THE METHODIST CHURCH IN SINGAPORE Vo l 1 2 2 N o 1 0 O C T O B E R 2 0 2 0
MEETING THE NEEDS
ISSN 0129-6868 MCI(P) 027/11/2019
OF THE NATION
Contents
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Church life Methodists in the world Christian living
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EDITORIAL BOARD
1
Bishop’s Message
2
Coming Up—TRAC Senior Ministry Worship Service
3
News—The Rev Dr Gordon Wong appointed Bishop-Elect
4
One MCS—CAC Highlights
8
News—12th Session of the General Conference of MCS
10
Home—Bishop Dr Chong Chin Chung
12
News—SKMC worships together once more
12
News—The Ambassador of Israel to Singapore visits MCS
13
News—National Day Thanksgiving Service
14
News—TPMC Gives
15
News—What would my life have been without the Bible?
16
Home—Joni Ong
18
Welfare Services
19 Missions 21
National Day Awards 2020
22
You & Your Family
23
Hymns & Songs
25 Soundings 26
Home—What does being a Methodist mean to you?
27
Looking Ahead
28
One MCS—Passing on a Godly Legacy
The official monthly publication of The Methodist Church in Singapore. Published material does not necessarily reflect the official view of The Methodist Church.
Adviser and Publisher Dr Anthony Goh Chairperson Council on Communications
Editor Sheri Goh
Sub-editor
All Scripture quoted is based on the English Standard Version unless otherwise stated. 70 Barker Road #06-04 Singapore 309936 6478-4793 | 6478-4763 message.methodist.org.sg | www.methodist.org.sg newmm@methodist.org.sg
Tan Chiu Ai
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Communications Executive
@methodist.sg
Jason Woo
Proofreader Tan Sheng Ling
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Have something to say or share? Email us at newmm@methodist.org.sg
BISHOP’S MESSAGE Bishop Dr Chong Chin Chung was elected Bishop of The Methodist Church in Singapore in 2016. He served as President of the Chinese Annual Conference from 2008 to 2016.
Meeting the needs of our generation
T
he truth in the Bible is changeless, but the
In the same way, Paul reminded the Colossians,
way in which truth is expressed need not
“Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching
be
and
everyone with all wisdom, that we may present
cognisance of happenings and situations may vary
everyone mature in Christ” (Col 1:28). Our faith is
from others’, such as between those of people from
not mere rhetoric, neither is it a set of elaborate
ancient times and today’s generation; it differs
and excessive religious canons and rules. It is about
even between contemporaries. The gaps in our
practical and active living out of its teachings. No
communication are influenced by differences in age,
one likes to listen to people who do not walk their
gender, language, education, traditional culture,
talk. Jesus told His followers to obey the instructions
views and opinions.
and teachings in the Scriptures and not to follow
immutable.
One’s
understanding
the examples of the religious leaders. He rebuked When Jesus came to earth and became a man, He
the latter because they did not practise what they
lived fully in His time and taught different groups
preached (Matt 23:1–3).
about the kingdom of God using the language and life examples that they were familiar with. He used
It has been 300 years since the Wesley Movement
different ways to teach about God’s kingdom to
of the 18th century. As a Church that reaches out to
different audiences as He preached to the multitudes
and lives in the community, we need to constantly
and His disciples. “To you have been given the
evaluate ourselves to see if the form and way we
secret of the kingdom of God, but for those outside
present our faith remains relevant to the people of
everything is in parables.” (Mk 4:11)
different eras and regions.
METHODIST MESSAGE OCTOBER 2020
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Meeting the needs of our generation
For a start, The Book of Discipline is regarded
the problems of alcoholism, gambling, prostitution,
by all Methodist churches to be the authority in
domestic violence, cheating, theft and robbery, and
guiding the preaching of the Word and church
slave trade. Wesley’s Spiritual Renewal Movement
order. To ensure that our faith and church life
had a great impact on the English society and
remain relevant to each generation, we adopt
brought about significant changes. John Wesley and
a self-imposed rule to review and amend (if
his fellow preachers worked hard in their pastoral
necessary) The Book of Discipline once every four
and teaching tasks, and they walked their talk.
years. (Note: A resolution was taken at the recent General Conference to amend a clause regarding
Our Church must not forget that in our traditional
Social Principles in The Book of Discipline.) In
faith, besides Bible study, discipleship training and
order to serve the generations in the contemporary
small group meetings, there are also in our DNA
society effectively, the Methodist Church must
interest and active participation in current social
first hold fast to the authority of the unchanging
issues and practical acts of care. This is what we
and absolute truth of the Bible. At the same time,
have been emphasising—our faith meeting the
we must be able to adapt our forms of preaching
needs of each generation. Not only are we to
and explaining this truth. Our teachings in the
pursue personal holiness, honouring and fearing
churches and the practices of the Church among
God, we must also aim for social holiness. Our love
the community will have to vary according to the
for God must be expressed in our care and concern
time and place.
for the needs of the community.
John Wesley lived in 18th-century England, in
Methodist believers will always remember that
which there were distinct political, economic,
Christ wants us to be the salt and light of the
cultural and even geographical differences among
world. Salt that loses its taste will be discarded.
the social classes—upper, middle and lower. Church
The light that does not shine is only for decoration.
life was beyond the reach of the poor, lower-class
Let our Church strive to meet the needs of each
toiling masses. Their lives were often blighted by
generation—body, soul and spirit.
Coming Up ¢
TRAC Senior Ministry Worship Service TRAC Seniors ministry welcomes you to their monthly Senior Ministry Worship Services.
Join us for a time of worship and fellowship with seniors and other retirees from various TRAC churches.
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METHODIST MESSAGE OCTOBER 2020
News ¢ Lynn Tan is the MCS Community Communications Manager. / Photos courtesy of the MCS Communications Team
The Rev Dr Gordon Wong appointed Bishop-Elect
T
he highlight of the first day of the 12th Session of the General Conference was undoubtedly the Episcopal Election, which resulted in the election of the Rev Dr Gordon Wong as the Bishop of The Methodist Church in Singapore (MCS) for the next quadrennium. The Rev Dr Wong was elected on the second ballot from a pool of 46 candidates in the election held on the afternoon of 7 Sep 2020. Bishop Dr Chong Chin Chung congratulated the Bishop-Elect and invited representatives from the three Annual Conferences—Mr Guan Yeow Kwang (CAC), Mr Richard Jeremiah (ETAC) and Mr Henry Tan (TRAC)—to pray for him. He then invited the Rev Dr Wong to address delegates.
Responding to a query from Christian news website Salt & Light about his thoughts on the new Bishop-Elect, Bishop Dr Chong shared that the Episcopal Election “was a smooth one despite being conducted online. I am thankful for the Lord’s faithfulness in bringing forth the Rev Dr Gordon Wong as our next Bishop. He is a faithful servant and a courageous leader with a shepherd heart. I am happy to be handing over the reins to him.” The news of our newly-elected Bishop spread rapidly and Methodists from all 46 churches were quick to share their congratulatory messages and words of affirmation on social media.
Bishop-Elect Dr Wong thanked the delegates for electing him and, when asked to say a few words, quoted the words Jesus put into the mouth of a sinner in a parable: “Lord, have mercy on me, for I am a sinner.” He added, “Let’s join together and pray that God will work through all circumstances to bring forth something good according to His good purposes.” In his statement to the press, he said, “May the Lord have mercy on us all as MCS faces the future together, serving the community as best we can in these still very uncertain times.”
Bishop-Elect Dr Gordon Wong is married to Lai Foon. They have two children, Deborah and Jeremy
METHODIST MESSAGE OCTOBER 2020
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One MCS ¢
CAC Highlights
Photos courtesy of CAC
Unchanging Mission, Renewed Methods The
COVID-19
onslaught
Board of Communications (BOC)
had
Rev Ling Tieng Ngung, BOC Chairperson
expedited many transformations, and we were compelled to start living future digital lives now. Our
I
n the new normal of COVID-19, BOC has needed to rethink how we can better connect the 17 CAC churches, facilitate
the sharing of resources and deliver key information to our
CAC Boards have also had to make
congregations. Each issue of CAC News is now available
adjustments to continue to serve
encourage the sharing of articles. We are also expanding our
its mission. Some of our Boards tell us how they are keeping their ministry going during these very unusual times.
online on the CAC Facebook and website, with links to library of devotional resources and theological publications for CAC members. With social distancing restrictions, the church’s physical activities have been much curtailed. Church pastors, coworkers and volunteers are now expected to have a mastery of technological skills as ministry work moves online. BOC will introduce more training to help churches upskill
themselves
and
become
more
effective
in
promoting church activities online, and ensure that the Gospel message continues to flourish. Many new opportunities open up when we start offering worship, Bible classes or videoconference fellowships online as alternatives to physical meetings. But this may also present a risk of some forgoing physical church worship. BOC will closely monitor how we leverage on such digital platforms to use them effectively for more efficient dissemination of information to a wider audience, and to encourage our church members to stay connected through a more interactive experience. BOC newsletter
Board of Family Life (BOFL)
Board of Discipleship & Nurture (BDN)
David Ang, BOFL Chairperson
Collated by Hannah Tan, BDN Staff
A
lthough we were disappointed when the circuit breaker led us to suspend our plans and cancel our
programmes, we came to an interesting revelation: when
A
lthough classroom trainings had to be suspended due to the circuit breaker, we are thankful that
the discipleship ministries of our churches quickly
church members were forced to stay home, couples drew
transitioned online. While it took time for everyone to
closer to each other and parents spent more time with
familiarise themselves with the new technology, most
their children, which had always been the purpose for the
soon discovered its benefits. Church members who
Board’s activities. Regardless of whether our events could
could not participate in physical classes previously due
be organised, it was far more important that families were
to geographical constraints could now participate in the
bonded in Christ.
digital space. Fellowships, Sunday Schools, Bible Study, DISCIPLE and Companions in Christ courses have all successfully moved to online platforms. Whether it is dealing with the CB or the new normal, BDN is already preparing for the classroom of the future, which traverses time and geographical limitations. It is exciting how the channels for discipleship nurturing have multiplied. The training of the future may mean a blend of physical classes and online learning. As a classroom without walls, our churches can share even more training resources to strengthen the body of Christ.
BOFL Zoom webinar
However, we are mindful that the fundamental purpose These times have proven challenging as families needed
of discipleship training involves a nurturing of the
to adjust to prolonged hours of spending time indoors
spiritual growth of believers in thought as well as in
together, and working and studying from home. In
action. We should also be careful not to marginalise
May, BOFL organised two series of family webinars
those who may not be able to attend digital learning
in English and Mandarin with the support of various
due to factors such as one’s environment, age and mode
pastors and volunteer speakers. The topics centred on
of learning.
family relationships, parenting and COVID-19 challenges. The response was very encouraging and we saw how
With training transcending local church environments, we
technology has enabled us to reach out
recognise that our people are now exposed to a plethora
to participants outside of our usual CAC
of spiritual courses on the internet, some of which may
community. Recordings of the webinars
be unorthodox. Since the Church cannot always filter and
are available on CAC’s YouTube page
ensure the legitimacy of resources believers are exposed
(tiny.cc/CACYouTube).
to, we must pray that all our believers will be discerning in what they come across.
We plan to jointly hold the 2020 Day for Prayer with the Board of Seniors Ministry (BOSM) on 31 Oct 2020. As we are still not able to gather in large groups, we will conduct this via Zoom. Look out for updates on the CAC and BOFL Facebook pages. God allows all things to happen for the greater purpose of us knowing Him and His will. We hope the things will soon return to normal and that we can resume face-to-face meetings, as it is the more natural means for the body of Christ to fellowship, grow and strengthen.
BDN DISCIPLE over Zoom
METHODIST MESSAGE OCTOBER 2020
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ACS (International) Admissions Seminars for 2021 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).
School Senior Management Team
Seminar in Korean
Seminar in Japanese
16 October, 1pm RSVP ro_southkorea@acsinternational.edu.sg
21 October, 3:30pm RSVP ro_japan@acsinternational.edu.sg
10 October, 9am & 11am Seminar in English for Singaporeans & Other Locals Mr Rob Burrough Principal
17 October, 9am & 11am RSVP admissions@acsinternational.edu.sg
Mrs Tan Siew Hoon Vice Principal
26 November, 1pm & 3pm Post PSLE Seminar for Locals Mr Gavin Kinch Vice Principal
Dr Kristopher Achter Vice Principal
Seminars will be held on Campus with School Tour
Attendance by Reservations Only Each session is limited to 45 participants
Venue: Oldham Chapel, ACS (International) 61 Jalan Hitam Manis, Singapore 278475 Please contact Joseph Ng or Serene Lim at +65 6472 1477 or admissions@acsinternational.edu.sg
27 November, 10am, 1pm & 3pm 28 November, 9:30am & 11:30am RSVP admissions@acsinternational.edu.sg
TOP IN THE WORLD IGCSE 2019 Results The school wishes to congratulate the following students on achieving Top In The World IGCSE 2019 grades: • Wu Yanyu – Additional Mathematics • Wei Yu – Additional Mathematics • Rupert Chia – International Mathematics
Unchanging Mission, Renewed Methods
Board of Worship & Music (BoWM)
Board of Witness & Evangelism (BoWE)
Dr Yeo Teck Beng, BoWM Acting Chairperson
Rev Glenn Tan Tze Meng, BoWE Member
A
ll over the world, COVID-19 has greatly affected the way churches conduct their worship. CAC churches
have given feedback that while they fully support
I
n his video address, the Rev Nicky Gumbel, the founder of the Alpha course, highlighted that even though the pandemic has forced
churches to be physically closed to congregations, online evangelism
bringing worship services online, some elderly church
has opened a valuable opportunity for many to hear the gospel. There
members who are less digitally competent or who do
is not just a “physical hunger that the church needs to run towards, but
not possess a digital device may not be able to join
also a spiritual hunger. In this situation you have to pivot very fast…
in. To this end, our pastors and church leaders have
We found that a whole load of people who would never have come to
provided training and offered necessary assistance to
our church are listening in online.”
the seniors. The Alpha Course was started in 1990 with the Rev Nicky Gumbel Another area of concern has been on the etiquette
explaining the basic tenets of the Christian faith in an engaging and easy-
and posture of worshipping at home. Worshippers
to-comprehend manner over 10 weeks. The course has since evolved to
must have the right mindset and attitude to have
include a youth video series, a documentary-styled Alpha film series and
a meaningful and genuine communion with God in
a soon-to-be-released Chinese Alpha Film series produced in China.
worship. On 14 and 15 Aug 2020, BoWE partnered with Alpha Singapore to BoWM feels that online worship will continue to be
organise “Ignite: CAC Alpha Conference” to introduce churches to
the norm even after we resume on-site worship. As
the sharing of the gospel via Zoom. Sixty-two members from 12 CAC
congregational singing may still have to be restricted,
churches were joined by participants from other local churches, as well
churches should make preparations for alternatives,
as those from New Zealand and China. In his opening keynote address,
such as reciting the lyrics of the hymns, meditating
CAC President the Rev Dr Gregory Goh Nai Lat urged participants to
on the messages, pre-recording songs or having
consider the fact that many people have not had the opportunity to hear
instrumental interludes by worship teams could evolve
the gospel. He exhorted churches to not only devote more resources to
worship into a silent but more contemplative mode.
evangelism, but to exhibit a zeal for evangelism that characterises the Methodist movement.
Regardless of whether we worship corporately on-site or remotely online, when we gather reverently in the
Another address by the Rev Pan Hung Yi from New Zealand emphasised
name of our Lord Jesus Christ to worship, we firmly
that the essence of the Alpha Course was for it to be a vital component
believe that God’s spirit is in our midst to inspire and
of discipleship that enables the Church to build up a culture of respect,
empower us to worship the Triune God in spirit and
honour and teamwork, as opposed to just being a tool for evangelism.
in truth.
An Alpha practitioner for the past 20 years, the Rev Pan is convinced that “Alpha can be used to transform the culture of the Church”.
At the close of “Ignite”, Angelic Cheah, executive director of Alpha Singapore reflected that “the CAC-Alpha collaboration is a start of our journey to set the stage for this new season…and to bring pre-believers to encounter the Love of Christ”. Following the conference, a number of CAC participants joined Alpha Singapore’s online labs to learn more about the practicalities of running an Alpha online. Alpha Singapore is committed to customising trainings for churches and is planning for an Empower training in Nov 2020 to prepare churches who are planning to run Alpha in 2021. More information can be found on Alpha Singapore’s website at https://singapore.alpha.org/ METHODIST MESSAGE OCTOBER 2020
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News ¢ Sheri Goh is the Editor of Methodist Message. / Photos courtesy the MCS Communications Team
12th Session of the
General Conference of MCS Together as one in spirit and purpose
2
020 is a year all of us—the Church included—will remember. We have had no choice but to change and adapt, thanks to the rapid global spread of COVID-19.
Once every four years, the General Conference (GC) of The Methodist Church in Singapore (MCS) meets to hold an Episcopal Election to select a new bishop, elect new officebearers for positions in the GC whose tenures have ended, revise church laws (through The Book of Discipline), approve work plans and budgets for churchwide programmes, as well as adopt resolutions on moral and social issues. The 12th Session of the GC was to have been held this year at the Methodist headquarters at Barker Road. Instead, to comply with COVID-19 government-mandated limits on gatherings and social distancing measures, the session from 7 to 11 Sep 2020 had to go online. Forty-two delegates—half were ministerial and the other half, laity—as well as a quite a number of reserve delegates from the three Annual Conferences attended the five-day session over Zoom. Bishop Cynthia Fierro Harvey of The United Methodist Church, USA, preached at the opening service on “Entangled and United in Spirit and Purpose”. She spoke about the redwood tree, the tallest tree species, which live up to 500 years, withstanding natural enemies, insects and diseases, and even fire. Despite the redwoods’ towering height and longevity, each tree’s roots are surprisingly shallow—the roots of each tree intermingle with those of nearby redwood trees to hold up one another.
42 as well as a number of reserve delegates, from the GC of MCS meeting over Zoom from 7 to 11 Sep 2020, including Bishop Cynthia Fierro Harvey (top left), who preached at the opening service
Methodists, she says, are similarly entangled. What happens to Singapore Methodists is felt among Methodists in the US and around the world. Through this connection, we can help to hold each other up, and through us “God can do far more than any one of us can ask and imagine”. In his Episcopal Address, Bishop Dr Chong Chin Chung read from Psalm 34:1–3. Thanking all who had given him support over the last four years, he reported on the work done by the 18-member One MCS task force. His episcopal report covered the following areas: • • • • • • • • • • • •
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the spirit of one MCS Christian conferencing preschool education building up family life ministry Christian ministry in schools investing in our communications and video facilities The Methodist Cooperative Society Ltd Methodist Welfare Services Methodist Missions Society church land the COVID-19 pandemic MCS 135
METHODIST MESSAGE OCTOBER 2020
Various teams stationed, with social distancing measures in place, at the MCS headquarters during the five-day session. They took temperatures, recorded the proceedings, conducted e-ballots, shared screens for the reports presented and performed many other support roles that were required for the event to run smoothly
As mother tongues and dialects are still in use in the local conferences, he encouraged the GC to review the linguistic framework of MCS. “In the next four years and beyond,” he said, “we must work hard to maintain the spirit and practice of biblical unity among us.” He also urged that the spirit of Christian conferencing be kept alive. He concluded his Address by thanking the Council of Episcopacy, the three Annual Conference Presidents, and his wife and family members. At the end of the five days of online discussions and voting, a memorial service was held to honour those in the Lord’s service who had gone to be with Him over the course of the last quadrennium: the Rev David S. F. Wong; Mrs Wong Shet Fai; the Rev Jesudian Daniel; the Rev Dr E. J. Thoraisingam; the Rev Dr Yap Kim Hao; and the Rev T. C. Nga. Jeffrey Lim, the GC Secretary, was asked about the experience of running the GC session online for the first time in MCS’ history. He said: “I am grateful for the assistance of the MCS HQ staff, in particular Mrs Josephine Poore, whose experience I relied on to prompt and guide me on what to do, and who took care of many of the administrative tasks in the organisation and execution of the GC session. I believe both online and in-person meetings have their merits. But given that the GC session is held only once every four years and one of the objectives of the session is for holy conferencing, I think it is best held in-person as far as possible.” More than 50 people worked behind the scenes, in roles such as overseeing logistics, manning screen-sharing, conducting the secure and confidential online balloting, taking and checking of the daily journal, pre-recording worship and doing daily devotions, and making sure the IT and various tech worked seamlessly. While there were small occasional glitches, they were quickly resolved, and the online voting system worked well. The rest of the 12th session has been adjourned to 3 to 4 Dec 2020, at the end of which Bishop-elect Dr Gordon Wong will be consecrated. The remaining agenda items will also be discussed and more office-bearers elected.
Some of the key office-bearers elected during the session to serve for the next quadrennium (Dec 2020 to Dec 2024) are: Bishop of The Methodist Church in Singapore
Rev Dr Gordon Wong General Conference Secretary
Mr Jeffrey Lim Chairperson, Finance and Administration Council
Mr Goh Geck Teck General Conference Treasurer
Mr Melvin Dineshraj
METHODIST MESSAGE OCTOBER 2020
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Home ¢ Jason Woo is the Communications Executive at MCS Comms./ Photos courtesy of Bishop Dr Chong Chin Chung
A heart for his flock
At the opening service of his first Aldersgate SG event as Bishop in May 2017
T
Coming fully into his role as Bishop during his consecration service in Dec 2016
he Bishop of The Methodist Church in Singapore (MCS), one of the largest Protestant denominations in Singapore with over 44,000 members, carries a heavy responsibility. In addition to pastoral duties, the Bishop has to give attention to the various initiatives, ministries and community work being done or planned under the MCS banner, and to do this over a term of four years or more, if re-elected.
also created considerable personal challenges.
Serving as Bishop from 2017 up till now—two months before his retirement and leaving office—Bishop Dr Chong Chin Chung has been keenly aware of the weight of the office.
“It is not possible to be a pastor and have a perfect worklife balance. We can only try to do our best. This is a decision that all pastors must make if they truly want to dedicate themselves fully to becoming a faithful and committed pastor. You have to choose only one thing to do well; it means you won’t do so well in the other.”
Born to a middle-class Christian family in Indonesia in 1955, Bishop Dr Chong was one of eight children. Sadly, good times did not last. When he was four, the political situation at that time changed the fate of his family and the journey of his long and arduous growing years began. He cherishes memories of going to church on Sundays with his siblings and parents. Throughout his years in church, despite harbouring dreams to become a musician and composer, Bishop Dr Chong heeded God’s distinct call to enter the ministry. In 1982, Bishop Dr Chong became a Singapore citizen. He served in various churches under the Chinese Annual Conference over the years, from Foochow Methodist Church (MC), to Kum Yan MC, and Paya Lebar Chinese MC. The life of a young and inexperienced pastor was not easy—Bishop Dr Chong still recalls the first time he conducted a funeral service all by himself, which turned out to be a chaotic affair. As a young husband and father, juggling pastoral work with his familial role 10
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METHODIST MESSAGE OCTOBER 2020
He counts himself blessed to have in Mrs Chong an able helpmeet when times were especially hard. “It was very challenging for her too, to balance her own work commitments with those at home and at church. She did everything she could to ensure that in every role, she did her best,” recounted Bishop Dr Chong.
Yet despite the early hiccups and rough times, God was faithful in leading Bishop Dr Chong. Over time, he would come to identify the ministry areas close to his heart—those involving pre-schoolers, children, teens, youth and families. Sharing his thoughts on engaging the younger ones in the local Methodist circles, Bishop Dr Chong evidently feels strongly about the decline of Methodist preschools, which have dwindled from 18 in 2017 to the present 11 centres. If he could turn back the clock on his days as Bishop, he said, the integration of Methodist preschools with the local churches is something to which he wishes he could have given greater effort. While missed opportunities are inevitable in any work, Bishop Dr Chong looks at his four-year tenure positively, especially with regard to what has been done to revisit the structure of MCS.
Being a part of the Bishops’ panel on MCS structural review in May 2019
[I spent] about three years with the Structural Review Task Force (SRTF) to lead the General Conference to explore how MCS can be more effective
with
our
current
organisational
structure as well as in utilisation of the rich resources that God has blessed us with and that our predecessors have left for us,” Bishop Dr Chong said. “Even though the restructuring work is still far from finished, it has managed to make headway into certain operational areas of MCS. (You can read more about SRTF’s work in regular updates in Methodist Message.) However, Bishop Dr Chong could not have expected his last year in office to be his most challenging. When COVID-19 hit Singapore, the months-long circuit breaker and social distancing measures have had huge impact on church activities. Bishop Dr Chong found himself in a position to effect and drive change while being a spiritual anchor dispensing guidance to the local churches grappling with alternative ways to worship.
Ordaining new clergy members for the Provisional Annual Conference in Cambodia in Sep 2018
Now that Methodists in Singapore have more or less become accustomed to the “new normal”, Bishop Dr Chong feels December is indeed a good time to hand over the reins to Bishop-Elect Dr Gordon Wong. When asked about the first thing he will do the day after stepping down, Bishop Dr Chong chuckled and said: “I will take a walk along the streets to re-familiarise myself with our city’s sights and sounds, to re-discover my neighbourhood and the community I belong to.” Thank you for your faithful service, Bishop Dr Chong! We wish you the very best in your post-retirement endeavours, and may God constantly be your guide. Accompanying his grandchildren on the accordion as they sang carols on Christmas 2018
A few of the key challenges Bishop Dr Chong encountered were how services and meetings could continue, as well as how Holy Communion could be conducted biblically while on-site church services were disallowed. All these were hurdles to be overcome before arriving at the current arrangements, a highly challenging endeavour as the Bishop had to work with various stakeholders, each with their own limitations and concerns.
METHODIST MESSAGE OCTOBER 2020
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News ¢
SKMC worships together once more By the MCS Communications Team / Photos courtesy of Sengkang Methodist Church
D Worshippers undergoing health screening before being allowed to enter SKMC
There are two separate zones in the worship area that house a maximum of 50 people each
uring phase 2 of Singapore’s reopening, 50 people at a time (excluding worship leaders and supporting workers) were allowed back for services on 26 June 2020. Later, the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth (MCCY) announced that 12 places of worship would be allowed to hold gatherings of up to 100 people from 7 Aug onwards, as the government eased some of the COVID-19 control regulations. Sengkang Methodist Church (SKMC) was one of four churches selected for the pilot programme, which permitted on-site gatherings of up to 100 people. They opened up this expanded capacity for worship service on 22 August, which was took place alongside continuing live-streamed worship services. Precautions were taken to ensure that worshippers remained safe.
If you would like to sign up for SKMC’s Holy Communion service (with places subject to the 100-person limit), visit https://tinyurl.com/skmcreg4hc. Let’s continue to work together towards safely gathering once more!
The Ambassador of Israel to Singapore visits MCS Dr Anthony Goh is Chairman of the Council on Communications and a member of Bedok Methodist Church. / Photos courtesy of the MCS Communications Team
O
n 3 Sep 2020, His Excellency Mr Sagi Karni, the Ambassador of the State of Israel to Singapore, paid a courtesy visit to Bishop Dr Chong Chin Chung at the headquarters of The Methodist Church in Singapore, where he was given a short tour of our Heritage Centre. The Ambassador was introduced to The Methodist Church in Singapore, our 46 churches and 44,000 members, as well as to the work we are doing in the community and beyond, including our 15 schools and the almost 12,000 people we help under the auspices of the Methodist Welfare Society.
Bishop Dr Chong and Mr Karni exchanging gifts
A fruitful discussion followed and Ambassador Karni presented Bishop Dr Chong with a book commemorating 50 years of Israel—Singapore diplomatic relations, whilst we presented him with a set of classical Chinese calligraphy of the Shema, taken from Deuteronomy 6:4—5, and a model of Wesley Methodist Church. It was a great privilege to have received His Excellency and we look forward to carrying on the conversation and strengthening our ties further.
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METHODIST MESSAGE OCTOBER 2020
Bishop Dr Chong Chin Chung (in purple), taking His Excellency Mr Sagi Karni (in black), the Ambassador of the State of Israel to Singapore, on a tour of the MCS Heritage Centre.
News ¢ Sheri Goh is the Editor of Methodist Message. / All photos are screenshots of the live-streamed service on YouTube
The pre-recorded performance of “Look at the World” by the Chen Li Presbyterian Church choir
NCCS President the Rt Rev Keith Lai, preaching the sermon at the National Day Thanksgiving Service
National Day Thanksgiving Service The Remoulding of God’s People
T
his was a National Day Thanksgiving Service (NDTS)
through commission or omission, or it has not listened to
like no other—government-mandated COVID-19 social
God’s voice. But the Church that is reformed must never
distancing regulations permitted only 50 people
stop reforming according to the Word of God—in Latin,
to attend the event in person at St Andrew’s Cathedral.
semper reformanda. “I think the local church, during this
Performances and the worship portions were pre-recorded.
pandemic, has to be willing to submit to what God is doing
Those who spoke during the service wore masks and wiped
in restructuring and remoulding what we understand about
down the microphone and lectern after each use.
Church […] so that the sovereign Potter can continue to fashion and shape us for His purpose.”
However, live-streaming enabled more than 250 people to join the service in real-time. In addition, more than 2500
The sermon was followed by a prayer of affirmation led by
people have viewed the service online, far more than would
the Rev Canon Terry Wong. Bishop Dr Chong Chin Chung,
have been able to attend a normal pre-COVID service.
the Rev Dr Chua Chung Kai, Bishop Low Jee King and Bishop Terry Kee led in intercessory prayers.
Throughout the world, as in Singapore, the coronavirus pandemic has changed the way we worship. However, the
The worship team
sentiment behind the annual NDTS has remained constant— since 2004, the National Council of Christian Churches (NCCS) has gathered churches from various denominations across Singapore to thank God for His blessings on the nation in the past year as well as to pray for the country’s future. The Rt Rev Keith Lai, who became NCCS President in July this year, preached the sermon, “The Remoulding of God’s People”, the theme of NDTS 2020. Referring to Jeremiah 8:1– 12, the Rt Rev Lai said, “I believe that God has something of greater importance that He wants to achieve. [...] The ultimate sovereignty [belongs to] God, and God alone.” The Rt Rev Lai elaborated: “Even when bad things happen and tragedy strikes, we fall into God’s hands.” When the nation is corrupted, or “spoilt” (Jer 8:4), it has sinned either
Watch the recording of the NCCS National Day Thanksgiving Service at https://youtu.be/nmMhIVJ64wo or scan the QR code. METHODIST MESSAGE OCTOBER 2020
| 13
News ¢ By the MCS Communications Team / Photos courtesy of TPMC
Meeting neighbours’ needs
by multiplying meals
A member of the TPMC staff with a TPMC Gives poster at a hawker stall
A
s we spend more time in our homes and neighbourhoods, have we been finding ways to bless our community? Toa Payoh Methodist Church (TPMC) did this in several ways—most recently, by providing 2,500 free
meals for those in their neighbourhood. For their 50th Anniversary on 16 Aug 2020, TPMC launched a meal-sponsoring initiative in partnership with 50 hawker stalls. Each stall provided 50 meals sponsored by TPMC, which could be redeemed by anyone, with no questions asked. All meals were fully redeemed in three weeks, and some hawkers decided to contribute to this project by providing additional free meals on their own accord. Many have expressed interest in collaborating with TPMC for initiatives like this in the future. “I think this project is meaningful because there are many elderly people living around Toa Payoh, and they could try lots of different kinds of food without spending too much on their daily expenses,” said Royston, the owner of Stall 7, a Western food stall that celebrated its first anniversary in March this year.
The Rev Poh Zhi-Hui, one of the TPMC pastors, speaking with a hawker
This was echoed by Tay Lee Sun, a hawker at Lai Heng Mushroom Minced Meat Noodles. “The elderly residents in this area told us that they were very happy about this project. I’ll definitely participate again if there are similar projects in the future,” she told TPMC.
50 different stalls with a variety of cuisines participated in the meal-sponsoring initiative
For TPMC Pastor-in-Charge the Rev Reuben Ng, “This project is our little way of showing care and support to the Toa Payoh community, especially during this challenging period. It is heartening to see how our hawker friends are willing to give above and beyond what was originally planned. We hope this inspires others to do what they can to uplift others.” This project is a part of TPMC Gives, a collection of multi-pronged community outreach efforts. Another TPMC Gives event that took place this year was an Easter blood donation drive, which was carried out in tandem with bread deliveries to beneficiaries at Care Corner Singapore and Chen Su Lan Methodist Children’s Home, cleaners for the Toa Payoh Town Council, nurses and public transportation staff. In turn, TPMC’s network of contacts helped to raise awareness for this project by directing those in their midst who might be in need of a meal towards the participating eateries. With support from their neighbours, TPMC sees each of these initiatives as a way to build a more closely-knit neighbourhood. It has been encouraging to see God’s love expressed through each of these projects, and TPMC will continue look out for ways to serve wherever they are needed.
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METHODIST MESSAGE OCTOBER 2020
News ¢ Bishop Emeritus Dr Wee Boon Hup was Bishop of The Methodist Church in Singapore from 2012 to 2016. He is currently a Pastor at Paya Lebar Methodist Church.
What would my life have been
without the Bible?
I
would not have known Jesus because it was only after I had listened to a message preached from the gospels that I gave my life to Him. Furthermore, I would have remained in doubt whether I had really become really a Christian without those assuring verses in the gospel and epistles of John.
Bishop Emeritus Dr Wee with his wife, Catherine
If not for the first chapter of Joshua, I could have ended in the marketplace instead of the pastoral ministry. If it had not been for the foundation of God’s Word in my life, I could have wandered into excesses after I had a renewing experience of the Holy Spirit. I would have been spiritually malnourished with nothing to feed the people I was called to serve. That could have been my life. I am also sure there are many others who would have a similar testimony. But I thank God for letting the Bible permeate my whole life and ministry. When I first heard of Jesus it was in English, the dominant language during my growing up years. Studying and feeding on the Bible was essential to my deeper knowledge of God’s love, His plans and purposes—not just for me but for the whole world. There are millions today who still do not have the Bible in their own languages. That is why I just could not refuse when I was invited to serve in a movement to get the Bible translated into every known language in the world.
The illumiNations Asia “Imagine Life Without the Bible” campaign runs until Nov 2020. Visit https://www.illuminations. asia/imagine-public.html and register to watch the digital campaign, so that you can better understand the power of the Bible in one’s heart language.
illumiNations began with the purpose of making God’s Word accessible to every known language by 2033. Impossible? Not when Bible translating agencies began to collaborate and share resources in the same task that drive them. Furthermore, mobilising native speakers trained to use modern technology speeds up the process considerably.
What can you do to help the 1 billion people in the world who are trapped in Bible poverty? •
What can hinder this goal? For decades the work of Bible translation was resourced largely by the West. However, many countries in Asia today have become developed nations, with their Christian resources still untapped for this work. Asian Christians must step up to the challenge.
Give a chapter—if 1189 of us give a chapter each, together we can give one full Bible to a language group in Asia.
•
illumiNations Asia invites you to partner with us to hasten the day when people “from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb” will cry out “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!” (Rev 7:9, 10)
Host a video gathering for your family, friends or cell group—illumiNations Asia will provide you with all the resources you need.
•
Invite your friends to join this movement by sharing it.
More information about the campaign can be found on pages 10 to 11 of the Sep 2020 issue of Methodist Message.
METHODIST MESSAGE OCTOBER 2020
| 15
Home ¢ Sheri Goh is the Editor of Methodist Message. / Photos courtesy of Joni Ong
Every good and perfect gift
F
or Joni Ong, chairperson of the Methodist Schools’
(From left) Joni and her children, Elisabeth, Emmeliene, Kristi-Ann, Kathi-Lyn and Jonathan
Foundation (MSF), the circuit breaker was a blessing. Three of her five adult children live at home, and
looked after each other, played with each other, and
Joni was thankful for the increased opportunities for
didn’t need mummy all the time. I did spend much time
close interactions over meals and experimenting in the
and effort with the first two—the rest learnt from their
kitchen. They tried new recipes and cooked together, and
sisters, and ended up taking care of each other.”
even volunteered as a family at Willing Hearts, packing food for the homeless, elderly and needy.
Joni’s love for children led to her to spearhead I Love Children (ILC), a movement of the then Ministry of
Joni has always known that motherhood would be
Community Development, Youth and Sports (now known
her calling. When she was 29 years old, conception
as the Ministry of Social and Family Development) to
difficulties led her and her husband, Kian Min, to assisted
advocate for parenthood. Besides her volunteer work with
reproduction procedures with the blessing of their
ILC and MSF, Joni serves as the chairperson of the board of
then-pastor, the Rev Dr Isaac Lim, of Wesley Methodist
management of Fairfield Methodist Schools and the vice-
Church (MC), which they still attend. Through in-vitro
chairperson of the Films Appeal Committee (FAC). As if
fertilisation, identical twins Kristi and Kathi were gifts
she was not busy enough, she was recently sworn in as a
that God blessed them with. Elisabeth, Emmeliene and
Justice of the Peace.
Jonathan, naturally conceived, followed soon after. She became a mother of five within six years! Her children
In her day job, Joni is the managing director of Great Place
are now 30, 29, 27 and 24.
to Work Institute, a culture transformation consulting organisation. She also owns and manages the Michelin-
“It was a lot of fun!” Joni laughs, recollecting her tiring
starred Shinji at Carlton Hotel and St Regis, and Oshino at
early days of parenthood. “It was hard work, but they
Raffles Hotel.
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METHODIST MESSAGE OCTOBER 2020
Joni Ong (bottom right), her husband Kian Min (bottom left), with her children and sons-in-law
she wouldn’t be able to do what she does if not for her supportive husband of 33 years. “I thank God for His gift of Kian Min—he is my cheerleader, the ‘wind beneath my wings’ and my best friend.” Her philosophy behind raising her children, all of whom attended Methodist schools, was to be firm and loving: “There are certain things that are non-negotiable, but others that are not, even when they are young.” For example, when her children were teenagers, she decided Joni (sixth from left) with Bishop Dr Chong Chin Chung (fifth from left) and the Fairfield Methodist Schools’ board of management
that their attire, not all of which met her approval, was negotiable. But other things, such as going to church on Sunday whether they wanted to or not, were nonnegotiable. Even today, her family still worships together. “And when church doors reopen,” Joni says hopefully, “we will still go to church together.” As Joni points out, “You have to live out the values you want to pass to your children, such as going to church, working hard, using your talents, giving back to society— they will imbibe your values in action, and hopefully live them out in their own lives.”
No matter where God has placed her, Joni believes that in each of her secular roles, she serves a purpose. Thus,
Encouraging Singaporeans to have more children is
she does her best to live out her values as a worker, a
Joni’s passion. She asserts: “I believe that children bring
mother and a Christian. “Many years ago,” she recalls,
a lot of joy to our lives. We [at ILC] are very cognisant
“there was a sermon series at Wesley MC called ‘What
that having children is a very personal decision.” While
Would Jesus Do?’ that really resonated with me. Within
Singapore’s total fertility rate is falling, studies have
my sphere of influence, I have made decisions and lived
shown that for every 10 married couples, eight want
my life asking that WWJD question. My prayer has always
children. However, with couples getting married later,
been that I others may see glimpses of Jesus in me.”
more will face age-related fertility issues. Fertility treatment could also be an added financial burden. That
Despite her many responsibilities, which she took on
is why she encourages couples to start families at a
to give back to the community, Joni has so far been
younger age and hopes to cancel the myth that having
able to avoid burnout. “We have a choice as to what
children in Singapore is too expensive.
we want to take up and what we want to let go,” she explains. “[All my roles and responsibilities] have their
But aren’t children costly to raise? “Children don’t know
season.” She attributes her ability to juggle work ,
or care if you’re giving them a Prada shirt or a $5 shirt
community and family to the many angels that God
from the market. When my twins were born, my friends
has sent: parents-in-law and siblings who helped raise
and family members gave me lots of hand-me-down
her children; capable colleagues who lessened her
clothes, and they were passed from one child to the next.
workload; and wonderful friends who continue to make
What your children want are your time and your love, not
her laugh and love life. But most of all, Joni admits that
material things,” she advises.
METHODIST MESSAGE OCTOBER 2020
| 17
Welfare Services ¢ By the Methodist Welfare Services (MWS) Communications Team / Visuals courtesy of Methodist Welfare Services
Never too old
to give back
“As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace.” 1 Peter 4:10
A
t an age where most people are spending time with their grandchildren or travelling around the world, 86-year-old Chew Eng Bong has been busy cycling around Singapore to do his part for charity. Recently, he completed a 57km route to raise funds to benefit the residents of MWS Bethany Nursing Home – Choa Chu Kang, one of the centres under the care of Methodist Welfare Services (MWS) that offers round-the-clock residential care to the chronically ill and frail. Eng Bong did this as a member of Connecting Cycling Superstars (CCS), a group of passionate silver-generation cyclists who have been volunteering at the Home since 2017. CCS volunteers like Eng Bong have been unable to engage the senior residents as they used to due to COVID-19 restrictions. Still wanting to make a difference in the lives of the residents, he and the other group members initiated a fund-raising campaign called “Love on Wheels” to raise funds for the Home’s care remodelling project, which involves transforming the Home into a more home-like, dementia-friendly environment. On 8 Aug 2020, 40 CCS members, including Eng Bong, decided to cycle a 57-km loop from the MWS Bethany Nursing Home – Choa Chu Kang, passing by CT Hub building at Kallang where the MWS Home Care & Home Hospice office is located, MWS Christalite Methodist Home and MWS Nursing Home – Yew Tee. Eng Bong, or “Ah Mun” as he is known to his friends, personally clocked over 100km as he cycled not just the fund-raising distance, but also from his home in Ang Mo Kio to the nursing home at Choa Chu Kang and the return trip home.
Combining passions Eng Bong used to be a mechanic, and had always kept himself active by repairing damaged appliances and refurbishing old furniture. He took up cycling about a
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METHODIST MESSAGE OCTOBER 2020
decade ago to keep fit, meet people and make friends. For years, he had been trying to join a cycling group but struggled to as most cater to a younger age group and are English speaking—Eng Bong speaks mainly Mandarin and dialects. So when he heard about CCS through a local newspaper, he decided to connect with them. With CCS’ make-up of seniors like himself, he found it easier to make friends and enjoy the fellowship. Before COVID-19, Eng Bong had been volunteering regularly at MWS Bethany Nursing Home – Choa Chu Kang for the last three years to chat, play mobility-enhancing games and sing karaoke with residents. Volunteering helps others his age stay active and meaningfully engaged in the community. He explained: “I find purpose in helping other seniors. I want seniors to recognise the importance of staying active, both in mind and body. I also want to encourage fellow seniors with my life story.”. Eng Bong encourages seniors to help other seniors, as he has. He shares: “I find it easy to talk to the seniors and enjoy it very much. If you have the time to do it, you should. We should always help others who are in need.” Keen to volunteer with MWS? Whether you are an individual, group or corporate team, we have a varied list of remote volunteering opportunities at our various centres. Find out more at mws.sg/volunteer or scan the QR code. If you want to get involved in other ways, email us at volunteer@mws.sg .
Missions ¢ Lesley Yeow is the principal of the Singapore Mission School Laos. She and her staff learnt something new this year when the school had to conduct classes over Zoom. It was a great experience, but all were very happy to return to physical school! / Photos courtesy of Lesley Yeow
Ukulele practice at the summer school
Through MMS, and despite facing tough times themselves, Singaporean believers contributed support for those affected by COVID-19 at SMS. The school celebrates Singapore’s National Day every year. This banner is made up of close to a hundred cards expressing well wishes for Singapore
Thank you
for the music!
B
eing able to run our summer programme at the Singapore Mission School (SMS) this year was an unexpected blessing. With the hardships of the COVID-19 lockdown, little time was left in the school year and we were uncertain if anyone would turn up. However, a modest number of students did come, determined to have a good time. The teachers pulled out all the stops with an intensive three-week music course that aimed to have every participant learn to play at least one song from scratch on one of several instruments (recorder, ukulele or keyboard) and to play as a band using handbells, cajons and other percussion instruments. They set the tone at the start with a hearty rendition of ABBA’s hit “Thank You for the Music” and a performance of the songs the 40+ children would learn, including “Home” and “Seek Ye First”.
The icing on the cake was violinist Lynette Seah’s appearance at our online mini concert. She played “Meditation” from Thaïs, her “most heartfelt piece”, and explained how it was like a prayer to God. Lynette encouraged the children not to give up practising and learning correctly: “Learning to play a musical instrument is the same as learning any kind of sport—you also have to practise.” Although the students were not able to perform live, their enthusiastic performances were videoed and shared via the school’s Google Drive for parents to enjoy. As Lynette said: “I’m very grateful to God for the gift of music in my life.” Indeed, thank you, God, for the music, for giving it to us! Singapore Mission School provides holistic
Students were introduced to different genres of music from around the world, the mechanics of producing music, and very basic music theory—all this in between practice time. Afternoons were spent practising individually and together as a band. The children surprised us with their abilities and enthusiasm, and it was euphoniously noisy! Over Zoom, musicians from Laos and Singapore contributed to widening our children’s perspective of performing music and drove home the need for “hours of boring practice”. The Lion City Brass Band opened our eyes to the beauty of brass instruments. Khaen player Salathy wowed teachers and students alike with the complexity of this traditional Lao Pan flute. Singer Aluna shared how her parents influenced her love of music, and pianist Jordana explained the difference between the piano and the keyboard.
education in English and Lao for the coming generations of Lao people who will possess the right moral, mental and educational upbringing to positively influence their community and country through excellent service in all sectors of society.
www.facebook.com/sms.vientiane
Renowned violinist Lynette Seah performs for the students
METHODIST MESSAGE OCTOBER 2020
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24-Hour Helpline:
Contact Ricky Guok @ 6352-7797
National Day Awards 2020 ¢ Congratulations! Methodist Message congratulates the following who have received the 2020 National Day Awards:
CHURCHES
Faith Methodist Church
Fairfield Methodist School (Secondary)
Aldersgate Methodist Church
LTC (NS) Wee Liang Din Sonny The Commendation Medal (Military)
Mrs Boon Ngee Sebastian The Public Administration Medal (Silver)
Dr Helen Leong Soh Sum The Long Service Medal
LTC (NS) Joseph Gan Cher Chuen The Commendation Medal (Military)
Living Waters Methodist Church
Mr Ezal Bin Sani The Commendation Medal
Mr Aaron Loh Hong Oon The Public Administration Medal (Silver)
Mr Eric Loh Youn Leong The Long Service Medal
Ang Mo Kio Methodist Church
Paya Lebar Chinese Methodist Church
Mr Ng Hun Boon The Long Service Medal
Mr Tan Tong Guan The Public Service Medal
Ms Gladys Wong Hooi Chuan The Commendation Medal
Mr Lim Yong Chai Alan The Long Service Medal
Ang Mo Kio Chinese Methodist Church
Pentecost Methodist Church
Fairfield Methodist School (Primary)
Ms Grace Ho Pei Er The Commendation Medal
Mr Francis Ngoi Chong Ling The Commendation Medal; The Long Service Medal
Barker Road Methodist Church Mr Eugene Wong Hin Sun The Public Service Medal
Christ Methodist Church Dr Irene Ng Siew Peng The Public Administration Medal (Bronze) Mdm Doris Lee Hwee Leng The Public Administration Medal (Bronze)
Mr Lew Chee Keon The Public Administration Medal (Bronze) Mr Edwin Chua Soo Chin The Public Administration Medal (Bronze) Mr Albert Yeo Ann Hwee The Public Service Medal
Dr Camilla Wong Ming Lee The Long Service Medal
Covenant Community Methodist Church Ms Susan Lam So Shan The Commendation Medal LTC Seet Chong Ngee The Long Service Medal (Military)
Fairfield Methodist Church Ms Irene Koh Yew Lan The Long Service Medal Ms Yeam Shin Yen The Long Service Medal Mdm Chia Soo Huang The Long Service Medal
Mr Alvin Lim Hsu Jin The Commendation Medal Mdm Wong Seow Ling The Long Service Medal
Trinity Methodist Church
Mr Sooraj s/o Prabhodachandran The Long Service Medal
Dr Hum Sin Hoon The Public Service Medal
Geylang Methodist School (Secondary)
Wesley Methodist Church
Mrs Toh Teck Wang The Commendation Medal
Mr Chin Kim Tham Desmond The Public Administration Medal (Gold)
Mr Low Kwok Sen Eugene The Long Service Medal Mdm Chiang Ling Ling Andrea The Long Service Medal
Ms Audrey Chen Li Ying The Public Administration Medal (Bronze)
Mr Lim Boon Tiong James The Long Service Medal Mr Ngm Yew Fai The Long Service Medal
SCHOOLS
Mr Kelvin Tay Yew Kuan The Long Service Medal
Anglo-Chinese School (Junior)
Methodist Girls’ School
Ms Zhang Min The Commendation Medal
Ms Goh Gek Kheng Belinda The Commendation Medal
Mr Chia Chee Weng Richard Chris The Long Service Medal
Mr Liu Heok Hing The Commendation Medal
Mr Ong Hoe Koon The Long Service Medal
Mdm Tang Yen Yen The Long Service Medal
Anglo-Chinese School (Barker Road)
Mdm Soh Kok Peng The Long Service Medal
Mr Tan Whye Wee Jeffrey The Commendation Medal
Ms Ho Wai Mun The Long Service Medal
Mr Oh Boon Teck The Commendation Medal
Mr Kevin Khoo Khay Soon The Long Service Medal
Mdm Lee Wai Yee Catherine The Long Service Medal
Mdm Siew Seok Hwa The Long Service Medal Mr David Loh Jee Yong The Long Service Medal
Listings of recipients and awards were as provided by the churches, schools and agencies. All information accurate at the time of printing.
METHODIST MESSAGE OCTOBER 2020
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You & Your Family ¢ Benny Bong has been a family and marital therapist for more than 30 years, and is a certified work-life consultant. He was the first recipient of the AWARE Hero Award, received in 2011, and is a member of Kampong Kapor Methodist Church.
It must hurt before it heals
A
client of mine is facing a difficult decision, akin to one doctors have to make to save the life of a patient with a badly infected limb—whether to amputate all or part of the limb. In her case, it would be an “amputation” of her 15-year marriage.
control of her life and finances, and plan for both her and their children’s future. Listening to her, I told her that divorce alone might not liberate her. There was a second “infection” she had to get rid of—her “addiction” to caring for him.
The “infection” has been in two ways. A decade ago, her husband began gambling in secret. It started with a small bet here and there on football matches before progressing to more frequent betting on various sporting events, with the wagers growing from tens of dollars to the triple digits. It caught my client’s attention only when loan sharks started harassing the family home. Instead of coming clean, he claimed it was a case of mistaken identity. It was only when banks began to call in their loans that he finally confessed. But this was seven years ago.
The term “co-dependent” is used to describe those who care for and repeatedly bail the addict out, even to a point where their well-being suffers. They sacrifice themselves hoping the addict will change for the better. As self-giving as their actions may be, the co-dependent is driven not only by care and concern for the addict, but also by the co-dependent’s sense of insecurity. It is as if they have no independent identity beyond that of being with the addict. It is as if the relationship with the addict is their addiction.
They went through two more rounds of financial crises. Each time, he would deny the problem and when he could no longer do so, hid its extent. Series of debt restructuring and a long repayment period would follow. He would promise to turn over a new leaf, but to no avail. Unfortunately, her supporting him through “thick and thin” cushioned him from the full consequences of his bad decisions. His not being able to overcome his gambling addiction has led my client to consider an “amputation”, or severing of their marriage. She said this would free her from his gambling problems. She could then regain 22
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METHODIST MESSAGE OCTOBER 2020
My client hopes that with an “amputation”, she can be free to heal. Without it, the rot continues. The tough decision to perform what I call radical surgery may be needful to allow for recovery. Such radical intervention is mentioned in Matt 5:29–30 when Jesus, teaching about sin, said that it is better to cut off the offending part than for the whole body to be thrown into hell. My client’s hard choice may sound familiar. Most of us do not want to see those we are caring for—be they our spouses, parents or even our children—get hurt. At times, we even wish we could bear the consequences of their mistakes. In protecting them, however, we may not be doing what is best for them.
Hymns & Songs ¢ Judith Laoyan-Mosomos is the Director for Worship and Church Music at the Methodist School of Music, and a member of Kampong Kapor Methodist Church.
For the Bread Which You Have Broken
E
ach Communion Sunday, before partaking of the body and blood of Jesus Christ, we hear the story narrated: “While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, ‘Take and eat; this is my body.’” (Matt 26:26–29) The story brings together the rich and poor, old and young, “red, yellow, black and white”—all the children of God—to the Lord’s table with Jesus as the host. At the table, we all are with the Lord, receiving His grace and life. “For the Bread Which You Have Broken” is a hymn that points us to that story, so that we not only remember but also give thanks for God’s love and presence among us. The hymn concludes with a petition for God to give us strength to the face the world where He sends us: that we may understand what it means when we say “let Your kingdom come, O Lord”. There are two melodies provided in the hymnal: first, UMH 614, a Western tune that may be played on the keyboard following the four-part arrangement. Alternatively, it may be played in a contemporised style as demonstrated in the link provided (please scan the first QR code). The second tune, UMH 615, is based on a simple pentatonic scale, which provides an Eastern sound with a counterpoint with contrary motions to add to Asian polyphony. Dr I-to Loh, the composer suggests, doubling the melody with a flute or a cello for stanzas 1 and 2. A keyboard may play the treble parts of stanza 3. The fourth stanza may conclude with the whole setting with strong conviction as a prayer for the realization of the Lord’s kingdom. 1
In The United Methodist Hymnal, look at the Service of Word and Table I on page11. You will find the post communion prayer that is offered by the pastor or by all. “For the Bread” is a hymn written to fill the place of the post-communion prayer. 2 This prayer was a development in the fourth century used to formally conclude the rite. 3 This hymn, written on 21 Nov 1924, encompasses the various meanings of the Eucharist: thanksgiving, mystery, our anticipation of Christ’s return and the extension of the kingdom of God. If you haven’t yet, consider using it as a post-communion hymn.
FOR THE BREAD WHICH YOU HAVE BROKEN For the bread, which You have broken; For the wine, which You have poured; For the words, which You have spoken— Now we give You thanks, O Lord. By this pledge that You do love us, By Your gift of peace restored, By Your call to Heaven above us, Hallow all our lives, O Lord. With the sainted ones in glory Seated at the heavenly board, May the Church that’s waiting for You Keep love’s tie unbroken, Lord. In Your service, Lord, defend us, In our hearts keep watch and ward; In the world where you have sent us Let Your kingdom come, O Lord. Words: Louis F. Benson, 1924 Music: (UMH 614) FOR THE BREAD, V. Earle Copes, 1960 (UMH 615) BENG-LI, I-to Loh, 1970
Scan the QR codes I-to Loh, Hymnal Companion to Sound the Bamboo: Asian Hymns in Their Cultural and Liturgical Contexts (Chicago: GIA Publications, Inc., 2011), 137. 1
to hear the hymn sung in the two tunes:
2 Carlton R. Young, ed., Companion to The United Methodist Hymnal (Nashville: Abingdon Press, 1993), 342–43. 3 Marion J. Hatchett, Commentary on the American Prayer Book (New York: Harper Collins Publishers, 1995), 392.
UMH 614
UMH 615
Registration at our Columbarium OďŹƒce (Level 5) Monday to Friday, 9.00am to 5.00pm (Closed on Public Holidays). Tel: 6479 8122 HP: 9670 9935 or Fax: 6479 6960 Email: veronicalowjmc@yahoo.com.sg
Soundings ¢ Dr Roland Chia is Chew Hock Hin Professor of Christian Doctrine at Trinity Theological College and Theological and Research Advisor at the Ethos Institute for Public Christianity (http://ethosinstitute.sg)
The youth and LGBT “Soundings” is a series of essays that, like the waves of a sonogram, explore issues in society, and the church in light of the Gospel and Christian understanding.
L
ast year, the Institute of Policy Studies (IPS) published the findings of its survey on perceptions of and attitudes towards social and moral issues among Singaporeans. According to the report, there is greater acceptance of gay sex and gay marriage now than five years ago, especially among those between the ages of 18 and 25. If this trend continues, there could be greater push for gay rights in the future, and this would in turn possibly result in the revision of certain social policies and legislations in Singapore. Young people here are possibly becoming more accepting of the LGBT lifestyle due to their exposure to trends in western societies through social media and the internet. Also, there have been concerted efforts of gay advocacy groups in reaching out to young people, especially students at our local universities, such as Yale– NUS, through events such as: •
An orientation programme “for incoming and current NUS and Yale-NUS students who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and on the queer spectrum”, organised by queernus
•
“Drag King Workshop” for students, organised by The G Spot
•
“Queer Together” which, according to the publicity poster, is an “open call for Queer/LGBTQIA+ artists to be part of a Queerfriendly incubation space and art exhibition”, organised by Yale-NUS Storytellers
•
A group discussion on the topic, “To be Gay in Singapore: Negotiating Liminal Spaces”, organised by students from Tembusu College
These developments mirror, to some extent, what has long become quite common in the West, where university curriculums are inundated with queer studies and where LGBT activists are shaping the culture on campuses. Commenting on the trends of gay activism in tertiary institutions in the United States, Robert Reilly writes: “Education is an essential part of the drive to universalise the rationalisation of homosexual behaviour[…]. What began as a plea for diversity ends with a demand for conformity.” In Mobilizing Gay Singapore, Lynette Chua, assistant professor of law at the National University of Singapore, discerns three patterns of change that characterise the evolution of the gay advocacy in Singapore from the early 1990s to 2013, which she describes as “the movement’s coming out, tactical escalation and movement expansion and diversification, and opening up of political and media spaces.” “They [the gay activists] have taken the issue of homosexuality from the dimly lit spaces of nightlife and cruising to Singapore’s highest law-making body and courtrooms, state-control media, and public spaces,” she writes. Their relative success, despite having to content with an “authoritarian state”, is due to a strategy which Chua dubs as “pragmatic resistance”—they develop movement tactics based on a reading of the political and cultural environments, while ensuring enough flexibility to accommodate changes in society. Pragmatic resistance also requires that the activists should be careful to avoid direct conflict with the
state and to ensure that their public actions are in keeping with the laws of the land. They seek to push the envelope ever so cautiously through the rhetoric of inclusion, while at the same time appearing to value social stability. In 2016, the Ethos Institute for Public Christianity conducted a survey that reported that 87 percent of Church leaders and 63 percent of young adults are aware of the LGBT movement in Singapore. However, 57 percent of Church leaders and 51 percent of young adults are of the view that the Church’s efforts in addressing LGBT issues are currently inadequate. While the Church should not be fixated on this issue, more can and should be done to help its members appreciate the profound influence that LGBT activism and the media have on the young, including Christians. The Church must stand firm on the clear teachings of Scripture and tradition on human sexuality, marriage and the family, and do much more to establish its members (especially the young) in them.
1 https://lkyspp.nus.edu.sg/docs/default-source/ ips/ips-working-paper-34---religion-morality-andconservatism-in-singapore.pdf 2 Robert R. Reilly, Making Gay Okay: How Rationalising Homosexual Behaviour is Changing Everything (San Francisco: Ignatius Press, 2015), 154. 3
Chua, 136.
4
Ibid.
https://ethosinstitute.sg/wp-content/ uploads/2018/06/Findings-of-ETHOS-Study-_Executive-Summary-12June2018.pdf 5
METHODIST MESSAGE OCTOBER 2020
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Home ¢ Wong Lai Foon is the Resident Conductor of the Methodist Festival Choir. She worships at Barker Road Methodist Church. / Photo courtesy of Wong Lai Foon
M
y life has been permeated and blessed by Methodist connections on numerous fronts—I was educated at Methodist schools, and later taught there. I attended Sunday School and was baptised in a Methodist church. I am married to a Methodist pastor and we have have two children, both of whom are currently actively connected with Methodist institutions. One aspect that features prominently in my Methodist identity is music. Methodists have been called “a singing people”, not least due to the legacy of Charles Wesley’s hymns and the importance that John Wesley placed on music as an integral part of worship, and on congregational hymn-singing. Indeed, music has the power to elevate our worship and understanding of God and Scripture to a more profound level. I am continually blessed by the richness of the music and poetry of hymns and songs sung and played regularly throughout my life, and thankful for the inspiration, edification and encouragement that they provide me with day by day.
What does being a
Serving in the music ministry, particularly with the Methodist Festival Choir, has given me the opportunity to worship and fellowship with members of the wider Methodist community, and even with members of other denominations. I am thankful for the power of music to unite as we sing and present Scripture and the Christian experience in music of various styles and cultures.
mean to you?
In the words of the hymn-writer Fred Pratt Green, “Let all rejoice who have a voice to raise! And may God give us faith to sing always: Alleluia!”
Methodist
OCTOBER
Looking Ahead ¢
Scan to see events online!
TRAC SENIORS MINISTRY: TAKE THE PANIC OUT OF PANDEMIC 16 Oct 2020 (Friday), 2.30 p.m. to 4.00 p.m. 9220-8954 (Priscilla Low) priscillalow@trac-mcs.org.sg
Understand how to have Faith Over Fear to Take the Panic out of Pandemic with the Rev Irene Thung. ZOOM meeting details will be sent separately upon registration.
OCTOBER
Organised by TRAC Seniors Ministry
otLIVE 17 Oct 2020 (Saturday), 9.30 a.m. to 1.00 p.m. 7 Armenian St, Bible House, S(179932), Level 4 By registration only at bible.org.sg/wttbotlive $40 per participant (includes otLIVE course book worth $10) 6304-5286 (Joyder Ng) sowerinstitute@bible.org.sg
Feeling lost while reading the Old Testament? Come along for this engaging and interactive walkthrough journey in otLIVE! Adventure together with other participants and discover the key events, places and people in the Old Testament.
OCTOBER
Organised by Sower Institute for Biblical Discipleship
ETHOS ANNUAL LECTURE 2020: CHRISTIANITY, PUBLIC POLICY AND THE LAW 29 Oct 2020 (Thursday), 7.30 p.m. to 9.00 p.m. Via ZOOM Entry by registration only. Register at ethosinstitute.sg/annuallecture2020 6304-3765 (Florence Kang) info@ethosinstitute.sg
Christians are called to be salt of the earth and light of the world. This means that Christians in Singapore are to evangelise the culture of Christ-likeness. But what does this mean practically, in terms of how Christians are to contribute to the formulation of public policy and law-making?
2020
Organised by ETHOS Institute™ for Public Christianity
MCS WHATSAPP BROADCAST GROUP In this unpredictable and spiritually challenging time, MCS will send updates, information and prayers when you sign up with our latest Whatsapp Broadcast Group! Here’s how. First, please save +65 6478-4786 in your phone contacts as “MCS”. (Please note that you will not be able to receive broadcast messages without saving the number.) Then complete the form found here: https://tinyurl.com/mcswhatsapp, and you are done! :)
One MCS ¢
Passing on a Godly Legacy
John Wu is no stranger to the work of impacting young lives, and has been working relentlessly in mentoring and transforming youths as an educator in schools over the last 15 years. He has also served as a youth leader in his church for the last 20 years. He is married and has two lovely children, aged 10 and 12. / Photo courtesy of John Wu
God is my Father
W
hen I was 10 years old, my aunt invited me to church, and that was where I had a personal encounter with Jesus. The moment I stepped into Sunday school, I experienced a touch of the Holy Spirit. I could not stop crying. The choir sang, “Jesus loves me, this I know, for the Bible tells me so. Little ones to Him belong. We are weak but he is strong!” I had grown up in a broken family. Up till that moment in my life, nobody had ever told me that I mattered. That day, God took away my shame and purposelessness, and gave me Himself. In that “prodigal son” moment, I was no longer fatherless; God became my father!
John Wu with his wife and their children
Having experienced the reality of God the Father’s love, I felt Him calling me to love and serve the young people—to be a conduit through which others could experience the love of the Father. Over the years, I have had the privilege of journeying with many young people. My proudest moment as an educator was when I received a Teachers’ Day card from a boy who had lost his father. He had written: “Thank you for being like a father to me.” I had a mentor whose son had come home with an ear piercing. He told his son calmly, “I disagree with your decision because I do not think it is good for you. But I want you to know your actions will never change the fact that you are my son, and that I will always love and accept you.” The son eventually removed the piercing, and the experience strengthened their relationship. I learnt there is a difference between acceptance and agreement . Our children will make mistakes, and if they understand that their father ’s acceptance is unconditional, they will experience home as the safe harbour they can always turn to. I began my journey as a father with Psalm 121:2: “My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.” I believe that fathering is about constantly imitating God the Father and appropriating His grace and love in our lives. As I acknowledge my need for Christ, I have found the grace of God at work in my life, my marriage, my children, my work and the ministry.
John Wu, Peter Tan and Tan Gee Paw will be sharing about their fatherhood journey at “Passing on a Godly Legacy”, the inaugural One MCS webinar. 17 Oct 2020 (Saturday), 9 to 11 a.m. https://www.methodist.org.sg/MethodistFathers (for more information) https://tinyurl.com/MethodistFathers (to sign up) methodist.fathers@gmail.com 9171-4984 (David Ang, Event Chairman, CAC Board of Family Life Chairman) 28
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METHODIST MESSAGE OCTOBER 2020
One MCS ¢
Passing on a Godly Legacy
Peter Tan is passionate about fathering and prayer. In 2001, as Principal of ACS (Junior), he started its Fathers Prayer Group. It was adopted by other schools and was the seed for the Elijah7000 prayer movement as part of our nation’s effort to promote Dads for Life. He believes that fathers make a significant difference in family life. / Photo courtesy of Peter Tan
Peter Tan (extreme left) with his family at the wedding of his daughter
How do you spell “love”?
T
he person although I “Dad, why people happy!”
I yearned for most during my childhood years was my father. Sadly, he was mostly absent, must credit him for my life’s philosophy. One rare evening we were together, I ruefully asked, are we on earth for?” He thought quietly for a while, then said, “Men are on earth to make other I liked what he said.
Twenty-nine years ago, I became a father. Never will I forget my daughter’s birth. As her head emerged, she did not cry. Seeing my daughter’s umbilical cord around her neck , the obstetrician exclaimed, “Two loops and a dead-knot too!” As I thought of a colleague’s still-born baby with one loop around its neck , I silently prayed: “God, please save my daughter. I will be the best father to her!” The doctor snipped the umbilical cord; but still, there was no cry. When the doctor gave her an injection, she made one “Waahh!” That was the moment I became a father. Growing up poor, I know that it is not “things” that matter to children—love, safety and security matter more than material gifts. I have often told my children that I cannot give them everything they want, but I will always give them everything they need. During parenting talks, I often share that children spell “love” as “T-I-M-E”! In a sense, I learnt this the hard way. My father was absent, but I was thankful for my mother and grandparents. To raise our children ourselves, my wife and I decided that she would leave the workforce. On my salary as a teacher,, finances were tight but love and fun were in abundance. My children knew that Mum would always be there for them…and so would Dad. Growing up in the Boys’ Brigade, I realised how important it was for men to make positive impact on boys. In Sunday School, teachers like Dr Tan Gee Paw role modelled what good earthly fathers do for their children. God was good to me, providing godly men who spoke fatherhood into my life, teaching me what fathering is about and pointing me to our Heavenly Father’s abundant love. A spiritual heritage is the most important thing we can give our children. Guiding and nurturing them to grow in their relationship with Jesus Christ is the most precious gift we can bless them with. It was my privilege to lead my children to accepting Jesus as their Lord and Saviour. Both my children are now married, actively serving in church and productively employed in their chosen careers. The best part is I am soon going to be a grandfather.
METHODIST MESSAGE OCTOBER 2020
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One MCS ¢
Passing on a Godly Legacy
Tan Gee Paw is a member of Barker Road Methodist Church. He was saved by grace through a remarkable encounter one night when he was alone as a teenager. / Photo courtesy of Tan Gee Paw
The role of the Christian father and grandfather
T
he importance of the Christian father and grandfather in the family cannot be overemphasised. Here, I will focus on three thoughts.
The first is: once a father, always a father. When you first cast your eyes on your new-born son (and I use the term “son” to include daughters too), I am sure you felt a deep realisation that you would always be his father. There is no way you can “un-father” yourself. Even if things go wildly wrong and you disown him, it is only a legal position. Your biological position cannot be changed from the moment your child is born. Even when he is in his senior years, he will still call you “Dad”, for this is our Asian practice. You will always want to provide and protect this baby even until his hair turns grey, and will be his everlasting father. This must remain your solemn responsibility. Secondly, when your son is passing through his teenage years, the Christian father must take on the role of a counsellor first, and a disciplinarian only second, if ever. When he gets into trouble, you must never stand by and say, “There! I told you so!” Walk with him Tan Gee Paw
as he faces his problems. More than just offer advice, you must be his helper with all the resources that are available to you. More than a counsellor, you must be a wonderful counsellor, his best friend! Thirdly, when your son becomes a father himself, you must be the peacemaker of the extended family. When quarrels erupt between the young parents, between parents and in-laws, between motherin-law and daughter-in-law or son-in-law, or between in-laws themselves, you the Christian grandfather must be the prince of peace. Never must you take sides when quarrels are on matters of preference, prejudice, personality or wrong choice of words. You might have noticed that I have taken the liberty to use three familiar functional terms: everlasting father, wonderful counsellor and prince of peace. These descriptions come from Isaiah 9:6—“And he will be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” when Isaiah prophesied about the Christ Child who was to be born. The Christian father is to follow the model shown to us by our Heavenly Father.
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METHODIST MESSAGE OCTOBER 2020