One Body ….Many members (1 Cor. 12:12-13)

47th Annual General Meeting (Via ZOOM Video Conferencing)

Thursday, 15 April 2021 4.00 p.m.

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1 National Council of Churches of Singapore 47th Annual General Meeting (Virtual) 15 April 2021

Documents for Annual General Meeting

Content Page No Agenda for 47th Annual General Meeting 3

Minutes of the 46th Annual General Meeting on 9 July 2020 8 General Secretary’s Annual Report 15

Audited Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2020 18 Approved Financial Budget for 2021 40 Investment Committee Chairman Reports 41 Explanatory Notes on Election of Office Bearers (2021-2023) 43

General Committee Meeting Schedule 2021/22 44

2

30 March 2021

47th NCCS Annual General Meeting Date : 15 April 2021, 4pm Venue : ZOOM Video Conferencing

AGENDA

1. Opening Prayer

2. President’s Address

3. Confirmation of the Minutes of the 46th Annual General Meeting held on Wednesday 9 July 2020.

4. Matters Arising from the Minutes.

5. General Secretary’s Annual Report

6. Financial Report 6.1. To receive and adopt the audited Financial Report and Statement of Accounts for the year ending 31 December 2020. 6.2. To ratify the approved budget for the financial year of 2021 6.3. The Investment Committee Chairman Reports.

7. New Member Application

8. Elections: Office bearers to the Executive Committee for term 2021-2023

9. General Committee Meetings for 2021/2022

10. Any Other Business

11. Closing Prayer

Yours in His Service,

Rev Dr Ngoei Foong Nghian | General Secretary National Council of Churches of Singapore

3 MINUTES OF THE 46th VIRTUAL GENERAL MEETING OF NATIONAL COUNCIL OF CHURCHES OF SINGAPORE Thursday, 09 July 2020, 3.00pm over ZOOM conferencing

PRESENT

Officers

Bishop Terry Kee Buck Hwa President Bishop Dr Chong Chin Chung Vice-President Rt Rev Keith Lai Chee Kheong Vice-President Rev Dr Ngoei Foong Nghian Hon Secretary Mr Richard Jeremiah Hon Treasurer Rev Dr Chua Chung Kai Exco Member Mr Daniel CS Chan Exco Member

Members (Zoom and Proxy)

Ven Wong Tak Meng Anglican Rev Yap Chee Han Anglican Rev Alvin Toh Cheuin Anglican Mr David Soh Anglican Senior Pastor Alvin Tan Bartley Christian Church Elder, Pastor Leong Che Yeong Bethesda (Katong) Church Mr Yap Tiang Seng Boscombe Life Church PastorbSeng Hon Peng Brighton Community Church Elder Foong Daw Ching Church of Singapore Rev Timothy Das Community of Praise Baptist Church Rev Dr Chua Chung Kai EFC Pastor Kenneth Wang Every Nation Church (S'pore) Pastor Daniel Tan Gan Hong Hope Church (Singapore) Senior Pastor Vincent Lun Kingdom Community Church Ltd Rev Vincent Lee Live for Eternity Church Ltd Ps Pamela See Living Sanctuary Brethren Church Rev Martin Yee Lutheran Rev Fredric Lee Lutheran Bishop Terry Kee Lutheran Mr George Abraham Mar Thoma Syrian Church in Singapore Bishop Dr Chong Chin Chung Methodist Rev Dr Edwin Tay Methodist

4 Rev Malcolm Tan Methodist Senior Pastor William Lee New Life Christian Church Rt Rev Keith Lai Presbyterian Rev Darryl Chan Presbyterian Rev Dr Jimmy Tan Presbyterian Rev Teo Yew Tiong Presbyterian Pastor Jeanette Khoo Ee Lin Riverlife Church Pastor Adrian Ying Kok Leong Riverplace Church Rev Brian Wong Khan Meng Singapore Christian Canaan Church Mr Simon Rizkalla St Mark Coptic Orthodox Church Rev Fr. John Kuriakose Vipin St Mary's Jacobite Syrian Cathedral Mr M. Thomas St Thomas Syrian Orthodox Cathedral Pastor Paul Lim Victory Family Centre Pastor Rick Toh Yio Chu Kang Chapel

Members (Proxy Only)

Rev Janet Yan Yin Wai Abundant Life Baptist Church Rev Winston Tan Chang Choon Anglican Mr Richard Magnus Anglican Dr Arthur Chern Anglican Mr Thomas Jeyaseelan Anglican Mr Aaron Bahadur Masih Anglican Pastor Gerald Khoo Church Arise Rev Mark Lee Tee Sin Church of Singapore (Balestier) Pastor Joshua Lim Evangel Christian Church Rev Sherman Low Ebenezer Evangelical Free Church Elder Tan Kim Bee George Fruitful Vine Church Elder Alston Manik Huria Kristen Batak Protestant Singapore Rev James Nagulan Methodist Rev Dr Gordon Wong Methodist Mr Han Hai Kwang Methodist Mr Stephen Shadrak Methodist Mr Edmund E Methodist Mr Kim Seah Methodist Mr Choy Y-L Mustard Seed Community Church Elder Tang Kok Fai Pasir Panjang Hill Brethren Church Rev Wong Shyun Jye Presbyterian Rev Vincent Lee Presbyterian Rev Dr Teoh Boo Cheow Presbyterian Rev Dr Adrin Munoz Presbyterian Rev Dr Leonard Wee Presbyterian Rev Chern Hock Chye Renewal Christian Church

5 Rev Ivan Lee Shelter Baptist Church Colonel Rodney Walters The Salvation Army Major Lim Chwee Kwee The Salvation Army

Members (Zoom Only)

Bishop Designate Titus Chung Anglican Rev Lau Chong Yau Chinese Work Committee, Treasurer (Presbyterian) Elder Dr Peng Chung Mien Bethesda (Bedok-Tampines) Church Elder Alex Lo Bethesda (Frankel-Estate) Church Elder Wong Chong Onn Bukit Panjang Gospel Chapel Rev Bobby Chaw City Harvest Church Rev Cheng Kim Meng Faith Community Baptist Church Pastor Lawrence Lim New Creation Church Pastor John Toh Boon Jauw Revival Centre Church

Associate Members

Mr Chua Kok Wan Prison Fellowship Singapore Rev Ezekiel Tan Bible Society of Singapore Steve Loh (CEO) Young Men's Christian Association of Singapore

NCCS Staff

Mr Simon Ng Manager Ms Carrie Chua Administrative Assistant

APOLOGIES

Officers

Bishop Rennis Ponniah Vice-President Colonel Rodney Walters Exco Member

Members

Rev Dr Ivan Ee Huat Peng Anglican Elder Christopher Yip Angora Brethren Chapel Pastor Djohan Handojo Bethany Church (Singapore) Rev Tay Cheng Kee Bethesda Cathedral Pastor Graham Ng Bethesda Christian Centre Elder Eugene Tan Bethesda Pasir Ris Mission Church Ms Christina Lim Blessed Grace Church Pastor Paul Yuen Church Alive Ministries

6 Pastor Kizhavarakalayil Chacko Geevarughese (Pas Ebenezer Malayalam Fellowship Singapore K.C) Pastor Francis Goh En Community Pastor Dale Lim Howe Evangel Family Church Ltd Rev Cheong Yew Kwong Faith Church (Singapore) Pastor Tommy Wong Faith Sanctuary Senior Ps Rhordan Wickramasinghe Full Gospel Assembly Pfarrer Daniel B. Happel German Speaking Protestant Congregation Ps Grace Teo Glory Centre Church Pastor Joseph Zachariah Grace Communion Church Pastor Christian Honegger Heart of God Church Bishop Metropolitan Konstantinos Holy Resurrection Orthodox Cathedral Spore Mrs Bindya Jacob Immanuel Congregation (Singapore) Pastor Jonathan Suppaya Jesus Lives Church Senior Pastor Santar Singh Khush Khabri Fellowship Senior Pastor Sampath Vincent King of Glory Church, Singapore Rev Dr Gregory Goh Nai Lat Methodist Pastor Rajaram SN Samy Mount Olives Church of God Priest Alexander Dondenko Parish of Dormition of Theotokos, The Russian Orthodox Church (Singapore) Rev Milton S. Lazarus @ Jeeva Peace Community Chapel Mr Richard Tay Petra Church Rev Wong Siow Hwee Presbyterian Senior Pastor David Lim Chin Ann River of Life Community Church Mr Low Jin Siang The Evolution Pastor Kenny Chee Hui Seng World Revival Prayer Fellowship

Associate Members

Rev Jeffrey Tay Alpha Singapore Canon Louis Tay Celebrate Christmas in Singapore Mr Philip Lim Christian Counselling Services Mr Lisman Komaladi Fellowship of Evangelical Students Ms Phyllis Tan Metropolitan YMCA Rev Ngan Hock Cheng New Redeemer's Fellowship Society Dr Patrick Fung OMF International (IHQ) Ltd A/Prof Kenny Tan St Luke's Eldercare Ltd A/Prof Tan Boon Yeow St Luke's Hospital Ms Coreen Chong The Turning Point Dr Leow Theng Huat Trinity Theological College Ms Janet Tan Young Women's Christian Association

7 ITEM ACTION 1. Opening Prayer President, Bishop Terry Kee, welcomed the General Committee Members and opened the meeting with a prayer.

2. President’s Address. 2.1. Bishop Terry Kee gave thanks for God’s blessings and guidance during his term as the President of NCCS. He recounted the past 2 years as his most challenging term as the President and gave thanks for the following, 2.1.1. The Executive Committee (Exco) Members who worked tirelessly together to serve the larger Christian Community helping to resolve multiple issues and handled increased government engagements. Bishop Terry specifically thanked Dr Ngoei the General Secretary for facilitating and enabling the team for the many meetings and tasks that Exco Team accomplished. 2.1.2. A supportive membership of churches responding to calls of NCCS to take part in seminars and events such as Harmony Games. 2.1.3. Direct feedbacks from members on relevant issues that helped him proactively engage the relevant authorities for appropriate actions. 2.1.4. A lean (2 person) and responsive supporting staff that works well for the Council 2.1.5. The consensus from many churches to bid rationally for land allocated for church sites to avoid escalating the land cost unnecessarily. Bishop Terry urged the entire council to continue to render this great support to the new President and the Council. 2.2. General Secretary, Dr Ngoei in response, thanked Bishop Terry Kee and testified to Bishop Terry’s hard work and active involvement in the affairs of NCCS. Dr Ngoei also shared about Bishop Terry Kee’s role in the IRO that represented Christians well and in good light in Inter-Religious Dialogues. Both Bishop Terry and Dr Ngoei highlighted the importance of Christian representation in the IRO to promote better understanding of the works of Christians ministry and service in society.

3. Confirmation of the Minutes of the 45th Annual General Meeting held on Wednesday 17 April 2019. 63 voted in favour (0 against and 1 abstain) to accept the 45th AGM Minutes through Proxy.

4. Matters Arising from the Minutes. No additional matter was raised regarding the 45th AGM minutes.

5. General Secretary’s Report. 63 voted in favour (0 against and 1 abstain) to adopt the General Secretary’s Report through Proxy. General Secretary Dr Ngoei reiterated that the Virtual AGM was conducted based on the provision and guidelines of COC. It is intended to help various charitable organisations fulfil their constitutional obligations during the COVID-19 Pandemic. The followings were the key highlights of the Gen Sec’s oral report.

8 ITEM ACTION 5.1. Covid-19 Restrictive Measures and the Church. NCCS hosted a total of 4 video conferences on the 28 and 29 May 2020 and 22 and 23 June 2020 to facilitate conversation between MCCY and the churches. The conferences were conducted in both English and Chinese. For the conferences in May, more than 150 representatives from various denominations attended, while more than 200 churches participated in the June conferences. In response to Pastor Kenneth’s query on how many churches has started physical services, most responded that they are still conducting online services due to the restriction of singing. Bishop Terry shared that the Lutheran Church conduct physical services mainly to administer Holy Communion. 5.2. Covid-19 Pandemic and NCCS Donations. A benefactor who prefers to remain anonymous requested to donate to Christians who are suffering from the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic in Wuhan City, Hubei Province through NCCS. Subsequently, the Exco invited several churches to participate in the same project. The total sum of $1.1million was sent to the China Christian Council and the ‘Covid-19 Donation Agreement (page 11) with the Church in China’ was signed on 15 May 2020. In discussion with NCCS, the benefactor also donated $500,000 to the Courage Fund 'COVID-19 Financial Relief Scheme' in the name of NCCS. This gift, donated on 18 May 2020, is to help those impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic in Singapore as an act of solidarity with our society and nation, and is in addition to the many contributions that the Christian community has been making in recent months to bless those who are in dire need. 5.3. Celebration of Hope. The surplus fund has been channelled to the outreach ministries of migrant workers in Singapore. 5.4. Public Statement. NCCS continues to be the voice for the Christian Community on ethical and other issues. 5.5. PW Land and Lease Renewals. NCCS leadership has been giving top priority in engaging the authorities and churches on the pricing of new church sites and the high cost of lease renewal premiums. Through discussions with churches and increasing awareness of future available sites, NCCS encourages all members to bid rationally. HDB has so far released the following sites for church development. 5.5.1. Chua Chu Kang Ave 1. Released on 7 June 2019. The PW land has a site area of 2,875.3 sq m and a maximum GFA of 4,601 sq m. It was awarded to Trinity Christian Centre Ltd at $9.2 million dollars. This worked out to a sale at a cost of $2,000 per sq m per GFA. 5.5.2. Ubi Close Multi-User Church Hub. Released on 8 November 2019. NCCS convened a meeting with 20 churches that had indicated their interest, at SAC on 6 December, and introduced them to Rev Vincent Lee from Live for Eternity Church as a point person for small churches to bid for the land. Tender closed on 13 February 2020. “Live for Eternity” Church was the only bidder at closing. Pastor Vincent has since secured interest with several churches for the joint development of this Church Hub. 5.5.3. Bukit Batok West Avenue 5 Site. Released on 20 December 2019. Tender closed on 5 March 2020 with five churches submitting their tenders. The tender was awarded to Adam Road Presbyterian

9 ITEM ACTION Church on 08 June 2020 for $12,020,000. Based on the GFA of 4801 sq m, the cost of land is $2503 per sq m, an increase of $503 per sq m from the price paid by Trinity Christian Centre. 5.6. Christian Pre-school Ministry in Singapore. This is an effort spearheaded by the Presbyterian Church. The objectives are to help churches that are running pre-schools improve on the curriculum and management process to so that they can qualify for the government funding and remain competitive and viable to the Singapore Community. 5.7. Harmony Games 2019. NCCS with the help of the Boy’s Brigade hosted the 2019 Harmony Game. It was held at the Telok Ayer Chinese Methodist Church. The Harmony Game for 2020 will be hosted by the Sikh Community. However, with the COVID-19 Pandemic, it is unclear if the event will proceed per planned. 5.8. National Day Thanksgiving Service. It is currently scheduled on the 20 Aug 2020. The Service is likely to be conducted virtually. More details will be communicated in due course. Dr Ngoei thanked the members for their continuous support to NCCS programmes and events. We are encouraged that non-members churches are responding to NCCS events when invited. Dr Ngoei encourages the members to continue to provide feedbacks to the Council to improve and strengthen this partnership.

6. Chinese Work Committee (CWC) Report. 6.1. Rev Lau Chong Yaw, the Honorary Treasurer of CWC shared that the objectives of CWC are to strengthen the relationship among the Chinese Churches and to promote collaboration on various ministries. Examples of such ministries include overseas exchanges with the Churches in China for the purposes of training and pastoring; reaching out to the elders through interest group programmes; nurturing the Youth through theological studies. Rev Lau also shared that the CWC’s focus is to conduct outreach to the Chinese Speaking Community. While the work involves mainly the four Denomination Churches (Anglican, Lutheran, Methodist, and Presbyterian), which founded this fellowship, he encouraged and invited other churches to be part of this effort. 6.2. Dr Ngoei shared that CWC currently has an informal partnership with NCCS. He urged CWC to consider if this relationship should be formalised for the long term. Citing NCCS’ history as an example, he encouraged CWC to expand their ministry scope beyond the four founding Denominational Churches. 6.3. Bishop Terry in turn gave the background on the formation the CWC. He explained that due to the emphasis of the English Language in Singapore Educational System, CWC was formed to take care of the Chinese Speaking Community. While NCCS has represented the Chinese Churches in voicing social, religious, and ethical issues in the engagement with the government authorities, he hopes that the Chinese Churches will grow and become more active in such engagements.

10 ITEM ACTION 7. Financial Reports. 7.1. To receive and adopt the audited Financial Report and Statement of Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2019. 63 voted in favour (0 against and 1 abstain) to adopt the Audited Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2019. Richard Jeremiah, the Honorary Treasurer drew attention to the Auditor’s opinion of NCCS Financial Statements as properly drawn up in accordance with the provisions of the Societies Act, Chapter 311 (the ·societies Act'), the Charities Act, Chapter 37 and other relevant regulations (the "Charities Act and Regulations') and Charities Accounting Standard (CAS). Richard then proceeded to present the following: 7.1.1. Income and Expenditure Statement. Statement presentation format is different from 2018 because NCCS has adopted the Charities Accounting Standard (CAS) for reporting. Richard highlighted 3 key points for this segment: 7.1.1.1. Investment income has dropped about $42K due to the weakness of the market in 2019 as compared to 2018. 7.1.1.2. Income from the charitable activities as well as costs of charitable activities increased substantially because of the one-off programme of the CWC which hosted an “Asian Civilization and New Culture” event to commemorate Centenary of the Chinese Bible (1919-2019) 7.1.1.3. With the adoption of CAS the investments are stated at cost and therefore there is an adjustment of the $188K on the valuation of investment due to the removal of the unrealized gains recorded on the books in 2018. 7.1.2. Balance Sheet. Richard highlighted the following 2 key points, 7.1.2.1. Reclassification of Investment that will mature within 12 months into current asset under the CAS reporting rule. 7.1.2.2. An inflated “Other Payable” due to the holding in trust of the $492K COH surplus funds. The Fund has since been drawn down and the balance at the end of April 2020 stands at $64K. 7.2. To ratify the approved budget for the financial year of 2020. 63 voted in favour (0 against and 1 abstain) to adopt the budget for the financial year of 2020. In comparison to 2019 budget, Richard highlighted the followings items: 7.2.1. Wages & Salaries. A noticeable increase to cater to 2.5 headcounts to support the transition work plan of Richard Chong to Simon Ng. With the handover completed ahead of time, it is expected that NCCS will spend below planned budget. 7.2.2. Love Gifts/Donations. A substantial decrease from 2019. The big budget for 2019 was due to a $50K donation to the COH Project. 7.2.3. Ethos Institute. An increase of donation from $10K in 2019 to $20K in 2020. 7.3. To receive the Investment Committee Report ended 31 Dec 2019. Daniel Chan, our Investment Committee Chairman presented the following, 7.3.1. End 2018 versus end 2019 Portfolio valuation. The NCCS Portfolio as at the end of 2018 was valued at $3,576,007 versus the

11 ITEM ACTION $3,820,046 at the end of 2019. This represented an investment return of 7.5%. NCCS Investment Committee will continue to adopt a conservative approach in the investment portfolio into 2020 by allocating higher percentage of resources to low risk bonds instead of the higher risk equities. 7.3.2. Current Market Situation. The global economy has entered recession due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Economic activity has been severely curtailed while the world awaits the discovery of a vaccine and effective treatments. While some degree of recovery can be expected as lockdown measures are gradually relaxed, most businesses will continue to experience weak sales and earnings. This is reflected most clearly with SATS Ltd. The equity value has been impacted severely due to its dependence on the travel industry.

8. Office bearers to the Executive Committee for term 2020-2022. The proposed Executive Committee has been adopted through the Proxy votes. Details of vote count for individual Executive Committee Members can be found in this minute on page 11. Dr Ngoei referred the Members to the Explanatory Notes on the rational of the proposal on page 46 of the AGM document and handed the time to Bishop Terry Kee to welcome the New President Rt Rev Keith Lai. 8.1. Introducing the new President. Bishop Terry Kee welcome Rt Rev Keith Lai as the new President and looked forward to the Presbyterian Church’s contribution to leadership. He added that the immediate past President will become one of the Vice Presidents according to the NCCS Constitution. 8.2. Message from the President Rt Rev Keith Lai. President Rt Rev Keith Lai thanked all the members for giving the privilege to the Presbyterian Church to serve as the NCCS President through him. Even though he is concurrently serving as the Honorary Synod Moderator of Presbyterian Church while pastoring his church full time, he is thankful for the God- given opportunity to serve as the Honorary President of NCCS. He encourages all to embrace the diversity of the Christian community and hope that Christian Community will actively connect with one another through the various platforms available.

9. Restore Society’s name to National Council of Churches of Singapore. 63 voted in favour (0 against and 1 abstain) to adopt the restoring of Society’s name to “National Council of Churches of Singapore” and drop the abbreviation “(NCCS)”. Dr Ngoei re-iterated the change was to align the official name registered with the banks.

10. General Committee Meetings for 2020/2021 Dr Ngoei presented the 2020/2021 General Committee Meetings Schedule as a reminder for the coming meetings.

11. Any Other Business No other business was raised.

12 ITEM ACTION

12. Closing Prayer Bishop Terry Kee closed meeting with a prayer at 4.30pm.

Recorded by: Approved by: Simon Ng Bishop Terry Kee Manager, NCCS President, NCCS

13 Final Proxy Voting Results

Total Representatives (104) For Against Abstain

Routine Business

1. Acceptance of the Minutes of 45th Annual General Meeting 63 0 1 held on 17 April 2019

2. Adoption of General Secretary’s Report and Ministry Reports 63 0 1

3. Adoption of the Audited Financial Statements for the year 63 0 1 ended 31 December 2019

4. Adoption of the Budget for the Year 2020 63 0 1

5. Election of Office Bearers

President: Rt Rev Keith Lai 63 0 1

Vice-President: Bishop Dr Chong Chin Chung 63 0 1 Vice-President: Bishop Rennis Solomon Mohanrajkumar s/o 0 1 Ponniah 63 Vice-President: Bishop Terry Kee Buck Hwa 63 0 1

Treasurer: Mr Selvaratnam Richard s/o Jeremiah 63 0 1

Member: Colonel Rodney Steven Walters 63 0 1

Member: Rev Dr Chua Chung Kai 62 0 2

Member: Mr Daniel Chan Choong Seng 63 0 1 6. Appoint Auditor for Financial Year 2020: SUBRACO LLP Public Accounts and Chartered Accounts Registration No. TI0LL1547C 63 0 1 35 Selegie Road #09-14/15 Parklane Shopping Mall, Singapore 188307

Special Business

7. Restored Society’s name to “National Council of Churches of Singapore” 0 1 (removing the abbreviation “NCCS” from our official name to align 63 the name to all our banking accounts)

Donation Agreement Attachment

COVID-19 Donation Agreement with CCC

14 General Secretary’s Annual Report

Presented to the 47th Annual General Meeting of the National Council of Churches of Singapore (NCCS) held on 15 April 2021.

1. Introduction. I am pleased to present this submission which records the main activities and events of the National Council of Churches of Singapore (NCCS) for the reporting period.

I consider it an honour to have been invited to serve as General Secretary since February 2015 and would like to thank the Executive Committee (Exco) and General Committee for their confidence and support by re-appointing me for another 2-year term (1 Feb 2021 to 31 January 2023). Your continued prayers and feedback are appreciated as the Exco provides collective leadership on behalf of NCCS.

While 2020 was disruptive and challenging for every one of us, we started 2021 on an optimistic note with the announcement of Phase 3 re-opening and a nationwide vaccination plan. We are hopeful that Covid-19 situation will continue to improve, and we will be able to meet face to face soon.

2. Executive Committee. The Exco members for the current two-year term (2020-2022) took office on 9 July 2020 at the 46th AGM. They are:

President Rt Rev Keith Lai Presbyterian Vice-President Bishop Emeritus Dr Chong Chin Chung Methodist (completed his term on 28 January 2021) Vice-President Bishop Rennis Ponniah Anglican (completed his term on 18 October 2020) Vice-President Bishop Dr Titus Chung Anglican (assumed office from 18 October 2020) Vice-President Bishop Dr Gordon Wong Methodist (assumed office from 28 January 2021) Vice-President Bishop Terry Kee Buck Hwa Lutheran Hon Gen Sec Rev Dr Ngoei Foong Nghian Methodist Hon Treasurer Mr Selvaratnam Richard Jeremiah Methodist Member Colonel Rodney S Walters The Salvation Army Member Rev Dr Chua Chung Kai Evangelical Free Church Member Mr Daniel Chan (Investment Committee Chairman) Methodist

3. Operational Continuity. 2020 has been a challenging year. From the first case of Covid-19 reported on the 23 January 2020, the situation worsened, leading to a nation-wide shutdown from 7 April 2020 to 1 June 2020. Churches and Christian organisations, including NCCS had to adjust to the new normal, finding new ways to operate, learning to worship and fellowship virtually.

4. Facilitating Communications During Covid-19 pandemic. During the year, NCCS served the churches by organising meetings so that pastors and church leaders could seek clarification with MCCY regarding the phased reopening of Singapore. 4.1. NCCS facilitated 7 communication sessions between MCCY and Churches: • 28 and 29 May for Phase 1 implementation. More than 150 churches in total attended the sessions. • 22 and 23 June for Phase 2 implementation. More than 250 churches in total attended the sessions. • 8 and 9 October for Gradual Resumption of Religious Activities. More than 300 churches in total attended the sessions. • 22 December for Phase 3 Re-opening. More than 360 churches attended the session.

15 4.2. Coordinated Pilot Projects to Increase worship attendance from 50 to 100. The pilot runs were carried out at: • St Andrew’s Cathedral • Jurong Christian Church • Amazing Grace Presbyterian Church • Sengkang Methodist Church 4.3. Risk Assessment of Congregational Live Singing. NCCS assisted MOH and MCCY to identify suitable church venues to conduct risk assessment of congregational live singing. Trinity Methodist Church was selected as the venue for the testing. This risk assessment was conducted by A-Star Research.

5. NCCS Disaster Relief Fund. A generous benefactor donated $1 million to NCCS to set up a Disaster Relief Fund. The fund will be used for emergency relief as and when necessary. The guiding principles follow the regulations and guidelines provided by the Commissioner of Charities.

6. National Day Thanksgiving Service 2020. The NDTS was held in the Nave of St Andrew’s Cathedral on 20 August. NCCS President Rt Rev Keith Lai delivered a message based on Jeremiah 18:1-12. He urged churches to be humble and be willing to be used for God’s purposes and be inclusive to foster unity in the Christian Community.

7. PW Land Release for Church Development. The single user site at Bukit Batok West Avenue 5 released in 2020 was awarded to Adam Road Presbyterian Church on 8 June 2020 for $12.02 million. Based on the GFA of 4801 sq m, the cost of land is $2503 per sq m, an increase of $503 per sq m compared to the price paid by Trinity Christian Centre (7 June 2019). We continue to urge churches to bid rationally since the cost of new church sites will eventually have a corresponding effect on premium renewal prices.

8. Membership. NCCS continues to welcome new members into its family of churches. On 16 January 2020, Faith Sanctuary Church was admitted as the latest congregational member of NCCS.

9. Some Updates for 2021. 9.1. Statement on A Self-Radicalized Singaporean Christian. The authorities announced that they had detained a self-radicalised 16-year-old Christian youth on 27 January 2021. On the same day, NCCS released an official statement rejecting all forms of violence and re- affirmed its commitment to religious harmony and its good relationship with the Muslim community. A NCCS delegation consisting of Rt Rev Keith Lai, Bishop Dr Titus Chung, Bishop Terry Kee and Rev Dr Ngoei Foong Nghian also visited one of the targeted mosques, the Yusof Ishak Mosque on 28 January to affirm our solidarity and friendship with the Muslim community. Rt Rev Keith Lai handed a personal letter to the Mufti of Singapore, Dr Nazirudin Mohd Nasir. 9.2. Visit to the Religious Rehabilitation Group (RRG). NCCS accepted the invitation by the President of Pergas, Ustaz Mohamad Hasbi Bin Hassan to visit RRG. The visit took place on 9 March and a tour of the exhibits and premises was conducted by Dr Mohamed Ali. The RRG was set up nearly 20 years ago to counsel radicalised Muslims and to counter the misinformation about Islam which has often led to radicalisation. The tour of the exhibits was followed by dialogue with Ustaz Mohamad Hasbi Hassan, Ustaz Mohamed Feisal Mohamed Hassan, Ustaz Dr Mohamed Ali, Ustazah Kalthom Muhammad Isa and Mr Hoirull Amri Tahiran. NCCS was represented by Rt Rev Keith Lai, Bishop Dr Gordon Wong, Bishop Terry Kee, Rev Dr Ngoei Foong Nghian and Mr Simon Ng. 9.3. Online Church Directory Migration. Bible Society of Singapore is working with NCCS to improve the look and user-friendliness of the On-line Church Directory. Once completed, all data of the churches listed in the current directory will be migrated to a new directory (with a new url). NCCS will be contacting churches for data verifications once the migration is completed. Please note that the new On-line Church Directory will only go live after all data have been verified. 10. Events Organised by ETHOS Institute™ for Public Christianity. Despite the Covid-19 pandemic, ETHOS Institute, a think tank of NCCS, TTC and BSS, continues to host events through Zoom video conferencing. 16 10.1. Past Events • ETHOS Lecture cum Book Launch - From the Desert to the City: Environmental Stewards & Priest of Creation by Lawrence Ko on 23 June 2020. • ETHOS Seminar – Christian Zionism: Hermeneutics, Theology, Politics by Rev Dr Lewis Winkler and Dr Philip Satterthwaite on 26 August 2020. • ETHOS Conversation – Religion and Politics in Singapore by Minister K. Shanmugam, Professor Mark Chan (TTC), Rev Dr Chiang Ming Shun (TTC) and Professor Eugene Tan (SMU) was held via zoom on 20 March 2021. 10.2. Upcoming Event • ETHOS Seminar – Church and Society in Pandemic Times: An Evening with Minister Lawrence Wong, 22 April 2021, 7.30pm to 9.30pm, Venue (tbc)

11. Acknowledgements. We would like to thank the General Committee and all members of NCCS for their prayers, presence, and support throughout the past year. NCCS is also deeply appreciative of your prompt and faithful payment of membership fees which provide the necessary funds for its service and ministry. We are ever grateful to the Vicar and members of St Andrew’s Cathedral for the use of its premises for all our official NCCS meetings, including the National Day Thanksgiving Service!

We also thank our ETHOS partners, Trinity Theological College, and the Bible Society of Singapore for their contributions towards this vibrant think-tank which serves Christians in Singapore as well as the global Christian community. May God bless our churches with love and unity so that we may be channels of peace and goodwill in society. To God be the Glory!

Rev Dr Ngoei Foong Nghian | General Secretary National Council of Churches of Singapore 26 March 2021

17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 NATIONAL COUNCIL OF CHURCHES OF SPORE 1 COLEMAN STREET, #B1-27 THE ADELPHI, SINGAPORE 179803 BUDGET 2021 Jan - Jul'20 Aug - Dec'20 2020 Actual Notes 2021 Budget 2020 Budget Actual Forecasted & Forecast 2019 Actual

Income Income from generated funds Voluntary income Affiliation Fees 1 202,000 198,000 201,174 300 201,474 198,466 Donation / Offerings - 420 - 420 - Total Voluntary income 202,000 198,000 201,594 300 201,894 198,466 Investment income Dividends Received - UOB AM 20,000 30,000 16,640 3,000 19,640 35,407 Interest Received - UOB AM - 83 20 103 104 Interest Received - DBS - 64 50 114 73 Bond Interest Recieved-UOB AM 60,000 80,000 32,102 22,000 54,102 97,298 Gain/(Loss)- Disposal-Equities - - - - 4,510 Gain/(Loss)- Disposal-Bonds - (1,250) - (1,250) (12,375) Total Investment income 2 80,000 110,000 47,639 25,070 72,709 125,017

Activities for generating fund ROM Solemnizer Licence Fees - - 400 50 450 650 Sale of Books - - 25 23 48 - Royalties ------Total Activities for generating - - 425 73 498 650 fund

Total Income 282,000 308,000 249,658 25,443 275,101 324,133 Expenses Investment Management Costs Bank charges & Comm-UOB AM 3 1,000 1,000 399 100 499 1,169 Governance costs Bonus 4 20,000 26,660 - 6,776 6,776 11,945 Bank charges & commission 300 300 262 150 412 235 CPF contribution 4 15,200 18,238 6,495 5,952 12,447 12,870 Depreciation of FA 11,000 10,350 6,412 4,580 10,992 10,348 General Expenses 2,000 2,000 387 300 687 163 Insurance 5 7,100 7,100 4,213 2,463 6,676 7,057 Computer Accessories 1,000 0 40 40 0 Medical Expenses 1,000 1,000 769 231 1,000 1,000 Travelling and transport 500 500 149 100 249 93 Office expenses 1,000 1,000 382 200 582 322 Book-keeping service 6 7,920 7,920 4,620 3,300 7,920 7,080 Subscription 400 410 373 - 373 34 Professional Fees - Audit 7 4,500 4,500 - 4,500 4,500 3,500 Professional Fees - Legal - - - - - Property maintenance 10,000 9,650 4,898 3,499 8,397 9,318 Janitorial services 1,750 1,750 800 575 1,375 1,300 Property Tax 4,100 4,100 - - - 4,100 Wages & Salaries 4 84,000 114,258 58,621 33,880 92,501 101,808 Skill Development Levy 210 353 137 85 222 234 Utilities 1,000 1,000 428 240 668 704 Total Governance costs 172,980 211,089 88,986 66,831 155,816 172,111 Charitable Acitivities NCCS - Harmony Games - - - - - NCCS - Gambling Tracts - - - - - National Day Thanksgiving Svc - - - 700 700 689 Love Gift/Donations 8 5,000 5,000 136 50 186 43,603 IT Maint & Web Hosting 9 4,000 3,500 1,482 800 2,282 2,192 Postage & Courier Chg 1,000 1,200 152 50 202 218 Printing & Stationery 2,000 2,000 415 100 515 1,616 Refreshments & Lunches 3,000 2,000 485 100 585 2,091 Rental expense - Copier 3,100 3,100 1,783 1,273 3,056 3,056 Telecommunication expenses 2,000 2,000 1,168 400 1,568 1,823 ETHOS Institute 20,000 20,000 20,000 - 20,000 10,000 Conference - - 245 - 245 200 Books Purchase Grant ------Total Charitable Acitivities 40,100 38,800 25,866 3,473 29,339 65,488 Total Expenses 214,080 250,889 115,250 70,404 185,655 238,768 Operating Surplus 67,920 57,111 134,408 (44,961) 89,447 85,365

Other Income Government Special Emp Credit - - 24,596 3,500 28,096 375 Total Other Income - - 24,596 3,500 28,096 375

Net Surplus / (Deficit) 67,920 57,111 159,004 -41,461.12 117,543 85,740

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Explanatory Notes on the new 2-year term (2021 – 2023) The Constitution stipulates that the NCCS President has to come from a Founding Member denomination. The President of NCCS serves a 2-year term and may be re-elected only after a lapse of at least two years. However, to enable the Synod Moderator of the Presbyterian Church in Singapore (PCS) to serve a full 2-year term as NCCS President it was decided by the General Committee on 28 January 2021 to align NCCS’ 2-year term with that of the PCS. This means that NCCS will truncate its current 2-year term to end in April 2021 (instead of 2022), and commence the new 2-year from this Annual General Meeting. Rt Rev Keith Lai, although having served for only one year as NCCS President, will concurrently end his term of office when he completes his term as Synod Moderator of PCS at the end of April 2021. For the AGM, the Executive Committee has nominated the following office bearers for the new 2-year term of the NCCS Exco, commencing April 2021 to April 2023.

List of Office Bearers 2021-2023

President: Bishop Dr Titus Chung Vice-President: Bishop Dr Gordon Wong Vice-President: Bishop Terry Kee Buck Hwa Vice-President: Rt Rev Keith Lai General Secretary: Rev Dr Ngoei Foong Nghian* Treasurer: Mr Richard Jeremiah** Member: Colonel Rodney Steven Walters Member: Rev Dr Chua Chung Kai Member: Mr Daniel Chan Choong Seng

*Re-appointed from February 2021 – January 2023 **Re-elected in April 2020 (completes 4 years on April 2022)

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General Committee Meeting Schedule - 2021/21

Meeting Date Time Venue

Gen Com Thurs, 28 January 2021 4:00pm – 5.30pm ZOOM

47th AGM Thurs, 15 April 2021 4:00pm – 5.30pm ZOOM

Gen Com Thurs, 29 July 2021 4:00pm – 5.30pm TBA

Gen Com Thurs, 28 October 2021 4:00pm – 5.30pm TBA

Gen Com Thurs, 27 January 2021 4:00pm – 5.30pm TBA

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