Methodist Message: September 2022

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ISSN 0129-6868 MCI (P) 044/11/2021

Vol 124 No 9 SEPTEMBER 2022

Contents Editorial Board Adviser and Publisher

/ Bishop’s

Dr Anthony Goh Chairperson Council on Communications

/ News /

Communications Manager Lynn Tan

Message /

3 Foochow Methodist Church rededicates clinic for migrant workers

Managing Editor

5 Homecoming to God

Alvin Tay

8 Launch of Chinese Alpha Film Series

Editor Lianne Ong

Sub-editors

/ Feature /

Lucy Cheng Janice Khoo Tan Chiu Ai

13 How does meritocracy fit into our Christian worldview?

Proofreaders

16 Discovering my gifts in the Arts

Kenneth Lee Christabel Tan

/

Opinion /

10 THINK: A Christian response to the repeal of

Section 377A of the Penal Code 20 Soundings: A sacrament of divine love The official monthly publication of The Methodist Church in Singapore. Published material

/ Outreach /

does not necessarily reflect the official view of The Methodist Church. All Scripture quoted is based on the English Standard

22

Bridging the gap between seniors and sports

23 Giving every child an opportunity for a future

Version unless otherwise stated.

70 Barker Road #06-04 Singapore 309936

/ Relationships /

6478-4793 | 6478-4763

25 You and Your Family: Breaking free from a legacy of wrath

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

/ Worship / 27 Faith exists in the community

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

Email us at

communications@methodist.org.sg Design & Production by Londonbob Design Printed by Adred Creation Print Pte Ltd

/ People / 29 He Sihao-How to gain, save and give all that I can

Bishop’s Message Bishop Dr Gordon Wong was elected Bishop of The Methodist Church in Singapore in 2020.

He served as President of the Trinity Annual Conference from 2013–2020.

Arts, Education and Health The Soul, Mind & Body of Community

T

he Bible book Ezra-Nehemiah describes

rebuilding of the walls around Jerusalem

three priorities in the development of the

(Nehemiah 1-7). By highlighting these three

community after the ravages of war had left

major themes together in one book, the

Jerusalem in ruin for 70 years.

inspired writer suggests three priorities in the development of the community in Jerusalem

Referring to Ezra-Nehemiah as a single book,

after the war had left it in ruins: the rebuilding of

following the custom of the Hebrew Bible (unlike

the temple for communal Worship, the teaching

the Christian tradition which counts Ezra and

of God’s Word, and the restoration of the walls

Nehemiah as two separate books), the ancient

for the protection and Welfare of the people.

Hebrew scribes (scholars call them Masoretes)

These are still three important priorities in the

included notes at the end of every Bible book,

development of any community:

summarising the total number of verses in every

•

Worship (which attends to one’s spirit or soul),

book and indicating which verse marked the

•

Word (which attends to the mind), and

book’s mid-point. These notes are found at the end

•

Welfare (which attends to the body).

of Nehemiah (but not at the end of Ezra), and the mid-point of the book is indicated as Nehemiah

We give thanks for all who serve well in the

3:32, which would be accurate only if one regards

Arts (poets and pastors, musicians and artists).

Ezra-Nehemiah together as one book.

We give thanks for teachers and writers and administrators in the Education sector. We give

Taking Ezra-Nehemiah together, we can see

thanks for nurses, doctors and attendants in

three major themes: the re-building of the

the ministry of Health. They are God’s servants

Temple in Jerusalem (Ezra 1-6); the teaching

in attending to the soul, mind and body of

of God’s Torah or instructions (Ezra 7-10); the

community life.

An earlier version of this article was published in Harvest Force 2022 Issue 1.

September 2022 Methodist Message 1

Coming up

2 Methodist Message

September 2022

News

By Lianne Ong, Editor of Methodist Message with assistance from Ps Raja Thomas, Lay Ministry Staff at Foochow Methodist Church. / Photos courtesy of Foochow Methodist Church

Foochow Methodist Church rededicates clinic for migrant workers

F

oochow Methodist Church (FMC) held a rededication service on 7 August 2022

for its Caring Community Clinic (CCC)—a clinic that was set up on the church premises specifically for migrant workers in 2003. FMC is located at Race Course Road in Little India, and is the second oldest church under the Chinese Annual Conference (CAC).

The clinic is open every Sunday evening, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. and is manned by volunteer healthcare professionals, church members from FMC and other churches. For a nominal fee of $5, migrant workers can consult a medical doctor about their health problems.

(top) Bishop Dr Gordon Wong (fifth from left) with FMC pastoral staff, ministry staff and leaders (middle) Bishop Dr Gordon Wong (right)and Rev Andy Goh during the clinic re-dedication (bottom) Ps Raja Thomas (sixth from right) with migrant worker friends

The clinic, which suspended operations during the Covid-19 pandemic, was renovated in May 2022, and resumed operations in June after Safe Management Measures were lifted.

Before the pandemic, the clinic saw up to 100 patients queuing to see a doctor. The newly renovated clinic has two consultation rooms and a reception area.

"We are very pleased to welcome our migrant worker brothers again to the clinic," said Ps Raja Thomas, lay ministry staff overseeing the Tamil Ministry at FMC, which celebrated its 27th anniversary on the same day. Bishop Dr Gordon Wong was the guest-of-honour at the thanksgiving service and clinic rededication service.

"The ministry of the medical clinic is a wonderful way of showing love to others," Bishop Dr Wong said during his sermon about faith expressing itself through love and loving our neighbours as Christ commanded.

He thanked the doctors and volunteers who served in this ministry.

September 2022 Methodist Message 3

Foochow Methodist Church rededicates clinic for migrant workers

Shining star of the migrant worker ministry

The CCC is now a major part of the Tamil

Dr Tan Seung Po was one of the medical

that is meaningful and purposeful, it fills

professionals who mooted the idea of an on-

my heart with joy and makes me excited to

site clinic and has served with the ministry

continue and persevere in service," said Dr

since its inception.

Tan on why he has been able to serve for two

Ministry in FMC. "When I see something

decades in the ministry.

He recalled that on Sunday evenings, there would always be big gatherings of migrant

Call for volunteers

workers outside the church. "[The late] Rev

On the same day that the clinic was

Ding (former Pastor-in-Charge at FMC)

rededicated, an information session was held

would invite them to come into the church.

for those interested in volunteering with the

As some of the workers got to know me

clinic. Currently, there are seven doctors and

better, they would approach me about

five clinic assistants on the volunteer roster,

medical issues they faced. It was hard not to

some of whom are members of FMC.

do anything about their medical problems [as a doctor]. So I thought, how could we

"It's important to groom a younger

help them with their medical needs?"

generation of doctors and volunteers to continue the work," Dr Tan said.

Dr Tan consulted other doctors and by God's grace, FMC set up a clinic on the church premises after successfully obtaining a licence from the Ministry of Health in 2003.

"Since then we have been able to expand the services of this clinic. The clinic became so popular that it was overwhelmed and strained manpower capabilities. We had to limit the consultations to 30 patients on Sunday evenings in the two hours that the clinic is open," said Dr Tan.

TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT FMC's migrant worker ministry, or volunteer with the Caring Community Clinic, contact Ps Raja Thomas at

rajathomas@foochowmc.org.sg

(left) It was common to see a long queue of patients before the pandemic (right) Renovated clinic

4 Methodist Message

September 2022

Loo Ming Yaw is the Principal of Anglo-Chinese School (Barker Road) and worships at Aldersgate Methodist Church. / Photos courtesy of Homecoming Organising Committee

News

Homecoming to God I

t was a night of exuberant worship and

Mr Low Wee Teck, a Fairfield alumnus, spoke

prayer that crossed generations. It was a

of the role of The Boys’ Brigade and Fairfield

time when hearts of fathers turned to their

Methodist Schools in his faith journey and

children, a time where those called by God

how he was led to serve God as Principal of

truly came home to him. The Homecoming

the Methodist School in Cambodia. Next up

event on 22 July 2022 brought together

was Mr Evan Lim, who described how he was

over 1,000 Anglo-Chinese School family and

providentially given a place in ACS (Primary)

friends, and was the culmination of months of

when his parents returned from God’s service

hard work and God’s answer to much prayer.

in China and how his ACS years shaped him as a person in his journey to serve the Lord.

Dr Shirleen Chee, Principal of Anglo-

Mr Isaac Cheng, a current ACS (Independent)

Chinese Junior College (ACJC), kicked off

student, testified how opportunities to

the evening’s programme by sharing the

serve in his church and in Christian ministry

vision that the principals of ACJC, ACS

in school transformed him into someone

(Barker Road) and ACS (Independent)

passionate for the Lord.

received for the event. The combined schools worship band then led the opening

The congregation watched a segment of

set of worship songs.

REVIVAL 1972, which documents a revival movement that began in schools, and

Pastor Edric Sng of Bethesda-Bedok-

spread to churches and the nation. It was

Tampines Church, who is also the Editor of

a reminder that God’s desire to impact the

Thirst Collective, facilitated the testimonies

generations did not end with the revival

by Mr Low Wee Teck, Mr Evan Lim and Mr

in 1972 and continues when the hearts of

Isaac Cheng on how the school ministry

each generation turn to him in despair and

impacted their lives.

repentance.

September 2022 Methodist Message 5

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.

Homecoming to God

Mr Joseph Chean, National Director of Youth

who experienced the 1972 revival as a

With A Mission Singapore, brought a simple

student, shared a blessing for the current

but powerful message about being "Part of

generation of young people. When the call

the Whole" in God’s plan and purpose for

for prayer was issued, many worshippers

Singapore and beyond. As each worshipper

came forward for prayer and renewed their

had received a piece of a 1,008-piece

commitment to the

puzzle of the map of Singapore, Mr Chean

Lord.

exhorted all present to see themselves as part of the larger puzzle God is putting

The event also

together in the history of Singapore and his

featured booths for

providential plan for Christian witness on

photography and the

our shores. He shared his belief that God’s

sale of merchandise,

plan includes the events of the 1972 revival

including "Unfolding

and God’s purpose is for Singapore to know

His Story: The Story

God intimately, his character and his ways.

of the Charismatic

Propelled by this authentic relationship, the

Movement in Singapore", a book covering

Church will rightly represent God and speak

the 1972 renewal that swept through

the Good News to the unreached, the last,

Singapore. The book records the ACS clock

the least and the lost, both in Singapore and

tower revival based on archived materials

in other nations.

and interviews with some of those involved.

The teachers’ band led the next segment

Preparations for the Homecoming event

of worship and prayer. Time was given for

began in April with the formation of the

the younger ones to pray for the adults

organising committee. It included students

present and vice versa. Rev Wendy Watson

from ACJC, ACS (Barker Road) and ACS

also led in a time of repentance for the role

(Independent), supported by the Christian

of the Church since the 1972 movement

Ministry staff from the three schools and

of the Holy Spirit. Mr Quek Peck Leng,

Barker Road Methodist Church.

September 2022 Methodist Message 7

Koh Geok Cheng worships at Wesley Methodist Church and serves as the Treasurer for Wesley GYM. She is also the TRAC WSCS Treasurer. / Additional information and photos from Alpha SG and Alpha Asia Pacific

Speaking to the hearts of Mandarin-speakers with the Chinese Alpha Film Series

T

he Alpha film series is a collection of videos featuring interviews with public figures and people with

inspiring stories, providing an opening for introducing the Christian faith in an accessible manner. The series was produced in English and dubbed in 52 other languages, enabling more people groups to be reached.

With Mandarin speakers constituting a significant proportion of the world’s population, the Alpha team responded to God’s prompting to produce the Chinese

A preview of episode 1 of the Chinese Alpha Film series

Alpha Film series (CAFS). More than a dubbed version of the original Alpha film series, the CAFS is Alpha’s first fully contextualised version of the Alpha series in a

language other than English. This allows a Mandarin-speaking audience to hear about the Christian faith in a language that they are comfortable with and in a cultural context that is familiar to them.

The entire film series was filmed and produced during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Amid lockdowns, travel restrictions and Covid-19 infections, God provided and enabled the team to focus on their work and complete the series despite the obstacles faced. It was officially launched in Kuala Lumpur on 10 July 2022.

Reverend Miles Toulmin, Executive Director of Alpha Asia Pacific and Vicar of Holy Trinity Bukit Bintang (HTBB), said, "I am hugely excited at the potential of this new, contextualised CAFS. I believe this is a powerful tool for evangelism for the Chinese speaking churches in Singapore

The Chinese Annu al Conference (CAC) collaborated with Alpha Singapore to launc h the much-awaited Chinese Alpha Film Series. Filmed withi n an Asian context an d featuring Chinese presenters and interv iews, the series bridges cultural and linguistic gaps, and sets the perfect stage to present the gospel message to a Chinese audience.

Held at Toa Payoh Ch inese Methodist Church on 31 July, the conference kicked off with a presentatio n of the first episode of the Chinese Alpha Film Series, titled “Is There More to Life tha n This?”. Attendees were also able to lea rn more about the making of the series , and were exhorted to get intentional abou t creating evangelis tic opportunities for the Chinese-speaking community in Singa pore.

and for reaching Chinese people with the gospel around the world."

Mr Kenneth Yap, a member of HTBB which hosted the launch, said, "The

CAC and ALPHA SINGAPORE

CAFS could potentially be a big catalyst

will be initiating the Mid-Autumn pilot run of the Chinese Alpha Film Series on Saturday, 10 September 2022.

If you wish to know more about how to be a part of this run, or how to start an Alpha run for the Chinese-speaking

in the world of Christian evangelism in Asia. With all of the content now contextualised, the CAFS should find broader appeal among Mandarinspeakers as viewers would be hearing the message from people that look like them and sound like them."

community within your church, email

info@alpha.org.sg

An interview with Pastor Andrew Chai (middle), illustrator and presenter for the Chinese Alpha Film Series, together with Steve Chao (right), director for the series.

September 2022 Methodist Message 9

Rev Dr Nathanael Goh is the Assistant Pastor at Sengkang Methodist Church.

Rev Dr Daniel K S Koh is a Pastor of Barker Road Methodist Church overseeing Oasis BRMC Mission at Bukit Batok. Both writers received their PhD degrees in Theology and Religion from Durham University, UK and specialise in Christian ethics.

THINK

A Christian response to the repeal of Section 377A of the Penal Code

A

t the National Day Rally this year, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong announced

Engagement with public policy for the common good

the Government’s intention to repeal

Even though our consistent position on

Section 377A of the Penal Code ("377A") and

marriage, education, and religious freedom

decriminalise sex between men. PM Lee

is shared by people of different faiths or

also announced that the Government would

none, there are some who criticise the

protect the definition of marriage between

Church for commenting on issues of law.

a man and a woman from being challenged

Others may accuse Christians of a sinister

constitutionally in the courts and would

desire to impose Christian morality as law.

amend the Constitution in order to protect it.1

Some construe any move to enshrine the traditional understanding of marriage as an

We would like to reiterate that The Methodist

undermining of the secular character of the

Church in Singapore has not changed our

Constitution. The truth of the matter is that

stance, as outlined in our response to the

correlation is not causation. Just because

announcement, 2 Methodist Social Principles,3

the Government intends to enshrine the

as well as our agreement with the statements

traditional definition of marriage does not

made by the National Council of Churches

mean that it has arrived at that decision by

Singapore (NCCS) on this matter.4

way of specifically religious reasoning.

10 Methodist Message

September 2022

Only Parliament has the authority to

As Christians, we are called neither to

promulgate laws and has the responsibility

privilege nor pliancy. We do not want to

of doing so. However, like any citizen and

participate in either religious or secular

local association, Christians and our Church

sectarianism. Rather, we believe it is

have an equal right and responsibility to

our God-given responsibility to seek the

express our concerns on matters related to

common good and the welfare of our

our country and social well-being. Our public

country. We are committed to public

statements are guided by a fundamental

engagement for the sake of the good of all.

principle: to serve the common good of our

This vision of communion—of a good that

nation. There is a well-documented tradition

would truly be common—is what energises

of Christian theology that counsels the

our engagement on substantive matters of

Church to direct political reasoning towards

public interest.

the good of the community. Christian faith, in this sense, does not supply a political

There is no doubt that our Christian vision

agenda. Rather, it compels us to exemplify a

of human flourishing may be at odds with

care for our common life and future. Thus, the

ideals or priorities held by others. We do

safeguards we urge are not because we want

not claim to be the sole arbiters of what is

to preserve Christian morality for its own sake,

good for society. We do not seek to be the

but for the sake of the well-being of society.

main actor on the national stage. We also do not deny the right of others to express

Our Church does not believe that

their views and ideas, even when it is in

individualism, writ large, seen for example

opposition to what we believe. However,

in what Charles Taylor et al has critiqued

we do strongly disagree with attempts

as atomistic individualism, is the standard

to mischaracterise Christian beliefs as

of human flourishing by which to measure

harmful discrimination. Furthermore, we

public policy. Our beliefs are grounded in a

are concerned that our right to share our

vision of human flourishing that stands apart

convictions stemming from (but which are

from, but does not deny, personal choices

definitely not exclusive to) our Christian

and benefits. In this vision, every institution—

beliefs, may be excluded on the ground

like marriage, family, or schools—exists for

that they cross over into politics. As our

the common good. Our request that the

Social Principles state, "decision making

Government put in place safeguards in these

by consensus is fair and effective only

areas is based on the conviction that Christian

if the people have sufficient and safe

morality can serve the common good of all.

channels opened to them to participate in

5

meaningful and honest discussion, without The distinction is important: we believe that

fear of reprisal".6 How we engage in dialogue

what serves the common good is ultimately

and public reasoning, even when we are

beneficial for all individuals; conversely,

opposed to begin with, may be as profound

not every freely chosen individual choice is

a priority as what we profess.

beneficial for all. Our expressing this is not an attempt to impose a specifically Christian

We therefore affirm the Government's call

morality. It is rather to engage in a robust

to exercise restraint, and to avoid extreme

conversation about differing visions of the

demands. We fully agree on the need

Good drawn from shared morality. There will

to protect our capacity to live together

be differing views and emphases, but it is

peacefully and render mutual assistance to

obvious that one does not need, in principle,

each other.

to affirm any specific religion to concur with these broader concerns.

September 2022 Methodist Message 11

A Christian response to the repeal of Section 377A of the Penal Code

Repealing 377A: What Methodists can and must do in response

The repeal of 377A and the safeguarding

The recognition that we need each other

though vitally important and deserving of

recalls the Wesleyan commitment to

our attention and representations, are not,

social holiness—holiness that is pursued

finally, our highest priorities. The world will

and achieved in community, not solitarily.

not end if, or when, 377A is repealed. The

We welcome anyone who wrestles with

God of our Christian faith is sovereign over

sexuality into the hospitality of the Church.

the universe, and the arc of history bends

True freedom is found not in atomistic

inexorably towards his throne. We appeal for

individualism, but in bringing our desires

all Methodists to keep everyone involved in

into accordance with our Creator’s design.

this discussion—the Government, members

We will not abandon anyone to the vagaries

of Parliament, community stakeholders,

of human experience and desire. Let us be

advocacy groups, and all the inhabitants of

unequivocally clear: our Methodist churches

this city—in prayer.

of marriage and other aspects of law,

are open to everyone.

In all things, we are empowered by the love The reminder of the Methodist ethicist Paul

of God to manifest his love through our

Ramsey is wise: "Let the church be the church

concrete acts for others. Expressing our

and let the magistrate be the magistrate."

concerns about 377A is one, but not the only,

7

The Bible teaches us that the hope of the

expression of our love for our neighbours. Let

world does not lie in the realm of legislation

us not become weary in doing good. When

or public morality, but in the advent of a new

the dust on this debate settles, may it be said

creation in Christ. We do not expect God to

of Methodists in Singapore that it was not

save the world through our human reason,

coercion but rather the conviction of the holy

our pursuit of justice, our struggle for human

love of God that illuminated our response to

rights, or even by our best efforts to order the

the repeal of 377A and that in our response

world for the better, important as they are. But

we have reflected the God whose Nature and

while we live in the world, we submit to the

Name is love.

God-given authority bestowed on a legitimate Government, for the ways of judgment. We will not project our hopes for public life upon the world by sheer force of will, or by drowning out other voices in the public square.

A Wesleyan voice in public affairs is not

https://www.todayonline.com/singapore/ndr-2022section-377a-repeal-constitution-1974206

1

2 https://methodist.org.sg/index.php/what-shappening/789-mcs-response-to-repeal-of-section-377apenal-code

just a voice per se, but "action… in the form

3 https://methodist.org.sg/images/mcs/pdf/methodistsgsocial-principles-2020.pdf

of community". 8 A genuinely Methodist

4

response to developments surrounding 377A will neither consist primarily of public proclamations of our moral stand, nor merely in seeking to influence the Government to instantiate our moral vision

https://nccs.org.sg/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/NCCSStatemt-on-Repeal-of-S377A-20220821.pdf. See also https:// nccs.org.sg/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/NCCS-Responseto-Minister-K.-Shanmugams-parliamentary-speech-onthe-Court-of-Appeal-Ruling-on-Repeal-of-Section-377A-. pdf, or https://nccs.org.sg/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/ NCCS-Statement-Retain-377A.pdf

love God by loving our neighbour remains.

5 See, for example, Charles Taylor, Sources of the Self: The Making of Modern Identity, Cambridge: Harvard University Press, 1989.

Methodists must, through the Spirit’s help,

6

demonstrate a community of love to the

7

or policy goals. The call for Christians to

world. It is our joy to remind all, regardless of sexual inclinations, of their sacred worth before God. It is also our duty to surround all persons with the love and support needed to live faithfully before the face of God. 12 Methodist Message

September 2022

Methodist Social Principles, "The Sphere of Politics", §1c.

Paul Ramsey, Who Speaks for the Church? (Nashville, TN: Abingdon, 1967), 157.

8 Ryan Nicholas Danker, "Early Methodist Societies as an Embodied Politic: Intentionality and Community as a Wesleyan Political Vision", in Exploring a Wesleyan Political Theology (Nashville, TN: Wesley’s Foundery Books, 2020), 65.

Dr Morgan Zhou is the Chairperson of the TRAC Board of Children's Ministry and the Children's Ministry Coordinator at Fairfield Methodist Church.

How does meritocracy fit into our Christian worldview?

T

he Merriam-Webster dictionary refers to

Since Singapore’s independence, a

meritocracy as a "system, organisation,

meritocratic system has been the nation’s

or society in which people are chosen

main principle of governance and this

and moved into positions of success,

has allowed many Singaporeans to move

power, and influence on the basis of their

up the social ladder, resulting in high

demonstrated abilities and merit". In public

standards of living and the nation’s very

discourse, the promise of equality in terms

high GDP per capita figures 1 in the world 2.

of social mobility, opportunity, recognition

While Singapore is recognised as a global

and social justice embedded in merit is

financial hub, there are growing concerns

generally agreeable with people’s basic

about social mobility and the perpetuation

moral understandings; in recent times,

of class divides. For instance, academically

widening social inequality (perceived or

gifted students in Singapore move along

otherwise) in Singapore has renewed calls

a certain pathway and are more likely to

for a rethink of meritocracy.

benefit socio-economically from scholarship September 2022 Methodist Message 13

and career opportunities. After attaining

homes to increase chances of enrolling

some measure of success, these individuals

into a particular school. The danger arises

invest heavily in their children’s educational

when we work hard for and take credit

pathways compared to others and a

for achievements and success in school,

cycle of socio-economic achievement is

ministry and career.

perpetuated within certain segments of society.

Jillian Lee, Principal of Sterling Campus, a Christian organisation that offers resources

There is a temptation for those of us

for faith-life integration, worldview

to come out thinking that we are the

development, and redemptive action,

"winners" of this meritocratic system

teaches her students about their role (as

primarily because we have made the

people redeemed by God’s grace) in society:

right choices and are more disciplined

"I got my students to fold paper airplanes in

and hardworking than others. Christian

a competition to see whose plane would go

author and minister Morgan Guyton shares

the furthest but rigged it by telling a few of

that such statements should never come

them in advance to look up how to fold the

out of the mouth of a Christian because

best planes. The game highlights how some

our most basic theological conviction

get an advantage over others (through

is that everything in life is a gift from

tuition, enrichment classes and social-

God: "The moralistic meritocracy that so

cultural capital) in standardised tests (or the

many Christians today proudly espouse is

equivalent) which does not consider other

exactly what the Christian doctrine of our

strengths like compassion and the ability to

justification by God’s grace is supposed to

relate well to others." 4

protect us against." 3 After the exercise, the students discussed The goal of a meritocratic endeavour is to

how they were so much a part of the system

ascend a ladder, to work your way up to

(that they were blinded to the fact that the

successful outcomes. This is clearly at odds

odds were stacked against those from a

with the notion that we are sinners saved

lower socio-economic stratum) and made

by grace through faith, revealed by Jesus’

a commitment to partner God to image

death on the cross for our sins—we cannot

justice into the world imago Dei and not

earn our salvation; it is entirely God’s grace,

rely on the government alone to fix things.

his free, undeserved favour to mankind.

The Gini coefficient, used to analyse Some of us might even consider Ephesians

income inequality (where a coefficient

2:8-9 (NIV), "For it is by grace you have

of 0 reflects total income equality and

been saved, through faith—and this is not

a coefficient of 1 reflects total income

from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not

inequality), in Singapore has decreased

by works, so that no one can boast," only

from 0.41 in 2012 to 0.36 in 2021. 5 Data from

for salvation, and revert to a meritocratic

Oxfam’s Inequality Index (which measures

mindset for everything else. These

a country’s commitment to reducing

could include overloading children with

inequality) indicates that Singapore has

unnecessary enrichment classes or moving

moved up the index significantly in recent

14 Methodist Message

September 2022

times 6. The improvement in scores reflects

Have we bought so deeply into the

governmental commitment and policies

meritocratic mindset that we have

in public services, tax and labour rights

forgotten to be more open and

to reducing inequality, but will that be

compassionate to meet the real needs of

enough? What is the Church's and, more

people who have not benefitted as much

importantly, our response to the inequality

from society’s progress? As God’s elect,

we see around us in society?

let us remember Ephesians 2:10 (NIV), "For we are God’s handiwork, created in

Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong

Christ Jesus to do good works, which God

recently called on Singaporeans to offer

prepared in advance for us to do." We have

ideas to shape the future of Singapore as

been saved from the wrath that we rightly

part of a Forward Singapore road map to

deserve and are being made into something

be released in the middle of 2023 that will

beautiful—becoming active in good works—

set out both policy recommendations and

for his purposes and glory and as a united

how various parts of society can better

church community.

contribute to the nation's shared goals, based on its values of a united people and a

Let us consider how we may catalyse

society that is just and equal.

conversations in church and society to spur one another on toward love and good

He shared: "I hope to see a society and

deeds, living as righteous people under

system that benefits many, not a few;

grace for the benefit of others instead

that rewards a wide variety of talents,

of self-glorification. What do we need to

not a conventional or narrow few; that

repent of and what work is the Lord stirring

values and celebrates all individuals for

in our hearts to undertake today?

who they are and what they can achieve; and provides all with opportunities to do better throughout their lives… We cannot abandon meritocracy, but I believe we can improve it and make ours a more open and compassionate meritocracy." 7

1 https://www.singstat.gov.sg/finddata/search-by-theme/economy/ national-accounts/latest-data

https://www.worldeconomics.com/ Wealth

2

https://um-insight.net/in-thechurch/practicing-faith/whymoralistic-meritocracy/

3

From personal interviews with Jillian Lee, shared with permission.

4

https://www.statista.com/ statistics/951976/singapore-ginicoefficient-after-tax/

5

6

https://www.inequalityindex.org

https://www.straitstimes.com/ singapore/lawrence-wonglaunches-forward-spore-to-setout-roadmap-for-a-society-thatbenefits-many-not-a-few 7

September 2022 Methodist Message 15

By Lianne Ong, Editor of Methodist Message / Photos courtesy of Josef Lee, Teresa Chiok, Wesley Loh and Valerie Tang-Yong

Feature

Discovering my gifts in the Arts We speak to Methodists from the Arts sector on how they were led to their careers and discovered their God-given gifts.

Josef Lee, 43 | Owner of a design and animation studio, published illustrator and author

M

y father passed away when I was very young and my mum had to bring me and my two

brothers up single-handedly, working two jobs.

We were aged 12, 11 and 8 at the time. Today, all three of us are in the media and arts industry and doing well in our respective areas. This wouldn't have been possible without God's grace. My artistic skills and any talents that I have are all gifts from God, but practice and striving for excellence is necessary too. Even after being in the creative field for so long, I'm still learning. Right now, I'm pursuing a Masters in Design part-time.

My choice to enter this field is not because academic pathways were closed to me. I did pretty well in in school actually. For my O-Levels, I got 10 points for L1R5 and that made me eligible for most schools. In fact, I had already decided on this path as early as Secondary 2. My elder brother (just one year older than me) was probably an influence as well as his grades were good too but he decided to pursue a diploma in the media and arts field. My mother had no objections at all— she was open-minded and never questioned our choices. Temasek Polytechnic's School of Design was the most well-known in this area during my time, so that's where I went.

To young persons who are thinking of their career choices, find your passion and continue to work hard on becoming better at whatever you are doing. You can all find success in whichever field we are in, so long as you are passionate and really good at your craft.

16 Methodist Message

September 2022

Teresa Chiok, 32 | Ballet teacher

I

didn’t do well in school. While I was an average student, I had always been

interested in the Arts, whether it was fine art, music or dance. Since I was young, I put in a lot of time and effort into my interests.

I guess it's not surprising that I did better in the humanities subjects in school and also in music and dance. But this was not the reason why I pursued dance as a career.

It never occurred to me that I could venture into dance education. I embarked on a career in photography first. I started to think about ballet as my career only after realising I didn’t enjoy taking photographs of people I didn't know. The turning point came after I became an assistant teacher for my mentor. I realised I really enjoyed teaching ballet and seeing improvements in my students, no matter how big or small the improvements were.

God has blessed me by giving me the opportunity to meet the right people at the right time. Dance education would never have been an option for me if I had not met

younger generation. Parents these days are

my mentor. By God’s grace, things just fell

also more open-minded in allowing their

into place after I started my journey as a

children to pursue the Arts as a career.

ballet teacher.

Everyone has their own path to take, at Being in the Arts sector is amazing and

their own pace. Having a career is not

so fulfilling, but it's not easy, especially in

about racing against others. It’s more about

current times. However, I’m glad the Arts is

choosing something that you can envision

gaining more awareness amongst the

yourself doing for a long time.

September 2022 Methodist Message 17

Discovering my gifts in the Arts

Wesley Loh, 51 | Photographer I didn’t know what "it" was supposed to be, but I received it in faith. If it’s something from God, it must be good right? I was surprised, happy and slightly ashamed for being impatient with God. After the service ended, I walked back to my hotel room. I looked down the corridor and as I did so my mind began to abstract the corridor into graphic structural lines.

I was stunned.

I had never seen things that way before.

I realised God was super interested in my photography. This gift of abstraction is foundational in my photography. Without it, I

M

wouldn’t be here today doing the work I do. y first years of work were in the information technology (IT) field.

As of today, I’ve been doing photography for

After three years of going through systems

33 years. It's been such a wonderful journey

analysis, database and web design, I

and I’m content and happy.

was bored. During those years I was freelancing in photography, so I thought I’d try doing it full-time as a professional photographer. I fell in love with the business of photography, and decided to continue with it.

In my youth, I was not sure if God was interested in my photography hobby. I didn't think of photography as a pursuit in spiritual matters and it had no bearing on God to bless my photography. However, when I was about 30 years old, I had a spiritual experience that directly impacted my photography. At that time, I had plateaued in my journey as a photographer, and much as I tried to study and research, I knew I was missing something.

At a Methodist camp in Malacca, I remember quite vividly the speaker asking if there was anyone who needed prayer, and I went up to the altar.

"God says you are impatient," the speaker told me. "But he says he will give it to you now."

18 Methodist Message

September 2022

Photo credit: School of the Arts Singapore (SOTA)

my studies. It never occurred to me to ask

Valerie Tang-Yong, 37 | Makeup artist

M

y academic path was smooth.

I went to a SAP school and

Junior College, trained to be an accountant, and obtained a degree with distinction. I worked in one of the largest business consultancies for many years. That's like the 'ideal' Singapore education pathway.

However, I didn't find job satisfaction.

When my then-boyfriend decided to embark on theological studies, I decided to take up a makeup course.

At that time, I was running an online clothing store as a side hustle, so it made sense to learn makeup so that I could save money on hiring a makeup artist for photoshoots.

I had no intention to work full-time as a makeup artist, but once I became a qualified makeup artist, God provided work right from the start. I was so overwhelmed doing both jobs I had to choose one to focus on. I had no idea I would enjoy doing makeup and hairstyling so much. I believe God led me to pick up this particular set of skills! I enjoy interacting with my clients very much and finding out about their lives.

When my husband and I got married, we quit our jobs. Timothy left his job as an auditor in

Photo credit (top and bottom): The Beautiful Moment Photography

PricewaterhouseCoopers to work in a church and I became a full-time makeup artist. His parents were a bit shocked but mine were quite chill as they are very entrepreneurial by nature.

To any young person thinking about your career path, just go with God’s flow. Don’t be hung up about the job you have in mind, because God might lead you elsewhere!

September 2022 Methodist Message 19

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 sacrament of divine love A

s I write this article, many churches in Singapore are welcoming the return of their members to on-site Sunday services as Covid-19 measures are further relaxed by the government. The excitement of being able to gather physically in the sanctuary in such large numbers for worship is palpable, as many Christians experience a renewed sense of togetherness—the joy of being a community.

The Church is indeed an assembly (ecclesia) and a fellowship (koinonia) of believers. However, it is a special and unique community that can never be reduced to a social club. Neither is it an association formed on the basis of common human desires, interests or cause, however noble.

Indeed, the Church as the assembly of God’s people defies all sociological, cultural, political and phenomenological definitions. It can only be understood theologically.

WE ARE HIRING! FINANCE MANAGER To apply and view other Employment Opportunities at MCS, visit

bit.ly/mcsjobs

Alternatively, send your resume to

hr@methodist.org.sg

The magisterial reformers of the 16th century—Martin Luther and John Calvin— described the Church as the creatura verbi, a creature of the word of God. The Church, in other words, came into being because of the divine initiative—it is the product of God’s grace.

Gathered in the name of Jesus Christ, the Church is so profoundly and intimately united with her Saviour by the power of the Holy Spirit that she is described in Scripture as the body of her Lord (1 Cor 12:27; Rom 12:45; Eph 4:4).

"The image of the body of Christ", explains theologian Millard Erickson, "emphasises the connection of the [C]hurch as a group of believers, with Christ. Salvation, in all of its complexity, is in large part a result of union with Christ." 1 There is a real sense in which the Church—as Christ’s visible body—is where the Saviour can be found. In his "Sermon on the Gospel for the Early Christmas Service", Martin Luther explicates this profound truth in this way: "The Christian [C]hurch… keeps all the words of God in her heart and ponders them, compares one with the other and with Holy Scriptures. Therefore [anyone] who wants to find Christ, must first find the [C]hurch.

How would one know Christ and faith in him if one did not know where they are who believe in him?"

Echoing the teaching of the early fathers of the Church, Luther adds that the Church has "Christ in [her] midst, for outside the Christian [C]hurch there is no truth, no Christ, no salvation." 2 Furthermore, as a community of believers united with Christ, the Church is a providential sign and symbol, indeed a mediator of God’s grace and love for the world. As the Methodist theologian Geoffrey Wainwright has put so well: "It is as men and women find, with the help of the liturgy, 'centre of gravity and value' in God that they are able to orient their lives, as themselves a kind of sacrament of the divine love, towards the welfare of all persons created in the image of God and called to his likeness." 3

As God’s people gather to worship and to listen to God’s Word read and proclaimed, they are continually being transformed by the truths and the values enshrined in the Holy Scriptures. They become a "community of character", to borrow Stanley Hauerwas’ arresting expression, manifesting love for God and for one another, and displaying authentic joy, peace, freedom and justice.4 The Christian life is not just about personal devotion to God. It has to do also with that profound sense of what John Wesley calls social holiness—that genuine agapic concern for each other.

This includes making a deliberate effort to embrace those in the Christian community whom we have consciously or unconsciously marginalised—and there are such persons in every church! The Christian community, shaped by God’s Word and energised by his Spirit, must embody the undiscriminating and self-giving love of Jesus Christ.

And as the Church becomes by God’s grace what it has been created to be, it can reach out redemptively to the world. It becomes "a kind of sacrament of divine love" (Wainwright), a means of divine grace, a witness and an instrument of God’s mercy and love.

For as Luther asserts, "The church is not wood and stone, but the assembly of people who believe in Christ." The Church is the communion of believers living the cruciform (cross-shaped) life and being transformed into the image of their Lord (2 Cor 3:18).

It is the body of Christ, where the Saviour of the world can be found.

1 Millard Erickson, Christian Theology (Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker House, 1985), 1037.

Martin Luther, “Sermon on the Gospel for the Early Christmas Service”, in Church Postil (1522), in Luther’s Works, 55 Vols., ed. Jaroslav Pelikan and Helmut Lehman (Philadelphia and St. Louis: Fortress and Concordia, 1955-1986), 52:39-40.

2

Geoffrey Wainwright, Doxology: The Praise of God in Worship, Doctrine and Life (New York: Oxford University Press, 1963), 123 (emphasis added).

3

Stanley Hauerwas, A Community of Character: Toward a Constructive Christian Social Ethic (Notre Dame, In: University of Notre Dame Press, 1991).

4

September 2022 Methodist Message 21

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

Bridging the gap between seniors and sports Currently, six different types of adaptive sports are played in MWS, including archery, darts and badminton.

In the case of badminton, slower-descending balloons replace shuttlecocks, giving seniors more time to react, explained Brendon. For basketball, a modified 'hoop' created using a cluster of chairs arranged in a wide circle, makes it easier for seniors to score.

Brendon guiding a senior at MWS Senior Activity Centre - Teck Ghee Vista in adaptive darts, where the distance between dart board and player is adjusted according to his or her ability

A

ndy*, a resident at MWS Christalite Methodist Home (CMH), who is in the last stages of life, had been in low spirits, feeling bored and aimless.

But his days brightened with the introduction of adaptive sports at the Home. Now, he has something to look forward to every day— playing balloon badminton and other sports with his peers.

The man behind the initiative is Brendon Yam. As the programme development manager at MWS, he develops and oversees the implementation of adaptive sports activities for seniors at MWS CMH and MWS Senior Activity Centres (SACs). These activities are aligned with the MWS Allied Health team’s mission to maximise rehabilitation potential and optimise quality of life for the elderly beneficiaries through integrated and holistic programmes.

Making sports accessible to all seniors Sports that have been modified to enable people of differing physical abilities to participate, also known as adaptive sports, means that all seniors can get involved, be they fit, pre-frail or frail, including wheelchair users.

"We promote adaptive sports because they are inclusive. Unlike typical sports, adaptive sports allow seniors of different levels of fitness and frailty to play together," said Brendon. "Adaptive sports are also a great way for seniors to stay active and healthy, and make new friends."

22 Methodist Message

September 2022

"Our aim is to remove barriers to sports participation for seniors. Being able to achieve goals like hitting the winning shot during a basketball game, especially for the frail seniors, improves their self-esteem and mood," shared Brendon.

Finding joy in helping seniors thrive Brendon, 50, started his journey with MWS as a volunteer in April 2021, introducing adaptive sports to seniors.

He became a full-time staff member five months later. "I have always been interested in engaging seniors directly at the ground level. My past work experiences in policy and planning work did not allow for that," shared Brendon, referring to his senior management stints at a non-profit and an aged care agency.

"Engaging seniors and helping them grow in various areas of wellness through adaptive sports brings me great joy. Seeing their smiles when they overcome the challenges in the activities motivates me to keep going." *Not his real name

PARTNER US

TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE Looking for ways to positively impact the community? Build a meaningful career with us and join us to engage, enrich and empower the lives of the disadvantaged and distressed.

View our job openings at mws.sg/join-us.

Alternatively, email volunteer@mws.sg to join our pool of volunteers.

Daniel Loo has been a missionary with Methodist Missions Society (MMS) since 2016 and is the Pastor-in-Charge of Little Candles Methodist Church, Phrao, Thailand. / Photos courtesy of Daniel Loo

Outreach

Giving every child an opportunity for a future

Little Candles School as a ministry platform LCS has provided a platform for ministry to the students, staff, parents, and community over the years. This has included Christian teaching to the students through weekly Bible activities, daily praise and worship, and prayers before meals. The staff participate (top) Mother’s Day in 2015 (right) Ground -breaking ceremony on 10 November 2021

L

ittle Candles School (LCS) stems from a vision to bring the gospel to the Thai

people in the sub-district of Phrao, Chiang Mai. When my wife, Sharon, and I arrived in Phrao as missionaries in 2008 with a heart for church planning, we quickly discovered a means of connecting with the local people through the universal desire for education.

We found that many non-Christian Thais readily embraced the idea of a Christian education, even though they were hesitant to join a church.

By faith, we started a three half-day per week child-care programme in a rental apartment with six students (which included two of our own) and two staff. Within

in bible study lessons once a week, and join the Little Candles Methodist Church Sunday worship service at least once a month.

The school reaches out to the community through holiday events such as Christmas, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, and graduation where the children often do Christian presentations tied to the preaching of the gospel.

The success of the school through its awards has been recognised by Thailand's Ministry of Education, and the achievements of its students have also made a positive impact on the community. All these have enhanced the image of the church in Phrao.

two years, this expanded into a full-time registered nursery of 80 students and six staff. At that point, it became clear that new facilities were needed to accommodate the growing ministry, so we registered the Smart Kids Foundation in 2010 in order to purchase land and build the Little Candles Kindergarten, which commenced operations in 2012.

As of 2021, LCS had 168 students at kindergarten level and 30 students at nursery level, giving it the highest enrolment of all kindergartens in Phrao.

September 2022 Methodist Message 23

Giving every child an opportunity for a future

Expanding the school to include primary level education In 2020, after several years of discussion and planning, Sharon and I oversaw the transfer of land and facilities of LCS from the Smart Kids Foundation to the Muangthai Mettakij Foundation, a subsidiary of Methodist Missions Society (MMS), in Thailand.

This was done to ensure the long-term oversight of LCS under the accountability and support of MMS, and to expand the school to primary level education.

Construction of the new facilities began in November 2021 and is expected to be completed for Primary 1 intake from May 2023 (Phase 1), with the final building completed by 2024 (Phase 2). However, with Covid-19 restrictions, rising steel prices and

Christmas presentation in 2019

will influence the receptivity of future generations of community leaders to the Christian mission.

Funding targets for the building project have been reached in spite of increases in steel prices.

However, the School Board is considering raising additional funding for furnishing requirements

labour shortages, it has been challenging.

including tables and chairs, and improved facilities

Nevertheless, with no other Christian schools in

Will you help to give the children of Phrao the

Phrao, we envision that LCS will play a vital role.

such as science and computer lab equipment. opportunity for a future?

Not only will it serve the spiritual needs of the Christian community, but also provide quality education to the wider public while introducing them to the Christian faith. The presence of LCS

For information on how to make a donation, write to

mms@methodist.org.sg

You and Your Family

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

Breaking free from a legacy of wrath

I

n last month’s issue of Methodist Message,

that the angry outbursts are neither accidental

I shared about three men seeking to

nor spontaneous. Instead, it is volitional and

free themselves from the legacy of harsh

goal-directed behaviour—either to get what

parenting. In their childhood households,

we want or to help deal with unwanted

love and care was only shown, if at all, when

feelings like loneliness or shame.

they met parental expectations. Violence was used to resolve problems. Sadly, although

When I speak with men about this, many

unhappy with this way of relating, they found

protest. They say they cannot help how

themselves repeating the same patterns

they feel, for example getting offended or

with their spouses and children. This article

angry when others push their hot buttons.

will focus on how to break free from such a

They may also experience quick changes of

legacy and break the cycle of family violence.

emotions like being calm one moment and going ballistic the next.

The first step is to recognise it for what it is.

Relating to others in an overly controlling

This is when I clarify that feeling upset differs

fashion and using abuse or violence to get

from acting aggressively. The former is an

one’s way is wrong and sometimes, even

emotion, which occurs quickly and may take

criminal. It is also morally and spiritually

a long time to master. The latter, however, is a

unacceptable.

behaviour. For instance, if a car cuts into our lane we may feel angry and sound the horn or

What often prevents us from changing is our

flash our headlights. However, if it is a police

denial or justification of our behaviour, such

car with lights flashing and siren wailing,

as "I lost control", "It’s out of (my) character", "I

we usually find it in ourselves to restrain our

can’t help it", or "I’ve been under lots of stress

responses. The annoyance is the same in both

lately". Calling it a behaviour is to acknowledge

cases but the actions are very different.

September 2022 Methodist Message 25

Breaking free from a legacy of wrath

Recognising one's emotions

You will notice that the process of change

The road to change involves recognising

and healing begins with the self before

when one’s emotions are stirred up and

focusing on the relationship. Do not expect

taking action to manage one’s behaviour

forgiveness while the abuse and violence

before it is too late. Taking action involves

is still ongoing. Full reconciliation is not

learning a range of responses that match

possible when abusive partners’ actions keep

the intensity of the emotional escalation and

driving the victims away.

one’s capacity for control.

Patience from the victims is necessary but

Time out: Move away from the trigger

should be matched by perseverance to

Very high emotional escalation and low self-

change by the other. If you are living under

control may call for a contingency response.

the tyranny of a person with an explosive

The "time out" response—moving away

temper, do speak with someone for advice

from what is triggering the emotion and

on how to protect yourself and once safe,

going somewhere to cool down—is best.

begin the process of personal and relational

While this does not fix the problem, it limits

healing. If you need help to break free from

further damage. Time out is like applying

an abusive legacy, speak with someone you

the emergency brake to prevent a crash. This

respect and trust or call a helpline.

step of disengagement should be followed by steps to de-escalate one’s feelings.

Know that we are not meant to live in such misery and help is available.

Active problem-solving When the emotional state is at mid-range and one has some control, active problemsolving may be attempted. This may involve expressing oneself clearly and offering suggestions to resolve the situation. Before doing this, it is advisable to be calm and think through what to say in a measured way. If the attempt at problem-solving gets protracted or runs into a roadblock, stop before frustration sets in. If the causes of the problems are historical in nature, it may be time to find a mediator or a counsellor. Problem-solving is not about winning arguments and proving you are right. It is about finding a way forward that works for both.

When others’ actions annoy us and we are in a good state, we can choose to ignore them. Using healthy distraction or focusing on what is good in the relationship may be sufficient to diffuse our feelings. We need not fix everything that does not go our way.

Learning to master and apply these three categories of responses may be challenging but it helps to recognise that the journey of change can be long, with ups and downs.

26 Methodist Message

September 2022

RESOURCES FOR HELP National Care Hotline: 1800-202-6868 Society Against Family Violence: www.safv.org.sg admin@safv.org.sg (resources for both men and women)

Samaritans of Singapore: 1800-221-4444 pat@sos.org.sg

Amelia Leo is a Programmes Executive at the Worship & Church Music Department of the Methodist School of Music. She and her husband, Joshua Loke, share a passion for writing new songs and retuning old ones for the edification of the church.

Worship

Faith

exists in the community "I love you, Lord, oh your mercy never fails me" (Goodness of God, Bethel Music) "I will build my life upon your love" (Build My Life, Pat Barrett) "Hallelujah, praise the One who set me free" (Living Hope, Phil Wickham)

A

brief look at the top ten worship songs

has a purpose: we are called, so that all the

on Christian Copyright Licensing

communities around us will be blessed (Gen

International's list reveals what many of us

12:2-3); so that we may proclaim the good

sing in church today—heartfelt songs to God

news of Christ (1 Pet 2:9b).

about how he saved each of us, and how we each resolve to live for him. While there is

The communities around us will see God,

nothing wrong with such songs, they tend to

and thus be blessed, when we love one

dwell on our individual salvation experiences

another (1 Jn 4:12). But how does loving each

and responses. If these are the only songs we

other look like? Charles Wesley’s hymn, "All

sing, we will be missing out on a vital part of

Praise to Our Redeeming Lord", expounds

God’s redemptive plan—that God has called

on this. By grace, we are first reconciled

us to be "a holy nation, a people for his own

to God and to each other. On this basis, we

possession" (1 Pet 2:9).

are commanded to build each other up and journey together. Every individual gift is to be

That God calls us primarily as a community

lovingly offered to the service of the whole,

is well-established in Scripture. God’s

and unity is preserved through Jesus’ name.

covenant to Abraham involved him as well as his descendants (Gen 17:7); and God’s

The church today is surrounded by

call on the nation of Israel to be a holy

communities, societies, and nations wrecked

people (Deut 14:2) is also echoed in the

by division and strife. What a powerful

New Testament (1 Pet 2:9). Furthermore,

testimony it would be if, in Wesley’s words,

our calling as a faith community always

"our fellowship below in Jesus be so sweet"!

September 2022 Methodist Message 27

Faith exists in the community

ALL PRAISE TO OUR REDEEMING LORD Words: Charles Wesley / Music: Joshua & Amelia Loke

All praise to our redeeming Lord, who joins us by his grace,

and bids us, each to each restored, together seek his face.

He bids us build each other up; and gathered into one,

to our high calling’s glorious hope, we hand in hand go on.

The gift which he on one bestows we all delight to prove;

the grace through every vessel flows, in purest streams of love.

Even now we think and speak the same, and cordially agree; concentered all, through Jesus' name, in perfect harmony.

We all partake the joy of one, the common peace we feel,

a peace to sensual minds unknown, a joy unspeakable.

And if our fellowship below in Jesus be so sweet,

What height of rapture shall we know When round his throne we meet.

Note: This hymn was retuned in 2020 by local composers in the hope that more will sing these texts in churches today.

28 Methodist Message

September 2022

YouTube link

He Sihao worships and serves at Ang Mo Kio Chinese Methodist Church. He is currently pursuing a Bachelor's degree programme in Communications at Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS) and working at Spartans Boxing Club. / Photo courtesy of Jonathan See

How to gain, save and give all that I can

B

eing a Methodist is to love God and our neighbours in all aspects of life, including through the good stewardship of wealth. This occurred to me when I started working recently.

John Wesley viewed stewardship as an integral part of discipleship. In his sermon on "The Use of Money", Wesley stated that Methodists ought to "Gain all you can", "Save all you can", and ultimately, "Give all you can".

I was proud of myself for having fulfilled two out of the three exhortations. To work hard and to save diligently is exactly what I have been doing.

On closer reflection, I learnt that Wesley meant for us to "Gain" without harming our body, soul

by Kopikaki team

or others and Creation. To "Save" means to live simply and forego an extravagant lifestyle.

This leads to us being able to "Give all you can", where the act of giving is an expression of our love for both God and our neighbour. In Wesley's words, "(money) is an excellent gift of God, answering the noblest ends. ln the hands of his children, it is food for the hungry, drink for the thirsty, raiment for the naked. It gives to the traveller and the stranger where to lay his head."

This is how I can love my neighbour. I can express my love by ensuring that my neighbours, as children of God, do not lack for anything, while I am content with what I have.

DISCIPLESHIP: HELPING PEOPLE BECOME FULLY MATURE IN CHRIST 19, 26 Sep / 3, 10, 17, 31 Oct / 7 Nov 2022, (Mondays), 7.30 p.m. to 9.30 p.m.

Wesley Methodist Church / via Zoom (TBC) Visit https://ttc.edu.sg/english/study-at-ttc/equip-course-details-1/ $100 (Free for TTC Alumni and TTC Matriculated Students / Registration required) The gospel is not just about saving people from hell. God is saving people to be a new humanity, people who bear the image of Jesus. Most churches have some discipleship programme but this course will not focus on programmes.

We will re-examine, from the context of Scripture and the realities of life today, how to help our people grow in Christlikeness. We will look at what Christlikeness looks like, and at the resources God has given us to help people to be more like Jesus. Our focus is not on some group of spiritual elites but on helping all of God’s people become “fully mature in Christ” (Colossians 1: 28–29). The class will become a learning community where instructor and class members will seek the Lord together for His wisdom on this critical subject.

Organised by EQUIP

VOCATIONAL CONVERSATIONS: DISCERNING YOUR PASTORAL CALL 1 October 2022, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Toa Payoh Methodist Church Visit tiny.cc/TRAC_discern Vocational Conversations is an interactive session where you can explore more about your calling into full-time pastoral ministry. Hear stories and testimonies from various pastors about their journeys into the vocation and how the Lord has led them. This session is especially suited for those who have an interest or are discerning their call into the pastoral ministry. Come join the conversation.

Organised by TRAC Board of Ministry

THE FAITH WE SING: CHARLES WESLEY FOR THE CHURCH TODAY 8 October 2022, Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Holland Village Methodist Church Register by 30 September at https://msmusic.edu.sg/events/tfws2022/ Come and discover the richness of our Methodist tradition, and its relevance to the times we live in! Join ST Kimbrough, the founding President of the Charles Wesley Society (USA) as he sheds light on Charles Wesley’s theology and its importance in today’s world. Thereafter, expand your horizons with a series of skills training workshops and a song festival based on locally-composed tunes and Charles Wesley texts.

Organised by Methodist School of Music

PASSING ON FAITH 15 October 2022, Saturday, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

ACS (Barker Road), Mrs Lee Choon Guan Concert Hall Register at https://tinyurl.com/passingonfaith2022-MFM In today’s climate of uncertainty, our children will need tools to face the challenges that come ahead. In this season, the role of fathers as spiritual heads of the home has never been more important. How can fathers pass on faith and anchor our next generation for the future? The Methodist Fathers Movement aims to build up fathers so that they can raise strong families. Come and find out what the new season of fatherhood and son-/daughter-ship entails. Be encouraged by God’s Word and receive an impartation of blessing to become the best father you can be. Hear from our speakers Bishop Emeritus Dr Wee Boon Hup, Mr Jason Wong, and a panel of pastors and young adult leaders. This event is open to all fathers, spouses and families.

Organised by Methodist Fathers Movement