Methodist Message: February 2023

The Wesleyan Quadrilateral: What is it and is it relevant today?

Does my denomination matter to God?

Fred Pratt Green: The other Methodist hymn writer

Editorial Board

Dr Anthony Goh

Communications Manager

Lynn Tan

Managing Editor

Alvin Tay Editor

Lianne Ong Communications Executive

Kathrynn Koh

Sub-editors

Lucy Cheng

Janice Khoo

Tan Chiu Ai

Proofreaders

Kenneth Lee

Christabel Tan

Contents

/ Bishop’s Message /

/ News /

3 Christmas outreach events for migrant workers

5 Not kidding around: Methodist preschools are keeping step with the tech age

/ Feature /

8 The Wesleyan Quadrilateral: What is it and is it relevant today?

11 Does my denomination matter to God?

13 Finding faith while working abroad: Migrant workers who found their home in Methodist churches

/ Opinion /

16 Soundings: Hymning our spiritual heritage

/ Outreach /

19 Breaking the poverty cycle

21 What do heroes look like?

/ Worship /

24 Fred Pratt Green: The other Methodist hymn writer

/ Relationships /

26 You and Your Family: The apple does not fall far from the tree … or does it?

/ People /

29 Innovation requires courage

 Corrections & Clarifications

CAC Pastoral Appointments 2023

The following appointments were erroneously reported in the January 2023 issue (print edition) of Methodist Message. It should have been reported as

• District Superintendent District 2: 吴毅华牧师 Rev Andy Goh Yik Wah

• District Superintendent District 3: 何秋吟牧师 Rev Helen Hoe Chiew Ngin Update in Jan 2023: Retired pastor Rev Daniel Teoh Kean Oon will no longer be re-engaged with CAC.

47th

The 47th Trinity Annual Conference was hosted by Barker Road Methodist Church. This was inadvertently omitted from the article.

Common principles of all Christianity

This is one of the many verses of Scripture that John Wesley quoted in an article he wrote entitled "The Character of a Methodist" .

Wesley writes that a Methodist is someone in whom "this commandment is written in his heart, that he who loveth God, love his brother also. And he accordingly loves his neighbour as himself; he loves every man as his own soul. His heart is full of love to all mankind." 1

After describing several other characteristics of a Methodist, Wesley then wrote (paragraph 17):

"These are the principles and practices of our sect, these are the marks of a true Methodist… If (any one should) say, 'Why these are only the common, fundamental principles of Christianity!' you have said; I reply: Indeed. This is the very truth. I know they are… and I would to God that you, and everyone, would also know that I, and all who follow my judgment, do vehemently refuse to be distinguished from other men, by any but the common principles of Christianity. The plain, old Christianity that I teach, renouncing and detesting all other marks of distinction." 2

1 John Wesley, "The Character of a Methodist" (paragraph 9).

2 John Wesley, “The Character of a Methodist” (paragraph 17). This is a paraphrase.

In other words, Wesley said that the fundamental characteristics of Methodists should be the fundamental characteristics of all Christians, plain and simple. So when Wesley preached—and Wesley preached a lot—he was not trying to preach Methodism. He was trying to preach basic Christianity.

Whilst this issue of Methodist Message features various aspects of our Methodist heritage, we should, like Wesley, "vehemently refuse to be distinguished from other men, by any but the common principles of Christianity".

May our Methodist heritage inform and inspire us on our journey through life with all true disciples of Jesus Christ, loving God with all our hearts by loving our neighbours as ourselves.

And this commandment we have from him: whoever loves God must also love his brother.

(1 John 4:21)

Photo by Benjamin Lee

Christmas celebrations for migrant workers bring volunteers from SSTMC and other Methodist churches together

Indian Friends Fellowship (IFF) of the Tamil Methodist Church, Short Street (SSTMC) had very exciting and inspiring Christmas celebrations for migrant workers. From 2 to 25 December 2022, several Christmas celebrations were held in 10 dormitories and at SSTMC. More than 2,000 migrant workers in total were able to attend the celebrations islandwide.

The entire effort brought together not just IFF's 25 regular volunteers, but also volunteers from other Methodist churches and beyond. Participating churches and organisations included a OneMCS cluster comprising Wesley Methodist Church, Kum Yan Methodist Church and SSTMC; Pentecost Methodist Church, Singapore Telegu Methodist Church, Mar Thoma Syrian Church in Singapore, The Salvation Army and Asia Evangelical Fellowship also lent their hand.

Justis Jegans serves in the Indian Friends Fellowship (IFF) at Tamil Methodist Church, Short Street (SSTMC). / Photos courtesy of IFF, SSTMC

Christmas celebrations for migrant workers

Celebration highlights

On 11 December, more than 70 migrant domestic workers (MDWs) of Tamil, Telugu and Malayalam descent took part in the Christmas celebrations held at SSTMC. This Christmas celebration was built upon a regular fellowship for MDWs that has been taking place every second Sunday of the month since 8 May 2022. Around 30 MDWs attend the fellowship regularly, which would start with lunch, followed by games, songs, message, prayer, and end with tea. The guests who attended the Christmas celebration have been invited to attend the monthly Sunday fellowship.

On 17 December, the Christmas celebration at Kaki Bukit Recreation Centre took into account that it was International Migrants Day on 18 December. About 30 volunteers from Wesley Methodist Church, 50 youths from Pentecost Methodist Church, as well as volunteers from The Salvation Army team came to support this event. Wesley Methodist Church's Creation Expressions Ministry performed. The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) supported this event by mobilising workers from the dormitories.

The grand finale was the Christmas celebration at SSTMC on Christmas Day. Nearly 200 migrant workers attended the celebration. They were all treated to a sumptuous Indian dinner. Many games and activities were organised for the migrant workers, including nativity scene costumes for photo-taking. They were gifted goody bags containing fruit, electrical and other gift items. Kum Yan Methodist Church supported this celebration by offering two vans to transport workers from the Space@Tuas and ASPRI-Westlite Papan dormitories.

With Christmas providing an opportunity to spread the gospel to migrant workers, the IFF prays and hopes that the message of Christmas will stay with them. The IFF was heartened by the positive feedback received on how participants enjoyed themselves, and would like to thank all who worked together to bring joy to the migrant workers during this festive season, including the Ministry of Manpower ACE Team, dormitory management and staff of the respective dormitories, and all volunteers from various churches and organisations for their support and funding.

Chan Yuey Sum is the Manager (Marketing &

at Methodist Preschool Services Pte Ltd (MPSPL) / Photos courtesy of MPSPL

Our Methodist preschools are keeping step with the tech age

In 2020, The Methodist Church in Singapore (MCS) set up Methodist Preschool Services Pte Ltd (MPSPL) to consolidate the operation and management of Methodist preschools (presently there are six) with the mission of providing "holistic and quality preschool education anchored on Christian values in a nurturing environment, to enable all children to maximise their potential".

MPSPL's Executive Director, Mr Roland Tan, says, "As faith-based preschools, we endeavour to provide distinctive Christian education in an environment where every child learns joyfully and confidently while developing godly character. Our dedicated and professional educators are committed to deliver a holistic STEM-based curriculum that encompasses both academic and character development 'to nurture children of Good Character with future-ready mindsets of an Explorer, Innovator and Entrepreneur'."

The testimonies of some parents whose children attended the MPSPL-managed preschools in 2022 affirm the direction taken by MPSPL.

Mr and Mrs David Wong , parents of Alden Wong (K1, Faith Methodist Preschool), were pleasantly surprised during a family outing to the shopping mall when Alden excitedly began explaining the science behind the automatic glass doors they had just walked through. Pointing to the motion sensors at the top of the doors, he surmised that similar sensors could be integrated with his LEGO toys to make them 'magical'! They have seen not only his knowledge of technology improve, but also his observation skills, his ability to understand and apply what he has been taught and to articulate his thoughts with confidence, all within a loving and caring environment which inculcates strong Christian values.

The teachers' regular feedback to these busy working parents has helped them to understand both Alden's strengths and challenging areas to work on. "Together with the teachers, we have seen him grow and mature into a more responsible boy," Mr Wong says with evident pride.

Mr and Mrs David Wong

Not kidding around: Our Methodist preschools are keeping step with the tech age

Mdm Goh Lay Kwan , mother of Emily (K2, Bedok Methodist Preschool), likes the school's attention to emotional and character development. She appreciates how the teachers have invested in Emily's life, teaching her good values, wanting for her to have a godly character, and to remain responsible and God-loving through to adulthood.

Emily had the opportunity to participate in a week-long Space Buds Programme at the preschool, where she learned about space and even interacted with a true-blue Asian, female astronaut. "To be able to hear stories from an astronaut's perspective was so valuable and so interesting for her."

Mrs Tulika Nayyar , mother of Aadya (K1, Foochow Methodist Preschool), praises its holistic programme which not just prepares the children to be ready for primary school but also to face bigger challenges. She has seen how the curriculum encourages creativity. With programmes like LEGO (Build the Change) Minecraft Education, Mrs Nayyar is also appreciative of the teachers and staff who, in her own words, "nurture the children, help them build confidence, and in general make them good citizens" having the right moral values.

Mr and Mrs Borhade Sumit, parents of Charvee (K1, Sengkang Methodist Preschool), endorse the preschool's all-round focus on a child's academic, spiritual as well as social development. "Every Friday, there's Chapel, I've myself learnt a few things from her! For instance, she once came home and told me we should be kind and thankful to people around us," says Mrs Sumit.

Mr Sumit is equally awed by Charvee's intellectual progress. He recounts their astonishment when Charvee was able to help her mother at the supermarket to open her phone camera, scan the barcode of an item and proceed with the checkout. Since then, his daughter has started taking great interest in his work as a software engineer, asking endless questions about the devices she sees on his desk, and how they operate.

Mrs Tulika Nayyar and

Mr and Mrs Borhade Sumit

Mr Tian Jian , father of Zexuan (N1, Toa Payoh Methodist Preschool), is another parent who is impressed, noting that the teachers treat the children with love, patience and gentleness, always encouraging them and helping them to form good habits. "Zexuan learned from his teachers to share and take turns with his classmates when playing. I can see that he gets along well with his friends. When he first entered the unfamiliar environment of school, he often cried. Now he hums a song and says, "See you tomorrow!" to his teachers after school. My family and I feel that it is very important that our son is happy at this age. Being a happy, optimistic person with good character is invaluable and will help him overcome stresses in future."

Mr and Mrs Louis-Marie Edward Jean Gallois , parents of Melchior (N2, Serangoon Garden Methodist Preschool), first came to Singapore when Melchior was about 2 years old. Mr Gallois says, "Maybe because there were too many changes in his life then; sometimes he would be a bit angry or cry. But we can really see the difference now. Now, he is so eager to go to school! He can understand and speak English now and is really comfortable interacting with people. We say grace before mealtimes but once, when we began eating without saying grace, Melchior started saying grace by himself! I was so happy to see him do that."

They are also glad that moral values such as being respectful and polite are taught at the preschool.

Please scan the respective QR codes for more information:

Mr and Mrs Louis-Marie Edward Jean Gallois

Mr Tian Jian

The Wesleyan Quadrilateral: What is it and is it relevant today?

Rev Dr Chiang Ming Shun has been a pastor for 22 years and is the Elder Attached at Kampong Kapor Methodist Church. He is a lecturer in Church History at Trinity Theological College, where he is also Associate Dean.

How do Methodists do theology and approach issues? When Methodists try to answer questions about God and the world, we use a tool called the Wesleyan Quadrilateral. A quadrilateral is any closed four-sided shape like a square or rectangle, but our Quadrilateral is a more complicated structure, though easy to grasp and easier to misunderstand. It may surprise you that John Wesley himself did not use the term, 'Quadrilateral'.

In Steven Spielberg's 2018 movie Ready Player One (but not in the original novel by Ernest Cline), the second clue in the contest to win control of the immersive, virtual universe "Oasis" begins with the line, "A Creator who hates his own creation." This refers to Stephen King, who hated the movie version of his book, The Shining

To a smaller extent, the line might also refer to the late Albert Outler, a giant of a theologian who coined the term 'Quadrilateral'. Outler, who served for decades as Professor of Theology at Southern Methodist University, later admitted, "The term 'quadrilateral' does not occur in the Wesley corpus—and more than once I have regretted having coined it for contemporary use since it has been so widely misconstrued." 1

Outler (he appears in the first video of the Disciple 1 Bible Study series) drew inspiration from the Anglican Church's Chicago-Lambeth Quadrilateral of 1886. Richard Heitzenrater, Professor Emeritus of Church History and Wesley Studies at Duke Divinity School, called it the "Outler Quadrilateral" instead. The British Methodists prefer the name, "The Methodist Quadrilateral".

Whatever you call it, the Quadrilateral reflects Wesley's belief that "the living core of the Christian faith was revealed in Scripture , illumined by tradition , vivified in personal experience , and confirmed by reason ." 2 Scripture, tradition, experience and reason make up four sides of the Quadrilateral. These are not unique to Methodists—other Christians use them as well. It is just that we Methodists have a smoking hot term.

The misunderstanding lies in thinking that these four sides are equal. For Wesley (and all evangelical Christians), Scripture is primary and paramount. The Anglican Bishop N T Wright wrote, "[S]cripture, tradition and reason are not like three different bookshelves, each of which can be ransacked for answers to key questions. Rather, [S]cripture is the bookshelf; tradition is the memory of what people in the house have read and understood (or perhaps misunderstood) from that shelf; and reason is the set of spectacles that people wear in order to make sense of what they read..." 3

In the words of Chris Bounds, a Methodist professor and theologian at Indiana Wesleyan University, tradition is how the Church has historically interpreted Scripture. Reason brings logical coherence and empowers us to make sense of Scripture and tradition. When our reading of Scripture is true and affirmed by tradition, aligned with reason, then we are led to an experiential faith through the witness of the Holy Spirit. What is taught by Scripture, affirmed by tradition, and supported by reason, must be experienced in the Christian life. After all, faith must be experienced personally and there is an experiential heart dimension to head knowledge in the Christian faith.

The Wesleyan Quadrilateral: What is it and is it relevant today?

How does this work in practice? Think about a theological question like, "Is it all right to lie?" To answer this, we would first look at what the Bible says. We would look at what the Church and what other Christians throughout history have said. We would use reason to interpret the Bible and reflect on tradition. Finally, we would think about what the Holy Spirit is saying to us in our collective and personal experiences today.

It is important to stress that in the Quadrilateral, Scripture is the sole authority. Tradition, reason and experience are but aids to interpret Scripture. Our Quadrilateral does not have four equal sides.

There are, however, people who think that one or more of the other sides are equal or even superior to Scripture. For example, imagine that you have children who are married and they now commit adultery. You know the biblical commandment against adultery. But because it is your children whom you love and you want to avoid blaming them, you reinterpret the Bible and argue that the commandment is time-bound to earlier societies and that the Church's teaching against adultery is outdated and incompatible to 21st century life. You find reasons to justify adultery in modern society. What you have done is to elevate

your experience above Scripture for personal ends. And people do this all the time with contemporary issues. A proper grasp and application of the Quadrilateral would have provided a clearer, more honest and truthful approach.

Scripture determines what we believe and churches develop doctrines based on Scripture. Individuals and churches may have theologies that differ, which is fine because we are not identical. We certainly need tools to interpret and apply Scripture in different situations and times, and Methodists have a fine methodology in the Wesleyan Quadrilateral.

1 Oden, Thomas and Longden, Leicester. The Wesleyan Theological Heritage: Essays of Albert C. Outler, 1st edition. Zondervan, 1991. p.35-36

2 The Book of Discipline of the United Methodist Church, 2016, p. 82 Section 4 – Our Theological Task.

3 Wright, N T. The Last Word; Beyond the Bible Wars to a New Understanding of the Authority of Scripture. Harper Collins, 2005. p. 101-102

The mathematically astute may realise that the Venn diagram depicted is hardly a quadrilateral. However, in the age of iPhones and squircles, the editorial team has accepted this as "creative licence" as it explains the Wesleyan Quadrilateral concept well.

ABOUT THE ARTWORK

An illustration of the Wesleyan Quadrilateral, the four qualities of Reason, Tradition, Experience and Scripture, and how these may be challenged in our modern age. The artist used the parable of the faithful maidens awaiting the bridegroom, with sufficient oil in their lamps. They are holding lamps signifying Reason, Tradition and Experience, casting light on the surrounding Scriptures before them, to signify the all-encompassing importance of the fourth quality.

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Yen Tun I is an artist and with the Arts Release ministry with Worldwide Evangelisation for Christ (WEC) missions agency. He seeks to create artworks based on Scripture, with fresh angles on arts and culture.

By Agnes Lee

Does my denomination matter to God?

"What? You are attending a Bible study in a Methodist church?"

My husband expressed his surprise when I first told him that I was joining this particular Bible study. It was 10 minutes' walk from my office, and would be held just after work hours, which worked out perfectly for me.

I am currently involved in four different churches and Christian organisations, all from different denominational backgrounds. It is no surprise that my husband might wonder if I am becoming theologically confused. But increasingly, I am learning that God's love is not limited to any one denomination.

My home church is a Pentecostal church under the Assemblies of God denomination. I started attending the church because of the help and support leaders and church members offered me during a period of trials I faced early in our marriage. These were the people who helped me see God in my darkest moments. This was where my theological foundations were laid, through Bible studies led by my mentor and other leaders of the church.

We are a charismatic church. It is common to hear people speaking in tongues (1 Cor 14:3-5) and raising up holy hands in adoration during worship. We unabashedly sing modern worship songs. I enjoy being involved in such lively worship.

My husband's family, however, prefers that I attend church with them. So for now, I spend more Sundays at their Anglican church than I do at my home church.

Initially this was a difficult transition. The traditional hymns and music at the Anglican church, as well as how quiet and conservative worshippers were, stuck me as rigid. I missed the livelier worship at my home church, and I quietly criticised the leaders and worshippers for their style of worship. It felt like they were just following the weekly routine of worship, and were not at all led by the Spirit.

Despite my initial misgivings, every time I attended the church, the sermons ministered to me—just like the sermons I heard back at my home church. I began to realise that despite our difference in worship styles or our approach towards spiritual gifts, we both believe in the infallible Word of God. Pastors

in both churches preach sound doctrine. Both churches stand firm on the Bible. And God uses both churches to speak into my heart and convict me of my sins.

Instead of judging the leaders and worshippers at the new church for not being charismatic, I realised that I should repent of being a judge myself. After all, who am I to judge someone else's servant (Rom 14:4)? The members of my husband's church are true believers of God. They cling to the same blessed hope and assurance that I have in Christ. The Holy Spirit who inspires the preachers and leaders of both churches is the same Spirit that works in my life.

As for that Bible study that led to my husband's surprised reaction—it meets in a Methodist church, but is a nondenominational gathering. My group leader comes from a Presbyterian background, while friends in my small group come from different churches as well. Though we all come from different backgrounds, we are brought together by the love of Christ, as well as our longing to see more of God in our lives. I have definitely benefited from the group discussions and lectures here. Alongside these sisters-in-Christ, I am learning more about God's Word and being corrected in some of my erroneous ways.

Through this Bible study, I came to know that the Methodist church conducts a midweek lunch-time service for office workers nearby. I started attending the lunch-time service, which is short but traditional. I am learning that whatever denomination or style individual Christians prefer, as long as sound doctrine is preached, I can benefit.

Of course, there are certain topics that are handled differently by each church or denomination—such as tongues, prophecies, infant baptism and so on. But as I spent more time in each of these settings, I increasingly realised that while these issues can be important, often they are not worth getting into a debate over. After all, we all worship the same God. And despite minor differences

in church tradition and teachings, we preach the same gospel and share the common goal of glorifying God.

Therefore, it would be wrong for me to judge other denominations for their worship style or minor doctrinal differences. Judging other Christians and churches causes division and is not pleasing to God. Who am I to judge faithful and God-fearing servants with whom God is well-pleased?

Speaking in tongues, singing worship songs and raising hands does not make me better than any other Christian. God looks at our hearts, and by this measure, I have fallen. I had carelessly allowed pride to creep into me instead of walking carefully in the ways of the Lord. Even if I speak in tongues, I would just be a resounding gong or clanging chamber. I would be nothing if I do not show love (1 Cor 13:1-2).

Instead of focusing on the differences which may cause disputes or stumbling, the Bible commands that we are to love God first with all that we are, and secondly to love our neighbour as ourselves (Matt 22:36-40). We can show love by offering encouragement or helping a fellow Christian friend in need— whatever their church background. My Bible study leader, for example, once called me up when I was feeling down and spoke words of encouragement to me. She reminded me of God's love and truth, and in this way, she lifted my spirit.

Having experienced several different denominations, I realise that our common love for God and longing for him unites us as one body of Christ—as the bride of Christ—with the common goal of waiting for his coming and our entry to our common heavenly home (Eph 5:25-27). As we wait, we must stay alert and vigilant as one common body of Christ by fixing our eyes on Jesus, sharing our common love for Christ with one another, and watching to see how Christ works in our individual lives despite our backgrounds. How beautiful is God's love and hope! It knows no boundaries.

Finding faith while working abroad

Migrant workers who found their home in Methodist churches

Our Methodist churches have many outreach programmes for migrant workers who work in the construction and healthcare industries, as well as services or ministries tailored to migrant domestic workers (MDWs). But how many of these workers actually end up worshipping in our churches and staying?

We hear from three migrant workers who have attended a Methodist church for several years. Read on to see how they found their home church in Singapore, while being miles away from their home country.

Iam from the Philippines and I've worked as a migrant domestic worker (or helper) in Singapore for 26 years.

I am 55 years old and have two children; my daughter works as a nurse in the Philippines and my son works as an international seafarer.

I came to know about Covenant Community Methodist Church (CCMC) through the first family I worked for, just a week after I started working for them. They introduced me to the church and let me join a small group that met after service, and I have attended CCMC ever since. After four years, I accepted Jesus Christ as my saviour and got baptised. I serve in the choir and as an usher. I'm part of the Homehelpers Ministry and there are 20 of us now.

The Christmas season can be difficult—in 26 years, I've only celebrated Christmas with family twice. The other difficulties helpers face is how to deal with inconsiderate employers. But by God's grace, I've always managed to overcome difficult situations and finish my contracts.

I've learnt to commit everything to God, and be thankful always. There's always something to learn from every situation. God has been good—despite the fact that I've been away from home for a long time, my children are responsible and value my hard work.

Photos courtesy of Pauldurai Charles Jebaruban, Ligitha Stanly and Mary Jean Sardoma

My name is Pauldurai Charles Jebaruban and I am 32 years old. I have been working as a se nior project coordinator in a construction company in Singapore for the

My village, K.Pudur, Sankarankovil, in Tamil Nadu, India is rich in natural resources and has excellent agricultural cultivation. My family—father, mother, two brothers and a younger sister— love the church and we have a heart for God's servants.

When I came to Singapore, I hadn't attended a church for some time and I didn't know which church to attend here. Then one day, I met a brother by the grace of God, and through him I learned about a church in Little India called Kampong Kapor Methodist

I have been attending KKMC for the last nine years. The Tamil service, the sermons and the brothers and sisters who worship there made me want to visit the church again and again.

Getting a job in Singapore is very difficult. When I came here to work, it was a job that I had wanted. But the job turned out to be different and the salary was very low. I had to send money home with this paltry salary, and at the same time, meet my needs here. In the midst of this, God helped me every day. When the workload kept increasing, and affected me both physically and mentally, I was forced to move to another job. I was confused and did not know who to ask for help. Amidst all the struggles, God comforted me. By his grace, I got a new job.

My wife, Suganthy, faced many obstacles to come here and work. My pastor and cell group prayed for me—somehow God opened the door and a nursing job opportunity came up and she was able to come to Singapore. God is good and can do unbelievable things!

Pauldurai Charles Jebaruban (pictured with his wife, Suganthy) Senior project coordinator in

Ligitha Stanly Nurse

Kampong Kapor Methodist Church

Iwork as a staff nurse in a psychiatric ward in a nursing home, and have been working here for 11 years. My husband also works here but our children are in India with our families.

My husband came to Singapore first, and found out about Kampong Kapor Methodist Church's (KKMC) Tamil Service through a friend. When I arrived in Singapore and joined him at church, I found it was the same style of worship as my church in India, so I felt at home.

Leaving my family members has been the most difficult thing about working in Singapore. Every day we talk to each

other via video call and messaging. My children and mother have visited us here in Singapore before and they love it here. I love Singapore for its safety. I would never walk alone in India for even a few minutes but here I feel safe.

I had plans to go back to India for a holiday in January last year. But one week before the trip, I fell sick. I was giddy and was not able to walk or work. My husband had returned to India so I was alone. My friends called an ambulance for me. At the hospital I prayed and prayed—I so badly wanted to go home. After I was discharged, I was not completely well enough to go back to work. My friend in KKMC cooked meals for me and delivered them to me for one week. God answered my prayer and I was able to go back.

I would say I was just a Christian by name before I came to Singapore. But now, I go to God in prayer and tell him about my difficulties, and I feel God's peace and comfort. These situations make me spiritually close to God. I know my God can help me. If you have no difficulties you don't grow close to God, right?

Hymning our spiritual heritage

… addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart.

Ephesians 5:19

Psalms, hymns and spiritual songs have been an integral part of the life of the Christian Church since its inception.

Theologians like Athanasius in the fourth century and Boethius in the sixth, as well as Protestant Reformer Martin Luther in the sixteenth century, maintain that Christian music has the ability to help the believer to grow in the virtues.

In a letter to Ludwig Senfl, written at Coburg on October 4, 1530, Luther declares: "I am not ashamed to confess publicly that next to theology there is no art which is the equal of music, for she alone, after theology, can do what otherwise only theology can accomplish, namely, quiet and cheer up the soul of man…" 1

Psalms, hymns and spiritual songs fulfil a number of functions in the Church.

They play an important role in corporate worship, enabling God's gathered people to articulate and express their adoration, praise and thanksgiving to God. They also fulfil a didactic function in that good hymns are always inspired by and saturated with the Scriptures, even as they give voice to the most profound theology of the Church.

In addition, as Hans Boersma has pointed out, the fathers teach that Christian music is "a sacramental means that enables one to participate more deeply in the harmonious reality of God himself". 2

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.

The people called Methodists have a huge and rich repository of hymns and spiritual songs, thanks to John and Charles Wesley who authored more than 9,000 hymns and poems. Some of these hymns are compiled in the United Methodist Hymnal [UMH] and are sung in Methodist churches throughout the world today.

David Hempton describes in Methodism: Empire of the Spirit , "Almost every Methodist gathering began and ended with a hymn… hymns were not only sung on public occasions, they were sung privately or memorised. Wherever one looks in Methodist archives, from the recorded experience of itinerant preachers to the diaries of the faithful, hymns are used for expression, consolation, anticipation, and interpretation. Methodists absorbed their faith through the words of their hymns and sacred verse." 3

The hymns of Charles and John Wesley bring to lyrical expression the doctrines of the Trinity and the humanity and deity of Christ that is articulated in the Nicaean and Chalcedonian creeds.

Charles Wesley wrote between two to three hundred hymns on the Trinity, the most famous of which is "Maker, In Whom We Live" [UMH 88], which provides a glimpse of each person of the Trinity in the first three stanzas.

In the famous Christmas hymn "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing" [UMH 240], we not only find the splendid portrayal of the Incarnation ("Veiled in flesh the God-head see; hail th'incarnate Deity"), but also its purpose ("Born that we no more may die, born to raise us from the earth, born to give us second birth").

In 1746, the Wesley brothers published Pentecost Hymns, a collection of hymns about the Holy Spirit. One of the hymns found in this collection is "Spirit of Faith, Come Down" [UMH 332], which was originally titled "Praying for a Blessing". This hymn sings about the Holy Spirit as the revealer of the divine mysteries ("Spirit

of faith, come down, reveal the things of God"), and as the inspirer of the faith of Christians ("Inspire the living faith… the faith that conquers all, and doth the mountain move, and saves whoever on Jesus call, and perfects them in love").

I mentioned elsewhere that John Wesley was a theologian of grace par excellence. Thus, it is not at all surprising that there are numerous hymns in this rich repository that deal with grace in its various aspects.

For example, "Come, Sinners, to the Gospel Feast" [UMH 339] focuses on God's prevenient grace—an important emphasis in John Wesley's theology of grace. Based on the parable found in Luke 14:16-24, the first stanza of the hymn emphasises the universal nature of the divine invitation ("Ye need not one be left behind, for God hath bid all humankind").

There are hymns about God's justifying grace ("And Can it Be that I Should Gain" [UMH 363]), and his sanctifying and perfecting grace ("Love Divine, All Loves Excelling" [UMH 384]). There are also numerous hymns on the various means of grace, especially the sacraments (Holy Communion—"O the Depth of Love Divine" [UMH 627]; Baptism—"Come, Let Us Use the Grace Divine" [UMH 606]).

These hymns are an articulate treasury of the heritage of Methodism—its theology and spiritual ethos. They serve an important catechetical and formative function.

They should therefore have an important place in the lives of the people called Methodists.

1 Cited by Walter E. Buszin, ‘Luther on Music’, The Musical Quarterly, Vol. 32, No. 1 (January 1946), 84.

2 Hans Boersma, Scripture as Real Presence (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2017), 144.

3 David Hempton, Methodism: Empire of the Spirit (New Haven, CT: Yale, 2006), 71.

Breaking the poverty c

New challenges

While her three kids with her ex-husband have since grown up and are leading their own lives, Mdm Tan now has a 16-year-old daughter from another relationship and a minor ward under her care.

To devote more time to her children, Mdm Tan works as a cleaner on a part-time basis. Her battles with chronic carpal tunnel syndrome, a condition causing pain in her hands extending to her back, has rendered her unable to work in many jobs.

As the sole breadwinner of the family, Mdm Tan's concerns about providing for her children's growing needs has been alleviated, thanks to the savings she has accumulated since joining MWS Family Development Programme (FDP) in 2018, where MWS matches $2 for every dollar that Mdm Tan saves.

"I feel less stressed now because I have some savings in the event of emergencies or for my children's education in future," shared Mdm Tan.

Mdm Tan Chiew Leng, 52, has been through some rough patches in life. At the age of three, she was placed in a children's home by her mother, where she stayed till the age of 18. Later in life, her marriage ended in a messy divorce and an accumulation of huge debt by her exhusband under her name.

In desperation, Mdm Tan sold her house to pay off the debt and was left with little savings to live on. Despite her dire circumstances, Mdm Tan has a fighting and persevering spirit, working three jobs to raise her three young children. "It was a very tough time," she recalled. "I would buy food for my kids but drink water for my meals because I couldn't afford to eat."

She added that being under MWS FDP has motivated her to curb unnecessary spending and save for emergencies, and that the savings have come in handy.

"When I was going through the divorce in my 30s, I borrowed money from my childhood friends to repay my ex-husband's debt. Till today, they didn't chase me to return the money," she shared.

"But recently, one of them had a family emergency and asked me to pay her back, so I used a portion of the savings. If not for these savings, I would be stressed out. I think this is a wonderful programme and I have been blessed by it."

Mdm Tan Chiew Leng

Not journeying alone

As befriending is a key aspect of the programme, with the aim of transforming the beneficiary's behaviour towards their finances, Mdm Tan was paired with MWS befriender Roy Tay.

A volunteer with Hakka Methodist Church, Roy has been journeying with Mdm Tan and her family for the past two years. During his monthly visits to the Tan household, Roy guides and encourages Mdm Tan to save and spend wisely. Through his guidance, Mdm Tan has taken small steps towards effective money management that has improved life for herself and her family.

"Roy taught me how to save, for example, by advising my kids not to waste water or electricity. I followed his advice and managed to cut my electricity bills in half," shared Mdm Tan.

Today, Mdm Tan is close to reaching her savings goal and is expected to graduate from the programme by early 2023.

Paying it forward

The peace of mind and financial safety net that MWS FDP has provided Mdm Tan with has also freed her up to serve the community as a volunteer.

From befriending neighbours in need to distributing donated goods to needy families, Mdm Tan embodies the kampung spirit through her selfless acts of service. She also helps to care for others, including assisting her neighbour's 30-year-old autistic son with daily living activities like showering and dressing.

Her heart to serve others has sprung forth from her own tough life experiences and rough childhood.

"I want to volunteer because I want to give others what I never had growing up—the warmth of family love," shared Mdm Tan.

EMPOWER LOW-INCOME FAMILIES TO BREAK THE POVERTY CYCLE

For families like Mdm Tan's which struggle to make ends meet, clearing mounting debts or saving for a rainy day can seem impossible. They find themselves trapped in the poverty cycle, which can be alienating and isolating. Studies have shown that poverty can lead to not only mental health problems, but tunnel vision in decision-making which perpetuates poverty.

MWS Family Development Programme (FDP) is a debt clearance and savings matching programme, designed to alleviate poverty by helping people get out of debt and into asset building and saving. MWS FDP matches $2 for every dollar that beneficiaries clear in debt or save up.

Empowering families like Mdm Tan's to build an emergency and rainy-day fund relieves them of the emotional strain of dealing with debt, giving them greater emotional capacity and cognitive bandwidth to plan for the future.

Bless low-income families by matching their debt clearance or savings payment and give them hope for a better life by donating at mws.sg/give

What do heroes look like ?

As Christians, we honour many heroes of the Bible: Noah, Moses, Esther, Rahab, Peter, Mary Magdalene and Paul. We also cherish modern heroes of the faith like Hudson Taylor, William Carey and Corrie ten Boom.

These people became heroes by the paths they chose, not by talents they were born with or skills they developed. They were ordinary men and women who chose to obey God's call regardless of the sacrifice required.

John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, is certainly a great hero of the faith.

Son of an Anglican clergyman, Wesley was a godly man who became an ordained Anglican minister himself. Yet, he was plagued for many years by doubts about the genuineness of his faith.

Wesley made only one missionary trip overseas, intending to convert Native American Indians. That trip did not work out as planned and he was forced to leave Georgia after two years.

Instead, God led Wesley to share the gospel of salvation with thousands of men, women and children working in factories and coal mines scattered throughout Great Britain. Although only 5 foot 3 inches tall and weighing 128 pounds, Wesley commanded the attention of hundreds who gathered to hear what he had to say. Some mocked and ridiculed him, but many others committed themselves to Christ.

Wesley preached the love of God far and wide and personally showed love for others through his actions. He established orphanages and set up funds to aid widows, orphans and the poor. He founded

Rev Teresa Wilborn was formerly Methodist Missions Society (MMS) Area Director for Timor-Leste and Cambodia. She is now the Consultant for Timor-Leste. She worships at Aldersgate Methodist Church. / Photos courtesy of MMS

The missionaries of MMS

schools to give access to quality Christian education to all children, regardless of ethnicity, gender or socio-economic status.

He eventually married but differences in temperament and lengthy periods apart because of his constant travel led to the marriage ending in permanent separation.

Wesley was certainly not a man of great physical stature. Nor was he always easygoing and agreeable. His failed marriage is a reminder that even spiritual heroes are far from perfect.

Today, the missionaries of Methodist Missions Society (MMS) carry on John Wesley's legacy.

These ordinary men and women courageously leave families, friends and careers to answer God's call to expand his kingdom throughout Asia. They make sacrifices, endure hardships, and suffer rejection with humility and perseverance. They perform daily acts of heroism that rarely attract any notice.

They toil selflessly to share God's love by teaching in Methodist schools, discipling students in Methodist residential homes and providing aid to communities in need. They share the message of God's mercy and grace by planting churches and equipping locals to become faithful followers of Christ. They demonstrate concern for others through prayer, acts of kindness and outreach programmes that help transform lives.

There are many ways to define or describe a hero. However, as one writer observes, great heroes have certain traits in common, including courage, selflessness, humility, patience, and caring. 1

It is no exaggeration to say that our MMS missionaries share these traits!

Yet, it is important to remember that like John Wesley, missionaries are human. They are not impervious to daily frustrations and setbacks. They suffer periods of doubt, depression and sadness.

Missionaries need your prayers. Prayer is the greatest gift you can give them.

Please continue to hold them close in your hearts as heroes of the faith and join me in a prayer for each and every one of our missionaries!

Loving Father, thank you for the men and women who serve you in mission fields. Bless them as they reach out to people and cities for your glory. We ask that you take the seeds they plant and bring them to the fruition you desire. Open the hearts of the people in their areas to your truth. We pray especially for your covering over their physical, spiritual, and emotional well-being. Bring them encouragement when they feel despair, resources when they feel exhausted and strength when they feel weak. Be their shield, Lord; guard and protect them.

In Jesus' name, Amen.

1 https://www.inc.com/bill-murphy-jr/5-qualities-of-incredibly-heroic-leaders.html

Fred Pratt Green: The other Methodist hymn writer

• When in Our Music God is Glorified [UMH 68]

• For the Fruits of This Creation [UMH 97b]

When Our Confidence is Shaken [UMH 505]

• God is Here! [UMH 660]

• O Christ, the Healer [UMH 265]

Through the years, changes in worship style, culture, and musical preferences have increased the variety of congregational songs. There are hymns, contemporary songs, psalm settings, global songs, Asian hymns, gospel songs—among other genres. Which genre does your congregation love to sing?

The music we sing reflects our identity. As Methodists, we sing the hymns of Charles and John Wesley. More than just keeping tradition, the Wesleyan hymns offer a music diet that is robust in Scripture, theology, doctrine and Christian discipleship.

Aside from the Wesleyan hymns, there are other Methodist composers whose texts help shape our Christian identity. I particularly want to mention Rev Fred Pratt Green (1903-2000), a Methodist minister in Britain from 1928-1969. He was a gifted poet, and only started writing hymn texts after his retirement, yet was acclaimed to be the greatest hymn writer after Charles Wesley. He was the leader of the "Hymn Explosion" in Great Britain in the 1970s, a movement of hymn writers who believed it was time to write texts that spoke about their time.

Judith Laoyan-Mosomos is the Director for Worship & Church Music at the Methodist School of Music, and a member of Kampong Kapor Methodist Church. / Photo courtesy of Methodist Recorder, UK

Popular hymns written by Fred Pratt Green

The late Rev Fred Pratt Green © Methodist Recorder, UK. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

These hymn writers felt the responsibility to fill the gap in hymnody, particularly in themes pertaining to social justice, racial equality, world peace, environmental issues, and the like. Rev Green acknowledged hymn writing as, "a fascinating assignment. I had no doubt at all that if, as a poet, I had complete liberty to choose my themes, my forms, and language, to please myself, now, as a hymn writer I must become a servant of the Church, writing what was suitable to be sung in an act of worship". 1

In a world full of anxiety over the future, disagreements in beliefs and heightened materialistic values, Rev Green's hymns are worth exploring. For example:

If our hearts are lifted where devotion soars high above this hungry, suffering world of ours, lest our hymns should drug us to forget its needs, forge our Christian worship into Christian deed.

- Stanza 2 [UMH 592], Fred Pratt Green

The phrase, "lest our hymns should drug us to forget its needs…," reminds us to be mindful of the songs we sing. If music helps shape our identity, we need to make sure we also sing songs that heighten our awareness of the world around us and call us to respond.

Rev Green has contributed much and was very committed to writing congregational songs. Like Charles Wesley, Rev Green wrote about the Christian experience. He gave emphasis on the life and death

of Jesus, hymns on Communion and profound theology. Both advocated the virtue of social holiness. However, they spoke from and for different generations.

With the vast amount of music resources available for worship, we need a balanced diet for the congregation. It is crucial that we curate songs that ground us biblically and theologically, strengthen us emotionally, and form us spiritually. It may be taxing, but it is a discipline we need to undertake. Whether it be a hymn, a contemporary song, a psalm or a choral anthem—let them be songs that form and shape us to be like Jesus.

We need song writers to learn from Charles Wesley and Rev Green, and write songs that will speak to the generation today.

1 Bernard Braley, The Hymns and Ballads of Fred Pratt Green (Carol Stream, IL: Hope Pub., 1982).

The proverb, "The apple does not fall far from the tree", speaks of the idea that we each carry something within us that is from our parents. It could be a physical characteristic (like our eye colour), a food allergy, or a personality trait (like being particular about cleanliness or having a quick temper).

As a family and marital therapist, I have a professional interest in this topic. I want to know which legacies that my clients embody are from their family-of-origin or birth families. I wonder to what extent a client's tendency to worry is an outcome of parents who are themselves worriers. Or if growing up in a single-parent household is the "cause" of a client's sensitivity to issues of interpersonal trust and relational insecurity?

The apple does not fall far from the tree… or does it?

I am, however, clear that we cannot as yet find a single cause to every behaviour. No gene has yet been found for one's temper or anxiety. Yet the probability of an individual developing behavioural characteristics that are observed in other family members is just too high to ignore or assign it as due to chance.

In addition to biological legacies, let us not forget that the way our parents have raised us influences our development. This includes what they have been able to provide for us in our growing years. For example, a child may perform better academically because his parents are able to afford tuition for his weaker subjects. There is also the impact of adverse childhood experiences on a child's tender years and their adulthood. Adverse experiences may include breakup of the family, economic hardship and traumatic events.

All this may paint a very reductionistic and deterministic view of humans, that indeed, "the apple does not fall far from the tree". However, we all know of stories of people who beat the odds. People with humble backgrounds who rose to stand head and shoulders above others. Or individuals who led terrible lives for years, even decades, and yet managed to pull themselves out of their quagmire. How did these individuals do it?

I believe change begins with the belief that change is possible. The hope for, and even the expectation of, change are important ingredients to things being different. Some believers may cling to the verse, "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come" ( 2 Cor 5:17). Those who

hold different beliefs may have to look at scientific evidence or even personal life stories to nurture this hope.

Yet some Christians may not feel like new creations at all. They may notice that their character weaknesses do not miraculously vanish. Besides considering if these individuals are truly "in Christ", we may do well to recognise that change is oftentimes a work in progress.

What steps then do we take to live a changed life? Do we recognise features of the old unchanged individual constantly trying to resurface? I sometimes explain it like this. Suppose you had a shoulder injury which requires your dominant arm to be immobilised for a period of time. What may happen is that when we need to open a door or turn on a switch, we may automatically reach out with our dominant arm. It takes conscious effort to remember to use the other "good" one.

A changed life requires recognising the old tendencies and consciously making a habit of doing the opposite. "One day at a time" is a helpful reminder when trying to break old destructive habits like an addiction.

Another help for believers is the legacy our Lord himself left us—the Holy Spirit (John 14:16-17), who inspires and empowers us to overcome unhelpful and debilitating earthly legacies.

The legacies we all have can be positive and helpful ones, or be negative and unhelpful. We need to recognise them and build on those that can develop us while at the same time minimise the negative tendencies we each have.

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)

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

Achievements include

• Students with perfect score of 45 points in IBDP

• 23 “Top in the World” awards in IGCSE examinations over each of the past twelve years

• Students accepted to Oxford and Cambridge universities for the past eight years

• Admissions to top universities in the UK, the US, Australia and Singapore

• PSLE and GCE ‘O’ Level students obtaining outstanding value-added examination results for the IBDP and improved pathways to good universities

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

• Successes at national level in Athletics, Touch Rugby, Debating, Orchestra, Volleyball, Taekwondo, Ice Hockey, Fencing, Swimming, Artistic Swimming, Rhythmic Gymnastics and Wushu

Senior Leadership Team

Mr Gavin Kinch Principal Mrs Tan Siew Hoon Vice-Principal

Dr Kristopher Achter Vice-Principal

Mr Christopher Hayward Vice-Principal

Mathena Vaythamanickam

Innovation requires courage

The conference walked its attendees through the life of John Wesley as he established the Methodist movement. From conducting open-air preaching during a time in which preaching outside the pulpit was frowned upon, to lifting the status of women by including them in class leadership, social work and more, Wesley was determined not to be stuck in traditionalism and was highly innovative for his time. Hence today, I now see that at the heart of Methodism, is innovation. One should not be resistant to change, but courageously seek improvement and always be in tune with wherever the Holy Spirit leads.

Ihave been a Methodist for as long as I can remember. Despite growing up in a Methodist church, I had little comprehension of Methodism and hence, Methodism as a denomination had little significance to me aside from the fact that I viewed it as a "traditional" (read: boring) denomination. However, a few months ago, I attended the Young Methodist Leaders’ Conference 2022, where these notions were challenged.

Last September, my youth committee was faced with the decision of planning for a simple camp, or a complex, logisticsintensive mystery-based camp, with just two months to prepare. We chose the crazy route—setting forth to design the latter, but it eventually stood out as one of our most unique and memorable camps. The new is not always the easiest path. It requires courage, but can be incredibly rewarding.

Kopi kakis

by Lau Peng Leong, Yen Tun I and Zachary Yong

Mathena Vaythamanickam is a youth leader in Seletar Tamil Methodist Church. / Photo courtesy of Mathena Vaythamanickam

ART OF MARRIAGE WEEKEND RETREAT

11 March 2023, 9.00 a.m. to 12 March 2023, 5.00 p.m. Changi Cove Hotel, 351 Cranwell Road S509866 Register before 19 February 2023

From $399 per couple

This weekend retreat for married couples consists of a six-session video seminar filled with biblical teaching, expert interviews and real-life stories. Enjoy time with your spouse and rediscover the joys of marriage.

NOTE:

* Participants must be fully vaccinated

* Payment is non-refundable and event dates are fixed

Organised by FamilyLife Singapore, a ministry of Cru Singapore

ASCERTAINING THE ATONEMENT: HOW DOES JESUS RECONCILE US TO GOD?

23 March–11 May 2023 (Thursdays), 7.30 to 9.30 p.m. Online via Zoom

https://ttc.edu.sg/english/study-at-ttc/equip-registration/ Registration required; fees may apply

The “atonement” is one of the central beliefs of the Christian faith. It refers to what our Lord Jesus Christ has done, through his life, death and resurrection, to reconcile us sinners to the holy God. But how did these acts of Jesus achieve the atoning effect? We will examine and evaluate the different ways Christian thinkers through the ages have answered this question. We hope, in the end, to gain a richer and more comprehensive understanding of how Jesus saves us—one that will help us in our life and ministry.

Dr Leow Theng Huat is Lecturer in Theology at Trinity Theological College. His research interests include theodicy, Christology, soteriology, post-Enlightenment theology, and dialectics as a theological method. During his student days at the National University of Singapore, he was actively involved in the ministry of the Varsity Christian Fellowship, and has served for a period of time as an associate staff worker of the Fellowship of Evangelical Students. He is married to Cheng Ping, and they have three children. The family are members of Wesley Methodist Church.

Organised by EQUIP

MISSIONS INTERNSHIP TRAINING & EXPOSURE (MITE)

Complete response form at www.mms.org.sg/mite or direct enquiries to mms@methodist.org.sg

The MMS MITE programme is designed to send believers to the mission fields for a period of between one and six months, enabling believers to "Serve, Learn and Grow" while experiencing the work and life of a missionary in the field. For some, it will be the perfect opportunity to discern God’s specific calling in their lives.

"Looking back at where God has led me over my time there, I’d never have expected God to have such a wide array of colourful experiences in store for me. One of the biggest takeaways is the unique privilege to play front-row spectator to the inspiring lives of the missionaries. With the opportunity to live with them, I saw how zealously they were working for the Lord."  ~ MITE participant to Cambodia

Organised by Methodist Missions Society (MMS)