8 minute read
Christmas in Discoveryland
A ‘FRUITFUL’ CHRISTMAS IN DISCOVERYLAND
BY PASTOR JOSEPH TEO,
CHILDREN’S MINISTRY
C
hristmas is often called “the most wonderful time of the year” – especially for the children in DiscoveryLand.
A colorful, fun-filled Christmas special was planned for children ages four to 12 on December 17, 18, and 24 at Trinity@Paya Lebar.
Many eagerly awaited Christmas in Fruitasia, with every registration slot snapped up before the first screening. Children invited their friends, with 75 coming to church for the first time.
The exuberant children enjoyed games and embarked on an adventure in Fruitasia as
they watched the screening of a short film. As they laughed and cheered at the silly antics of Fruitasia’s citizenry, they came to learn the true meaning of Christmas and the importance of God’s forgiveness. Most of all, they learned that Christmas Day is the celebration of the birth of Christ Jesus.
Little hands arose in faith across each room as everyone was given the opportunity to believe in Jesus at the event’s closure. Sixty-five children came to accept Jesus as their Savior. That’s truly the best Christmas gift we could ask for.
TESTIMONIES FROM THE CHILDREN
Sophie Ong, 11 years I learned that Jesus forgives me whenever I sin and that Jesus went through the same things as us, so He understands me. I enjoyed learning about Jesus and also watching the movie. It was really cute, and I could see the effort that was put into it. Jedidiah, 8 years I enjoyed watching the movie and learned that Jesus came to this world to save us.
Moo Jin, 7 years I learned that Christmas is about Jesus’ birth. I also learned that God hates sin. God forgives us, so I will forgive others.
Lavena, 9 years I saw that Christmas is not just about receiving gifts but also about having hope and remembering Jesus. I enjoyed the video!
A PLACE FOR EVERY HEART
SERVICE FOR THE UNVACCINATED
REGARDLESS OF VACCINATION STATUS, TRINITY ENSURES THAT EVERYONE HAS THE OPPORTUNITY TO BE MINISTERED TO, AND DISCIPLED.
Anew year and new service for the unvaccinated was made available on January 1, 2022, working within current safe management advisories.
“Worshipping online is not the same as being on-site,” shared A.D. “We’re so glad we can still attend service on-site.”
Lead Pastor Dominic Yeo had made the announcement through a video message sent to all church members on December 29. This is to ensure that everyone can be ministered to, and discipled.
He reiterated, “Coming on-site is so important, and is the corporate theology
of the house.” He encouraged all members to attend services on-site as much as possible. And the response from the unvaccinated was one of gratitude.
“We appreciate the opportunity that Trinity has created for us to attend worship service on-site,” said Amy.
The unvaccinated service caters to families with young children. DiscoveryLand classes run concurrently for ages four to 12. So, while parents attend service, kids get to enjoy their own service too.
A number of first-time visitors were so delighted to find a church where the unvaccinated could go to worship. A couple was so excited that they made their way to service after being told about it just 25 minutes before service began.
“While there are no simple answers to the uncertainties of the present situation, we can still trust God who holds the future,” said Deputy Lead Pastor Gerald Tan at the inaugural service. He assured the congregation that the church is doing everything possible to support their faith.
The surprising announcement of an additional service for the unvaccinated starting Friday (January 14) at 8pm was met with enthusiastic applause. This weeknight service, which replaces Fabulous Friday services, does not have concurrent DiscoveryLand classes.
Our vaccination status doesn’t define us. As a child of God, nothing can separate us from the love of God. We are thankful that on-site services are within reach for all believers, regardless of vaccination status.
Should you need pastoral ministry, connect with us at
connect@trinity.sg or
check our Trinity App for updates.
MEETING GOD FACE TO FACE
DEDICATION SERVICE
BY JANICE NG
ON JANUARY 7, TRINITARIANS WERE UNDETERRED BY THE INCLEMENT WEATHER AS THEY GATHERED TO DEDICATE THE NEW YEAR UNTO GOD.
O
ne week following Watchnight service, Lead Pastor Dominic Yeo led Trinitarians in the Dedication of 2022.
Pastor Dominic exhorted us to unclutter our lives and get ready for an encounter with God: When God encounters us, we are positioned to be restored for His purposes.
Sharing from Genesis 32:24-30, he zeroed in on a pivotal moment in the life of Jacob. Jacob was alone during one of the darkest seasons of his life when he met God face to face.
In the stillness of the night, • God’s voice is the loudest • God’s touch is the most tangible • God’s light is the brightest
Raymond Loh, Lecturer and Spiritual Parent (XCel Connect Group) said, “My takeaway is to set aside every distraction to focus, commune, and seek after God. I can establish my very own ‘tent’ to meet with God and speak with Him as a friend. This will be a sacrifice of worship unto Him.”
Pastor Dominic continued to expound that the requisites for restoration are a tenacious hunger and an admission of our weakness and character. Jacob was aware of his personal flaws (even his name means ‘supplanter’ in Hebrew); yet he wrestled with God until daybreak, asking to receive God’s blessing.
In response, God told Jacob, “Your name
will no longer be Jacob, but Israel, because you have struggled with God and with
humans and have overcome.” (Genesis 32:28). Israel’s new name in Hebrew refers to a triumphant, princely champion.
God’s spoken word set into motion Jacob’s new destiny. Therefore, our word and confession should be in line with God’s, opening the door for God’s touch and the release of His wonderful restoration.
Despite the pain of a broken hip during the encounter, Jacob held on for a full restoration. “I will not let you go unless you bless me,” he told the Lord (Genesis 32:26). God listened to Jacob and made him (Israel) into a great nation. Mary Nelson, a homemaker, was challenged to hold on to God’s promise of restoration at Dedication Service. She testifies: “At the time, my left knee was swollen and painful. My meniscus was torn due to a fall. I could not get up or walk without assistance. My doctor said that the only cure was a knee replacement.
“When Pastor Dom assured us in his sermon to focus on God’s restoration, I was so open to God’s move in my life and prayed together with Pastor Phebe.
“After a few minutes, I sensed the Holy Spirit prompting me to stand up. By faith, I stood up and walked around with no assistance.
“There was a burning sensation in my left knee. The swelling was completely gone! Now, I can do things with both knees that I could not do in the past. God gave me two brand-new knees!”
God's restorative power is on the move. As we leave behind the things striving for our attention and come before Jesus with all our weaknesses, we can encounter Him intimately the same way Jacob did – and meet God face-to-face.
Loh Leong Chuan, an IT (Infrastructure) Manager, said, “At Dedication Service, I was reminded about putting aside any distraction when coming before the Lord and to really have fresh hunger for Him.”
- Pastor Dominic Yeo
SAVE THE DATE
