Methodist Message: January 2023

New Beginnings

Editorial Board

Adviser and Publisher

The official monthly publication of The Methodist Church in Singapore. Published material does not necessarily reflect the official view of The Methodist Church. All Scripture quoted is based on the English Standard Version unless otherwise stated. 70 Barker Road #06-04 Singapore 309936 6478-4793 | 6478-4763 methodist.org.sg/message www.methodist.org.sg communications@methodist. org.sg fb.com/Methodist.SG @methodist.sg @methodistsg

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When healthy aspiration becomes harmful ambition

Here's an old Irish blessing that I remind myself of at the start of every new year.

May you have the hindsight to know where you have been, the foresight to know where you are going, and the insight to know when you are going too far.

I think the composer of Psalm 131 would have said "Amen". He wrote in verse 1, "My heart is not proud, O Lord, my eyes are not haughty. I do not concern myself with great matters or things too wonderful for me."

The psalmist recognises that pride and haughtiness can sometimes seduce us into getting involved in matters that are too great and too grand. Pride makes us bite off more than we should chew. And if we keep on chewing, we end up choking—ourselves, and others.

There is an important difference between healthy aspiration and harmful ambition. Pride blinds us from seeing the distinction.

Yes, it is good to aspire to be the best that we can be. Yes, there is value in pushing oneself and reaching for the stars.

But too much pushing, and what is good will become bad; the healthy will become harmful. Water is good for us, essential for good health and good living. But too much water, and we will drown.

Psalm 131 seeks to save us from forfeiting the health of our souls in the relentless pursuit of too much.

The famous preacher Charles Spurgeon said, "Psalm 131 takes only a few seconds to read, but a lifetime to learn." Its wisdom is appreciated by most only in the twilight years of life. When we are young, it is difficult to avoid the harmful ambition that seduces us into ventures that stretch us too far.

This new year, may God grant to me, and you, and all our families, the hindsight to know where we have been, the foresight to know where we should be going, and the insight to know when we are going too far.

J UDICIAL C OUNCIL D ECISION NO 1 OF 2022

DIGEST (BOD ¶713.1)

In a written decision handed down on 22nd November 2022, the Judicial Council unanimously affirmed the ruling of the President of the Trinity Annual Conference (“TRAC”) at the TRAC Special Session on 16th July 2022 that a Ministerial Session at a Special Session of the Annual Conference has the power to defer the determination of a minister’s application for location under ¶559.2 of the Book of Discipline (“BOD”) to a later session.

In arriving at its decision, the Judicial Council noted that although the BOD does not expressly provide for a power of deferment:

1 ¶559.2 of the BOD vests the power to decide on a member’s location application in the Annual Conference; and

2 ¶234.1 of the BOD provides that the Annual Conference has the power to determine its own procedural rules, provided these rules do not conflict with the BOD.

The Judicial Council held that where a decision-making body (in this case, the Annual Conference) is vested with both the power to decide on a matter and the power to adopt its own procedure for decision making, the Annual Conference has the implied power to defer its decision making if it considers such deferment necessary. The only limitation to the implication of such a power is that it must not be in conflict with the BOD. In this regard, the Judicial Council held that the implication of such a power of deferment would not conflict with the provisions of the BOD.

The Judicial Council added that even though the power to defer a determination under ¶559.2 of the BOD exists, this power is not unfettered and must be exercised in good faith and for a proper purpose. It cannot be exercised capriciously or arbitrarily.

New Year Greetings! We thank God for a brand new year.

'My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.'

(Exodus 33:14 NIV)

The above promise of God reminds us that God's presence is with us. This also assures us with the awareness of his activity in our lives and that he is constantly at work within us. We will begin to trust him more and understand that he has it all under control, and that he is with us guiding our every step. We can journey the whole year with hope and trust in him alone and find rest in his green pastures.

Wishing you and your family a blessed 2023!

Uncertainties and challenges may have marked the year that has passed. Yet, the people of God have continued to rise to the occasion, not with despair or fear, but with God's truth, love and strength. Our Lord promises that he is with us and that he reigns over all situations. The peace of Christ—which transcends all understanding—shall guard our hearts and minds as we pray unceasingly and give thanks in all circumstances.

As we enter this new year, may we continue to walk in obedience to fulfil the Great Commission, loving God and our neighbours. May you be empowered by the Holy Spirit to run with great hope and courage, with your eyes fixed on our Lord Jesus Christ, the Author and Perfecter of our faith.

"But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."

(Isaiah 40:31 NIV)

Wishing everyone a blessed new year!

We are still living in uncertain times. Just when we thought the Covid-19 pandemic had done the worst to us, we are faced with international events that have badly affected many countries. The International Monetary Fund has forecasted that many economies are poised to contract and the outlook remains uncertain for 2023. It is times like these that we are reminded again that our ultimate hope is not found in this world but in God. We trust and wait expectantly for God to usher forth the promised King and his kingdom. The people of God can rejoice not only in the promised future glory, but even in present trials and sufferings because they can produce in us a deep trust and faith in God.

May I encourage all of us as we journey through this new year to cling to this promise from Isaiah 43:1 (NIV), "… Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine."

To God be the glory!

Rev Stanley Chua President, Trinity Annual Conference

Rev Philip Abraham President, Emmanuel Tamil Annual Conference

Rev Dr Gregory Goh Nai Lat President, Chinese Annual Conference

Seeking lost, and new members, bears fruit

47th Session of the Emmanuel Tamil Annual Conference

The 47th Session of the Emmanuel Tamil Annual Conference (ETAC) was held at Pasir Panjang Tamil Methodist Church from 11 to 12 November 2022. This year marked Rev Philip Abraham's second year as President of ETAC.

Progress on Vision 2024 Towards Harvest

In his President's Address, Rev Philip Abraham gave an update on the progress of ETAC's Vision 2024 Towards Harvest, which was introduced in 2021 with a theme for 2022, SEEK. ETAC churches examined the parables of The Prodigal Son, The Lost Sheep and The Lost Coin in Luke 15. Members were encouraged to reach out to inactive members of the church and bring them back to the fold as well as connect with pre-believing friends, relatives and acquaintances, wasting no opportunity to share the gospel.

Several initiatives were organised to further the growth initiative, such as a synchronised prayer at 1 p.m. where each person prayed for one soul for one minute and a commitment for members to pray for 10 pre-believers daily.

As part of the Conference's growth initiative, pastors visited every ETAC church to pray with the local pastors, leadership and congregation. These visits were opportunities for the local conferences to share about the church's struggles and victories so that they could be better supported in prayer and received the appropriate assistance.

Significantly, ETAC membership has grown by 16.7% to a total of 901 members this year.

Other highlights

Several events took place this year, including a talk for parents, "Raising Godly Children" led by Dr Cheah-Foo Fung Fong, Vice-President of the Trinity Annual Conference, and "Look After Your Mental Health", where Dr Daniel Fung and Dr Raj Velloo were speakers. The ETAC Children's Choir, jointly organised with the Methodist School of Music (MSM), was set up. There are currently 42 children involved, and they are trained by Dr Judith LaoyanMosomos, the Director of Worship & Church Music at MSM.

(left) Dr Teo Li Bee (middle) BE Dr Robert Solomon preaching at the Closing Ceremony (right) Left to Right Rev Dr Gregory Goh Nai Lat, Bishop Dr Gordon Wong, Rev Philip Abraham and Rev Stanley Chua

Lianne Ong is the Editor of Methodist

(left) Emmanuel Praise

(right) Prayer after pastoral appointments were announced

ETAC's Methodist Youth Fellowship surfaced the problem of insufficient leaders at the local chapters. Due to this difficulty, some chapters have adopted a 'Youth Coordinator' model, but further study needs to be conducted to assess the challenges.

Pastoral supply

Ps Adlin Jacob has been received as a new Memberon-Trial. Ps Jesudoss Charles remains a part-time Approved Supply Pastor, and will start full-time ministry when he completes his Master of Ministry degree at Trinity Theological College in 2023. Rev C Jebakumar from the Indian Evangelical Mission is another ministerial candidate that would be seconded to ETAC for a period of three years, pending government approvals. Rev R Prabhu will continue to serve as a pastor in 2023.

The ministry of gatekeeping

At the Closing Service, Bishop Emeritus Dr Robert Solomon preached on the ministry of gatekeeping from 1 Chronicles 26:6-8. He highlighted the family of Obed-Edom that was tasked to guard the ark. They were described as "able" and "capable" God-fearing men. He described how things would go wrong when the role of gatekeeping was not carried out responsibly.

BE Dr Solomon said that modern gatekeepers were still needed today. The first type of gatekeeper was the literal sense—the role played by ushers. However, there was also a need for gatekeepers in the spiritual sense. He asked, "Who will keep evil and worldly ways from entering the sanctuary and families?" Gatekeeping also included keeping heresy out and false spirits out.

"We must guard ourselves against being conformed to the pattern of this world," he said, and called for more to take up this important ministry of "gatekeeping".

PASTORAL APPOINTMENTS

FOR THE YEAR 2023

Ang Mo Kio Tamil MC

Pastor-in-Charge Rev Albert Vijay Joseph

Jurong Tamil MC

Pastor-in-Charge Rev Philip S Abraham

Part-time Approved Supply Pastor Pastor Jesudoss Charles

Pasir Panjang Tamil MC Pastor-in-Charge Rev Philip S Abraham

Part-time Approved Supply Pastor Pastor Stephen Shadrak

Seletar Tamil MC Pastor-in-Charge Rev James Nagulan

Sembawang Tamil MC Pastor-in-Charge Rev Saravana Kumar

Pastoral Assistant Pastor Adlin Jacob

Tamil MC, Short Street Pastor-in-Charge Rev James Nagulan Associate Minister Rev R Prabhu

Singapore Telugu MC Pastor-in-Charge Rev R Prabhu

Toa Payoh Tamil MC Pastor-in-Charge Rev Saravana Kumar Pastoral Assistant Pastor Adlin Jacob

SPECIAL APPOINTMENTS

FOR

THE YEAR 2023

District Superintendent Rev James Nagulan

Methodist Welfare Homes Coordinator Pastor Adlin Jacob

Information is correct at time of printing.

Choir

Spreading scriptural holiness, reforming the nation

47th Session of the Chinese Annual Conference

The 47th Session of the Chinese Annual Conference (CAC) was held at Ang Mo Kio Chinese Methodist Church from 14 to 17 Nov 2022. This year marked Rev Dr Gregory Goh’s second term as the CAC President.

Highlights from the President's Report

Rev Dr Goh recognised that pastors may be differently equipped to carry out DM work but reminded all that while this is not an easy task, it is still a necessary one and encouraged all to press on.



Focus on strengthening family life



Developing a Disciple-Making framework for CAC

In his President’s Report, Rev Dr Goh gave an update on CAC's goal to become a Disciple-Making (DM) Conference. This was spearheaded in Oct 2021 with the goal to focus on discipleship and to consolidate the various disciple-making models of the local churches so that a DM pathway template could be created for all CAC churches to take reference from and adapt for their own needs and culture. Five churches have developed their own DM models and are now in a position to share their best practices and experiences with the other CAC churches.

One key event slated for 2023 that was highlighted in Rev Dr Goh's report is a conference-wide family-themed event— "Loving Families"—which will be held on 1 May 2023. This idea arose from a meeting with ministry-board chairpersons, who agreed that a fundamental strategy to strengthen family life was necessary to send a clear message of CAC's commitment to the family structure and values as set out in the Bible, especially in view of the Government's repeal of S377A. An organising committee is in the process of being set up. 

Outreach efforts

With the change in residential landscape in the northeast region of Singapore, a new task force has been set up to address CAC outreach efforts there. Currently there are

Chinese Annual Conference Pastors

Lianne Ong is the Editor of Methodist Message / Photos by Photos by Joshua Khoo, Jonathan Tan and Chinese Annual Conference (CAC)

two local conferences in this region, namely, Sengkang Methodist Church and Changi Methodist Church.

At schools, Rev Dr Goh pointed out that while there were CAC pastors appointed as chaplains in all Methodist schools, there were only four Christian Ministry Staff (CMS) in three schools. "We can go for overseas short-term mission trips, pump in large sums of money in missions, yet we neglect such a big harvest field that allows us to labour on throughout the year?" he said. He therefore challenged churches to encourage their members to consider taking up a CMS role as their vocation.

A new CAC VP

On the second day of the Annual Conference, the CAC Vice President (VP) for 2023-2024 was elected. The present VP, Mr Guan Yeow Kwang, is completing his third 2-year term (2017-2022). The VP-elect is Dr Stephen Yeo, who has spent 20+ years serving in Bukit Panjang Methodist Church's LCEC as Lay Leader and Chairman, and is serving in his 16th year as Chairman of St Francis Methodist School's Board of Directors. Dr Yeo spent 20 years in the Singapore Armed Forces in strategic planning.

The connexional church and system of appointments

At the Closing Ceremony, which is when new pastoral appointments are announced, Rev Dr Goh reminded the clergy present that the bedrock of the Methodist connexional church is the system of itinerant ministers and ministerial appointments that John

Wesley started—with the purpose of upholding an apostolic mission given by God. He assured them that the appointments had considered the needs and concerns of the pastors as well as feedback from the churches and District Superintendents. He shared the concern that the process sometimes leaned towards a secular negotiation, but the "established structure had its sacredness" and there was a need to submit to this system in order to grow and expand the Church.

A total of six elders were ordained at the Closing Ceremony. They are Rev Bernard Chng Chun Yong, Rev Florence Ngu Siew Ning, Rev Lin Ming Zhong, Rev Dr Nathanael Goh Jun Chuen, Rev Patrick Lim Kok Chu and Rev Wang Hai Bin.

Ending the night with a rallying call, Rev Dr Goh referred to Wesley's Large Minutes, where Wesley asks how Methodist preachers should be viewed. The answer? Methodist preachers are "messengers sent by the Lord… to reform the nation by spreading scriptural holiness over the land".

Rev Dr Goh said that our faith was not just based on having certainty of eternal life, but also having "a holy influence" in the present life. Quoting Henry H Knight III, he said, "Wesley believed God had called the Methodists to proclaim in addition the promise of a new life before death, a life whose motivations, actions, and relationships [was] governed by love for God and neighbour. It was this that made the Methodist mission distinctive."

(left) Rev Dr Goh preaching at the Closing Service with translation by Rev Timothy Ang (middle) Dr Stephen Yeo (right) Closing Service

Chinese Annual Conference President 华人年议会会长 :

Rev Dr Gregory Goh Nai Lat 吴乃力牧师（博士 ）

District 1

第一教区

District Superintendent 教区长

Rev Lek Yong Teck 陸永德牧师

Geylang Chinese MC 芽笼堂

Pastor-in-charge 主理

Rev Paul Thian Moon Hee 程文喜牧师

Associate Pastor 协理

Rev Simon Cheo Hsun Shen 石训深牧师

Paya Lebar Chinese MC/Paya Lebar Methodist Mission 巴耶黎峇堂／巴耶礼峇美以美宣教站

Pastor-in-charge 主理

Rev Dr David Koh Ah Chye 许亚才牧师（博士）

Associate Pastors 协理

Rev Ng Beng Keow 黄明娇牧师

Rev Wilfred Leow Hui Ann 廖惠安牧师

Rev Boey Kok Yeow 梅国耀牧师

Rev Peter Pan Seng Tai 宾升泰牧师

Changi MC/Punggol Preaching Point 樟宜堂/榜鹅宣教站事工

Pastor-in-charge (Dual appointment) 主理（兼）

Rev Dr Niam Kai Huey 严家慧牧师（博士）

Assistant Pastor 助理

Rev Shawn Koh Shin Jan 许巽然牧师

Charis MC 颂恩堂

Pastor-in-charge 主理

Rev Lui Yuan Tze 雷远智牧师

Associate Pastors 协理

Rev Dr Alex Chng Peng Lian 庄炳亮牧师（博士）

Rev Peace Choi Pyong Hwa 崔平和牧师

Re-engagement of Pastor (Part-time) 重聘牧师（部分 ）

Rev Poh Heow Lee 傅後利牧师

Sengkang MC 盛港堂

Pastor-in-charge 主理

Rev Dr Niam Kai Huey 严家慧牧师（博士）

Associate Pastor 协理

Rev Tan-Yeo Lay Suan 陈杨丽旋牧师

Assistant Pastor 助理

Rev Ong Bee Keow 王美娇牧师

Preacher 传道

Pr Michael Lee Swee Yan 李瑞缘传道

Attachment 隶属

Rev Lisa Yu Li Hsin 俞丽鑫牧师

Rev Dr Nathanael Goh Jun Chuen 吴俊强牧师（博士）

District 2 第二教区

District Superintendent 教区长

Rev Helen Hoe Chiew Ngin 吴毅华牧师

Telok Ayer Chinese MC/TA2 直落亚逸堂／直落亚逸第二礼拜堂

Pastor-in-charge 主理

Rev Chua Ooi Suah 蔡伟山牧师

Associate Pastors 协理

Rev Edmund Koh Lik Hng 许立欣牧师

Rev Jasper Ngoh Jun Jie 吴钧杰牧师 (1 May 2023 onwards)

Rev Patrick Lim Kok Chu 林国柱牧师

Rev Lin Ming Zhong 林明忠牧师

Preacher 传道

Pr Sharon Lee Li Ping 李丽萍传道

Bukit Panjang MC 武吉班让堂

Pastor-in-charge 主理

Rev Lek Yong Teck 陸永德牧师

Associate Pastors 协理

Rev Erick Tan Eng Ghee 陈英意牧师

Rev Christopher Louis Kong Chung Dai 江宗大牧师

Preacher 传道

Pr Teh You Siong 郑有祥传道

Re-engagement of Pastor (Part-time) 重聘牧师（部分 ）

Rev Daniel Teoh Kean Oon 张建温牧师

Attachment 隶属

Rev Dr Andrew Peh Swee Kian 白瑞健牧师（博士）

Grace MC 恩典堂

Pastor-in-charge 主理

Rev Dr Ian Jew Yun Shern 尤永深牧师（博士）

Associate Pastor 协理

Rev Eric Soh Wai Foon 苏伟峰牧师

Preacher 传道

Pr Gareth Yeo Yong Tai 杨泳泰传道

Holy Covenant MC 恩约堂

Pastor-in-charge 主理

Rev Florence Ngu Siew Ning 吴晓宁牧师

Assistant Pastor 助理

Rev Timothy Ang Pei-Zheng 洪培正牧师

District 3 第三教区

District Superintendent 教区长

Rev Dr Niam Kai Huey 严家慧牧师（博士）

Foochow MC

福灵堂

Pastor-in-charge 主理

Rev Lau Chong Yaw 刘昌耀牧师

Associate Pastors 协理

Rev Andy Goh Yik Wah 吴毅华牧师

Rev Patrick Chen Guek Fah 曾国华牧师

Hinghwa MC 天道堂

Pastor-in-charge 主理

Rev Chu Vee Ping 周伟平牧师

Associate Pastor 协理

Rev Peter Soh Kee Lie 苏圻利牧师

Kum Yan MC (Woodlands) 感恩堂（兀兰）

Pastor-in-charge 主理

Rev Philip Lim Kian Leong 林建隆牧师

Preacher 传道

Pr Joseph Chen Yong Chiang 陈勇畅传道

Attachment 隶属

Rev Dr Wilfred Ho Wai Tat 何威达牧师（博士）

Hakka MC 天恩堂

Pastor-in-charge 主理

Rev Jasper Sim Shenq Chyi 沈圣奇牧师

Associate Pastor 协理

Rev Nathanael Chew Eng Pin 周永斌牧师

Yishun Methodist Mission 义顺北宣堂

Pastor-in-charge 主理

Rev Cynthia Choo Bee Lay 周美丽牧师

Associate Pastor 协理

Rev Bernard Chng Chun Yong 庄俊勇牧师

District 4 第四教区

District Superintendent 教区长

Rev Chua Ooi Suah 蔡伟山牧师

Queenstown Chinese MC 女皇镇堂

Pastor-in-charge 主理

Rev Ling Tieng Ngung 林天源牧师

Associate Pastors 协理

Rev Anne Lim Ai Lei 林爱莉牧师

Rev Jacqueline Ho Sow Fong 何秀芳牧师

Rev Wang Hai Bin 王海斌牧师

Assistant Pastor 助理

Rev Joshua Ong Chee Xiang 王志翔牧师

Ang Mo Kio Chinese MC 宏茂桥堂

Pastor-in-charge 主理 Rev Helen Hoe Chiew Ngin 何秋吟牧师

Associate Pastor 协理 Rev Koh Chew Hai 许就凯牧师

Toa Payoh Chinese MC 大巴窑堂

Pastor-in-charge 主理

Rev Chin Yan Chong 陈元昌牧师

Associate Pastor 协理 Rev Glenn Tan Tze Meng 陈书铭牧师

Associate Director of Christian Ministry in Schools 学校圣工副主任

Rev Edmund Koh 许立欣牧师

Methodist School Chaplains 卫理学校校牧

Rev Lek Yong Teck 陆永德牧师

Rev Erick Tan 陈英意牧师

Rev Christopher Kong 江宗大牧师

Pr Teh You Siong 郑有祥传道

Rev Shawn Koh 许巽然牧师

Rev Glenn Tan 陈书铭牧师

Pr Gareth Yeo 杨泳泰传道

Pr Joseph Chen 陈勇畅传道

Rev Simon Cheo 石训深牧师

Rev Bernard Chng 庄俊勇牧师

Rev Dr David Koh 许亚才牧师（博士）

Rev Patrick Chen 曾国华牧师

Rev Peter Pan 宾升泰牧师

Rev Lui Yuan Tze 雷远智牧师

Missionaries with MMS 卫理宣教会宣教士

Rev Cassandra Lee 李文英牧师

Director of Disciple Agency 门徒机构主任

Rev Lisa Yu Li Hsin 俞丽鑫牧师

Rev Cynthia Choo 周美丽牧师

Rev Boey Kok Yeow 梅国耀牧师

Rev Paul Thian 程文喜牧师

Rev Wilfred Leow 廖惠安牧师

Rev Ong Bee Keow 王美娇牧师

Rev Joshua Ong 王志翔牧师

Pr Michael Lee 李瑞缘传道

Rev Edmund Koh 许立欣牧师

Rev Timothy Ang 洪培正牧师

Rev Tan-Yeo Lay Suan 陈杨丽旋牧师

Rev Seet Keng Tat 薛庆达牧师

Rev Jasper Sim 沈圣奇牧师

Rev Peace Choi 崔平和牧师 [From 1 Jul 2023 onwards]

Rev Jasper Ngoh 吴钧杰牧师 [From 1 May 2023 onwards]

Trinity Theological College, Principal & Lecturer 三一神学院院长及讲师

Rev Dr Edwin Tay Ed Min 郑益民牧师（博士）

Lecturers at Trinity Theological College & Chaplains to CAC Students at Trinity Theological College 三一神学院讲师及华人年议会三一神学生院牧

Rev Dr Wilfred Ho Wai Tat 何威达牧师（博士）

Local Church Attachment 隶属 : Kum Yan MC 感恩堂

Rev Dr Andrew Peh Swee Kian 白瑞健牧师（博士）

Local Church Attachment 隶属 : Bukit Panjang MC 武吉班让堂

Rev Dr Nathanael Goh Jun Chuen 吴俊强牧师 （博士）

Local Church Attachment 隶属 : Sengkang MC 盛港堂

Principal, Institute of Elders 四宗乐龄学院院长

Rev Khoo Cheng Hoot (Honorary) 邱仁发牧师（义务）

Sabbatical Leave (1 year) 安息年（一年）

Rev Tack Ng Lai Chun 吴丽真牧师

Rev Irman Halim 林恩信牧师

Information is correct at time of printing.

Recovering our Methodist doctrine, spirit and discipline

47th Session of the Trinity Annual Conference

The 47th Session of the Trinity Annual Conference (TRAC) was held at ACS (Barker Road) premises from 21 to 24 Nov 2022. This is the first time since the Covid-19 pandemic that the TRAC Session was held fully on-site, with only the Closing Service live-streamed as well.

I am not afraid that the people called Methodists should ever cease to exist either in Europe or America. But I am afraid lest they should exist as a dead sect, having the form of religion without the power. And this undoubtedly will be the case unless they hold fast both the doctrine, spirit, and discipline with which they first set out….

(Thoughts on Methodism, Works of John Wesley Vol. 13)

Tragically these prophetic words of John Wesley have come to pass in our generation where we have witnessed the decline of Methodism in the UK and US, especially the UK, the birthplace of Methodism, said Rev Stanley Chua, President of TRAC.

One of the most important factors for this decline is their neglect in holding fast to their Methodist doctrine, spirit and discipline, added Rev Chua in his President's Address.

Reiterating his three-year theme, "Remember Who We Are: Rediscovering our Methodist Heritage of Spirit, Doctrine and Discipline," which he first expounded on at last year's 46th Session, Rev Chua warned that the same fate could happen to The Methodist Church in Singapore (MCS) if we rested on our laurels. "My greatest concern is that many in our Methodist churches are ignorant of our Methodist history and heritage," he said.

Drawing practical ideas and solutions that he had received and discerned from participants in his book study earlier this year on the history of Methodism based on Arthur Skevington Wood's The Burning Heart , Rev Chua highlighted the following proposals:

(left)

The 47th TRAC Session was held from 21 to 24 Nov 2022 (right) Ordination

Recovering our Methodist Spirit

"The greatest threat to Christianity is when we no longer care for lost souls. To exist for the next 100 years, MCS must continue to strive to have the zeal to reach out to lost people," said Rev Chua.

Rev Chua exhorted all churches to continue to emphasise evangelism and witnessing through teaching its importance as well as pouring more resources and thinking of creative ways to do evangelism and outreach. He suggested three ways to address the challenges that MCS is facing:



Empower lay people to become "Lay Pastors"

It was this vision of empowering ordinary, non-ordained people for God's mission that was at the heart and spirit of the Wesleyan revival and success. Despite concerted efforts by the Board of Ministry (BOM) to organise an annual Vocational Conversation seminar and produce a video on pastoral ministry, as well as the commitment by all churches to have at least one sermon a year on pastoral ministry, it would still not be enough. Rev Chua shared that in 10 years' time (assuming there are no new pastors joining TRAC and retired pastors are not seeking re-engagement) there would be a shortage of pastors, with only 44 pastors serving the 21 TRAC churches.

To overcome this, Rev Chua urged the Conference to reconsider the spirit of empowering and appointing some of the lay people to become "Lay Pastors", starting with our pool of lay ministry staff and lay leaders in the 21 TRAC churches.

He recognised that there may be concerns and challenges in proceeding on this route and proposed that the BOM take the lead in establishing a task force to seriously look into this proposal and to give a report by the next Annual Conference.



Recover and apply the spirit of innovation and adaptation of the early Methodists

Rev Chua proposed the creation of the "Wesley Sandbox", a safe space for our youths and young adults to explore, experiment and develop their own worship ministries, programmes and events. He recommended that local churches set up a task force to (a) appraise their own local church situation and (b) work out principles and guidelines for this project.

 Recover the capital "S" Rev Chua exhorted churches to be open to the work of the Holy Spirit by creating opportunities for people to encounter God through the Holy Spirit in our worship services and small group meetings. He highlighted that recovering the spirit of the early Methodists involved being open to the work of the Holy Spirit in the everyday lives of our congregation. That "experience" was the missing element that Wesley rediscovered in Christianity. "We cannot explain the explosive growth of the Wesleyan revival if we fail to understand the importance of the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit in the lives of individuals," he said.

Rev Stanley Chua giving the President's Address

Recovering our Methodist Doctrine

With regard to recovering our Methodist doctrine, Rev Chua highlighted the Protestant Reformation which recovered the doctrine of justification/salvation by grace. In the Wesleyan revival, the doctrine of sanctification (living a life of holiness) was recovered. All the doctrines that John Wesley taught and emphasised are not new doctrines. They are the basic foundations of our Christian faith found in historic Christianity.

Rev Chua proposed the redesign of our membership course by modelling it after the Alpha course so that we can teach our Methodist doctrine, spirit and discipline to succeeding generations. The course should include a "Holy Spirit" weekend to facilitate our people to have their own "Aldersgate experience".

Recovering our Methodist Discipline

Rev Chua highlighted John Wesley's passion in creating discipleship systems that provided accountability. Many believed that the lasting success of Wesley's growing movement was due to his emphasis on both evangelism and discipleship, in particular discipleship. As George Whitefield commented, Wesley not only sought to win converts, he was also passionate about making radical disciples of Christ by creating discipleship systems through a disciplined system called bands and classes.

Rev Chua proposed recovering and practising "The General Rules of the Methodist Church" found in the Book of Discipline Para 71. This would ensure that all small groups are aligned to the original intention of the class meetings where members covenant to hold each other accountable for their discipleship. He also urged all churches to seriously consider making small group participation a requirement for church membership.

Other highlights

With TRAC President spelling out what was in his heart, pastors and lay delegates proceeded to discuss the proposals as well as issues their churches were facing. The District Superintendents, TRAC Boards and General Conference Councils also presented their yearly reports to Conference members.

The 47th Session also saw the re-election of Dr Cheah-Foo Fung Fong as TRAC VicePresident for another two years.

In his Bishop's Update, Bishop Dr Gordon Wong updated delegates on the One MCS initiative. Rather than working on structural changes to bring the three Conferences together, he said the Presidents and General Conference have agreed to focus on working and fellowshipping across the three Conferences. Fellowship sessions between lay leaders of all three Conferences have taken place last year and will continue to do so.

(left) BE Dr Wee Boon Hup preaching at the Closing Service (right) Holy Communion, Closing Service

Recovering our Methodist doctrine, spirit and discipline

(top) Rev Chua emphasised the need to hold fast to Methodist doctrine, spirit and discipline

Similar initiatives for pastors of the three Conferences have also been planned. These include the Joint MCS Pastors Retreat in April 2023, Combined Pastors Fellowship in May 2023 and Combined Lent Services in 2024.

TRAC membership crosses 30,000 for the first time

The Statistician's Report revealed some good news. Total membership across the 21 TRAC churches grew by 2.7 per cent or 789 persons to 30,057 in 2022, crossing the 30,000 mark for the first time. But the report also highlighted the greying population in our churches. The number of members above 60 years of age has risen to 11,360 persons in 2022, representing 37.8 per cent of total TRAC membership.

The 47th Session ended with the Closing Service, during which Bishop Dr Gordon Wong presided over the ordination of the following:

Diaconal Ministers

• Ms Chua Chiew Poh

• Mr Vincent Lim

Deacons Ps Gilbert Lok

• Ps Clement Ong Elders Rev Joey Chen

• Rev Alex Chew

• Rev Benjamin Lau

• Rev Allan Lee

The appointments of Pastors and District Superintendents were also read out and will take effect from 1 Jan 2023.

Saul The Man who had it but lost it

In his sermon at the closing service, TRAC President Rev Stanley Chua preached on "Saul The Man Who Had It but Lost It" (1 Samuel 15:17-23).

Drawing lessons from Saul's life and ministry, Rev Chua reminded delegates and especially the ordinands to pay heed to how we handle power and success; our accountability to others, especially those whom God has placed over our lives; and most important of all, how well we handle our relationship with God, particularly in the area of obeying God's Word.

(right) Newly ordained Diaconal Ministers, Deacons and Elders

Trinity Annual Conference 47th Session

PASTORAL APPOINTMENTS FOR THE YEAR

District 1

District 2

District Superintendent

Rev Dr Jonathan Seet

Barker Road MC

Pastor-in-Charge Rev Wendy Watson

Pastors Rev Dr Daniel Koh Rev Lai Kai Ming Rev Benjamin Fong

Assistant Pastor Rev Gilbert Lok

Bedok MC

Pastor-in-Charge Rev Dr Aaron Tay

Pastor Rev Timothy Yong

Christ MC Pastor-in-Charge Rev Dr Edwin Wong

Pastors Rev Barnabas Chong Rev Daniel C Tan Rev Chan Siew Chye

Christalite Methodist Chapel Pastor-in-Charge Rev Shaun Chong

Assistant Pastor Rev Tay Li Ping

Kampong Kapor MC

Pastor-in-Charge Rev Tay Kay Leong

Pastor Rev Anthony Phua

District Superintendent Rev Reuben Ng

Ang Mo Kio MC

Pastor-in-Charge Rev Anthony Lee

Pastor Rev Lee Yam Kai

Assistant Pastor Rev Emanuel Goh

Living Hope MC

Pastor-in-Charge Rev Joel Yang Pastors Rev Gabriel Liew Rev Joshua Loo

Methodist Church of the Incarnation Pastor-in-Charge Rev Edmund Koh

Pastor Rev Allan Lee Paya Lebar MC Pastor-in-Charge Rev Dr Kow Shih Ming

Pastors Rev Vincent Goh Rev Jacob Lim Rev Joey Chen

Pentecost MC

Pastor-in-Charge Rev Dr Jonathan Seet

Pastor Rev Collin See Assistant Pastor Pastor Isaac Tan

Trinity MC Pastor-in-Charge Rev Alvin Chan

Pastors Rev Sng Chong Hui Rev Byron Teo

District 3

District Superintendent Rev Alvin Chan

Agape MC

Pastor-in-Charge Rev Dr Chiu Ming Li Pastor Rev Jason Phua

Cairnhill MC

Pastor-in-Charge Rev Dr William Sam Pastor Rev Ling Kin Yew Fairfield MC Pastor-in-Charge Rev Wendy Tay Pastor Rev Ivan Tan

Assistant Pastor Pastor Reginald Chan

Toa Payoh MC Pastor-in-Charge Rev Benjamin Lee Pastors Rev Ming Feong Ching Rev Poh Zhi Hui

Wesley MC Pastor-in-Charge Rev Raymond Fong

Pastors

Rev Lim Jen Huat Rev Lilian Ang Rev Chia Chin Nam Rev Gladwin Lee Rev Adrian Ng Rev David Ho Seng Hian Rev Benjamin Lau

Assistant Pastor Rev Clement Ong

District 4

District Superintendent

Rev Dr Edwin Wong

Aldersgate MC Pastor-in-Charge Rev Dr Lynette Sathiasingam

Assistant Pastor Rev Jeremy Yap

Covenant Community MC

Pastor-in-Charge Rev David Gwee

Pastors Rev Daniel Terence Yeo Rev David Ho Gim Pin

Faith MC

Pastor-in-Charge Rev Reuben Ng

Pastors

Rev John Benedict Foo Rev Peter Koh Rev Eddie Ho

Assistant Pastor Rev Chan Mei Ming

Holland Village MC

Pastor-in-Charge Rev Jeremy Ong Pastor Rev Loretta Lim

Living Waters MC

Pastor-in-Charge Rev Khoo Kay Huat

Pastor Rev Alex Chew

Information is correct at time of printing.

SPECIAL APPOINTMENTS FOR THE YEAR 2023

Director, Truthmin Rev Byron Teo

Assistant Directors, Youth Ministry Rev Benjamin Fong Rev Timothy Yong (Schools) Rev Allan Lee (Trackers)

Director of Young Adults Ministry Rev Adrian Ng

Director, Lay Equipping and Development Institute (LEAD ) Rev Ming Feong Ching

Assistant Director, Lay Equipping and Development Institute (LEAD) Rev Ling Kin Yew Director, Seniors’ Ministry Rev Joshua Loo

TRAC Crisis Relief Coordinator Rev Jason Phua

TRAC Chaplains to TRAC TTC Students Rev Dr Chiang Ming Shun Rev Dr Bernard Chao Rev Wendy Tay

Lecturer, Trinity Theological College Rev Dr Chiang Ming Shun Rev Dr Bernard Chao

On Sabbatical Leave Rev Kenneth Huang Study Leave Rev Ian Lee

Coordinator Peranakan/Indonesian Ministry Rev Christopher Chin

APPOINTMENTS MADE THROUGH THE BISHOP’S OFFICE

Director, Ministry in Schools Rev Dr Aaron Tay

Associate Director, Ministry in Schools Rev Dr William Sam Rev Poh Zhi Hui

METHODIST MISSIONS SOCIETY

2023

Executive Director Rev Derrick Lau Missionary Pastor (East Asia) Rev Tan Cheok Kian Missionary Pastor (Thailand) Rev Clarence Lee Missionary Diaconal Minister (Thailand) Rev Vincent Lim Missionary Pastor (Vietnam) Rev Leslie Lim Missionary Pastor (Timor-Leste) Rev See Swee Fang Missionary Diaconal Minister (Timor-Leste) Rev Teresa Wilborn

On Pentecost Sunday 2022, a group gathered at Jerusalem’s Garden Tomb as the "first-fruits" of the movement to eliminate the Original Testament (OT) Gap. Known as the Jerusalem Declaration, these individuals are its original signatories. The OT Summit on 28 November at Wesley Methodist Church is the first of such events outside of Jerusalem, organised by the 4.2.20 Foundation to discuss the relevance of the Old Testament (which they refer to as the Original Testament), why an OT gap exists, and how it can be eliminated.

Statistics show that of the 7,000+ global languages, only 10% have access to the full Bible. In other words, 90% of the world’s population have an incomplete understanding of God’s word. In Asia, only 54 of the 2,414 languages have the full Bible translated into the local language. It is the goal to see every person engage with the whole word of God in his/her own heart language that drives the work of 4.2.20 Foundation.

In his OT Summit opening address, 4.2.20 Foundation’s CEO, Rev Dr David Swarr, pointed out that one in every four verses in the New Testament refers directly to the Old Testament, and emphasised Jesus’ extensive use of the OT. When we consider the two primary directives God has for believers—that of the great commandment and the great commission—the relevance of the OT and how it is the bedrock for the New Testament becomes starkly evident.

OT Summit

The relevance of the Old Testament today

Inner courtyard of the Tower of David in Jerusalem, Israel

Bishop Dr Gordon Wong of The Methodist Church in Singapore (MCS) expounded on the OT relevance, stating that the OT was the Bible Jesus referred to. Matthew 5:17 reads, "Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law of the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfil them."

Bishop Dr Wong’s background as the Bishop William F. Oldham Professor of Old Testament at Trinity Theological College where he lectured on the Old Testament, Hebrew and Homiletics for 17 years, was brought to the fore as he shared why the promotion of the OT is necessary for historic, hermeneutical and holistic reasons. He interspersed his insights with personal anecdotes on how gaps in translation can affect one’s understanding of God’s Word, and explained how the OT portrays God as the creator of all, and OT heroes were not restricted to Jews—think Job of OT fame.

Henry Tan, Vice Chairman of Alpha Singapore, moderated a discussion with panellists Rev Dr Swarr, Rev Stanley Chua, President of the Trinity Annual Conference of MCS and Ms Kwan Poh Sun, Wycliffe Singapore’s Senior Bible Translation Consultant. This session yielded a greater appreciation for the cultural and geographical significance to Bible translation work, and as highlighted by Rev Chua, how Scripture is central to the Methodist theology by way of the Wesleyan Quadrilateral.

Read more about the Jerusalem Declaration to eliminate the Original Testament gap https://theotgap.bible

Kathrynn Koh is the Communications Executive at MCS Communications Department.

Top prize for innovative education awarded to Methodist Preschools

Methodist Preschool Services (MPS) was awarded the top prize for the Gartner 2022 Eye on Innovation Awards in Education (K-12 category) for the use of the Luka AI Reading Robot to enhance Chinese language learning. The international award recognises education institutions for their innovative use of technology to drive best-in-class initiatives. MPS topped three other finalists from Australia, USA and Brazil. It is the first preschool group in Singapore to win the education innovation award in the new K-12 award category introduced by Gartner this year.

Luka was introduced to support Mandarin learning at the group of five MPSmanaged preschools in 2022. Children can enjoy listening to stories read aloud by Luka in an animated and pleasant voice from its extensive library of 70,000 audiobooks of different genres and themes. In addition to storytelling, Luka also assists our students in independent learning of Chinese characters using its AI-image recognition capability. The AI robot provides clear and accurate pronunciation of Chinese words and their meanings from flashcards placed in front of it.

Since its debut, teachers have noted a significant boost in interest for Chinese language learning, improvement in Chinese literacy, communication skills and greater motivation for self-initiated learning outside lesson time among students. Students’ Chinese vocabulary and communication skills have also been enhanced as they converse and sing along with Luka.

For more information, scan the QR code to visit the MPS website

(top) Storytelling by Luka (bottom) Activitybased Chinese learning using Luka

Chan Yuey Sum is the Manager (Marketing &

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

Answering the call

We hear the stories of two newly ordained Elders and one Member-on-Trial, all of whom were conferred their new titles during the Annual Conferences in Nov 2022.

I used to work in a Christian gospel broadcasting company. Whilst serving in this para-church organisation, I had opportunities to visit different churches for fund-raising purposes and sharing of ministry opportunities there. Once, I arrived early at a church and as I entered the sanctuary, I gazed at the empty pews and the vacant hall.

Looking around, a message flashed in my mind. It was as if God was telling me "The Church needs workers, come feed my sheep." As I continued to contemplate, this thought came to me: Isn't bringing people into the church to be pastored, the ultimate aim of spreading the gospel? The message of the Church lacking pastors was impressed upon me as I continued to gaze at the empty hall. Because of this, I responded to God's call.

I left the broadcasting company and started full-time theological studies to equip myself so that I could be deployable by God. I did not know how pastoral ministry would be like; neither did I question my credentials, nor understand the great cost that awaited me when I set foot on this journey. I simply responded because there was a need.

If you had asked me during my initial years in seminary how I envisioned being a pastor, I would have responded with lofty plans and ideas. However, from 2014 to 2022 (between the time I graduated to when I was ordained an Elder), my perspective of being a pastor changed. I feel that a pastor is one who is on a journey, constantly learning how to relinquish his own plans and dreams. For it is only when one relinquishes his plans will he truly hear God's will. I find myself being more and more ignorant as I walk down this path. I thank God for this awareness, because this ignorance compels me to rely on God more. And this reliance allows me to see his wonderful works unveiling in ministry.

The opportunity of being a servant of God is a glorious one. I sometimes ask myself "What can a plain Jane like me accomplish?" It is only through his marvellous work and grace that I have been chosen to be a pastor. Being ordained as an Elder is both an important affirmation and a sign—affirmation of God's calling and will in my life. Stepping into this new phase, I'm met with a lot of unknowns and may not be able to navigate smoothly as I adjust. But I would like to echo Mary's prayer in Luke 1:38 (NIV), "I am the Lord's servant, may your word to me be fulfilled." All glory to our Lord!

Rev Florence Ngu and her parents

Rev Florence Ngu Newly ordained Elder, CAC

(Translated from Mandarin)

Even though I was brought up in a Christian family and my father had dedicated me to pastoral ministry while I was still in my mother's womb, I showed no interest in doing God's work in my youth. In fact, I was running in the opposite direction from where God wanted me to. I never listened to my parents and anyone who gave me advice.

Rather, I chose to enjoy my life in a different way that eventually wrecked my youth.

But God started to teach me. Although I had a reputation of being an academically good student, I failed my higher secondary level examinations. Ashamed to face the people in my village in the Kanyakumari District, Tamil Nadu, I packed up and moved to my uncle's house in the city, with the intention of pursuing a technical course with my high school level results.

Back then, I did not read the Bible frequently, but God still used different ways to speak to me, to inspire and encourage me. On that day, I was seated in the living room where I found a wall hanging with the words, "If you don't succeed once, try, try again." That encouraged me and I went on to pass my second attempt at the supplementary exam.

These words spoken to me by the then gardener of St Wesley Church Roya PettahChennai, India, still ring in my ears— "He will hook him and take him for His mission."

If God really called someone for his purpose, he will not let him go. During my college days, a friend and I met this gardener on the church campus where we chose to wait for a movie in a theatre nearby. He shared these words with me after explaining the story of Jonah.

I used to tell my parents that I cannot serve God without personally recognising his call. Well, God certainly made it clear to me!

Despite my excuses that I was not worthy to serve him, God spoke to me clearly through 1 Corinthians 1:27, "But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong."

God moulded me for his mission, helping me to serve in India as a church worker for five years, and as a missionary trainee for one year in a tribal village. It was God's will that I could pursue theological studies to serve God and God's people further, and to preach God's word with clear biblical knowledge.

I had never thought of serving God through Emmanuel Tamil Annual Conference (ETAC) with The Methodist Church in Singapore (MCS), but it is God's will that I will be a Member-on-Trial (MOT) in ETAC from January 2023. I praise God for his love and mercies during the difficult times of my life. I also render my sincere gratitude to people who stood by my side and guided me thus far, imparting God's love to me.

Pastor Adlin with his wife Rubia and daughter Linya

Pastor Jones Retna Raj Adlin Jacob Member-on-Trial, ETAC

I

t seems that God was reaching out to me from the beginning.

By his grace, I went to a missions school where I was exposed to Christianity in my primary school years despite being born into a non-Christian family. Looking back, the seeds of the gospel were planted during those years. However, it was only in secondary school, through The Boys' Brigade (BB) programme, that I truly experienced God's love and decided to give my life to Christ.

I started to go to church and attended a weekly Bible study, and so began a process of spiritual transformation in my life. Patience and gentleness slowly replaced my hot-temper and impatience, and as I knew God and his Word more, I began to serve him more actively in church and BB.

I first sensed God's call to full-time ministry at my first Young Methodist Leaders Conference (YMLC) in 2003 during my NS days. Having sought the wise counsel of my Pastor-in-Charge then, I proceeded to first pursue and complete my degree, and subsequently my Master's. It was during this time that I discovered a love and passion for teaching. This passion would later lead me to believe that God had called me to teaching in my pastoral ministry, which was confirmed by an encounter with

a Methodist pastor who shared that she saw the word "teaching" only moments in to our first meeting.

I heard God's call again during YMLC which I attended again while working in the Civil Service. However, this time I was in denial. I never saw myself as a pastor, neither was I prepared for it. I kept this to myself and told no one, only asking God to confirm this calling. About a month later, my brother, who was already in ministry, sent me a text message saying, "I sensed God calling you to full-time ministry—why don't you pray about it?" It was then that I knew without a doubt that God had called me to serve him and his church as a pastor. The rest, as they say, is history.

Looking back, I am always amazed by how God, from the very beginning, was already reaching out to me, charting my path "behind the scenes". Today, I continue to be amazed by his grace. He has called me into ministry that is aligned with my passion, and given me the privilege to walk with others and see them grow in their relationship with him.

As I continue this journey of pastoral ministry, I pray that the Lord will continue to equip and empower me to serve him faithfully and fervently. To God be the glory.

(left) Rev Lee and his family (right) L to R Rev Benjamin Lau, Rev Allan Lee, Rev Alex Chew, Rev Joey Chen

Rev Allan Lee

Newly ordained Elder, TRAC

Should Christians make New Year resolutions?

Making New Year resolutions may have once been a more serious practice. Reflecting the optimism of days past, people would see the start of the year as an opportunity for betterment by resolving to take action or change. Things do not seem quite the same now. New Year resolutions have become the punchline in jokes—made in January, forgotten by February—for example. The question is no longer whether we would keep our resolutions, but how long before we break them.

Given how frivolously treated New Year resolutions seem to be, should Christians make any? To give the practice a fair trial, we should look beyond its present-day caricature.

In theory, making resolutions is a commendable instinct. It is the first step to putting the hand on the proverbial plough and reflects a desire to grow in some way.

Christians are never to be content with drinking milk like infants, but to strive for maturity, contending for the holiness Christ summons us to.1

Without resolving to take certain actions or make changes in our lives, how can we achieve maturity in Christ? Resolutions are therefore necessary, and what is important is their substance. What are you resolving to do, and why?

It must be noted that not all resolutions are made equal. A resolution to sleep earlier cannot be considered akin to a resolution to pray daily (although the latter has sometimes helped with the former).

What then should our resolutions be? Scripture urges us to pursue and keep doing the things that are good, beautiful, and true, and these would be excellent criteria in discerning resolutions that are worthy of our time and energy. 2 Discerning what is

Rev Benjamin Fong is a pastor at Barker Road Methodist Church.

Image: Tim Mossholder/Unsplash.com

good, beautiful, and true requires a constant renewing of our minds, so that we define these qualities on God's terms, rather than by the world's ever-shifting standards. 3

Resolutions that are worthwhile are thus resolutions that help us grow in holiness: to love and think like Christ, who is the embodiment of God's goodness, beauty, and truth in the flesh. Christians are, after all, supposed to pursue perfection in love—not passively but actively with single-minded, relentless zeal.4

This requires courage to honestly confront ourselves and see where we are in our journey. If our resolution does not produce what John Wesley terms the "fruits of holiness" then we need to either revise our resolution or replace it with one that does lead to our growing in holy love. 5 Otherwise we are no different from the world, wasting our energies pursuing that which will not last into the world to come. 6

However, simply making resolutions that will sanctify us is not enough. Since the goal is holiness, we must also strive to keep these resolutions and bear fruit, lest we become like the disobedient son of Matthew 21:28.7 But we need not share the gloomy outlook on the futility of resolutions that the world feeds us.

Resolutions that help us grow in holiness have one key difference from the petty resolutions that the world makes—because they are made in obedience to God's heart, we are given divine grace to keep them. Wesley firmly believed that the God who summons us to holiness is also a God who gives us the grace to be holy as he is holy. Every command of God in the Bible is at once both a summons to obedience, and yet also a promise that he would give us grace to obey. 8

That's the gospel! And this is the same faith and hope that undergirds the Watchnight Covenant Renewal Service that has become so distinctive of Methodists. The covenant we make is the one resolution to rule them all, a resolve to dedicate all our life in the year

ahead to the purposes of God, as the young Wesley did as a student in Oxford. Looking back on his life, he wrote,

Instantly I resolved to dedicate all my life to God, all my thoughts, and words, and actions; being thoroughly convinced, there was no medium; but that every part of my life (not some only) must either be a sacrifice to God, or myself, that is, in effect, to the devil. 9

By the time this is published we would already be in the new year, but we do not have to wait till New Year's Eve to renew our covenant with the Lord. Wesley himself conducted the covenant renewal service at various times of the year as he travelled, with the overarching emphasis on resolving to follow Jesus all the way. This year, will you make a resolution that counts?

A COVENANT PRAYER in the Wesleyan Tradition

I am no longer my own, but yours. Put me to what you will, place me with whom you will. Put me to doing, put me to suffering. Let me be put to work for you or set aside for you, praised for you or criticised for you. Let me be full, let me be empty. Let me have all things, let me have nothing. I freely and fully surrender all things to your glory and service. And now, O wonderful and holy God, Creator, Redeemer, and Sustainer, you are mine, and I am yours. So be it. And the covenant which I have made on earth, let it also be made in heaven.

Amen.

Public Domain, The United Methodist Hymnal UMH607

1 Philippians 3:14; Hebrews 5:12-14.

2 Philippians 4:8-9.

3 Romans 12:1-2.

4 John Wesley, A Plain Account of Christian Perfection, 19.

5 John Wesley, Sermon 28: Upon Our Lord's Sermon on the Mount (Discourse VIII), 4.

6 John 6:27.

7 In this parable, a man asks his sons to work in the vineyard. The first refuses, but subsequently goes; the second agrees, but does not show up.

8 John Wesley, Sermon 25: Upon Our Lord's Sermon on the Mount (Discourse V), 2.3.

9 John Wesley, A Plain Account of Christian Perfection, 2.

going home is

a worthy book of letters

From describing Greenwich, New York as "the haven of low-tax suburbia, the ballast of private equity… and the monotony of finance husbands" ("another life"), to capturing the bustle of Hong Kong in a powerful image of "heels clutched from anxious feet" ("5 foundings"), Jonathan Chan's debut poetry collection, going home is a masterful display of sensibilities.

There is a keen sense of affection for the places he has lived in and known (the United States, Malaysia, South Korea, Hong Kong, the United Kingdom, and Singapore), but beyond these earthly sojourns, there are also poems of reflection on his Christian faith that shine with tender, overt spirituality. The final poem, "epistle", calls to mind the New Testament writings of the apostle Paul, and with the repetitive phrase "I write a letter", we get the fullest measure of his desire to express everything on his heart, while knowing that it is humanly impossible to do so. But if we consider each poem in this book leading up to "epistle" as a letter he desired to write, his valiant attempt has indeed produced a book of letters well worth reading.

Methodist Message interviewed Jonathan, 26, a graduate of Cambridge University, England to know more about him.

Are you a member of a church, in Singapore or abroad?

I grew up at International Baptist Church (IBC) and later moved to Covenant Community Methodist Church, where I remain. Prior to my NS enlistment, I attended Trackers (a 3-month church discipleship programme for youths aged between 17 and 25). I attended a low Anglican church while living in Cambridge, England and a Vineyard church when I lived in New Haven, Connecticut.

Did you attend Sunday School as a child and what is your memory of it?

Growing up in IBC, attending Sunday School, I thought of faith as primarily cerebral or doctrinal—I felt like it was something good, something for which I had to be obedient and attentive during classes, and something that required my being able to give the right answers. That sense of personal strictness began to loosen over the years as I began to better

Lucy Cheng worships at Wesley Methodist Church and serves in their BeTween ministry.

/ Photos courtesy of Jonathan Chan

understand the complex ways in which faith takes root, becomes manifest in daily disciplines, and can sometimes feel wholly inadequate in thinking about the great cruelty and violence that patterns our world. Yet, that very inadequacy lies with us, not with God, who continues to work in spite of our partial, imperfect understandings of his nature and his being. The person of Christ is the most tangible and accessible way we can begin to understand what a life of faith means for the human person.

My advice to a 14-year-old who is searching would firstly be to read widely. The search for truth has been conditioned in all humanity, arguably since its very inception in the Garden of Eden when the compulsion toward truth led Adam and Eve to discover sin. Yet, what makes the truth the truth is its consistency and ability to cut through abhorrent untruths. The Gospel is the Gospel, no matter how it may be misconstrued or misrepresented. Secondly, befriend people from various backgrounds—socioeconomic, ethnic, religious, linguistic. Coming into friendship and intimacy with people who have lived all kinds of lives can knock away narrowness and parochialism, while giving the sense that there can be an expansiveness to truth one may have previously overlooked. Within this lies the importance of finding friends and mentors one can trust—those who are open to listening to you in patient, non-judgmental ways in this journey of trying to understand and sort out the truth.

What advice would you give to a 14-year-old teen searching for the truth?

In my mind, adolescence is always a difficult period. Not only is it a period of profound physical transformation, but that can be matched by periods of intense questioning that can affect you psychologically and spiritually. I think I was once that 14-year-old searching for the truth, terrified of the possibility that the architecture of the Christian faith was built on lies and was fragile enough to crumble at the slightest prod. What later helped to assuage that fear was the conviction that came from believing in the historical truth of the resurrection, though understanding the place of that truth in daily life has been an ensuing source of frustration and comfort.

The last piece of advice I would offer is to find comfort in the fact that, realistically, few people really figure out 'the truth' in their adolescence. Seeking the truth is a lifelong process. We can assert that God is truth, but to know that fact, to feel that, and to live that out with depth and fullness is the central tension of this life on earth.

In one of your poems is a lovely phrase, "divine alterities". Is there any place on earth you yearn for, where you cannot stay?

In the poem "another life", in which I write about "divine alterities", I'm thinking specifically about the otherness of God, the ways in which God remains totally alien to us owing to the vastness of his authority and intelligence, and my utter inability to

"going home" is a worthy book of letters

fully understand the alternative lives he may have led me to live. I find a contentment in the divine security provided by faith through all the places I've known as home.

Your book is titled going home, which seems to be an allusion to the spiritual, but is it only? Where is 'home'?

The central thrust of the book is my thinking about my own experience of coming into an understanding of the idea of home—culturally, ethnically, historically, environmentally, and spiritually. Part of me has felt at home in the

places my family lives that I visited growing up—Houston, Seoul, Hong Kong. Part of me has felt at home in the places I have lived— New York, Singapore, Cambridge, New Haven.

If home is defined as a place where one's inner sense of self and one's surroundings match, where one feels fully known and ceases to feel the need for constant self-explanation, then home is only really in Singapore with my own family. But if home is taken to be in that sense of fundamental, personal security, then the feeling of home ultimately resides in what it is for me to be a child and a follower of God.

going home

By Jonathan Chan

Published by Landmark Books

ISBN: 9789811847318

Cover Type: Paperback

Page Count: 96 Year Published: 2022

• Size: 130mm x 195mm

The book is available at Epigram Books

Our world at the beginning of 2023 is pretty much the same as it was at the end of 2022.

It is a world that continues to be molested by wars, pestilences and famines. It is a world that is gripped by the forces of evil, shrouded in darkness and burdened by the weight of tragedy.

In many ways, 2023 does not appear to offer many prospects for a new beginning for large swathes of the world's population.

Think of the millions of Ukrainians whose lives have been torn apart by a senseless war and who have lost people they love.

Think of the 900,000 Rohingya who fled Myanmar and who are now living in overcrowded camps in Bangladesh.

And think of the hundreds of thousands of women and children (both girls and boys) who are victims of human trafficking every year, and who find themselves in the dark and unforgiving world of sex, drugs and violence.

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.

Behold, I am making all things new!

And he who was seated on the throne said, 'Behold, I am making all things new.'

(Revelation 21:5)

Will 2023 bring a new beginning of peace, restoration, liberation and healing to them?

And yet, the lectionary for this liturgical season directs our attention to these truly remarkable words of our Lord: "Behold, I am making all things new " (Revelation 21:5).

They point to the future that God himself will bring to pass the transformation of this sin-marred world of ours, where God himself will "wipe away every tear from their eyes" , and where "death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away" (Revelation 21:4).

This marvellous and unimaginable future is in fact already here! God's kingdom was inaugurated by the appearance of Jesus Christ—the incarnation of the second person of the triune Godhead—on the first Christmas day at Bethlehem, and will be consummated when Christ returns at the close of the age. Our Lord's first advent points to and anticipates the Parousia—his glorious return. That is why Revelation 21 is read by the Church during Epiphany, which immediately follows Christmas.

The present world, because of the Fall, is not that which God had intended it to be. But because of Christ, this fallen world will never simply remain as it is. A new reality has dawned that will be fully unveiled when the divine kingdom comes in all its fullness.

Now, because God has made a divine promise that he "(is) making all things new" , Christians dare to hope, amidst the prevailing chaos of our world, for the 'impossible possibility' of the future that they cannot yet see, but is promised in the lectionary readings for this season.

Christian hope flows from faith that this promised future has been guaranteed by what God has accomplished in history through the life, death and resurrection of his Son, Jesus Christ.

That is why whenever the Church celebrates the Eucharist, she makes the Memorial Acclamation:

Christ has died Christ is risen Christ will come again

The Christian, who has put his faith in the crucified and risen Christ, lives in hope for his certain return.

However, the Christian's wait for the Parousia is never passive or idle. His faith and hope in his Lord and Saviour compel him to avail himself as God's instrument of love, mercy and grace.

Thus, as the Christian waits for the promised future, he allows God to use him to bear witness to the Good News of Jesus Christ. He embodies that gospel and works toward peace and justice. He exercises responsible stewardship by caring for the environment. He intercedes for those in desperate need, lifting up holy hands in prayer so that those who are imprisoned by their past or paralysed by their present circumstances will, by God's grace and mercy, be given a fresh start and a new beginning.

I end this brief reflection with an Anglican Collect for the season of Epiphany. Perhaps we can make this prayer our own as we wait for the God who has promised to make all things new.

Almighty God, in Christ you make all things new: transform the poverty of our nature by the riches of your grace, and in the renewal of our lives make known your heavenly glory; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Partially paralysed after a stroke, she raised funds at MWS Empowerun 8 months later

With the help of a walking stick, Mdm Lim Ah Thin, 73, took slow but steady strides on a concrete pathway at Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park. She was participating in MWS Empowerun, a fundraising and outreach event by the Methodist Welfare Services (MWS), with an in-person run/walk held on 29 October 2022.

It is hard to imagine that Mdm Lim was partially paralysed just a few months prior. A fiercely independent woman, Mdm Lim found herself unable to work or live on her own after a stroke in February 2022 left her mobility-impaired.

"On 19 February, I woke up to find myself lying on the bathroom floor. I had fallen and lost consciousness the day before," recounted Mdm Lim. "I felt very afraid as I couldn't move the

A physiotherapist guides Mdm Lim in using the pedal exerciser as part of her rehabilitation programme at the MWS Senior Care Centre – Eunos

right side of my body. Using my left side, I dragged myself all the way to the living room, and reached for my mobile to call my sister. She called an ambulance, which came and sent me to the emergency department at Changi General Hospital. I was subsequently transferred to a community hospital."

Getting back on her feet

After her discharge from the hospital, Mdm Lim moved to live with her sister and her family so they could watch over her.

The senior also enrolled in the active rehab programme at the Day Rehabilitation Centre at MWS Senior Care Centre (SCC) – Eunos, as she suffered from weakness on the right side of her body due to stroke. She was seen by a physiotherapist and occupational therapist who worked with her on her strength, balance and endurance, and guided her to perform daily living activities.

Within three months, Mdm Lim saw a significant improvement in her strength and mobility, and was able to reintegrate into the community. "I can now do light household chores and move about independently at home without a walking stick. I also became confident enough to take public transport to the market by myself," she said.

"I was very down in the initial stages of my therapy as I wasn't sure if I was going to get better. But I didn't want to burden anyone, so I kept my worries to myself. Sometimes, I would hide in the toilet to cry. I had lost all hope and thought of giving up. But now, I am starting to see hope again."

Expanding community-based services for seniors

Besides providing community rehabilitation services to clients like Mdm Lim, MWS SCC – Eunos also offers day care for frailer older adults, including those at different stages of dementia. Some 70 per cent of the SCC's day care slots cater to those with dementia. Day care clients are engaged in activities like painting and pedal exercising to stimulate their cognitive abilities and slow deterioration.

Co-located with Eunos Polyclinic, MWS SCC –Eunos fills a critical gap in MWS' continuum of eldercare services—which comprises a network

of seven Senior Activity Centres and Active Ageing Centres, and an integrated Home Care & Home Hospice service—to support seniors to age in place.

The SCC was officially opened on 3 November, where Guest-of-Honour, Mr Edwin Tong, Minister for Culture, Community and Youth, spoke on the timeliness of its opening in addressing the healthcare needs of a rapidly ageing population.

The SCC gives seniors "a sense of home, and a space to age gracefully with dignity and confidence that they are being cared for," said Mr Tong, who is also Second Minister for Law. He added that "how we look after the seniors who age in our society is a strong marker for how gracious we are as a society".

Help seniors like Mdm Lim find hope in hard times

MWS Senior Care Centre – Eunos supports frailer older adults to continue living in the community through day care and active rehabilitation services. The majority of our clients require financial assistance for our services, and your giving can help clients like Mdm Lim achieve community reintegration, or be engaged with fellow seniors in a homelike environment. Just as we have found our living hope that is Jesus Christ, we can also be a conduit of hope to show God's unconditional love to the world. To donate, visit mws.sg/give

Mdm Lim at MWS Empowerun, flanked by (from left) MWS Allied Health Head Yong Limin; Senior Parliamentary Secretary of the Ministry of Social and Family Development & Culture, Community and Youth Mr Eric Chua; MWS beneficiary Mdm Tay; and MWS CEO Junie Foo

Saving souls in the Wesleyan Spirit

Habakkuk's prophetic message in Habakkuk 2:14, "For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord as the waters cover the sea", continually challenges us to mobilise God's people to reach out to the vast number of people who have never heard the gospel.

It is estimated that out of 17,429 people groups in the world, 7,416 or 42.5% of them are unreached. 1 Methodist Missions Society (MMS) avows to fulfil Christ's mandate to preach the gospel to all the world. We are familiar with John Wesley's instruction to his preachers that they had "nothing to do but save souls". However, to Wesley,

"saving souls" meant more than simply helping others to accept Christ as their Lord and Saviour, but also to help them in their spiritual growth.

In his article, "John Wesley on Evangelism and the Pursuit of Justice", 2 David N. Field says that "[the] starting point for understanding a Wesleyan perspective on salvation is that God, who is love, created human beings in God's own moral image of love. When Wesley wished to describe love for our fellow human beings, he referred to the Golden Rule of 'doing unto others as you would have them do to yourself', which is expressed in the triad of 'justice, mercy and truth'.

Rev Derrick Lau is the Executive Director of the Methodist Missions Society (MMS). / Photos courtesy of MMS

Thailand–1st Missions Conference 2022: New Appointment Holders

Nepal–14th Annual Meeting 2022

God's intention for humanity, Wesley said, was devastated by sin. Instead of loving God and their fellow human beings, human beings turned away from God and centred their lives on themselves, resulting in the abuse, misuse, exploitation, and even destruction, of other human beings. Salvation is therefore the process by which God restores the image of God in human beings by drawing them into a relationship with himself by the Spirit, enabling and empowering them to live lives characterised by justice, mercy and truth. It begins before we are even conscious of it through what Wesley referred to as "prevenient grace". 3

Prevenient Grace, Justifying Grace and Sanctifying Grace are the three key distinctives of Wesley's theology. Each type of grace is important for our salvation and spiritual growth. Briefly, prevenient grace is the grace that God gives us to enable us to respond to the gospel. It is also known as "enabling grace" because by it, we have the power to do things we could not do on our own. Justifying grace is the grace that forgives our sins and makes us right with God, while sanctifying grace is the grace that transforms our lives and enables us to live holy lives." 4

With the Wesleyan perspective on salvation in mind, we praise God that for 30 years, he has enabled MMS to engage in church planting and community development in seven countries. We are glad to share a brief update on our Mission's work:

• Cambodia – 4th Provisional Annual Conference with MMS as one of the five agencies that planted nine churches and eight preaching points

• Thailand – 1st Missions Conference with 17 churches and 10 preaching points

• Nepal – 14th Annual Meeting with seven churches, five preaching points and six outreach points

• Vietnam – Establishment of an International Christian Fellowship

With your prayers and contributions, we support five schools and two bible schools reaching out to almost 3,000 children (both residential and non-residential). In these initiatives, we continue to focus on the overarching principles of building human capacity and developing national leaders to ensure sustainability in the longer term.

In 2023, may the Lord deepen our love for him and his creation, and inspire us, individually and collectively, to act on the urgency of sharing the Good News to the nations and helping believers to grow, that we might witness the fulfilment of Habakkuk's vision in our generation!

1 https://joshuaproject.net/ (retrieved on 18 Dec 2022)

2 https://theologyeverywhere.org/2022/02/28/youhave-nothing-to-do-but-save-souls-john-wesley-onevangelism-and-the-pursuit-of-justice/

3 Ibid.

4 https://medium.com/mere-christianity/what-johnwesley-meant-by-grace-the-different-types-ofgrace-explained-bbb9cdd09a56

Cambodia–4th Provisional Annual Conference 2022

1

An Irish prayer song for the new year

It is a tradition for choirs to present an offertory anthem during worship. At the TRAC 47th Session Ordination and Closing Service on 24 November 2022, the designated offertory anthem was "Christ Be With Me".

The anthem combines two ancient Irish texts. It begins with "Christ Be With Me", an excerpt from a long prayer named "St Patrick's Breastplate" attributed to St Patrick (c. 385-461), Ireland's patron saint. The song pivots to "Be Thou My Vision", a poem (Rop tú mo Baile) written by a monk named Dallan Forgaill around three centuries later to honour the faith of St Patrick.1

Legend has it that in the 5th century, St Patrick recited the breastplate as a prayer for protection. King Laoghaire of Tara, a pagan Irish King, made a decree that fire could be lit on the Hill of Slane only after a pagan festival had begun. He did this to prevent St Patrick and his followers from reaching Tara to proclaim the Christian faith. However, St Patrick defied the king's decree and lit the Paschal fire (Easter light)

even before the pagans could do their ritual. The king was so impressed by St Patrick's devotion that instead of executing him, the king allowed him to continue his missionary work.

These two long poems were translated to English, versified and are now included in most hymnals. "Be Thou My Vision" is the more popular one. 2

Lay or ordained, we can sing or recite "Christ Be With Me" as a prayer not just for protection but to seek the Lord in our goings in and out, on our good and notso-good days. If the tune is too difficult, we could perhaps combine lines from the two poems to greet each new day:

Christ be with me, before me, behind me

Be my vision, O Lord, and be always my all in all.

Could this short prayer be our premise for the new year? May St Patrick's confidence in lighting the Paschal fire on the Hill of Slane inspire us to be bold in our faith.

Raymond F. Glover, ed. The Hymnal 1982 Companion, (New York, NY: The Church Hymnal Corporation, 1994). 2 https://hymnary.org/text/be_thou_my_vision_o_lord_of_my_heart

Hill of Slane, Ireland, where ruins of a Francescan monastery remain on the site of an earlier monastery founded by St Erc, a follower of St Patrick

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

Christ Be With Me

Words: St Patrick, trans. Cecil F. Alexander Music: Incorporating SLANE, Michael S. Bryson

Christ be with me, Christ within me, Christ behind me, Christ before me, Christ beside me, Christ to win me, Christ to comfort and restore me. Christ beneath me, Christ above me, Christ in quiet, Christ in danger, Christ to fill me and fulfill me, Christ be always my all in all.

Be Thou my Vision, O Lord of my heart Naught be all else to me, save that Thou art

Thou my best thought, by day or by night Waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light.

The realities of seeking reconciliation

As each new year begins, we may wish for different things. For some, it may be a promotion, finally getting to go for a dream holiday or finding that special someone with

tomorrow comes to mind. Beneath an exterior of a responsible provider for his wife of 15 years and two children, as well as an active selfless volunteer, this client harboured a pattern of addiction to pornography and prostitutes. The two diametrically opposite lifestyles coexisted for many years till it was discovered by his wife. Attempts to reconcile were complicated by the slow uncovering of more and more damning details of the extent of his infidelity.

A year after the discovery, the wife asked him to move out. He did so in the hope that this might bring some peace. However, in a climate of little to no trust, not seeing him every day increased the wife’s anxiety and led to more conflict. Intervention from family and friends were viewed as unhelpful as they would be on one spouse’s side and biased. Appeals for reconciliation by the church, where both had been active members, were listened to politely but rejected.

After the wife blocked all contact between them for three months, the husband reached out to me for counselling. His attempt to reconcile through a counsellor was his last resort.

A rather unexpected turn of events made it possible for me to speak directly to the wife to consider counselling. My client’s expectation for her agreement was at an all-time high. After all, she had previously suggested they engage me for couple counselling only to have him rebuff it. Sadly, this time it was she who turned it down. She was too hurt and disillusioned. Asking her to consider giving the marriage another chance when there was no guarantee of success, along with the prospect of being hurt again was just too much for her.

His wife’s decision was devastating to my client. It took him some time to get over the shock that she would not consider reconciliation. He wondered if the wife he knew, who had strong religious beliefs, was the same person he married. As he struggled to understand her response, he wondered if his wife would ever forgive and take him back.

In the face of all this, I remained calm. When asked, I explained that it was not only because I was a third party, but also because of my hope and belief in reconciliation. I had earlier shared with him that after what had happened, he needed to begin the process of reconciliation by trying to make amends to those whom he had hurt by his habitual use of pornography and illicit sex. They included his wife, children and family members. Another person he had hurt was himself—his self-gratification had shamed and let himself down. Last, but not least, his behaviour had also hurt his fellowship with God, making it difficult to draw on God’s grace and love for him. So, while not yet reconciled with his wife, his work could still begin and continue with others. Some may even say that reconciliation begins first with God and thereafter with others. Since reconciliation is a process—beginning with admission of wrongdoing, to expression of remorse, to a promise to do better and finally, being completed by a response of forgiveness by the hurt person(s)—I encouraged my client to take responsibility by doing his part. How his efforts will be received is left to the hurt parties. Though he is hoping for their forgiveness, he has no right over how they, especially his wife, respond.

For believers, when we consider reconciliation, our perspective is on a different time scale. Perhaps, some relationships will not be repaired within our lifetime on earth but only when we get to heaven.

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)

The world is my parish too

To me, being a Methodist is to view the world as our parish. We can do this in three simple ways:

Firstly, as the parish system provided access to churches and C hrist for everybody, we can be that sign of Christ's welcome, work, and m inistry in every aspect of life for everyone we know so that others may en counter Christ through us. Personally, I've had interesting conversatio ns with some friends who wanted to know more about God.

Secondly, we can extend care to others. Parish priests were res ponsible for people living within their parish, and they could not choos e to solely help those deemed worthy of their time and interest. We can loo k out and pray for others, regardless of our relationship with them. Being a volunteer has shown me that we need to manifest his love.

Lastly, we are uniquely placed to do God's work. The Church is universal, yet it is deeply personal to each community. Our parishes may n ot be defined by geography, but by common interests. In our sphere s of influence, do we proclaim his Word?

I draw inspiration from my great-grandfather, Leng Boon Hee, a Methodist layperson who preached in colonial Singapore while se lling bread. He recognised that man shall not live by bread alone, bu t by every word that proceeds from God's mouth. I pray that we may all vie w the world as our parish, and "go, do thou likewise".

Zachary Yong

Zachary Yong is a full-time national serviceman who worships at Wesley Methodist Church. He is part of the Kopikaki comics team and loves his coffee with milk and no sugar. / Photo courtesy of Zachary Yong

by Kopikaki team

ART OF PARENTING SMALL GROUP SERIES

4 February –13 May 2023 (alternate Saturdays), 3.00 p.m. to 5.00 p.m. Via Zoom except the first and last sessions in-person at Cru Centre (18 Verdun Road, #03-01, S207280) Register before 24 January 2023 $120 per couple (inclusive of GST and workbooks)

The Art of Parenting is an 8-session small group video-series for couples to bring them, as parents, on a journey of growing in awareness of God, child and self. By applying biblical principles, parents learn to disciple their children for the glory of God. Details on  cru.sg/aop

Note:

• For parents of children 12 years and below

• Attendance as a couple is required Payment is non-refundable except when the course is cancelled at FamilyLife Singapore's discretion

Organised by FamilyLife Singapore, a ministry of Cru Singapore

ACTI (ASIAN CROSS-CULTURAL TRAINING INSTITUTE) COURSE INTAKE: MARCH 2023

5 – 25 March 2023

Chiang Mai, Thailand or Zoom Register before 30 January 2023 at https://acti-singapore.org

This course has two intakes yearly, each running for 3 weeks in Singapore or Chiang Mai. It is conducted in hybrid mode with those on-site and those on Zoom. It is totally interactive.

ACTI provides cross-cultural missions knowledge and training for:

Long-term missionary candidates of church or mission agency Short-term workers of 6 months and above

• Current cross-cultural workers

• Professionals or Tent-Makers thinking of working abroad Mission leaders and staff of church or mission agency

Organised by ACTI

D6 FAMILY CONFERENCE 2023

28–29 July 2023

Wesley Methodist Church Register at https://d6family.sg before 30 June 2023 Register by March 2023 to enjoy the promotional price of $110 per person (fee includes printed conference materials and tea breaks for both days)

Be inspired to sharpen church and home partnership towards generational discipleship with all our heart, soul and strength. Glorify God with a stronger and better-connected family and church!

Organised by Sower Institute™ for Biblical Discipleship