonymous.

source of joy and hope amidst life's

24-hour Hotline: 1767

challenges. Through him, I have

24-hour CareText: 9151 1767 (via WhatsApp)

discovered a refuge that transcends any earthly shelter, one that offers true and everlasting peace that

LIGHT IN THE DARK SUPPORT GROUP

enables me to journey with others

Sometimes, even when friends and family

from darkness to light.

mean well, it's hard not to feel misunderstood, especially when you're struggling. If you are thinking this way, remember that you are not alone. Consider joining SOS's Light in the Dark, a support group specifically designed to help those struggling with suicidality. Here, you'll discover a community ready to walk alongside you through life's challenging moments. The sessions cover the following topics: •

Introduction and sharing of lived experience

•

Automatic negative thoughts, triggers, struggles

•

Coping skills

•

Enhanced coping strategies and validation

•

Increasing strength and increasing hope

•

Building resilience

Write to litd@sos.org.sg for more information.

An intake session will be scheduled to assess suitability. You don't have to face your darkest times alone. Reach out—community support is here for you.

12 Methodist Message September 2024

Feature

Rev Dr Daniel Koh Kah Soon, PhD, University of Durham, currently serves as a re-engaged pastor at Barker Road Methodist Church. A former lecturer at Trinity Theological College, he is an Advisor to the Board of Governance of the Methodist Welfare Services. He chaired the committee and was the main writer that produced the Methodist Social Principles.

Methodist Soci a l Principles What does it mean for the Church to be "in the world but not of the world"?

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 the Church and what it means to be a member of the faith community called the Church amidst rapidly changing social forces of our day.

Image: Akiro Hojo on Unsplash

/ Part 6 of 9 /

Church as God's family

Besides seeing the Church as the Body

The Church is the Body of Christ. This is

of Christ, Christians are also members of

something Christians are reminded of by

the same Household of God (Ephesians

Paul in 1 Corinthians 12. The use of the Body

2:18–20).

metaphor helps Christians to visualise what it means to be a member of the Church, where

In other words, Christians belong to the

Christians—differently gifted, regardless

same family.

of gender, social status, educational qualification—are integral parts of one body,

The Church as God's family must be shaped

under the Lordship of Jesus Christ.

by the ethos of the family and follow the teachings of Jesus. We cannot claim to be a

It is clear from the teachings of the Bible that

member of the Church and refuse to allow

the Church is primarily a network of people

Jesus to play a decisive role in the way we

who named Jesus as Lord and Saviour.

view priorities in life and conduct ourselves.

September 2024 Methodist Message 13

What does it mean for the Church to be "in the world but not of the world"?

We cannot claim to be a member of the

•

Christ against culture

Church and yet ignore Jesus, his redemptive

•

Christ of culture

story and the demand of discipleship. It is

•

Christ above culture

•

Christ and culture in paradox

•

Christ the transformer of culture

odd if Christians unwittingly or intentionally replace Jesus with the dominant ideology and godless cultures of our time.

As the Methodist Social Principles have stated in the paragraph on The Sphere of the Church (in The Book of Discipline of The Methodist Church in Singapore 2022, ¶91): "The Church is a community of believers who are loved by God, informed and shaped by the Gospel of Jesus Christ and sanctified by the transforming work of the Holy Spirit. It is a community where Christians are taught by Scripture, instructed by tradition, enriched by reason and affirmed by the corporate

This categorisation of five typologies has its critics but, when used judiciously, it has served us well in helping Christians to consider how we may relate to the world outside of the Church.

For ease of understanding, let me reduce the five categories to three. Christians can take a stance on: •

Christ against culture at one extreme

•

Christ embracing culture, at the opposite extreme, and

experience of the followers of Christ."

• The way we think, our attitude towards

Christ critiquing culture in a constructive dynamic tension, as a radical centre

others, our response to issues we encounter in life, the rationale for the decisions we

While each approach can find support from

make, and the lifestyle we choose to adopt—

the teachings of the Church, a biblically

if we are to be true and faithful to our faith—

sound, responsive, and responsible approach

must reflect the teachings of the Church

is the third model which allows Christians to

(Romans 12:1–2). In other words, the Church as

be in the world and not of the world.

our family is a significant community which must command our unwavering allegiance.

The first model in my schema takes a negative view of the world. It tends to be

In the world but not of the world

more isolationist, inward looking and world

Recognising the Church as our significant

denying. It can, nevertheless, serve as a

community and therefore agreeing that

warning against the temptation to blindly

the Church should have a decisive role in

accept worldly cultures.

nurturing us and strengthening our faith is not difficult.

The second model takes on a utopian view of what is happening in our world. Those

Our difficulty is this: How then should

who favour such a view would accept

Christians who are members of this family

whatever the world offers and adopt the

respond to the real and often vexatious

thinking, trends and tastes of contemporary

challenges we face in life?

cultures as evidence of the Church being "progressive". This approach does not take

Historically, Christians have responded in

the reality of sin too seriously. However, when

various ways. Famous American theologian,

handled with critical mindfulness, it can

HR Niebuhr, in his classic Christ and Culture

still prompt Christians not to reject, without

(1951) identifies five ways in which Christians

giving fair consideration, the multi-faceted

have interacted with the wider world:

cultures of the world too quickly.

14 Methodist Message September 2024

My preferred model lets Christians live out

The way to counteract what he

their life as the salt and light of the world,

denounced as the "Constantinisation"

remaining faithful in our walk with God,

of the Church, that is, when the Church

exposing evil, calling attention to superficial

uncritically endorses and sometimes

life and wasteful lifestyle, and speaking out

becomes the mouthpiece of worldly

against injustice and godless value systems.

values and ideologies, is to re-affirm that the Church is A Community of Character

While we know that Christians, as members

(the title of his book).

of the Church, should be the light and salt in the world, the sad truth is that often

Christians must be nourished and

Christians have forgotten who they are as

nurtured by a community that worships

redeemed people called out of darkness

Jesus, narrates his redemptive Story,

into light.

imbibes the central teaching of Jesus, and acquires virtues which will inform

Instead of being more focused on allowing

and form our character.

the teachings of the Church to inform and shape our minds and life, we find it easier

Part of the reason the Church might have

to follow the consumerist and godless

been lured into following the ways of the

teachings of our world.

world instead of the way of God is because of our neglect of character formation.

The Methodist Social Principles remind us to return to the teachings of the Church

We have forgotten about cultivating the

captured in our Wesleyan tradition by

theological virtues of faith, hope and love

acknowledging who we are as members of

(1 Corinthians 13:13); the Fruit of the Spirit

the faith community called the Church, and

(Galatians 5:22–23); and a widely accepted

as members who should be both responsible

set of four Cardinal Virtues: wisdom,

and responsive in the way we conduct

justice, courage and temperance.

ourselves and engage the wider world.

We tend to be attracted to and follow

Christians, community and character

what others outside the Church are

"Let the Church be the Church," said leading

doing and promoting. We happily model

American ethicist, Stanley Hauerwas. He has

our lives after secular gurus rather than

spent much of his time calling the Church,

ask what the Church should teach and

especially in the Euro-North American

what virtues we should seek after, to

world, not to compromise who they are

be the kind of Christians God intended

in the midst of strong temptations to

Christians to be.

accommodate and concede ground to the gods of our age.

For the Church to be the Church, the members must remember who the Head

According to theologians like Hauerwas,

is and continue to open ourselves to the

the Church, especially in the West, has

transforming work of the Holy Spirit to

been infiltrated and enthralled by the

shape us, equip us and empower us for

contemporary dominant ideological

our lifelong journey here on earth, as

worldview represented by political liberalism,

faithful followers of God.

and pop cultures underwritten by an overwhelmingly materialistic consumerist value system.

This article was first published in Salt&Light on 20 May 2024.

September 2024 Methodist Message 15

Soundings

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.

AND THE CHURCH

T

he theme that the editors of the

houses of worship, my brothers and

Methodist Message have assigned

sisters …? Do you see it? Tear it down

for this issue, "The Sphere of the Church",

and admit, with torn shirt, ash in our

provides an opportunity to discuss a

hair, on our hands and knees, 'Oh,

phenomenon that is becoming more

God, we have committed adultery with

pervasive in evangelical churches in the

white supremacy'.1

United States, and which is just beginning to influence some churches in Singapore.

To readers who are unfamiliar with the concept, wokeness generally means

I am referring to the phenomenon of

an awareness of or being awakened

"wokeness".

to social injustices against a particular group of people.

In 2015, at an Urbana missions conference, a young speaker by the name of Michelle

In his excellent book on the subject, Owen

Higgins shocked her audience when she

Strachan describes wokeness in this way:

gave a fiery speech in which she denounced the Church for committing "adultery" with

Wokeness is first and foremost a

"white supremacy".

mindset and a posture. The term itself means that one is 'awake' to the true

Speaking to the sixteen-thousand strong

nature of the world when so many are

gathering, Higgins thundered:

asleep. In the most specific terms, this means one sees the comprehensive

Do you see that racism is the age-old

inequity of our social order and strives

idol in our closet that we can't manage

to highlight the power structures in

to tear down? Do you see it in our

society that stem from racial privilege. 2

16 Methodist Message September 2024

At first blush, the concerns expressed

address, namely, racism. This is seen

by wokeism appear to echo those of

acutely in its insistence that all "white"

the Christian faith. Shouldn't Christians

people everywhere are incorrigibly "racist",

be concerned about racism and racial

and therefore the "oppressors".

discrimination? Shouldn't Christians be passionate about justice and social

White people always foster "white

justice?

supremacy", even if they absolutely have no intention to do so. They just cannot help it.

Perhaps that is why some Christians are attracted to wokeism and the social

The only solution is to recognise that one

justice movement. They appear to speak

is irredeemably racist and take steps to

the same language and share the same

enact antiracism. For "white" people, this

concerns of biblical Christianity.

means that they must make every effort to be "less white".

There are, however, many reasons why Christians should not have any truck with

As the influential Boston University

wokeism. Space allows me to highlight

professor and antiracist activist, Ibram

only four.

Xolani Kendi, puts it: "The only remedy to racist discrimination is antiracist

Firstly, the real inspiration behind

discrimination." 6

wokeism and social justice is not the Bible or the Christian worldview. Their

This is an extremely dangerous idea.

sources can be traced to the grand

It suggests that the only solution to

ideas generated by social Marxism, the

the problem of racial prejudice is racial

Frankfurt School, critical race theory

prejudice, but of a different kind!

(CRT) and intersectionality. 3 Fourthly, despite all their emphasis on These social theories and ideologies are

justice and equity, wokeism and social

atheistic to the core. They are hostile to

justice in fact corrupts true justice

the Judeo-Christian tradition. They seek

and even promotes injustice. This is

to deconstruct and overturn established

because wokeism is only concerned

moral and social conventions, and

with distributive justice, that is, the re-

erect a new social order based on a

apportioning of privilege to those whom

materialistic worldview.

the woke deem are without it.

Secondly, wokeism is a destructive

According to wokeism, the fundamental

movement. It seeks to dismantle existing

duty of civil law is to enact social or

social and political institutions such as civil

distributive justice based on social and

authorities because they are regarded as

cultural considerations. Civil law is not

the foci of evil and injustice.

about retributive justice, which has to do with applying justice proportionate to

This includes the family which, according

human actions by rendering to individuals

to the scholars of the Frankfurt School

what they deserve.

such as philosopher Max Horkheimer4 and psychologist Eric Fromm, 5 perpetuates

In this sense, social justice is inimical to

generational authoritarianism.

true justice, which is focused on equal treatment of all people and the just

Thirdly, wokeism is guilty of and

punishment of lawbreakers. This has led

perpetuates the very sin it claims to

Christian writers such as Jeffrey D Johnson

September 2024 Methodist Message 17

Wokeness and the Church

Book Review

to rightly conclude that "[s]ocial justice, by

When Woke Goes Broke:

its very nature, is not just".7 Wokeism is the new heresy that has captured the imagination of some Christians.

Those who are attracted to wokery would do well to take heed of the clear warning issued by Owen Strachan: We must sit up and take notice: This is

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

Redeeming Social Justice for the Church

By Suzanne S Choo Series Editor: Leow Wen Pin Published by Graceworks Publishing

Series Editor: Leow Wen Pin

not God's Gospel. This is a worse gospel, infinitely worse. This is man's gospel; legalism is what comes out of the heart of man, not divine grace. This is in truth an anti-gospel. It is anathema. This unbiblical system will not save you. Following wokeness all the way through means that you will be in eternal peril, trapped in your works even as you trust them to make you more 'antiracist', striving for salvation but never attaining it … You will be trapped; in that hour, you will be what the Scripture says: taken captive. 8

InterVarsity Christian Fellowship USA, "Michelle Higgins–Urbana 15", YouTube, January 27, 2016, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XVGDSkxxXco.

1

Owen Strachan, Christianity and Wokeness: How the Social Justice Movement is Hijacking the Gospel—and the Way to Stop It (Washington D.C.: Salem Books, 2021), 7-8.

D

For a more comprehensive discussion on critical social justice and wokeism, see Roland Chia, “What is Critical Social Justice? An Anatomy of an Ideology,’ Ethos Institute for Public Christianity, 1 August 2024, https://ethosinstitute.sg/what-is-critical-socialjustice-an-anatomy-of-an-ideology/.

Have you been confused to see an email

2

3

See Max Horkheimer, "Authority and the Family" in Critical Theory: Selected Essays, trans. Matthew J O'Connell et al. (New York: Continuum, 2002), 47-128.

4

o you know the new, internet meaning of a 'sock puppet'? (No, not a

woolly toy.)

from a person who signed off with "they/ them/theirs" after their name?

Do terms like "wokeism", "social justice",

Rainer Funk, "Erich Fromm's Concept of Social Character", Social Thought & Research 21, no. 1/2 (1998): 215–29, http://www.jstor.org/stable/23250038.

"gender identity", "postmodernism" and

Ibram Xolani Kendi, How to Be an Antiracist (New York: One World, 2019), 19.

can understand these trending concepts

Jeffrey D. Johnson, What Every Christian Needs to Know about Social Justice (Conway: Free Grace Press, 2021), 54.

had the time or didn't know where to

5

6

7

8

Strachan, Christianity and Wokeness, 87.

18 Methodist Message September 2024

"cancel culture" bewilder you? Maybe you and expressions, but are unable—or never start—to make sense of how our Christian faith fits in with these worldly perplexities?

When Woke Goes Broke is the first

of each chapter asks the reader

in a series of books titled The Gospel

to, "Pick a television series, movie,

Way, intended to help Christians cut

computer game or song that has

through the confusion of contemporary

been influential or popular in your

culture. In the words of its editor, this

community or country in the last five

book seeks to present "a balanced and

years. What underlying message and

biblical view of social justice", ultimately

values are being proposed?"

to lead to the conclusion that "wokeism can be redeemed when transformed in

Another one is: "Reflect on some

the light of the gospel of Jesus".

of the comments and reactions you have given through chat tools

Now, we may expect a book like this

or social media. What motivates

that takes on weighty themes and is

your posts or reactions? How would

meant for study, to have the dry tone

you describe your online or virtual

of a scholarly research paper. On the

behaviour and how does this align

contrary, the author does her best to

with your own values?"

avoid as much jargon as possible. The book is rich, content-wise, but it is not

This book never strays from its

too difficult to understand. The author

objective of emphasising the

has done well to introduce, define and

importance and relevance of God's

clarify the trending concepts and ideas,

Word for Christians amid the

to explain their origins and contexts,

seductive calls of the secular world. In

and to guide Christians to recognise

helping us to analyse contemporary

their secularist dangers, with the

culture through a biblical lens, it

backing of Scripture throughout. In

deserves to be read.

Chapter 3 we are given a refreshing interpretation of social justice in the book of Jonah.

There is a lot of enlightenment packed into these 92 pages which include an appendix of resources for further

When Woke Goes Broke: Redeeming

learning at the end of the book.

Social Justice for the Church is available from Graceworks Publishing.

At the end of each of the four chapters in

For the month of September,

this book is a set of reflection questions

Graceworks will be offering

to nudge the reader to ponder more deeply. While this format is good for selfstudy, it also makes the book an excellent

a 10% discount on its online store.

Visit www.graceworks.com.sg or scan the QR code.

choice for a cell group looking for a study guide on contemporary issues.

One example of the thoughtprovoking questions at the end September 2024 Methodist Message 19

Young Voices

Elliot Soh is a Sub-Editor of the Methodist Message.

He worships at Barker Road Methodist Church. / Photos courtesy of Elliot Soh

Broken cisterns, flourishing fountain

"I think you're weird and I don't want to

out of gatherings. When such scarring

be friends with you anymore!"

words were hurled at me, they would shatter my confidence and cause me

"I challenge you to a fight, you idiot!"

to withdraw even more. Indeed, it is tempting to be cynical and malevolent

"You don't care about how I feel! This is

when we feel conditioned and pressured

why we can't be friends anymore."

to conform to practices that impel us to seek justice on our own terms, rather

These are some of many wounding

than letting God be the ultimate judge.

words that I have heard from those

Ruminating and desiring control over

whom I have crossed paths with—people

others only created a vicious cycle of

I don't see eye-to-eye with, and even

despair and weariness for myself.

friends and family. I have struggled with social interactions ever since I was

However, as I continued to go through

in primary school and was often left

the motions and could not find my

20 Methodist Message September 2024

Being in a small group has given me (right, sitting) an opportunity to be authentic and accountable with those in the church community

footing in this sea of uncertainty, I

Salvation is meant to be shared with our

realised that I needed to embark on a

neighbours as we love them, knowing

quest to seek the abundant life which

that God first loved us. This fuelled my

Jesus promises to those who follow him

desire to reach out to and reconcile with

(John 10:10). I had to "be transformed by

those I may have wronged or who had

the renewal of [my] mind" (Romans 12:2).

wronged me, either by meeting them or

Today, it is by his grace that I am more

forgiving them in my heart.

rooted in his Word and live knowing that he loves me.

Finally, by forgiving myself and those around me, it gave me the confidence to

As I set off on my quest, I had to first

step out and go through the doors that

accept that we are all broken as humans

God has opened for me. By God's grace,

and are inclined to sin. No one has been

I have taken on opportunities which

able to escape from the clutches of

have affirmed God's providence and

sin (except Christ). In the past, I used

have built up my self-confidence, such as

to delude myself that there could be

being a sub-editor of this publication. His

"perfect" humans, which caused me to

mercies are indeed new every morning

feel defective and unworthy of being

(Lamentations 3:22-23) as I have seen

loved when I compared myself to others.

how God is restoring me each day and

It was only when I started to take my

allowing me to steward his gifts in this

faith more seriously in Junior College and

role, such as having an eye for detail or

during the Covid-19 pandemic lockdown,

the gift of writing.

by reading the Bible and beginning the discipline of daily devotion, that

God has opened yet more doors

I was convicted of God's mission to

for me as he led me to deepen my

save humanity—to set us free from the

understanding of him. For example,

shackles of sin and restore us to sonship

I came to know about the Koinonia

in him (Isaiah 61:1-3). He showed me that

Inclusion Network (KIN) through editing

his love was not just for me, but for all. I

an article that was published a few

have had to accept, and am still learning

months ago in the Methodist Message.

to accept, that God's love is freely poured

This led me to sign up for KIN's course,

out for all, friend and foe alike, and am

"Inclusive Christian Education" about

also learning to see beyond surface-

including Persons with Disabilities

level behaviours to recognise their

(PWDs) in both our Sunday schools and

brokenness, just as Christ did during his

the wider community.1 From attending

ministry on earth.

the course, I have been able to apply the techniques learnt with my friends—some

How then was I to live out the Great

of whom have special needs like Autism

Commandment that Jesus has

Spectrum Disorder (ASD)—by welcoming

proclaimed—to "love the Lord your God

them with God's love, fostering an

with all your heart and with all your soul

environment of openness, and learning

and with all your mind" and to "love your

to accept one another for who he has

neighbour as yourself" (Matthew 22:34-

created us to be. For instance, I have

40)? It was an apt reminder that the

begun to be more aware of my friends'

Christian life is not meant to be lived only

needs, such as watching for signs that

inwardly, but that this inward disposition

they may be about to have a meltdown,

has to inform our outward behaviours.

how to find quiet, safe spaces to let

September 2024 Methodist Message 21

ACS (International)

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

Senior Leadership Team

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

Mr Gavin Kinch Principal

Mrs Tan Siew Hoon Vice-Principal

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

Mr Christopher Hayward Vice-Principal

Dr Kristopher Achter Vice-Principal

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

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

Broken cisterns, flourishing fountain

them decompress if their senses are

being solely informational.4 These

overstimulated while we are hanging

pointers have guided me as I continue

out outside, and being mindful of my

to work on making the small group

language and tone via text and speech to

I am in a place that welcomes

minimise misunderstandings.

all, regardless of background or brokenness, and is ultimately helmed

Furthermore, I have been blessed to have

by God.

had time to read books such as Koinonia

My school friends (standing behind me) have taught me how to look inward and live outwardly in God's love

Groups: Nurturing Disability-Inclusive

Indeed, I see that the confidence I

Small Groups in Your Church, which has

have today as compared to before

helped me to lead my small group. One

Covid-19 is by God's grace. Being

insight I learnt was how our small groups

rooted in him and his Word has

are meant to promote interdependence

empowered me to step out into the

amongst one another and with God.

world, knowing that I am in this world

2

Another was how to invigorate such

but not of this world, because he

a group through promoting active

restores us each day ever closer to

participation amongst members with

Christian perfection.

soul-provoking questions. Finally, I got 3

to understand how to run a small group

Truly, we were once lost and apart,

that is inclusive for all through activities

trusting in our own broken cisterns

that are transformational, rather than

instead of drinking from the source of living water (Jeremiah 2:13).

Today, we are found and restored in God's image and are blessed with the dignity of being his children.

Even when we have strayed from him for long periods of time, he always gives us opportunities to be restored to sonship with him. As baptised Christians, we have the seal of the Holy Spirit, and are given the mandate to go out into the world and help those who are broken to return to him—the one who always welcomes us back with open arms.

Let us treasure these precious opportunities to seek the one who is the restorer of all—loving and serving him "with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength" (Mark 12:30).

To know more about KIN and the courses they run, go to https://kin.org.sg/.

Ping Lin Chew, Wen Pin Leow and Jesselyn Ng, Koinonia Groups: Nurturing Disability-Inclusive Small Groups in Your Church (Singapore: Koinonia Inclusion Network, 2024), 22-24.

3 Chew, Leow and Ng, Koinonia Groups, 38-41.

4 Chew, Leow and Ng, Koinonia Groups, 50-62.

1

2

September 2024 Methodist Message 23

I

ENER

AT

I

N S

UN

G G

O

T

IN

WORSHIP SYMPOSIUM 2024

Worship for Everyone Be inspired and equipped to foster intergenerational worship and strengthen community bonds within your church.

27 SEPTEMBER - 1.30PM TO 9.30PM 28 SEPTEMBER - 9AM TO 5PM

An evening worship led by

TOA PAYOH METHODIST CHURCH 480 Lor 2 Toa Payoh, Singapore 319641

Rev Dr Tan Siang Yang (via Zoom) A Renewed Vision from God: An Intergenerational Perspective of Worship

Pastor Ian Wong

Panel: Navigating the Complexities of Intergenerational Worship

Rev Dr Tan Soo Inn

Exploring the Transformative Power of Intergenerational Worship & Panel

Ho Wei Hao

Building Meaningful Relationships Across Generations

The Treasure Box

Empowering Worship Leaders for Intergenerational Engagement & Panel

Tham Pei Wen

On Common Ground: Connecting Children to the Older Generation Through Music

Rev Irene Thung

Panel: Navigating the Complexities of Intergenerational Worship

Dr Eudenice Palaruan

One Heart, One Mind: Explore the Power of Music in Bridging Generational Gaps

Fees: $110 (incl. GST) per participant Register by 6 September 2024 at bit.ly/worshipforeveryone

Outreach

On her second trip to Timor-Leste, Dr Cheryl Chen divinely met her husband who was serving as a missionary in the field. Together, they now serve as MMS non-residential missionaries supporting the ministry in Timor-Leste, and worship at Aldersgate Methodist Church. / Photos courtesy of MMS

In faith we move, in hope we live, in love we exist Dedication service of St Paul Methodist School in Timor-Leste

Opening ceremony at SPMS

In faith we move

was established by MMS with the aim to

In 2013, God called David Chan to build a

provide quality, affordable Christian-based

school without walls, to love the orphans

education for Grades 1 to 12. Faithfully

and widows. In faith, David, his wife Jessie

offering a Grade 1 and Grade 7 class every

and their three children—Isaac, aged 14,

year, the school expanded as student

Joy, aged 11 and Isaiah, aged 8—responded

enrolment increased rapidly. Today, SPMS is

in obedience and moved to Timor-Leste in

a full 12-grade school with 779 students!

2015. The family had embraced God's heart for the Timorese and were sent as Methodist

On 7 July 2024, Bishop Dr Gordon Wong

Missions Society (MMS) missionaries by

dedicated SPMS to the glory of God. More

Aldersgate Methodist Church.

than 450 people gathered to celebrate God's goodness with the completion of

In 2016, the first Methodist school in Timor-

Phase 1 of the SPMS Development Project,

Leste was born when David and Jessie

which includes classroom and hostel

started the first class with 18 Grade 7

blocks, a multipurpose hall with canteen,

students. St Paul Methodist School (SPMS)

administration building and football field.

September 2024 Methodist Message 25

In faith we move, in hope we live, in love we exist

(from left) Bishop Dr Wong and H.E. Alex Tilman, Ambassador of Timor-Leste to Singapore, honouring partners in Singapore and Timor-Leste: Rev Dr Lynette Sathiasingam, Aldersgate MC PIC; Mun Kwok On, Holland Village MC LCEC Chairperson; Rev Raymond Fong, Wesley MC PIC; Jacqueline Seah, Ang Mo Kio MC Missions Chairperson; Ho Lip Jin, SPMS Development Project Manager;

In his sermon, Bishop Dr Wong explained

In hope we live

that Paul, the apostle, was quoting from

In addition to local government leaders,

ancient philosophers in the theme verse

students and their families, teachers

(Acts 17:28) of the Dedication Service. This

and staff, more than 60 partners and

demonstrated that "truth about God can

supporters from Methodist churches

be learned from outside the Bible". The

and other denominations throughout

Bishop declared that students in SPMS

Singapore specially made a trip to Timor-

could learn from everything good that

Leste to witness this milestone. Most of the

God has created in the world by receiving

guests from Singapore had journeyed with

a well rounded education in Language,

SPMS since the early days when operations

Mathematics, Science, Music and the Arts.

took place in the Chans' missionary home,

He said that this good education students

and the Methodist churches represented

received from SPMS would help them to

had sent mission teams, contributed time

learn the good truth about God: that we are

and resources in partnership with MMS to

all the offspring of God (Acts 17:28). He also

achieve the vision of building a permanent

reminded all parents and guests that God is

home for the school. These guests rejoiced

nearer to us than we think, since "[I]n God,

to see the beautiful new building with

we live and move and exist. In our living and

proper classrooms and ample outdoor

moving from place to place, God is with us."

space to conduct The Boys' Brigade and

Bishop Dr Wong ended his sermon with

Girls' Brigade programmes—a far cry from

an invitation to sing along to an old song,

the three temporary sites the school had

"What the World Needs Now Is Love", with

been operating out of previously. After 14

the words "sweet love" replaced with "God's

years, MMS' vision and hope of establishing

love". He prayed that SPMS would help the

a well-run school for the Timorese had

world find the greatest love of all.

finally come to pass!

26 Methodist Message September 2024

(top row, left) Bishop Dr Wong ending his sermon with a song (above, left) Students of SPMS

Rev Teresa Wilborn, SPMS Development Consultant; Col (Ret) Quek Koh Eng, MMS Field Director & Regional Director overseeing TimorLeste; Joseph Lau, Consultant Architect from LAUD Architects; Director Yao, HEFU International Construction

(top row, far right) A group activity taking place during class time (top row, right) The Chan family today (from left): Jessie, Joy (20), David, Isaiah (17) and Isaac (23) serving together in SPMS (above, right) Sharon and some of the dancers (above, far right) One of the dance performances

In love we exist

with their gifts and talents, such as sewing

For this official Opening Ceremony and

costumes and filming the event. One of these

Dedication Service, volunteers from

volunteers was Lily John, a choir mistress who

Singapore joined the SPMS teachers to plan

came to Timor-Leste for three weeks to set up

for the event, working collaboratively to

SPMS' first choir.

set up the sheltered space for 450 guests, prepare food for the dinner reception and

The team from Singapore had a glimpse

organise a tour of the school.

of the wider kingdom work taking place in Timor-Leste when they had the opportunity to

Of special mention is the dance team led by

dine at a restaurant school set up by Brazilian

Sharon Liew, a member of Wesley Methodist

missionaries, to train and empower vulnerable

Church. Even though Sharon had never been

girls and young women with the skills to earn a

to Timor-Leste before, she had heard about

livelihood. Guests also visited the site of Pelican

SPMS and felt led to serve with her dance

Paradise Resort, Timor-Leste's first five-star

expertise for the service. Sharon single-

hotel with conference facilities. The resort is a

handedly produced and choreographed eight

multimillion-dollar investment by Singaporean

dances which were performed during the

Datuk Edward Ong to train and employ young

5-hour programme to portray the story of the

people, with the hopes of reducing the

school and God's hand at work. For the entire

nation's youth unemployment rate.

month of June, she stayed in SPMS to identify and train the 250 student dancers. This

There are many more missionaries and

required her to take a leap of faith and close

ministries labouring in Timor-Leste, and we

her dance school in Singapore for that period.

give thanks that the Methodist community in Singapore is participating in God's call to

Sharon also mobilised others to serve God

love Asia's youngest nation!

September 2024 Methodist Message 27

In faith we move, in hope we live, in love we exist

Hear from

SPMS partners and supporters:

"I am awed by how much the

"David Chan is equivalent

"I believe a Christian education

ministry at SPMS has advanced

to a Sophia Blackmore in

will develop the young in

and grown so quickly. Indeed,

Timor-Leste, and a David

Timor-Leste and will give this

God is at work through the

who conquers and kills many

generation a hope for the future

faithful work of David and

Goliath-sized problems!"

and open their eyes to know that

his team. I'm inspired by the

~ Joseph Lau,

there is a God who loves them."

potential of this ministry … !" ~ Rev Adrian Ng, Wesley Methodist Church Pastor

LAUD Architects, SPMS Development Project Consultant Architect who worships at Fairfield Methodist Church

~ Mun Kwok On, Holland Village Methodist Church LCEC Chairperson

"The trip provided good exposure of the two MMS

"I will continue to pray for the people who work

ministries, SPMS and Sundermeier Home (a student

the ground in Timor-Leste on a daily basis, long

hostel in Gleno). Travelling by ground transportation

after the visitors have left—for their faithfulness

on the challenging terrain between Dili and Gleno …

and dedication to the work that God has called

helped me to appreciate the hardship that mission

them to and also for the eyes of faith to see the

workers need to go through."

Lord's hand moving in the land."

~ Jacqueline Seah,

~ Loo Ming Yaw,

Ang Mo Kio Methodist Church Missions Chairperson

Aldersgate Methodist Church Lay Leader

Aerial view of SPMS showing two classroom blocks, two hostel blocks, a canteen cum multipurpose hall and administration building

28 Methodist Message September 2024

Outreach

Alice Cheng takes a break from caregiving while volunteers and staff from an MWS Active Ageing Centre engage her mother

Giving

R

By the MWS Communications Team. / Photos courtesy of MWS

to lonely seniors

etiree Alice Cheng, 65, recalls the

Simultaneously, Alice was also the

stressful, anxious nights spent lying

primary caregiver to her mother, who

in bed, straining her ears to listen for any

has early-stage dementia. This double

cries for help from her late father during

burden led to her experiencing frequent

his final months. As his primary caregiver,

bouts of depression.

Alice endured immense physical, mental and emotional strain while caring for him

"I often asked the Lord, 'Why me?'" she

through end-stage Parkinson's disease.

tearfully shared, reflecting on her lonely and arduous caregiving journey. Alice's

"I think I developed post-traumatic

three brothers, all married with families,

stress disorder from those months of

support by sharing caregiving costs and

constant anxiety and straining to listen

visiting occasionally.

for him. I can still feel the tension in my neck and ears," she shared. "Caring for

"I reasoned that maybe God didn't plan

my late father was immensely stressful

for me to marry so I could care for my

and heartbreaking."

parents," said Alice. "Sometimes, when my

September 2024 Methodist Message 29

Giving hope to lonely seniors

mum is being difficult, I joke about finding

An answered prayer

someone to marry and moving out."

To encourage her mother to be more active, Alice tried getting her to join

Due to her dementia, Mrs Cheng

activities at the nearby MWS Active

displayed symptoms such as memory

Ageing Centre – Golden Lily@Pasir Ris

loss, confusion, behavioural changes like

(GLAAC). When her mother refused

refusing to leave the house and inability to

to leave the house, MWS GLAAC staff

perform everyday tasks. Alice, tending to

arranged for volunteers to visit and

her mother's every need with little respite,

engage her in dementia-friendly

became socially withdrawn and developed

activities, including childhood games like

caregiver burnout. After her father's

five stones and pick-up sticks.

passing last year, Alice also struggled with the emotional weight of grief and

Seeing her mother enjoy time with the

bereavement.

volunteers greatly encouraged Alice, who saw it as a sign of a God who listens.

"When my father passed, I missed him

"They are an answered prayer," she said.

dearly but felt relieved at not having to

"God didn't take my burdens away but

endure another stressful night or see

sent help through my family, church

him in pain. Unless someone has walked

mates and MWS. During the time when

this journey, they can't understand how

MWS volunteers engage my mother, I

lonely, stressful and dark solo caregiving

can take a much-needed breather. It

can be," Alice said.

means a lot to know I'm not alone."

Eternal Peace GARDEN OF

THE AIR-CONDITIONED COLUMBARIUM Open daily: 8am-8pm | Public Holidays: 9am-2pm

• • • •

Lo cate d n ex t to Co m m o nwea l t h M RT S t a t i o n 9 9 -yea r l eas e co m m e n ci n g f ro m 1 9 6 4 C l ean an d p ea ce f u l e nv i ro n m e n t Tra n s fe r o f urn s o r ex h u m a t i o n c a n b e a rra n g e d

OPEN TO ALL CHRISTIANS Single and double niches are available with the following donations:

REGISTER AT OUR COLUMBARIUM OFFICE 400 Commonwealth Drive Faith Methodist Church Queenstown Chinese Methodist Church (Level 5)

TIERS

SINGLE

DOUBLE

Open Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm (Closed on Public Holidays)

1 or 7

$2400

$4200

2 or 6

$3100

$5800

Tel : 6479 8122 | HP : 9670 9935 Fax: 6479 6960 Email: gepc400@gmail.com

3 to 5

$4000

$7200

For booking of niches, please contact the columbarium office to arrange for an appointment.

knowing who to turn to if something happened," shared Mdm Wong, who has a history of falls from dizzy spells. "Now, I can count on MWS staff. There were times when I've had dizzy spells while running errands, and I called them for assistance.

It gives me a deep sense of peace knowing that someone is here for me."

Mdm Wong Lee Fong (second from right) shares a laugh with MWS staff and volunteers

Navigating loneliness in life's transition For 76-year-old Mdm Wong Lee Fong, a single retiree battling breast cancer, loneliness and social isolation began when she had to live alone. For decades, she lived with her nephew's family, helping to raise his three daughters. However, the family made the difficult decision to emigrate to Australia in search of a better life.

Before emigrating, Mdm Wong's nephew and his wife wanted to ensure she would be cared for, especially given her health condition. They found MWS Active Ageing Centre – GreenTops@Sims Place (GTAAC) in the neighbourhood.

Since then, MWS GTAAC staff have been assisting Mdm Wong with tasks like booking transportation for medical checkups, monitoring her blood pressure and arranging cleaning services as she is too weak to do household chores. They also connected her with a befriender couple who checks in daily, brings her meals and helps with errands. Additionally, Mdm Wong regularly participates in activities at GTAAC, such as morning exercises, cooking classes and craft-making, keeping

GIFT SENIORS WITH THE WARMTH OF A COMMUNITY TODAY For seniors like Mdm Wong and Mdm Cheng, who face loneliness and mental health struggles, MWS' regular support brings comfort and positivity into their lives. With 22 centres and programmes across the island, MWS partners the community to provide integrated and holistic care for seniors with different levels of frailty, as well as youth, children and families, regardless of race or religion.

We are also intensifying efforts to train more volunteers in befriending, pastoral care and engaging seniors with dementia, mental health issues and chronic illnesses.

While these additional services will meet more ageing needs, they also increase costs. Your giving will make a much-needed difference. Donate at

www.mws.sg/bring-warmth-toseniors-mm or scan the QR Code and join us in leading change today!

her active and socially engaged.

"Being alone can be scary. I used to feel anxious about leaving the house, not September 2024 Methodist Message 31

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.

To err is human, to

A

divine

lexander Pope, a poet during the period

It has been almost a year now. He has

of the Enlightenment, was said to be

continued with counselling and made some

the originator of the statement, "To err is

progress. Although he has tried to make

human, to forgive divine." Though centuries

restitution to his ex-wife, it was refused. Pleas

old, it is still apt today. It is much easier to

to be given a second chance were to no avail.

make mistakes than to forgive someone. I

He also slowly, and might I say, hesitantly (but

have been thinking about this in the case

not reluctantly) contacted the community

of a client who needs forgiveness and

that he was working with overseas, still

restoration—not only from the person he has

wishing to return. To his surprise, they were

hurt, but from others too.

more than welcoming and ready to receive him again.

The client worked in a parachurch organisation and had been sent together

This now presented a dilemma: the people he

with his wife to start a project overseas.

served wanted him to continue with his role,

Due to upheavals at work, he and his wife

but the organisation that originally appointed

returned home for what they thought would

and sent him was silent and non-committal.

be a short break. During this time, his wife

Eventually, his renewed contact was made

left him because of the emotional and

with the full knowledge and consent of

physical abuse she had suffered for many

the agency. However, he went, not as an

years, and later sued for divorce. His employer

employee, but as a volunteer.

came to know of this and recommended that he receive counselling and step down

To be clear, my interest on this matter

from his position within the organisation. It

is purely that of being his counsellor

was communicated to the employees and

and with his rehabilitation. The process

supporters of the organisation that he was

has involved him acknowledging and

being "disciplined". The disciplining was to be

accepting responsibility for his actions:

followed by a period of rehabilitation with the

expressing remorse and examining the

implication that he would be restored to his

causes of his actions that are clearly

previous standing.

not aligned with the values of his faith,

32 Methodist Message September 2024

making any restitution that is possible

I believe that in many instances, individuals

and permitted, and learning new ways of

and institutions do not wish to be harsh.

thinking and behaving.

Yet, they may not know how to grapple with several competing concerns such

All these steps have been undertaken

as the need to discipline, the need to

and whilst one cannot say that his old

prevent further occurrences and the need

behaviour will not recur, there comes a

to rehabilitate. When the offence involves

point of time when one needs to "draw

close relationships, then another need may

a line across the sand". One such line

present itself. It is the need to rebuild and

may be that he will never commit the

restore. It comes from the fact that the

same acts again. This determination is

offending behaviour has caused a rift in the

important as he may be returning to a

relationships of those involved. It is a tear

position of influence and no one wants to

that needs to be mended.

see a misuse of it. However, no one can determine nor guarantee this.

How does one go about to repair such a tear? Although we are not told exactly

Another "line across the sand" is when

how, the Apostle Paul helped to restore the

the punishment or sentence has been

relationship of Onesimus (a runaway slave

served by the offender. Most courts of law

who was a thief) with his former master by

recognise that when a transgression has

being Onesimus' advocate. He appealed

been committed, the offender must be

that Onesimus be given another chance and

punished. They determine the appropriate

gave a good account of this person whom

sentence and once it is completed, the

he had gotten to know when they were

offender is set free. To be held indefinitely

fellow prisoners. Paul even made good the

or punished more than once for the same

money stolen by Onesimus.

offence is seen as a miscarriage of justice.

Thus, for my client not to know when the

Paul shows an example of divine

period of discipline will be over seems a

forgiveness. It means following in the

little harsh. This wiping clean of the slate is

footsteps of Christ. I believe we need to

also part of the process of him being able

develop this capacity to enable us to repair

to start afresh.

and restore broken relationships.

September 2024 Methodist Message 33

Worship

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

The worship service

requires your active participation

W

eek after week, we gather for worship.

We listen again to the Word of God proclaimed in Scripture readings and sermons.

We sing, we pray, we respond to the Word with our gifts and we come to the table to commune with the Lord—not as individuals—but as a whole community of faith. Why do we do this?

Worship lies at the heart of church life. It is when we all come together to affirm our faith and Christian identity. This means that showing up in church to attend a worship service calls us to actively participate, to be present to the congregation as Christ is present to us. Each worshipper is expected to prepare themselves before the service, ensuring they are ready to engage fully. Our voices in singing and speaking inspire the rest of the congregation to join in, and as our voices fill the worship space, we encourage and uplift each other in our shared spiritual journey. Refraining from using our mobile devices during the service helps to minimise distractions and maintain focus.

Each element of our worship service holds profound meaning and purpose. When we listen to the Scripture readings and sermons, we are reminded of God's timeless truths and his presence in our lives. God's Word teaches us how to dance with the rhythm of life. It assures us that God is with us in joy and in sorrow. The hymns and songs we sing unite our voices in praise, lifting our spirits and strengthening our bonds as a community.

Our music may also help us express repentance, lament or even call out for justice.

Indeed, the music is not about praise alone— there is space for the difficult and dark parts

of our Christian life, crying out to God about our disappointments, fears and the injustices we see.

Worship is a constant, unfolding dialogue with God who can speak to us through the Scriptures, the sermon, the songs, the silent reflection and other elements of the liturgy.

Responding to the Word with our gifts is a tangible expression of our gratitude and commitment to God's work.

Coming to the table to commune with the Lord is a powerful act of unity and remembrance. It signifies that we are one body in Christ, nourished by his sacrifice and love. This communal act of the Holy Eucharist reminds us that our faith is not lived in isolation but in fellowship with others.

Worship is not passive but active, and we must expect it to be transformative. This transformation is not just personal but communal. Together, as a congregation, we support one another on our spiritual journeys, growing and evolving in faith collectively.

Worship sends us out into the world with renewed purpose and strength. Our time together in worship inspires us to live out our faith in our daily lives, showing Christ's love and compassion to those we encounter.

Worship is the heartbeat of our church. It is a dynamic, living expression of our faith that calls us to come together, participate fully, and be transformed. Let us continue to cherish and engage in this sacred practice, knowing that in worship, we encounter the living God and are strengthened as a community of faith.

September 2024 Methodist Message 35

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

Percy Low worships at Charis Methodist Church and serves in the Family Life Ministry and as a Cell Group Leader and Local Preacher. She also serves in the CAC Board of Family Life and Counselling Ministry. / Photo courtesy of Percy Low

For God so loved [me] that he gave his one and only son When I was eight years old, my Sunday school teacher shared the gospel with me by asking me to read John 3:16 personalised with my name: "For God so loved Percy that he gave his one and only son …". I was deeply moved that someone would love me so much and be willing to die on the cross for my sins. No one had ever demonstrated such great love for me, and my immediate response was, "Thank you, Jesus. I want you to come into my life and be my friend."

I've often struggled with my parents' separation and questioned whether marriage was something I wanted to consider. I am grateful Percy (third from right), with her late mother (second from right) and family

M

to my Sunday school teachers at church and y parents separated when I was a young

Christian teachers at school who cared for

child. My late mum worked two jobs to

my welfare and often invited me to share

raise me singlehandedly. As I was often alone

meals with their families. Witnessing strong

and feeling lonely, she decided to let me attend

marriages and what a Christian home could be

Sunday school at Geylang Chinese Methodist

like gave me the hope and courage to start my

Church located just across from our house,

own family. Today, I serve on the CAC Board of

although she was not a Christian. She also

Family Life, in my church's Family Life Ministry,

enrolled me in Geylang Methodist Girls' School,

and with Focus on the Family Singapore, to

her alma mater, hoping that I would learn the

help strengthen marriages and families and to

right values and develop good character.

be a witness of God's love.

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

September 2024 Methodist Message 37

EQUIP EVENING COURSE | CHRISTIAN SEXUAL ETHICS 18, 25 September and 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 October (Wednesdays), 7.30 p.m. – 9.30 p.m.

Online via Zoom Register by 11 September via https://www.ttc.edu.sg/english/study-at-ttc/equip-registration $120 (Standard Registration), $60 (Spouse of Current Matriculated TTC Students), $30 (Youth [aged 21 and below], Full-time National Servicemen, Overseas Participants [from Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Mauritius, Myanmar, Philippines, Thailand, Timor-Leste and Vietnam]), Free for TTC Alumni/ Current Matriculated TTC Students (Registration Required) Sexual mores have been contested since the earliest days of the nascent Christian movement. The same is true today, where Christian sexual morality is routinely characterised, both within and without, as cruel, hateful, and even immoral. This course seeks to examine human sexuality from the broad perspective of Christian tradition, in order to answer this question: does creedal orthodoxy still require traditional sexual ethics?

Rev Dr Nathanael Goh is Lecturer in Christian Ethics at Trinity Theological College. He is also an Elder attached to Sengkang Methodist Church. An advocate for the importance of Christian ethics and moral formation, his interests are at the intersection of Scripture, theology, and ethics—especially a retrieval of Christian theological visions of the common good.

Organised by EQUIP

STORIES FROM THE FIELD | CHURCH PLANTING IN JAPAN – A TALE OF TWO CITIES 1 October (Tuesday), 8.00 p.m. – 9.30 p.m.

Online via Zoom Register by 30 September via https://www.wycliffe.sg/events Free How do missionaries reach out to the people of Japan? What are the joys and challenges of such work? The speaker for this session is Daniel Lau. Daniel is privileged to have been involved in church planting work in Tohoku, Japan, and shares some of his experiences serving in both rural and urban parts of the country.

Organised by Wycliffe Singapore

ST LUKE'S ELDERCARE COMMCARE SYMPOSIUM 2024 20 September (Friday), 8.30 a.m. – 4.00 p.m. or 8.30 a.m. – 5.00 p.m.

SIM Global Education Register via https://www.commcaresymposium.slec.org.sg/ $30 for Track 1: Dementia and Spirituality: Building Connections, Conversations and Collaborations $100 for Track 2: Wounds to Wellness: Pioneering Paths to Healing Hosted by SLEC CommCare Academy, this year's CommCare Symposium features two distinct tracks, "Dementia and Spirituality: Building Connections, Conversations and Collaborations" and "Wounds to Wellness: Pioneering Paths to Healing". Hear from speakers such as Bishop Emeritus Dr Robert Solomon and Rev Dr Norman Wong about how dementia affects faith in the "Dementia and Spirituality" track, or from experts such as Adj A/Prof Png Gek Kheng in the "Wounds to Wellness" track about managing complex and chronic wounds.

As both tracks are running concurrently, kindly ensure that you register for just one track.

Organised by St Luke's ElderCare